Best Wok: Top 5 to Get your Stir-Fry On!

Do you enjoy the simplicity and taste of a stir-fry? Well, you can prepare your own provided you have all the necessary tools. One of the things you will need is a wok – an excellent one for that matter.

Woks come in varieties depending on the size, shape, and material used to design them. Some require seasoning, while others are suitable for those who like washing after use. Regardless of your preference, you must be careful not to end up with one that doesn’t satisfy your needs.

As such, we came up with a list of the best woks currently in the market. These selections are based on our experiences and those around us. Therefore, you are guaranteed to find at least one that will impress you.

Best Woks to Buy: The Top 5 Picks

Are you ready to see our picks for the top-rated wok? Keep on reading to find out all the details you need to know about each of them.

#1: Carbon Steel Wok by Souped Up Recipes

Souped Up Recipes has been a go-to YouTube channel for most admirers of the Chinese flavors. You can now get even closer to the quality of their food by using this wok made from carbon steel. Included in the box are a spatula and a gorgeously looking lid. Don’t worry if you have never used one before; the package comes with clear instructions in English.

Features

• Includes a metal spatula and a wooden lid
• Made from carbon steel
• Flat bottom design
• Has a diameter of 12.5 inches
• A unique hammered surface
• A YouTube link to an instructional video
• Beautifully designed, sleek and stylish
• Works on gas, electric and induction stoves, as well as other heat sources

Customer Reviews for the Best Flat Bottom Wok

—>Read More Wok Reviews on Amazon<—

“It has been a few months now since I got this wok, and I must say I am impressed. It has a great balance of weight and performance. The 12.5-inch size is a perfect fit for a small kitchen. It’s one of the best induction cookware sets out there in my opinion.”

“The long handle on this wok makes cooking so much comfortable and fun. My older one had a shorter handle, and my hands were always at a risk of getting burnt. The wooden lid also does its job as expected.”

“My older one had handy hammer marks, and I am pleased that the ones on this carbon steel wok are even better. It is even easier to use since its flat bottom makes it stable on the stove. Based on my experience so far, I believe this thing can last for ages!”

The Takeaway on Souped Up Recipes’ Carbon Steel Wok

If you are a fan of Souped Up Recipes, then you’d know why we recommend this wok. The carbon steel wok is seasoned and ready for your immediate task. It comes with all the necessary accessories to enhance your cooking experience.

Shop Now for the Best Wok

Does it sound like the right wok for your home kitchen? You can easily find this product on Amazon. Check now for the lowest prices and don’t forget to see if this product is eligible for fast, free shipping with a Prime membership:

Compare the Top-Rated Woks

Do you want to see the head-to-head comparison of our top picks? Then you’ll definitely want to check out this handy chart that we’ve put together so that you can find the right one for your home kitchen:

#2: Craft Wok Traditional Hand-Hammered Wok (Ideal for Gas Stoves)

Craft Wok prides itself with a plethora of high-quality carbon steel woks. This traditional hand-hammered cookware gives your stir-fry the spirit and aroma of a Chinese Master. Check out the features of this fantastic cooking pan and see if it fits your needs.

Key Features

• It is made from impressive carbon steel
• A thickness of 1.8mm to help retain heat while making it easy to handle
• 15 gauge carbon steel
• The hammer marks on it hold food as you add more ingredients
• Has a round-bottomed base (not suitable for flat bottomed electric or induction stoves)
• Non-conductive steel helper handle and a long wooden handle

User Reviews

—>See More Customer Reviews on Amazon<—

“My past experiences with woks haven’t been the best. Apart from durability, I’ve had an issue with the chemical deposits that render the food unhealthy. So far, I have been impressed by this product, thanks to Craft Wok. My favourite way to use this is to make a nice tofu stir-fry. It’s super healthy as well as delicious.”

“I have been looking for an exemplary wok that meets all my needs, and I think here is one. My first stir-fry exceeded my expectations. Yes, it is still the honeymoon phase, but there is every reason to believe that the best is yet to come!”

“First, I must say that I am impressed with the quality of this thing. But it is worth mentioning that it does not have a non-stick surface. So unless you season it properly, rust could be your next enemy.”

Summary for Traditional Hand-hammered Wok

This hand-hammered wok is one of the best products yet. The surface has a beautiful appearance and backs it up with magnificent performance. The incredible thing about this option is the 1.8-mm thickness, which is probably the best in the market at the moment.

Where Can I Get this Best Wok for Gas Stoves?

Does it sound like the right carbon steel wok for your cooking needs? Click the button below to find out more about it on Amazon:

#3: Calphalon Flat Bottom Wok

When shopping for a new set of cookware, Calphalon is one of the names that come to mind. The company has been a significant player in the market for many years. The Calphalon flat-bottomed wok is one of the products that caught our eyes, and here are some of its main features!

Important Features for this Non Stick Wok

• Crafted from a durable hard-anodized aluminum
• A non-stick PFOA-free interior
• The interior surface is scratch-resistant and can be used with any utensil
• Has a tempered glass lid for keeping your food warm
• A non-conductive stainless steel handle for easy lifting

What do People Think about the Best Non Stick Wok?

“We bought this to replace our broken one we’ve loved it since the day it arrived. Personally, I like the fact that it is non-stick because it opens up a range of options.”

“I finally found a wok that checks all the boxes. In addition to its lid and handle, the flat base makes it even better as I do not need a supporting ring.”

“Yes, it is quite expensive for a wok its size, or any one for that matter. However, once you start using it, you will realize that it is worth the cost. I’d give this 10 stars if I could. It really is that good.”

The Takeaway on Calphalon 1948257 Wok

Here is the best definition of “beauty meets performance.” The tampered glass and steel handle gives it a classy appearance but also enhances its operation. It is one of the few aluminum-made woks loved by many users.

Get Your Stop Top Wok Today

This is one of the best non stick woks on the market today. If you want to check it out for yourself, head over to company website:

#4: USA-made Carbon Steel Wok with Two Side-Handles

When we mention woks, Chinese manufacturers come into mind. However, there are a few American experts who have mastered the art and crafted the top-rated woks in the market. This cookware, in particular, gives you just as much experience as those made in China. Let’s see some of the features below.

Key Features of One of the Best Woks for Stir Fry

• Crafted with a 1.63mm thick carbon steel
• Designed to sustain rapid heating while ensuring even distribution of the heat
• Has two small metal handles on either side
• The flat base ensures easy set up on any stove
• The carbon steel is unseasoned

Online Reviews for One of the Top Wok Pans

—>See What Other People are Saying on Amazon.com<—

“I have owned four of these things before, but this is by far the best in terms of performance. Cleaning only requires wiping with hot water, and it’s all done.”

“It only took me less than 20min to rub off the factory oil that came with it. The only bad experience that I had is that it did not come with instructions.”

“Some people say that their food has a metallic taste from the wok. Well, I think the solution is first to stir-fry a mixture of veggies then wipe them off before cooking your food.”

Summary for USA-made Carbon Steel Wok

Carbon steel is one of the most preferred materials for wok and pan users. The material and its thickness make this USA-made wok an ideal choice for your stir-fry recipe. You also do not need a supporting ring since its flat base caters for that.

Shop Now

Do you want to get yourself this top-quality wok for home kitchens? It’s certainly one of our favourite choices. You can find it easily on Amazon:

#5: Amazon-Basics Cast Iron Wok

Perhaps another common material in most cookware is cast-iron. This wok made from pre-seasoned cast-iron is perfect for most of your deep-frying and baking tasks. Do you want to know more? Here is a list of some of the most significant features.

Features

• It features two side handles for easy lifting
• The 14-inch thick cast-iron ensures maximum heat retention
• Can sustain up to 500 degrees oven temperatures

Customer Reviews

—>Check out More Wok Reviews on Amazon<—

“As an Asian restaurant owner, I am very careful while choosing my cookware. Well, although I have always doubted iron woks, I think this one has proven me wrong so far. This, along with my veg cutting machine are my two favourite kitchen tools.”

“The best thing that I have come to like about cast-iron cookware is that they hold heat quite well. While preparing Pad Thai, I usually cook each person’s serving separately, and it takes no time.”

“Our mission over the past few years has been to replace all steel cookware with cast-iron. Like the rest of the items, this one has been impressive in its first few weeks. Just be sure to clean and season cast iron correctly.”

Should you Consider Buying Amazon-Basics Wok?

The heat retention and overall design of this wok give you all the reasons to consider it in your shopping adventure. However, the two side-handles could be a deal-breaker for some. As such, we would recommend that you find a fitting option from our list.

Get your Cast Iron Wok Here

If you want to pick yourself up one of the best cast iron woks on the market today, then you’ll want to head on over to Amazon. Click the button below to find out more about this popular product:

Top 6 Factors to Consider When Buying a Wok

We understand that the process of buying a new wok can be quite intimidating. It gets worse if you are shopping for the first time. The market has a wide range from which you can select an ideal one for your needs.

Like any other equipment, not all woks are designed with the same features. As you hunt for the best choice, you will come across a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and metals. To make your work easier, we have compiled a list of the main factors you should always consider before buying a new wok.

#1: Round or Flat Base

As you begin your shopping adventure, make sure to consider the stove you will be using. A round-bottomed wok will only work best if you have a ring stand. If you are not ready to add this supporting feature to your kitchen, then a flat-bottomed pan is your ideal option.

#2: Material

Like pots and pans, heat conductivity and retention are vital when using a wok. Carbon steel takes the shortest time to conduct the heat evenly across its body. As such, this is considered the best material when it comes to woks.

Also, carbon steel is also quite cheap and durable. Therefore, you can use it for years without having to replace your favorite piece of cookware.

#3: Surface

The type of surface is one factor that many people ignore while buying a new wok. A non-stick coating is not the best choice, especially if you are going to prepare stir fry. The reason why we do not recommend this is the fact that it cannot sustain the high heat required in some recipes. However, if you are sure you will not exceed the 570-degree mark, you can go with the non-stick woks.

Another factor to consider related to this is durability. If you buy one with a non-stick coating you’ll have to be very careful to never use metal utensils on it but only wood or plastic. This is done in order to avoid chipping.

On the other hand, ones that are made from metal without non stick finishes are far more durable and you can also use metal utensils on them with no problems.

#4: Handle

Another feature worth mentioning is the type of handle installed on the wok. Some have two small handles on either side, while others are designed with one long handle. The latter is very easy to use and ensures that the user’s hands are safe from burns.

#5: Price

Apart from all the technical features, your budget will determine which wok you can own. The price varies with the size, thickness, and metal used in the design. However, regardless of these factors, these cooking pans are generally one of the cheapest forms of cookware in the market.

#6: Customer Reviews for Woks

For anything you might consider buying, it’s always prudent to check actual customer reviews to find out what people are saying about the product. In this case, we recommend checking the 3-4 star reviews on Amazon. They’ll usually give you the best indication of a product’s true strengths and weaknesses.

Wok FAQ’s

There are a few commonly asked questions that people have about buying and using woks. Here are a few of the most common ones.

What is the Best Material for Wok?

The best material for a wok is a material of personal preference. However, many people prefer high-quality carbon steel because it’s light, inexpensive and durable and it seasons nicely over time. Cast iron is very heavy, while non-stick surfaces are not that durable.

Which is Better: Cast Iron or Carbon Steel Wok?

A cast iron wok is quite heavy and takes up a long time to heat up but it holds heat for a very long time. This makes it ideal to serve food in. Carbon steel woks heat up quickly and are responsive to changes in heat if you want to increase or decrease your cooking temperature quickly. Both are very durable.

Are Flat Bottom Woks Good?

If you don’t have a gas stove, then you’ll want to opt for a flat bottom wok. They are good, but you’ll want to choose one with at least a 14 inch diameter that has wooden handles on both sides. Carbon steel woks will heat up more quickly than other materials.

How to Cook with a Wok?

Check out this short video below for all the details you need to know about cooking with woks:

Are Carbon Steel Woks Good?

People have been using carbon steel woks for many years with excellent results. They heat up very quickly and can withstand very high cooking temperatures which is ideal for this kind of cooking. Combine that with their durability and ease of cleaning and carbon steel woks make a good choice for most people.

Is a Carbon Steel Wok Good for Health?

Carbon steel woks, once seasoned are natural non-stick which can make them food for your health because you don’t need to use lots of butter or oils when cooking. Just be sure to care for them properly in order to maintain the non-stick surface on them.

How do you Maintain a Carbon Steel Wok?

Once you season a carbon steel wok, be sure to never use dish soap to clean it. Maintain it by soaking it in hot water for a few minutes to loosen food that’s stuck on. Then, use hot water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the interior (see recommendations for a kitchen sink caddy here). You can use hot water a scrub brush for the outside. Dry carbon steel woks over low heat before putting away for storage.

What is the Best Wok for Induction Cooking?

The best wok for induction cooking is one made from cast iron. Just be sure to buy a flat bottom wok that has a diameter than matches the cooking surface on your induction stove. There are lots of top-quality cast iron woks available today.

Does a Wok Need a Lid?

Some woks come with lids while other don’t. But, a lid can be helpful when cooking Chinese food because it often needs to simmer while covered during cooking. If you buy a wok with a lid, you won’t need to find another one that’s compatible with the size of your wok.

Why is a Wok Better than a Pan?

A wok is better than a pan for things like stir-fries because you can push the food up on the sides when it’s done and cook the remaining food in the bottom. Plus, woks generally require less oil and make less mess than a pan would. However, woks require close attention when using and lots of stirring.

Why Does My Wok Rust?

Woks often get rusty because they need seasoning. This is basically seasoning with oil. Or, they get stored away before they’re completely dry. If you have rust on your wok, scrub it off gently and then rinse. Heat over low flame until the water is gone and season with oil. Heat, cool and then store it.

What Size Wok Should I Buy?

Works vary in size from small to large, but a good size wok is around 12-14 inches in diameter. This is enough to feed a family of four easily, but it’s not too big to be difficult to cook with and clean up afterwards. It’s also easy to cook a smaller amount of food for 1-2 people with a wok this size.

What is the Best Oil to Season a Wok?

Choose any of the following oils to season your wok with:

• Peanut oil
• Canola oil
• Vegetable oil
• Grape seed oil
• Lard or pork fat
• Shortening

Have your Say about the Best Wok

What’s your top pick for a wok on the market today? Is it one of them from this list or do you have your eye on another brand? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

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Last update on 2021-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API