On Tue, 4 Mar 2008 07:21:52 -0800 (PST), Doc
wrote:

I've got this wok from WalMart that's coated with Xylan, which I
gather is a first cousin of Teflon. Big mistake. It's non-stick
properties aren't very good.

I don't like the idea of simply throwing it out and dumping more money
into a non-coated wok. I'm sure I could strip the coating off with one
of these fibrous abrasive wheels that you bolt onto a hand drill -
wearing a dust mask of course - but is the surface that's exposed
going to be suitable for cooking? Wondering if there's some pre-
treating that's done to the metal that might render it toxic if used
as a cooking surface.

Further, should it be possible to thoroughly remove all the coating
abrasively like that? Obviously I don't want to leave behind small
particles since I assume it's toxic.


Thanks


Sell it, give it away, etc. Get yourself a nice heavy wok with sturdy
handles. You'll find better quality at a kitchen or specialty store,
and it will be the last wok you buy. Always prep a wok with a
high-temperature cooking oil before adding the food. Peanut oil is a
good choice. Woks work better with natural gas stoves.