Consumer Council Tests 25 Easy-to-Clean Cookware Models, 7 Score Highly with Cheapest Comparable to Le Creuset

As we enter the school season, many parents will prepare a loving bento for their children. A good helper in the kitchen is a non-stick pan that does not stick easily to the bottom and is easy to clean. However, there are rumors that non-stick coating materials of cookware can release carcinogenic toxins.

Choosing the Right Non-Stick Pan for Your Family’s Health

The Consumer Council tested 25 non-stick pan samples, seven of which sold for less than $500 and received a 4-star rating, comparable to Le Creuset, with the cheapest priced at only $70. The test elements included the amount of chemicals released, heat uniformity, heat transfer rate, and hand temperature, while the durability of the sample’s easy-to-clean coating was evaluated based on its resistance to wear and scratching, hand strength, and fatigue.

Top 3 Models with the Highest Overall Rating of 4.5 Points

• Easy to Clean Traditional Frying Pan: Temp “Vita Craft” 26cm Saucepan ($1,980)
• With Stone/Grain Coating: 30cm “Magic Living” Megastone Honeycomb Premium Series Wok ($988)
• Solid Color Ceramic Coating: Focus Range 28cm “GreenPan” Frying Pan ($799)

7 Affordable and Easy-to-Use Woks Under $500

Based on the test results, TOPick compiled 7 affordable and easy-to-use woks under $500. All received an overall rating of 4 stars, the same score as Le Creuset’s easy-to-use wok ($2,388), known as the “Hong Kong women’s hot pot.”

Solid Color PTFE Coating Samples

• Ikea Oumbärlig 28cm frying pan ($150)
• Tefal Chef’s Delight 28cm Frying Pan ($328)
• Buy Meyer Cook ‘N Look Induction 28cm French Skillet ($329)
• EZ Cook 11″ Non-Stick Frying Pan (801272) ($115)

Stone Texture/Grain Texture Cladding Samples

• EuroCook Cote IH 28cm Frying Pan (EC10328F） （$188）
• Miniso 28cm Ceramic Coated Frying Pan – Pink ($70)
• Ideal Chef Plus Hi-N-Cast 11″ Deep Frying Pan (IC14428T) ($298)

Can the Easy Clean Wok Coating Cause Cancer?

The Consumer Council also conducted tests on the release of PFOA, PFOS and metallic substances on 25 models of easy-to-clean cookware. As a result, all samples passed the test and the levels of PFOA and PFOS release detected were lower than those of the Federal German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is the maximum recommended limit for easy-to-clean cookware and the amount of metallic substances detected is also lower than the maximum recommended limit for metal and alloy cookware set by the Council of Europe.

Tips for Safe Use of Easy to Clean Woks

TOPick Integrated Consumer Council provides the following tips on using and maintaining easy-to-clean woks:

• Avoid burning dry wok easy to clean with high heat or high temperatures before the wok and cook well on medium-low heat.
• Before using for the first time, clean the easy-to-clean wok with warm water mixed with detergent and a sponge or dishcloth. Once dry, apply a little cooking oil evenly to the cooking surface.
• Avoid using sharp metal spatulas or forks, instead use wooden, plastic or silicone tools to stir food in the easy-to-clean wok.
• Never cut food on the easy-to-clean wok surface.
• After use, the wok should be left to cool naturally after turning off the heat. Do not pour cold water immediately to avoid deformation or oil splashes.

16 Estrogen-Free Chicken Wings

Chicken wings can be cooked in a variety of ways and are a favorite home-cooked meal for both adults and children. TOPick commissioned a local biotechnology company, Mercury, to conduct tests and found that 16 chicken wings contained no estrogen and were classified as “excellent quality.”

13 Low-Sodium Udon Varieties

Many children love to eat udon. Not only are the noodles chewy, but they are also healthier than other noodles. However, behind a pack of udon is a high-sodium trap. Long-term intake of foods rich in sodium not only easily causes edema, but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and gastric cancer. TOPick recently reviewed more than 40 types of udon on the market, and 13 of them are low in sodium.