A Wok is a great tool for the kitchen if you plan to use it, but most households don't necessarily need to make the investment, at least not IF you own a good-sized non-stick skillet! I own both and there is not much that I can create in my wok that I cannot also create in my biggest non-stick skillet. To keep your non-stick skillet performing at its best, use only wooden or plastic or rubber-ended utensils in the skillet when preparing food. Metal utensils make short work of a non-stick surface, resulting in a 'not so non-stick' situation in a hurry. Also, I hand wash my non-stick versus popping it into the dishwasher. It's dishwasher safe, yes, however I want to preserve that coating for as long as I plan to own the pan (which is hopefully forever!), so use only soft, non-abrasive sponges and a squirt of basic dish detergent every time.