Instant Pot Stainless Steel Inner Pot vs. HexClad Hybrid Wok

Materials

• 18/8 stainless steel interior
• No non-stick coating

Common claims

• Food-grade stainless steel
• Multi-function cooker
• No PTFE coating

Concerns / watch-outs

• Some models offer non-stick inner pots as accessories — avoid those and stick with the stainless insert
• Gasket/seals are silicone; replace per manufacturer schedule

Notes

The standard stainless insert is one of the cleanest cooking vessel options. Avoid the optional non-stick insert accessories if PFAS avoidance is a priority.

Cleaner alternatives

• stainless steel
• enameled cast iron

Materials

• Stainless steel hex pattern
• PTFE non-stick coating
• Aluminum core

Common claims

• Hybrid non-stick
• Metal-utensil safe
• PFOA-free

Concerns / watch-outs

• Same PTFE chemistry as the standard HexClad pan, but in a wok shape used at even higher temperatures
• Premium price for a product that still raises the same fluoropolymer questions as cheaper non-stick woks

Notes

The HexClad wok suffers the same concern as non-stick woks generally — high wok heat accelerates PTFE degradation. Carbon steel is the appropriate coating-free alternative.

Cleaner alternatives

• carbon steel wok
• cast iron