T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok Review

We purchased the T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok so our reviewer could test and assess it in her kitchen. Keep reading for our full product review.

Woks may be best known for their ability to whip up stir-fry, but the multi-purpose pans can also be used to steam, saute, boil, braise, sear, and roast, among many, many other cooking methods. Depending on the needs of your household, you can opt for a small 10-inch pan that feeds one to two people, or a larger pan, like T-fal’s Easy Care Jumbo Wok, which is great for families and those who like to meal prep. Size is just the first factor to consider before puchasing your pan, though. You’ll also want to assess a few other variables. Does it have a nonstick surface? Is oven-safe? Is it hard to clean? To determine whether or not the T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok was actually worth our readers’ while, we put one to the test in our own kitchen. Read on to see how it fared.   

Design: Bulky but functional  

Traditional woks are designed with round bottoms, so you can first sear your ingredients at the base, then move them around the sides for even browning. Like many woks on the market now, though, the T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok has a flat bottom that lays flush on the stovetop. We think this is a major plus, as it actually makes for a safer, more manageable cooking experience—especially for amateur cooks who don’t have the dexterity (or bravery) to quickly manipulate screaming-hot ingredients. Its even base also means we were able transfer this wok straight from the cooktop to our table. 

To make up for its stationary flat bottom, the T-fal Jumbo Wok is equipped with a long rubber handle on one side and a grippable helper handle at the other. These features provide the mobility required to safely flip and toss your ingredients. It’s large and deep, too, so the wok can easily prepare enough food to serve a crowd. Of course, even if you’re not prepping for a potluck or feeding an army (or your kids), this wok works just as well for single-serving portions. On the downside, its bulk makes it difficult to store, especially in small kitchens with limited cabinet space.     

Material: Nonstick coating cooks food quickly 

The T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok is made of aluminum, which is both durable and an excellent heat conductor. Oil sizzles in a matter of seconds, and the ingredients we tested in this pan—including those requiring more time to soften, like peppers and carrots—were perfectly browned in under ten minutes. Because the aluminum is black, the pan won’t show any obvious signs of scratches or oil stains that may accumulate over time, either. The material is oven-safe up to 350ºF and suitable for all heat sources—including gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen—other than induction cooktops.

The T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok’s nonstick surface is arguably its best feature. This PFOA- and lead--free coating is truly, remarkably nonstick. Even the most stubborn ingredients—like thinly sliced mushrooms, diced onions, and grated garlic—slid right off without leaving any residue or burn marks. That slippery coating means home cooks can manage with less oil, too. 

Cleaning: No scrubbing required 

The T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok’s nonstick coating makes this pan easy to clean with basic soap and water. Alternatively, if you have a large dishwasher, you can also pop the wok in for a rinse. 

Price: Reasonable given performance

One of the T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok’s major selling points? Its low price. The wok retails for around $45, but online retailers often have it for less. Even at the top end, the T-fal is either better-priced or within range of similarly sized woks from Calphalon, Cuisinart, Le Creuset. 

Competition: Similar sizes, different features 

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Deep Sauté Pan: Though the Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Deep Sauté Pan is technically a sauté pan, its tall sides render it more akin to a wok. The Calphalon pan delivers the luxury aspect the T-fal is missing—and without sacrificing utility. It’s made of nonstick, hard-anodized aluminum with brushed stainless-steel handles and it can be used on gas and electric cooktops as well as ovens up to 450ºF. Unlike the T-fal, the Calphalon also comes with a glass lid so you can steam your ingredients. Of course, these upgraded features come at a cost as the Calphalon has an MSRP of $180. 

Cuisinart Preaseasoned Wok: If aesthetics are a priority for you, consider the Cuisinart Preaseasoned Wok (MSRP $39.95). Like the T-fal Easy Care Jumbo Wok, the Cuisinart model is 14 inches wide and boasts a nonstick interior and exterior for easy maintenance. But, unlike the T-fal, this heavy-duty steel wok’s two handles are made of stylish hardwood rather than utilitarian rubber. It’s also suitable for induction cooktops, which the T-fal is not. Do note, however, that the Cuisinart isn’t dishwasher-safe.