Woks are versatile cooking pans that have been used in Asian kitchens for centuries. They’re great for stir-frying, deep-frying, steaming, and even making soups.
A good wok can help you create tasty meals quickly and easily. Many home cooks are now adding woks to their kitchen tool collection.
When you’re looking for a wok, there are a few things to think about.
The material it’s made from is important – common options include carbon steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons.
Size matters too. A larger wok is good for cooking big meals, but a smaller one might fit better in your kitchen.
The shape of the wok and its handle design can also affect how easy it is to use.
You’ll want to consider how you’ll use your wok and what kind of stove you have.
Some woks work better on gas stoves, while others are made for electric or induction cooktops.
Think about how often you’ll use it and how much care you’re willing to give it.
With the right wok, you can expand your cooking skills and make delicious stir-fries and other Asian-inspired dishes at home.
Best Woks
A good wok can take your stir-fry game to the next level. We’ve rounded up the top woks to help you cook tasty Asian-inspired meals at home. Check out our picks for woks that heat evenly, are easy to use, and will last for years to come.
Calphalon Signature Wok
You’ll love this wok for its tough nonstick coating and versatile cooking abilities.
Pros
- Strong nonstick surface
- Oven-safe up to 500°F
- Safe for metal utensils
Cons
- Pricey compared to basic woks
- Hand-washing recommended
- May be heavy for some users
This 12-inch Calphalon Signature wok brings pro-level cooking to your home kitchen. Its hard-anodized aluminum body heats up fast and spreads heat evenly. This means your stir-fries will cook just right, with no cold spots.
The nonstick coating is a standout feature. It’s 1.5 times more durable than Calphalon’s Classic line. You can use metal tools without worry, and food slides off easily.
Clean-up is a breeze too. While it’s dishwasher-safe, hand-washing will help the nonstick coating last longer.
You’ll find this wok handy for more than just stir-fries. It’s oven-safe up to 500°F, so you can start dishes on the stove and finish them in the oven.
The flat bottom works well on all cooktops, including gas and electric. Plus, the stainless steel handle stays cool while you cook. If you’re looking for a quality wok that will last, this Calphalon model is a smart pick.
HexClad 12″ Hybrid Wok
You’ll love this versatile wok for its even heating and easy cleanup.
Pros
- Works on all stovetops
- Dishwasher and oven safe
- Nonstick yet good for searing
Cons
- Pricey
- No lid included
- May be heavy for some
The HexClad 12″ Hybrid Wok brings together the best of stainless steel and nonstick cookware. Its tri-ply build has an aluminum core between two steel layers. The inside has a cool hexagon pattern that’s nonstick but lets you sear food well.
You can use this wok on any stove, even induction. It’s tough enough to go in the oven up to 500°F and the dishwasher too. The long handle stays cool while you cook. There’s also a helper handle to lift the wok safely.
This wok is great for stir-fries, sauces, and more. It heats food evenly and is easy to clean.
While it costs more than some woks, many users say it’s worth it. Just keep in mind it doesn’t come with a lid, so you might need to buy one separately if you want to cover your food.
Craft Wok Carbon Steel Pan
You’ll love this hand-hammered wok for authentic Chinese cooking at home.
Pros
- Heavy-duty carbon steel construction
- Wooden handle for comfortable grip
- Helper handle for easy maneuvering
Cons
- Needs seasoning before use
- Not suitable for flat stovetops
- Requires hand washing
This 14-inch Craft Wok brings restaurant-quality stir-frying to your kitchen. Its round bottom shape is perfect for tossing ingredients over high heat. The carbon steel heats up fast and keeps food from sticking once seasoned.
You’ll find the wooden handle stays cool while cooking. The steel helper handle makes it easy to lift the wok, even when it’s full. At 4.6 pounds, it’s sturdy enough for frequent use but not too heavy to handle.
Keep in mind this wok only works on gas stoves due to its round bottom. You’ll need to season it before the first use to prevent rusting. Hand washing is a must to maintain the seasoning.
With proper care, this wok can last for years of tasty stir-fries and other Chinese dishes.
Souped Up Carbon Steel Wok
You should buy this wok for its versatility and durability, making it a great choice for home cooks.
Pros
- Works on many stove types
- Pre-seasoned for immediate use
- Comes with helpful accessories
Cons
- Requires hand washing
- Needs careful maintenance
- May be heavy for some users
This carbon steel wok from Souped Up Recipes is ready to use right out of the box. You don’t need to season it before your first stir-fry. The flat bottom design lets you use it on electric, induction, and gas stoves. This makes it a good fit for most kitchens.
The wok can handle high heat without damage. You can use metal utensils without worrying about scratches.
It comes with a wooden lid, which is nice for steaming or keeping food warm. The package also includes a stainless steel spatula, perfect for tossing ingredients while cooking.
Caring for this wok is simple, but it does need some attention.
You’ll need to wash it by hand and dry it right away to prevent rust. The manufacturer provides video and written care instructions to help you keep your wok in good shape. With proper care, this wok could last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.
DOTCLAD Hybrid Wok
You’ll love this versatile wok for its mix of non-stick ease and stainless steel durability.
Pros
- Works on all stovetops
- Easy to clean
- Heats quickly and evenly
Cons
- Quite heavy at 6 pounds
- May not come with a spatula
- Lid can get hot during cooking
This 12-inch DOTCLAD wok brings together the best of both worlds. Its snow flake technology gives you a non-stick surface that’s also tough stainless steel. You can cook with less oil and still get great results.
The pan heats up fast and spreads the heat evenly, which is perfect for stir-frying veggies or meat.
You’ll find this wok very easy to use in your kitchen. It works on all kinds of stoves – gas, electric, even induction.
The high sides help keep food in the pan when you’re tossing ingredients. Plus, it’s oven-safe up to 500°F, so you can start a dish on the stove and finish it in the oven.
Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the non-stick surface. You can even pop it in the dishwasher if you want.
The wok feels solid and well-made, so it should last you a long time. It’s a bit on the heavy side, which some cooks might find tricky. But that weight also means it won’t slide around on your stove. Overall, this DOTCLAD wok is a great choice for home cooks who want a reliable, multi-use pan.
YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok
You’ll love this wok for its quality build and versatile cooking options.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned for immediate use
- Works on multiple heat sources
- Large capacity for family meals
Cons
- Requires hand washing
- Needs regular seasoning
- Not oven-safe
This 13.5-inch carbon steel wok from YOSUKATA is a great pick for your kitchen. It comes pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking right away. The flat bottom design makes it easy to use on different stovetops, including gas and induction.
You’ll find this wok handy for more than just stir-frying. It’s good for deep-frying, pan-frying, and even braising. The large size lets you cook enough food for the whole family in one go. Plus, its sturdy build means it can handle high heat cooking.
Taking care of this wok is pretty simple. You’ll need to wash it by hand and dry it well after each use.
Regular seasoning will help keep it in top shape and improve its non-stick qualities over time. While it’s not dishwasher or oven safe, its versatility on the stovetop makes up for these limits.
Todlabe Glass Lid Wok
You’ll enjoy cooking with this carbon steel wok that comes with a glass lid and silicone spatula.
Pros
- Glass lid for easy viewing
- Pre-seasoned carbon steel surface
- Works on many stovetops
Cons
- Requires hand washing
- Not oven safe
- May need extra seasoning
This wok brings a lot to your kitchen. The glass lid lets you watch your food cook without lifting it. This helps keep flavors and heat inside.
The carbon steel body heats up fast and spreads heat well. It’s big enough to cook for 3-6 people, making it great for family meals.
You’ll find the wooden handle comfy to hold. It stays cool while you cook. The wok isn’t too heavy, so you can move it around easily.
When you’re done, the lid has a neat design. It stands up on its own, saving space on your counter.
The wok works on different stoves. You can use it on gas, electric, or even induction cooktops.
It’s good for more than just stir-frying. You can use it to pan-fry, braise, or deep-fry too. The included spatula is handy for stirring and flipping food. Remember to hand wash the wok to keep it in good shape.
Made In Carbon Steel Wok
You’ll love this versatile and high-quality wok for all your stir-frying needs.
Pros
- Adapts to different stovetops
- Improves with use
- Professional-grade design
Cons
- Requires hand washing
- Needs seasoning
- May be heavy for some users
This 12-inch carbon steel wok from Made In Cookware brings restaurant-quality cooking to your kitchen.
Its flat bottom works well on gas, electric, and induction stoves, giving you flexibility in your cooking setup.
The long handle stays cool while you cook, making it easy to toss and stir your ingredients.
As you use this wok, it gets better and better. With proper care and seasoning, it develops a non-stick surface that enhances its cooking performance. This means your stir-fries will turn out better over time.
The wok’s shape helps concentrate heat at the bottom, perfect for quick cooking methods.
Made in France by skilled artisans, this wok combines the best features of cast iron and stainless steel.
It holds heat well like cast iron but heats up quickly like stainless steel. You can use it for more than just stir-fries – it’s great for deep-frying vegetables too.
Remember to hand wash it to keep it in top shape.
Craft Wok Carbon Steel Pan
You should buy this wok for its professional-grade quality and durability.
Pros
- Hand-hammered by experts
- Suitable for various stovetops
- Sturdy helper handle for easy use
Cons
- Requires seasoning before use
- Not dishwasher safe
- Bottom not completely flat
This 14-inch carbon steel wok is a great choice for your kitchen. It’s made by skilled craftsmen in Guangzhou, giving you a tool that many pro chefs use.
The wok works well on gas, electric, and even induction stoves, so you don’t need to worry about your cooktop type.
You’ll like the wooden handle that gives you a good grip when cooking. It won’t get slippery, even when you’re stir-frying at high heat.
The steel helper handle is another plus. It stays cool and makes it easy to move the wok around or hang it up for storage.
The wok needs some prep work before you can use it. You’ll have to season it, but don’t worry – the instructions come with the pan.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a non-stick surface that’s perfect for all your Asian cooking needs. Remember to hand wash it to keep it in top shape.
Leidawn Carbon Steel Wok Set
You’ll get great value from this 11-piece wok set with its versatile cooking options and handy accessories.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Comes with 10 useful accessories
- Works on multiple stovetops
Cons
- Utensils may be flimsy
- Textured surface can be hard to clean
- Requires careful heat management
This 12.8-inch carbon steel wok from Leidawn offers a lot for your money. You get the wok, a wooden lid, and 10 cooking tools to help you whip up tasty stir-fries and more.
The wok is pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking right away after a quick wash.
The pan’s honeycomb design helps reduce food sticking and scratches. It heats up fast and spreads heat evenly, which is great for quick cooking.
The flat bottom makes it stable on different stovetops, including gas, electric, and induction.
While the wok itself is sturdy, some users say the tools aren’t the best quality. The textured surface can also make cleaning tricky.
You’ll need to be careful with heat levels to avoid burning food. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly wok set to try out Asian cooking, this could be a good pick for you.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a wok, keep these key factors in mind:
Material
- Carbon steel: Heats quickly, lightweight
- Cast iron: Retains heat well, needs seasoning
- Stainless steel: Durable, easy to clean
Size
Pick a wok that fits your stovetop and cooking needs:
- 12-14 inches: Good for 1-2 people
- 16-18 inches: Ideal for families
Shape
- Round bottom: Traditional, best for gas stoves
- Flat bottom: Works on all stovetops
Handle
Choose between:
- Long handle: Easy to lift and toss food
- Loop handles: Good for oven use
Accessories
Look for a wok that comes with:
- Lid
- Spatula
- Cleaning brush
Care and Maintenance
Pick a wok you’re willing to care for:
- Some need seasoning
- Others are dishwasher safe
Remember to check the weight. A lighter wok is easier to handle when cooking. Also, make sure it’s compatible with your stove type.
With these tips, you’ll find the perfect wok for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing and caring for a wok can be confusing. Here are answers to common questions about woks to help you pick the right one and keep it in great shape.
What are the top features to look for in a high-quality carbon steel wok?
Look for a wok with a flat bottom for stability. Pick one with a long wooden handle that stays cool. Make sure it’s at least 14 inches wide for enough cooking space. The wok should be made of carbon steel that’s 1.5-2mm thick for good heat control.
How do I choose the best wok for an electric stove?
For electric stoves, get a flat-bottomed wok. This gives better contact with the heating element. A 14-inch size works well on most burners. Look for one with a helper handle opposite the main handle for easier lifting.
Can you recommend some of the best wok brands for home cooks?
Some top wok brands are Joyce Chen, Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen, and The Wok Shop. These make quality carbon steel woks at good prices. For higher-end options, check out brands like Made In or Craft Wok.
What type of wok works best on a gas stove?
Round-bottomed woks are great for gas stoves. They let the flames wrap around the sides for even heating. Use a wok ring to keep it stable. Carbon steel is ideal as it heats up fast and cools quickly when you adjust the flame.
What maintenance tips can ensure my wok lasts longer?
Season your wok before first use. After cooking, clean it with hot water and a soft sponge. Dry it completely and rub with a thin layer of oil. Don’t use soap or scrub hard. Re-season if food starts to stick.
Where can I find authentic recipes to try out with my new wok?
Check out cookbooks by Grace Young or Fuchsia Dunlop for authentic wok recipes.
Websites like Woks of Life or China Sichuan Food have many great options.
YouTube channels like Made With Lau or Souped Up Recipes also offer video tutorials.
