Carbon Steel Wok vs. Glass Casserole Dish

Materials

• Carbon steel

Common claims

• Restaurant-grade wok
• Naturally non-stick when seasoned
• Superior heat control

Concerns / watch-outs

• Requires initial seasoning and ongoing care similar to cast iron
• Can rust without proper drying and occasional re-seasoning

Notes

The gold standard for stir frying in a low-tox kitchen. No coatings, just seasoned carbon steel — identical safety profile to a carbon steel pan.

Cleaner alternatives

• cast iron
• carbon steel

Materials

• Tempered or borosilicate glass

Common claims

• Oven-to-table serving
• Non-reactive surface
• Easy cleanup

Concerns / watch-outs

• Tempered glass can shatter with thermal shock — avoid moving from freezer directly to hot oven
• Borosilicate glass is more thermal-shock resistant than standard tempered glass

Notes

One of the most inert baking surfaces available. Choose borosilicate glass for better thermal shock resistance. Avoid the broiler, which can create extreme temperature differentials.

Cleaner alternatives

• glass bakeware
• enameled cast iron