When stocking your kitchen, it’s tricky to decide which kitchen tools are worth it. This is true for all levels of home cooks. If you’re not careful, it can feel like your cabinets are overflowing with cooking equipment that you don’t use. However, a wok is always a worthy addition to your kitchen arsenal. And if you love stir-fry dishes, a wok is a must-have.
A staple in Chinese cooking, this pan is deeper and rounder than other cooking pans. It’s often used to cook dishes at high temperatures and distributes heat evenly across the surface, making it ideal for stir-frys. A wok can also be used for simmering stews and steaming vegetables because of its high sides. The shape of the wok makes it super versatile, and you can easily cook an entire meal using only one wok.
What To Consider Before Buying a Wok
Keep in mind that there are several types of woks available. Woks with round bottoms are often best for gas stoves, while those with flatter bottoms sit well on electric stovetops.
Consider which wok size and handle length would work best for you and your storage space, as well as whether you want a wok with a lid.
Do you want a wok that you can season? Skip non-stick options and go for a wok that can either be seasoned on the stovetop or one that is oven safe with a max temperature rating of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
How We Picked the Best Woks
Not all woks work for every kitchen, which is why we included options for stovetop and induction ranges, as well as woks in a variety of materials, including stainless steel and cast iron. Non-stick options and woks that require seasoning were both included on our list. The one thing all the woks on our list have in common? They are highly rated and from reputable brands that aim to make cooking at home easy and enjoyable.
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Not sure which wok is right for you? Check out our top picks below.
1. Willow & Everett Wok Pan With Lid
BEST OVERALL
Willow & Everett’s 13-inch wok works well on both gas and electric stovetops. The stainless steel surface is resistant to stains and rust, and its aluminum core quickens heating times. This product also comes with a lid and an ergonomic handle. This wok comes with a bonus bamboo-handle spatula and we like that the stainless steel surface is free of chemicals.
2. Craft Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok
COMMERCIAL GRADE
For a high-quality, commercial-grade wok that also looks great, we like the Craft Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok. Craft Wok’s product has a round bottom and is made with 15-gauge carbon steel. This material does need to be seasoned with each use, but chefs will appreciate the added flavor to their dishes. The wok is hand-hammered and crafted to last. It includes a wooden handle and steel helper handle for comfortable use. This product has a classic wok design and will last for years when cared for properly.
3. T-fal Specialty Nonstick Oven Safe PFOA-Free Jumbo Wok
DISHWASHER SAFE
One of the most user-friendly models on our list is the T-fal Specialty Nonstick Oven Safe PFOA-Free Jumbo Wok. Not only is the wok dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, but it’s also oven safe for additional baking. This 14-inch wok has a non-stick surface for easy cooking. Its surface heats your food evenly and quickly. The handle is both long and comfortable to hold, so you can safely move the wok around your stovetop. Because of the small surface area at the bottom, this wok is better suited for gas stoves than electric models.
4. Lodge Cast Iron Wok
MULTIPLE COOKING OPTIONS
Lodge’s 14-inch cast iron wok has a flat bottom that’s ideal for gas and electric stoves and durable handles. The product retains heat and enhances flavor with every use. When seasoned and cared for properly, a cast iron wok can last for decades. We also like the versatility in cooking options offered by the Lodge, which can be used over a stove, grill, or an open flame.
5. Calphalon Contemporary Aluminum Wok
MULTIPLE SIZE OPTIONS
Calphalon’s product is a contemporary take on the traditional wok. It includes hard-anodized aluminum, which heats food evenly. The stylish stainless steel handle is comfortable to hold, and the nonstick surface is easy to clean. It’s compatible with gas and electric stoves, but you will get better heat distribution with a gas stove. We also like that the wok is available in 10 and 13-inch sizes.
6. Green Earth Wok by Ozeri
FREE FROM CHEMICALS
The Green Earth Wok by Ozeri is a great option for customers who want the cleanest, safest kitchen tools without having to sacrifice convenience. Made with a scratch-resistant ceramic coating, Green Earth doesn’t use any PTFE or GenX fluorinated chemicals. The wok maintains its nonstick features even at high temperatures without releasing any chemicals. The Blakelight handle on the wok is heat resistant and the durable, die-cast aluminum doesn’t include any heavy metals.
7. HexClad 12 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Wok Pan
CHEF ENDORSED
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey has given his seal of approval to the HexClad 12 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Wok Pan. The two-in-one kitchen staple is both a pan and a wok, providing a wide, flat, pan-style base with the high sides of a wok. The HexClad is made with a laser etching process that creates a non-stick, stainless steel surface. This gives customers the ability to sear food without using extra oil or butter. Featuring a stay-cool handle and free from PFOA, the HexClad is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and it can be used on the stovetop or induction range. When it’s time to clean the HexClad, it can be placed in the dishwasher or even scrubbed with steel wool pads.
8. Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan
LARGE WOK
Getting a high-quality wok doesn’t have to break the bank. For an affordable option that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, there’s the Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan. The pre-seasoned pan takes some of the legwork out of breaking in a new wok. The 14” wok is large enough to handle big dishes and it’s oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The wok provides even heat distribution.
9. Cooklover Nonstick Wok
SCRATCH-RESISTANT
The Cooklover Nonstick Wok provides a smokeless cooking experience and is safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The inside of the wok is protected with a non-stick PTFE marble coating that helps with cooking and makes this a wok that is easy to clean. The reinforced die-cast aluminum body heats up quickly and evenly without hot spots and the compatible induction bottom works for many cooking surfaces. The Cooklover wok comes with an ergonomic handle and a silicone glass lid that makes it easy for users to see their food as it cooks.
10. Souped Up Carbon Steel Wok
EASY POUR SPOUT
The Souped Up Carbon Steel Wok is a traditional style wok that comes with several user-friendly benefits. The wok arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use. A flat bottom makes it possible to use the wok on a variety of cooktops, including electric and induction stoves and gas ranges. The wok comes with a steel flipper and a wooden lid that helps to keep heat in. We also like that Souped Up includes a booklet and YouTube videos with recipes and helpful tips, including how to ensure the wok doesn’t rust. The wok is finished with a wooden handle that won’t get hot and a spout lip for easy pouring.
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