What is a wok?
Are you looking for the best woks? Wok is a rounded cooking pot that is deep from the inside and originated in China. They are used in different Chinese cooking, which people usually use for stir-frying, deep frying, boiling, and much more. Needless to say, in the Chinese home kitchen, the wok has great value and is considered the most essential tool.
Jump To
- What is a wok?
- Tips for using woks
- 1. Best overall wok:
- 2. Best budget wok:
- 3. Best splurge wok:
- 4. Best aluminum wok:
- 5. Best cast iron wok:
- 6. Best nonstick wok:
- 7. Best pre seasoned wok:
- 8. Best electric wok:
- 9. Best nonstick wok:
- 10. Best carbon steel woks:
- Best Woks Buying Guide
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
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Wok is an essential cookware in our kitchen to use. The primary specialty of woks is getting to higher temperatures and cooling down quickly as needed. This utensil also assists in each component of a given dish to get the temperature it should be. Woks can also cook large quantities of food such as noodles, meat, vegetables, and whatever you want in just a few minutes.
Tips for using woks
- Do not overcrowd your wok because if you add too much food to it, then it will cause the ingredients to steam rather than sear.
- You should prepare all the ingredients before cooking and organize them beforehand.
- To get the taste in your food, you should use flavorful ingredients to get the wok hei. Wok hei means that your wok should breathe, so your food should be perfectly cooked and infused with rich, delicious flavor. Wok will give you the ideal smoky aroma you will not get in everyday cooking with other cookware.
- Pre-seasoned wok before use. You should preheat the wok before cooking if using a seasoned wok.
- Use a high smoke point oil for cooking in the wok.
1. Best overall wok:
Mammafong Round Bottom 14-inch Traditional Carbon Steel Wok Pan
Mammafong is a high-quality wok made up of carbon steel. It comes with a natural protective coating(no chemical). This coating prevents the wok from rusting and corrosion.
This wok is ready to use and can quickly withstand sudden high heat. It will darken as you cook in it. The wok will improve with age and use with proper seasoning. Due to its material, your food will become more delicious when you cook in this wok.
It is a 14-inch wok mainly used for stir-frying in China and Japan. It is a challenging and durable wok used for different purposes. So it is a versatile wok perfect for stir-frying, deep frying, slow roasting, steaming, and boiling. In other words, it is a unique kitchen equipment you always need.
Pros
- Made up of high-quality carbon steel
- Distribute heat evenly and quickly
- Lightweight wok
- You can use it for different cooking purposes.
Cons
- A little bit on the heavier side.
2. Best budget wok:
Bielmeier Wok Pan 12.5" with lid (Carbon Steel with Cookware Accessories)
If you want the best budget, this traditional wok is only made for you. It is a high-quality wok made up of carbon Steel material and is very easy to use. Although it is made of carbon steel, it is slightly heavier.
However, on the other side, the handle is made of wood, which is easier to handle. This natural blonde handle will allow you to cook the food with full command. A flat-bottom wok cooks food on an electric coil stove. Alternatively, you can use it on the grill to maximize the heat.
It is not only on the electric stove but also works on the gas stove and cooks food efficiently and quickly. Conversely, it is also available if you want to get the round bottom wok.
Pros
- Easy and fun to use
- High-quality wooden handle
- Flat bottom wok cooks efficiently
Cons
- A little bit on the heavier side
3. Best splurge wok:
ZhenSanHuan Chinese Hand Hammered Iron Wok (non stick, no coating)
If money is not a problem, then ZhenSanHuan（臻三环） is the best. Like the above one, it is also made of carbon steel. This wok quickly cooks the food because it heats up in a very short time.
It comes up with a round flat bottom mainly used for deep frying, stir-frying, simmering, boiling, and much more. Which is equipped with A+ heat distribution technology, remarkably reducing your cooking time.
It is a big size wok with plenty of space to accommodate food. You can easily make egg-fried rice, nuggets, and much more in this wok. It is perfect to fit American-style flat stoves and gas stovetop compatible. It is straightforward to clean.
Pros
- Hand Hammered Iron Woks
- Flat, round-bottomed wok
- Gas Stovetop Compatible
Cons
- Costly wok
4. Best aluminum wok:
Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Inch Flat Bottom Wok with Cover
If your priority is an aluminum wok, you are definitely in the right place. It is a hard anodized nonstick wok with three durable layers of nonstick interior. On the other side, the exterior is made up of aluminum.
It is made with 40% long-lasting nonstick material. You can easily hold the handles of this wok because they remain cool on the stovetop. However, it is also oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Like the above woks, it is also straightforward to clean and dishwasher safe. The best quality of this wok is that it can be used on electric and gas stove tops.
Pros
- Nonstick flat wok
- Comes with an extended long handle
- Comfortable with the most stove tops
- Oven safe
Cons
- The pan is a little heavy.
5. Best cast iron wok:
Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Wok; Design-Forward Cookware
Lodge is one of the best-cast iron woks, seasoned and ready to use. It is a high-quality 14-inch cast iron wok made up of modern handles. This utensil's primary specialty is its large cooking surface, producing high heat performance.
This is the main reason we can also call it heat retention wok, which is consistent and perfect for high-heat cooking. Not only for high-heat cooking, it is also famous for even heat distribution without hotspots.
Another incredible feature of this wok is that it is naturally a nonstick surface. It means it is made with just cast iron and vegetable oil, creating a quick-release surface that gets better with use.
Pros
- Comes with a large cooking surface area
- Naturally nonstick wok
- Unparalleled heat retention for consistent cooking
Cons
- Big and heavy
6. Best nonstick wok:
Joyce Chen Carbon Steel Nonstick Wok Set ( Pro Chef 14 inch, 10 piece)
Joyce Chen is a fantastic carbon steel wok set perfect for different purposes, including stir-frying. It is a nonstick utensil with a bamboo spatula, tongs, lid, tempura rack, six table chopsticks, rice paddle, cooking chopsticks, recipe booklet, and steaming rack.
The nonstick coating can easily withstand metal utensils and make cleaning very easy. Although many traditional woks are heavier, this one is lighter and stronger than cast iron. This is the main reason you can quickly cook veggies in it and can easily flip them without any hassle.
Like many woks, it is also equipped with a solid maple wood handle and a helper handle. According to manufacturers, it is recommended to hand wash it rather than put it in the dishwasher. Talking about its dimensions, it is 14 in round wok perfect for a family of four.
Pros
- Made up of high-quality solid maple wood handle
- Nonstick coating
- Lighter and more robust than cast iron
Cons
- Heavier stove
7. Best pre seasoned wok:
Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
If you are looking for a pre seasoned, hand-hammered wok, this is the perfect one for you. It is a 14-inch wok ideal for big families and a heavier wok, which made up of high-quality carbon steel material.
It is hand hammered by team of Chinese professionals and is the choice of many Chinese chefs. The primary specialty of this utensil is that it comes up with a steel helper handle which will not burn even if you cook the food over high heat.
The major feature of this wok is that it cooks the food in a couple of minutes. Overall, it is a versatile utensil in which you can quickly cook food and is easy to clean.
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Even heat distribution
- 100% authentic traditional woks
Cons
- Not suitable for flat electric or flat induction stove
8. Best electric wok:
Aroma electric wok with tempered glass lid
If your primary purpose is getting the electric wok, why not try Aroma Wok? It comes up with a nonstick coating material. Aroma wok is a standard size wok the size of 14 inches.
It also comes up with a removable temperature control probe. With the help of a glass lid, you can cook the food in a very short time. After putting the top on, steam passes through the food and is cooked quickly.
It is a dishwasher-safe wok and the lid with high heat retention. It can easily withstand high heat up to 425°F with 15 precision heat settings. Breville is an another good brand for eletric wok.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with the stainless steel woks base
- 5 liters capacity.
Cons
- Big and heavy wok
9. Best nonstick wok:
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Wok
T-fal is a great jumbo wok that is nonstick from the inside and outside for an easy cooking process. Its outside is also made of nonstick material, making it straightforward to clean and wash.
Therefore, it is the appropriate tool for cooking healthy and delicious food. It can be used for making various dishes such as roast chicken, egg-fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, macaroni, spaghetti, and much more.
Another specialty of this budget-friendly wok is its flat base that ensures even heat distribution. It also has an ergonomically designed handle for perfect grip while cooking. It is also dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
Pros
- Durable aluminum construction
- Cooks the food evenly
- Long stay cool handle
Cons
- The nonstick coating doesn't last long.
10. Best carbon steel woks:
Yosukata is the best carbon steel and budget-friendly wok made up of high-quality carbon steel material. If you want to enjoy the rich food flavor, this one is just for you. It is a 13.5-inch wok with a flat bottom and is specially designed to get the full taste and juice inside the food.
This utensil's primary specialty is its ability to withstand temperatures over 600° Fahrenheit. It can be possible due to the particular technique used in its manufacturing. Do you know how to season a carbon steel wok? It needs complete seasoning with oil like any Chinese wok.
It is a large pan made up of heavy-duty black carbon steel. Also, it comes in the category of ergonomic works with wooden handles. These wooden handles ensure a comfortable grip when you cook the food.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to handle and carry
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Hard to use on an electric stove
Best Woks Buying Guide
A new wok is an excellent addition to your kitchen because it is a versatile pan to cook various dishes, from stir-frying to roasting. This part of the post will discuss the factors you should consider before purchasing a wok, which will help you find the best work for your needs.
Choosing the right size
Size is an essential thing while purchasing a wok. They are available in different sizes from as small as four inches to large sizes of fourteen inches. A smaller wok is best for you if you are single or a small family with two people. A giant wok is perfect for large servings and batch cooking for multiple people. When selecting the size, you must also remember how much food you will cook.
Material is also important
Woks are made up of different materials, and the common materials are stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron. Of all these materials, carbon steel is lightweight and heats up very quickly.
Therefore, carbon steel is ideal for high-heat cooking. If you do not do proper care, then it might rust. In terms of durability, stainless steel is a good material, but it takes more time to heat. Cast iron is also durable and can be used over a campfire or stovetop.
Types of woks
Woks generally come in two types: round bottom or flat bottom. Round bottom woks come in traditional design and are perfect for high-heat cooking. You can easily use it on a gas stove. However, flat bottom woks are mainly used on electric stoves. You can easily use it, and it provides even heating.
Finding the right handle
Considering the handle of the wok is also an important thing to consider. Make sure that the grip is comfortable and secure. You can go for wooden or bamboo handles, which will stay cool even during high-heat cooking. However, on the other side, the handle should be oven safe if you want to use the wok in the range.
Frequently asked questions
What materials are woks made from?
Usually, they are made up of carbon steel as the woks made of carbon steel are very lightweight. They can withstand high temperatures. You can also use other materials like cast iron or stainless steel.
How are a frying pan and a wok different?
The saucepans and woks are used for cooking but are slightly different. Wok usually has a rounded bottom with the food in the center or flat bottom. It enables the food to cook quicker because it traps heat efficiently. However, the traditional pan has a flat bottom with slightly sloped walls. The wok has higher side walls.
How can I clean my wok?
It is essential to clean the wok to keep it in good condition. Keep in mind to wash the wok properly after every use. It is good to rinse with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly. You can go for a nylon scrubber or a soft cloth if it comes with any stubborn bits of food. To prevent the wok from rusting, use a paper towel to clean it properly.
Conclusion
Woks are used to cook various dishes in a very short time. It is also a nutritious way to get meals on the table quickly and bring the family together. It is easy to learn wok cooking, where you can make various meals from fried rice to curries. When looking for the best woks, they should be made of high quality and suitable material according to your needs.
In this post, we have discussed the ten best woks from which you can select the one according to your needs and cooking preferences. I hope you like this post; it gives you enough information about the woks available in the market. Good luck with finding the right wok that works for you!
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