I was not sure about this pan when I first got it because it cooks differently from other woks--sides are hotter than bottom, rather than the opposite, and the flat bottom area is very big. Also, it scratches easily and initially made a crinkling noise when heating up. But it was big, and light--what I wanted, especially big.
The reason I bought it was because I had moved to a place with a gas range, not electric, and my 11 inch EDU (everyday use) pan was splattering all over. I figured, a 14 inch would reduce the splatter and clean up. I have a 12 inch Calphalon Hard Anodized for more serious woking. So this is supposed to be a EDU wok.
At first I was going to return this pan, and bought a Calphalon 13 inch Stainless Wok to compare. I ended up keeping both. So now I have three woks to choose from, a 12 inch and 13 inch Calphalon and this wok.
I am now using this Cuisinart 14 inch over the other two. It is big, and that is a major advantage--no spills, and easy to move food around in stir frying. And it is light--about a pound lighter than the other two--when full of food, I can still hold it with one hand, which is hard to do with the other two without a struggle; and it is easy to hold and maneuver while cleaning, being so light (for its size).
I've gotten used to the reverse heating mentioned, so that is no longer an issue.
If you are looking for a big stir fry pan that is versatile and light weight, this is a good choice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting cuisinart.com