Woks have been around for 2,000 years, since China’s Han Dynasty. Chinese for “cooking pot,” “wok” refers to the variety of cooking chores that are carried out in the pans. While stir-fries are the dish that woks are most commonly identified with in the United States, any dish that benefits from a centralised heat source and a sizable, even cooking surface can (and should!) be prepared in a wok. So, in addition to braises, sauces, soups, deep cooking, and steaming, woks can also be used for these things.
Woks typically have smooth, rounded edges and rounded bottoms (which often require a wok ring to help stabilise them), making them ideal for heating food rapidly and evenly over a small flame. Typically, they have lengthy handles that make it possible to shake them while cooking, sometimes negating the need for
Woks are a versatile and essential tool in any kitchen, especially for those who enjoy cooking Asian cuisine. With so many woks on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best woks of 2023 to help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Overall, these are some of the best woks of 2023 to consider for your kitchen. Whether you prefer a nonstick surface, traditional carbon steel, or stainless steel, there is a wok out there that is perfect for you. Consider your cooking needs and preferences when choosing a wok, and you’ll be able to find the perfect one to add to your kitchen collection.
Joyce Chen Classic Series Nonstick 14-Inch Wok
- Carbon steel heats fast
- Doesn’t need to be seasoned due to nonstick coating
- Wooden handles stay cool through use
CONS
- Needs to be hand washed
The Joyce Chen Classic Series Nonstick 14-Inch Wok is a versatile and high-quality wok that is perfect for stir-frying, steaming, and deep-frying. It is made of heavy-gauge carbon steel that provides excellent heat retention and distribution, allowing you to cook your food evenly and quickly.
The nonstick interior of the wok is PFOA-free, making it a healthy and safe option for cooking. The nonstick surface also makes it easy to clean, as food does not stick to the surface. The wok also features a long wooden handle that stays cool to the touch, making it easy to move the wok around while cooking.
| Material | Carbon steel |
|---|---|
| Max heat | N/A |
| Nonstick | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
Hexclad 12-Inch Stainless Steel Wok
- Nonstick, heavy-duty and sturdy
- Heats quickly
- Dishwasher safe
CONS
- More expensive than some others
- Needs to be seasoned before use
The Hexclad 12-Inch Stainless Steel Wok is a unique and innovative wok that is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes. The wok features a hybrid design that combines the best features of both stainless steel and nonstick surfaces.
The wok is made of high-quality stainless steel that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. The interior of the wok features a patented hexagonal design that creates a nonstick surface without the use of any chemicals or coatings. This innovative design allows for easy cooking and cleanup, as food slides off the surface effortlessly.
| Material | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Max heat | 500°F |
| Nonstick | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
Made In Blue Carbon Steel Wok
- Thicker-than-average metal for high heats
- Oven-safe up to 1,200ºF
- Can be used on any stovetop
CONS
- Needs to be seasoned before use
The Made In Blue Carbon Steel Wok is a high-quality and versatile wok that is perfect for all types of Asian cooking. Made In is a company that specializes in creating high-end cookware that is designed to last a lifetime, and their Blue Carbon Steel Wok is no exception.
The wok is made of high-quality blue carbon steel that is durable, heats up quickly and evenly, and has excellent heat retention. The material is also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and perfect for cooking stir-fries and other dishes that require frequent tossing and flipping.
One of the standout features of the Made In Blue Carbon Steel Wok is its unique design. The wok features a flat bottom that sits securely on the stovetop, making it suitable for all types of cooktops, including induction. The bottom of the wok also has a small, raised ring that helps to distribute heat evenly across the surface.
| Material | Carbon Steel |
|---|---|
| Max heat | 1,200°F |
| Nonstick | No |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
Scanpan Classic 12½-Inch Wok
- Nonstick, thanks to ceramic-titanium technology
- Dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500ºF
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- May be heavy for some
The Scanpan Classic 12½-Inch Wok is a high-quality and versatile wok that is perfect for a wide range of cooking tasks. The wok is made of high-quality, pressure-cast aluminum that is designed to heat up quickly and evenly, ensuring that your food is cooked perfectly every time.
One of the standout features of the Scanpan Classic 12½-Inch Wok is its unique nonstick surface. The wok features a patented ceramic-titanium coating that is designed to be durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. The coating is also PFOA-free, ensuring that you can cook with peace of mind.
The wok also features a sturdy, stainless steel handle that is securely attached to the wok with stainless steel rivets. The handle is designed to stay cool to the touch, even when the wok is hot, ensuring that you can move the wok around safely and easily.
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Max heat | 500°F |
| Nonstick | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
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What is considered a good wok?
A good wok should have a few key features that make it ideal for cooking Asian cuisine. Here are some of the things to look for in a good wok:
- Material: A good wok should be made of high-quality material that is durable and heats up quickly and evenly. Carbon steel and cast iron are the most common materials for woks.
- Size: The size of the wok should be appropriate for the type of cooking you plan to do. For home cooking, a wok with a diameter of 12 to 14 inches is usually sufficient.
- Shape: The shape of the wok should be rounded and have a wide bottom to allow for plenty of surface area for cooking. The sides of the wok should slope upwards to allow for easy stirring and tossing.
- Handle: The handle of the wok should be sturdy and securely attached to the wok. It should also be designed to stay cool to the touch, even when the wok is hot.
- Nonstick surface: A nonstick surface can be helpful for preventing food from sticking to the wok and making cleanup easier. However, it’s important to choose a nonstick surface that is safe and durable.
- Versatility: A good wok should be versatile enough to handle a wide range of cooking tasks, from stir-frying to deep-frying.
Ultimately, the best wok for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, by looking for these key features, you can ensure that you choose a wok that is of high quality and suitable for cooking a wide range of Asian dishes.
What kind of wok do professionals use?
Professional chefs and cooks tend to prefer woks made of carbon steel, which is a durable and versatile material that heats up quickly and evenly. Carbon steel woks are also lightweight and easy to handle, making them a popular choice in professional kitchens.
Carbon steel woks are often seasoned with oil, which creates a nonstick surface that helps prevent food from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Professional cooks typically use a wok with a diameter of 14 to 16 inches, which provides plenty of surface area for cooking large quantities of food.
In addition to the material and size of the wok, professionals also tend to look for woks with sturdy handles that are securely attached to the wok. The handle should also be designed to stay cool to the touch, even when the wok is hot, to ensure safe and easy handling.