It appears to be coated in some wax and 'painted' with a metallic coating. To me, this isn't cast iron. What is this coating? From China= I'm worried.
2063836
This product does take more effort than other cast iron products I've tried. But I did get it to work. From what I understand all bare (non-enamel coated) cast iron products have some sort of oil or wax coating to prevent it from rusting during transport and while sitting on shelves prior to sale. This coating does need to be removed prior to cooking use. I do remember this coating was worse than usual compared to other cast iron products I've used. You basically have to cook/burn off this coating off. Mine came with instructions on how to do this. I recommend you do it outside on an open fire at camp or in your grill. After the burn off, I noticed there was still some residue when I tried to season it. So I washed it with soap and water. Then I heated up some Crisco in it, used the Crisco as a solvent to remove the residue. I was finally able to season the wok after that. So again a lot of work, but I was able to get it to work. In hindsight, I'm not sure it was worth it. BTW, if you're worried about stuff made in China, unfortunately, you'd be worried about almost everything we can buy here :)
2063837
It is coated with wax to protect from rusting during shipment. It is definitely cast iron, and beside being a bit rough in its casting (which is typical today), it is a pretty nice wok. When I received mine, I cleaned off the wax with soap and a brush, coated with some coconut oil, and seasoned it in the oven for several hours. Then I coated it again, and seasoned it one more time. I have had this for about a year, and am absolutely satisfied with its performance. I have used stainless steel woks in the past, and I would consider this a nice upgrade from that. The only downfall is it can be pretty heavy just to handle with one arm. It is coated with wax to protect from rusting during shipment. It is definitely cast iron, and beside being a bit rough in its casting (which is typical today), it is a pretty nice wok. When I received mine, I cleaned off the wax with soap and a brush, coated with some coconut oil, and seasoned it in the oven for several hours. Then I coated it again, and seasoned it one more time. I have had this for about a year, and am absolutely satisfied with its performance. I have used stainless steel woks in the past, and I would consider this a nice upgrade from that. The only downfall is it can be... » Read More It is coated with wax to protect from rusting during shipment. It is definitely cast iron, and beside being a bit rough in its casting (which is typical today), it is a pretty nice wok. When I received mine, I cleaned off the wax with soap and a brush, coated with some coconut oil, and seasoned it in the oven for several hours. Then I coated it again, and seasoned it one more time. I have had this for about a year, and am absolutely satisfied with its performance. I have used stainless steel woks in the past, and I would consider this a nice upgrade from that. The only downfall is it can be pretty heavy just to handle with one arm. « Show Less
2063838
Didn't encounter any metal coating. As for the wax, it's tricky getting off, but once you do it's a fine, but very heavy, wok.
2063839
You're worried because it came from China? Seriously? Where do you think woks come from? Its not an american cooking item..... we buy them so we can cook "Chinese" food in them. I wonder where Chinese food comes from?
2063840
It's heavy like cast but super heavy like you would expect. Nowhere near the size advertised might be good for cooking for 2 people max. I would keep looking.
2063841
Not painted and only a light wax coating which scrubbed off with Scotchbright. It is very heavy. I'm always afraid I'll break my induction stove top.
595282
I must admitt, I've not had this experience, so I really cannot answer. But I think you've been given some good advice by Louis A., and Homer G. I have been under the impression, that like cast iron, the surface of this iron also needs to be 'seasoned'. I hope you'll post your end results to help anyone else who encounters the same issue? Best Wishes.
670832
If this is the first time using it, it may be just a protective coating. I would give it a good wash with soap, dry, then coat with oil and heat it until very warm then let it sit. I know for my first cast iron pan, I cleaned it well with soap and a scrub brush, then dried, oiled it and put it in the oven at 300 for an hour to season the pan
1897681
There is absolutely no stainless steel in the product, despite what the box and literature may say. (I've done steel work for decades and know SS when I see it. It may be steel and it may not stain, but they're using devious marketing IMHO).The main pole is painted aluminum. The baskets are chrome plated steel and not of the highest quality -- mine had some rough spots in the mild steel which wasn't adequately polished/cleaned resulting in rough spots once plated. It's typical of Chinese made products though and no worse than most. (Just don't compare this chrome work to what you have found on a automobile bumper a few decades ago.) The remainder of the caddy is plastic and rubber of seemingly good quality. There is absolutely no stainless steel in the product, despite what the box and literature may say. (I've done steel work for decades and know SS when I see it. It may be steel and it may not stain, but they're using devious marketing IMHO).The main pole is painted aluminum. The baskets are chrome plated steel and not of the highest quality -- mine had some rough spots in the mild steel which wasn't adequately polished/cleaned resulting in rough spots once plated. It's typical of Chinese made products though and no worse than most. (Just don't compare this chrome work to what... » Read More There is absolutely no stainless steel in the product, despite what the box and literature may say. (I've done steel work for decades and know SS when I see it. It may be steel and it may not stain, but they're using devious marketing IMHO).The main pole is painted aluminum. The baskets are chrome plated steel and not of the highest quality -- mine had some rough spots in the mild steel which wasn't adequately polished/cleaned resulting in rough spots once plated. It's typical of Chinese made products though and no worse than most. (Just don't compare this chrome work to what you have found on a automobile bumper a few decades ago.) The remainder of the caddy is plastic and rubber of seemingly good quality. « Show Less
713281
Interesting to see so many mention black enamel. I have always thought it was black teflon (non-stick coating). Since I don't like teflon, I would be happier if it were enamel or something inert. I guess the only way to know for sure is to call the company, since I don't want to scratch mine to find out for sure.
1392570
It's aluminum. If it were iron or steel it would weigh a ton! It is cast aluminum, meaning the aluminum is melted and poured into a mold. This makes the edges rough and gives it a cast iron look.
2211180
Appears to be a teflon type coating. Not really sure. I would recommend asking the manufacturer.
761767
I think the were made in China, but not 100 % certain. These are excellent quality cast iron pans. There is no paint to chip. I own them, and have used used them with no problems. I even bakeked a Cornbread in the 10 inch, and it did't stick, Just make sure you read the instructions on how to properly care for them. Improper care or neglect will cause them to rust I am confident that you will be pleased with them for many years to come. I absolutely love mine. B. DeBouse
2024754
Actually, it looks to me to be a "distressed" metal using a antique bronze coloring to mimic age. Antique Bronze can look either brown or black depending on the light. The wood on the rocker we got was a bit darker than the picture also. I think the picture may have been manipulated to show more of the detail. (I did refinishing and wood repair in my former life. That's why I sound this way.) So depending on the usage and age you can expect some flaking since it is a thin coating applied for effect. Still, it's built like a tank and if my seat wasn't too big for it's seat, I'd buy more for my place. Actually, it looks to me to be a "distressed" metal using a antique bronze coloring to mimic age. Antique Bronze can look either brown or black depending on the light. The wood on the rocker we got was a bit darker than the picture also. I think the picture may have been manipulated to show more of the detail. (I did refinishing and wood repair in my former life. That's why I sound this way.) So depending on the usage and age you can expect some flaking since it is a thin coating applied for effect. Still, it's built like a tank and if my seat wasn't too big for it's seat, I'd buy... » Read More Actually, it looks to me to be a "distressed" metal using a antique bronze coloring to mimic age. Antique Bronze can look either brown or black depending on the light. The wood on the rocker we got was a bit darker than the picture also. I think the picture may have been manipulated to show more of the detail. (I did refinishing and wood repair in my former life. That's why I sound this way.) So depending on the usage and age you can expect some flaking since it is a thin coating applied for effect. Still, it's built like a tank and if my seat wasn't too big for it's seat, I'd buy more for my place. « Show Less
1997892
I have no clue. It looks like it was carved out of bamboo without adhesive which is traditional old fashioned Chinese method. In modern China they use a lot of chemicals in production, but I believe bamboo utensils would still be done under old technology, otherwise nobody would buy. Just my 2 cents.
272231
I love my grill pan. It says All-Clad on both handles. The packing material is long gone so I have no idea whether it said China or not. I would heartily recommend this purchase.
1773015
I believe it is carbon steel as it does rust if not lightly coated with oil after each use/washing. A magnet does stick to the wok itself but not the lid or ring both of those seem to be aluminum. I will say that I just checked mine and where I had coated it after last use is fine but the outside bottom (which I did not coat) has some rust already. This does not appear to be made as well as this same wok I purchased over 20 years ago.
1392569
I don't think it's aluminum (see the weight). . It's cast iron in my opinion.
325908
It's metal, non-magnetic, looks powder coated, my guess it's some kind of heavy aluminum alloy.
1793143
The item wasn't labeled with country of origin, but I suspect it is Chinese. It's practically a carbon copy of the Weber Bulldog handle-----very high quality. If you want to make sure of USAmanufacture, just buy the Weber handle. It's only a few bucks more.
2270798
After contacting the company, I got an answer from "Elizabeth"(she says she is the only Elizabeth there). According to her, she and other customer service reps are told to answer inquiries regarding this, that what the interior coating is composed of "is proprietary information of the company". That's it. That is all they will tell you. AND, its made in China. So, do you really want to put your health in the hands of this company?? Beautiful oven, but such an answer is insulting, and simply not good enough. period.
67722
Hi - I beleive it is some kind of ceramic/iron cast - definetely not glass. So far we are very happy with it. My only concern it that I thought it would be easier to clean. If you drop anything on the surface wipe it off right away before the stain gets to old. I don't want to scubb the surface because I am afraid to scratch it but the stain don't come off that easily - I've yet to find the right product to clean it. Days we do heavy cooking I usually cover the surface with aluminium foil. Hope this helps - let me know if you have any other questions.