How should paddle-to-pan clearance be evaluated when buying an automatic cooking machine?

To judge paddle-to-pan clearance on an automatic cooking wok, look beyond the catalogue figure. Test with the batch size, stirring speed and heat level used in service: watch whether the food tumbles evenly, check how much residue clings to the pan, and listen for scraping. Too wide a gap leaves food unagitated and prone to sticking; too tight a gap grinds the coating and shortens wok life. Record the load, speed, measured clearance and verdict, so a replacement paddle or overhaul can be checked against the same setup.