When it comes to cooking Chinese food, a wok is a kitchen essential.
These deep, round-bottomed cooking pots originated in China, and are used throughout the country, as well as in East, South, and Southeast Asia. Woks are becoming popular in other parts of the world too, especially since globalization means we’re cooking a greater variety of cuisines at home.
Woks are essential for a myriad of Chinese cooking techniques, including stir-frying, steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, and stewing.
What is a wok?
Woks are distinguishable by their shape. They typically have a deep, rounded bottom, though some hand-hammered woks are flipped inside out after being shaped, which gives a gentle flare at the edges so it’s easier to push food up the sides.
In western countries, woks are sometimes found with flat bottoms, similar to a deep frying pan. The flat bottom makes them more suitable for use on an electric stove, as a traditional rounded wok would not be able to fully contact the stove's heating element.
Traditionally, a round spatula or ladle is used with a round-bottom wok, and these utensils allow you to easily pick up all the food at the bottom of the wok and stir-fry and toss it easily, which is harder with a flat-bottom wok.
Sizing
Woks are available in a variety of sizes, and most are between 300 to 360 mm (12 to 14 in) or more in diameter. A wok of 360 mm (14 in) will cater to a family of 3 or 4, and these are the most common. However, woks can be found as small as 200 mm (8 in), or as large as 910 mm (36 in).
Smaller woks are ideal for quick cooking techniques at high heat such as stir frying, whereas large woks - which can span over a meter wide - are mainly used by restaurants or community kitchens for cooking rice or soup, or for boiling water.
In this article, we’ll be comparing some of the best woks on the market, including hand-hammered, carbon steel, non-stick and stainless steel varieties...
Comparison Table
Best China Wok
1. Best Hand-Hammered Wok: Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
- Material: Carbon steel
- Diameter: 14 inches
- Weight: 4.39 lbs
- Suitable for: gas, open fire
- Wok type: round-bottom
Material
This commercial-grade carbon steel wok is hand-hammered by Chinese professionals in Guangzhou and is the wok of choice for many professional Chinese chefs.
Hand-hammered woks are a traditional shape and an excellent choice as the slight indentations left by the hammering pattern allow you to push cooked food to the sides of the pan while adding ingredients to the center without them slipping.
Carbon steel is also the best material for woks as they become naturally non-stick over time, though require regular maintenance and seasoning. You’ll need to dry and keep this wok oiled at all times, especially after washing.
This Product
This hand-hammered wok is sturdy and durable, with a traditional Chinese style deep center and steep sides that are perfect for stir-frying.
The 15-gauge, carbon steel construction evenly heats and cooks food, while the steel helper handle won’t burn even when stir-frying over high heat.
The wooden handle also has a hygroscopic coating to provide a tight grip while you stir-fry.
About the Company
Craft Wok is a team of professionals united by their passion for the carbon steel wok.
They’ve been around since 2014, and since this time they’ve sourced the best manufacturers in China, producing 100% authentic traditional carbon steel woks so that you can enjoy commercial-grade cookware and traditional Chinese dishes from the comfort of your home.
Why this product?
Hand-hammered and made from carbon steel, this wok contains all of the elements of a traditional, high-quality China wok.
It has a deep center and high walls that are perfect for stir-frying, and the heavy, durable construction makes it a quality investment that will make you hundreds of dishes over the years.
Pros
- Hand-hammered in China
- Carbon steel construction for optimal heating
- Steel heat-resistant helper handle
- Wooden ergonomic handle for improved grip
- Commercial-grade
Cons
- Carbon steel requires regular maintenance
- Round Bottom Heavy 14 Inch 15 gauge (1.8mm) carbon steel wok, commercial grade. Original design by Craft Wok since 2014, proven quality over the years. Traditional chinese wok pan with round bottom.
- Not suitable for flat electric or flat induction stove. Carbon steel wok may rust. Do not forget to season it before use! Instructions for easy seasoning are included with the wok. Our customer service is ready to guide through the process whenever you need it.
- Hand hammered by Chinese professionals in Guangzhou. This wok is the proven choice of many professional Chinese chefs. Wok weight: 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg). Heavy and sturdy.
- Steel helper handle will not burn when you stir fry over high heat, also helpful for hanging the wok for storage. Wooden handle has special hygroscopic not slippery surface for tight grip when you stir-fry.
- Craft Wok - Love Wok! We are a team of professionals drawn together by our passion for the carbon steel wok. Our mission is to bring you as much pleasure from Stir-frying in a wok, as chefs get in restaurants across China. To do this, we have found the best manufacturers in China. Our range of branded products is 100% authentic traditional carbon steel woks, 8 years on market.
2. Best Carbon Steel Wok: Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan
- Material: Carbon steel
- Diameter: 14 inches
- Weight: 3.94 lbs
- Suitable for: gas, open fire
- Wok type: round-bottom
Material
Carbon steel woks are the woks of choice for Chinese restaurants and chefs. Carbon steel woks spread heat quickly and evenly and retain heat well, making them ideal for seasoning food.
They’re relatively inexpensive to buy and are much lighter than cast iron woks, so they’re perfect for stir-frying as you can easily lift them to toss your food.
Carbon steel woks become naturally non-stick after you’ve used them for a while, but they take time to season and care for. Most carbon steel woks require a seasoning process before the first use and continued care to build the perfect nonstick patina.
Over time, regularly cooking with your carbon steel wok will expose it to plenty of high-heated oil which will season it naturally over time.
This Product
This 14-inch wok from Yosukata has a round bottom designed to lock in juice and flavor in your dishes. This wok is pre-seasoned at temperatures over 600F using special techniques, though it will still require full seasoning with oil like any Chinese wok.
Made from heavy-duty, black carbon steel that is rust-resistant, this wok is durable and promotes ideal heat retention and dissipation, eliminating hot spots and cooking and seasoning your food thoroughly.
It has an ergonomic, wooden handle that is welded to the wok and provides grip and comfort when cooking and lifting the wok, and the shape of the wok is designed to provide perfect balance and weight distribution for optimal results.
About the Company
Yosukata specializes in woks and skillets, and these are designed by chefs in order to provide high-quality designs and materials that optimize flavor and heat retention.
According to their website, Yosukata is “constantly sourcing and testing in order to distill the pans that make it possible to create culinary masterpieces.”
The company was founded to help consumers “revitalize the benefits of natural cooking ware” - and aims to bring restaurant-standard cookware to your home kitchen.
Why this product?
The ratings of this product online speak for themselves. Carbon steel woks get better with use, and this one from Yosukata promises even heating and excellent heat retention to ensure the most flavorsome and impressive results.
It has a quality feel to it, and the welded handle and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to cook with.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned carbon steel construction
- Optimal heat dissipation and retention
- Rust-resistant
- Ergonomic handle design
- Will get better with time
Cons
- Only suitable for gas and open fire
- GENUINE TASTE: Discover the rich, authentic flavors of Chinese and other Asian cuisines in your own home. The Yosukata 14 inch wok with round bottom is specially designed to lock the juice and flavor inside ingredients
- PRE-SEASONED: Our carbon steel wok is pre-seasoned at high temperatures over 600F using special technics unlike unseasoned woks and stir fry pans. Still require full seasoning with oil like any Chinese wok
- HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS: This large wok pan is made from heavy-duty, black carbon steel. The ergonomic design of the wooden handle ensures a comfy grip when you use this cooking wok
- VERSATILITY: In addition to stir-frying, with the Yosukata 14'' pow wok, you can cook healthy meals using various traditional cooking techniques like pan-frying, braising, deep-frying, etc.
- EASY HANDLING and STORAGE: Our steel wok is convenient to carry and easy to store
3. Best Stainless Steel Wok: Willow & Everett Wok Pan
- Material: Stainless steel
- Diameter: 13 inches
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Suitable for: gas, induction or electric cooktop, oven
- Wok type: round-bottom
Material
Stainless steel woks are non-reactive, meaning they’re good for cooking dishes that contain vinegary or acidic ingredients such as Sweet and Pungent Pork, Orange Chicken, or Chinese Braised Fish.
These woks also have the advantage of being relatively lightweight and resistant to rust, meaning they’re super durable. After washing a stainless steel wok, you don’t have to heat it up to dry it and apply a thin coat of oil as you do for a cast iron or carbon steel wok, so they’re far easier to wash and dry.
The downside is that these woks are more prone to scorching foods due to their hot spots, which can also result in the base of the pan becoming blackened - and this can be hard to scrub off. They can also be prone to sticking.
The Product
While stainless steel woks can be prone to hot spots, this one from Willow & Everett claims to heat quickly and evenly, and the wide and deep nonstick surface is perfect for stir-frying, steaming, deep-frying, boiling, and searing.
One of the standout features of this wok is its heavy-duty 3-layer design. It features a tough and resistant stainless steel construction, with an aluminum inner layer for faster heating and a scratch-resistant, dishwasher-safe outer layer which is also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Along with your wok, you get a stainless steel bamboo handle spatula and a stainless steel dome cover lid.
About the Company
Willow & Everett claim to make “high-end kitchen products that don't break the bank.” While they haven’t been around for decades like some kitchenware brands, they do boast almost 1 million customers, two successful Kickstarters, and coverage on Forbes, HuffPost, and BuzzFeed.
Why this product?
Willow & Everett’s Stainless Steel Wok combines traditional simplicity with modern cooking technology. It has the traditional shape and concept of a China wok but merges it with better materials and a calculated design that offers efficient heating and more even cooking.
Pros
- Durable, solid construction
- 3-layers for more efficient heating
- Non-stick surface
- Scratch-resistant, heat resistant, and also dishwasher safe
- Materials are both PFOA and PTFE free
Cons
- May discolor/blacken quickly
- HEATS QUICKLY & EVENLY: Adapted from a traditional round-bottom stainless steel Chinese wok, our 13-inch large pan offers a wide and deep nonstick surface that is ideal for stir fry, steaming, deep frying, boiling, and searing.
- HEAVY DUTY DESIGN: The 3-layer woks are made of rust-resistant stainless steel for gas, induction or electric cooktop use. Built with an ergonomic handle and aluminum core that forms a scratch-resistant, nonstick surface. Dishwasher and oven safe.
- INCLUDES DOME LID & BAMBOO SPATULA: Along with this 13-inch, 4 lb stainless steel wok come 2 bonus items to complete the set: 1 stainless steel dome cover lid, and 1 stainless steel bamboo handle spatula. Great induction cookware!
- MASTER THE HEALTHY ONE-PAN DINNER: Woks and stir fry pans help make healthy cooking easier, faster and more efficient! This oversized wok lets you cook large servings and transition them to the dining table without ever dirtying another pan.
- A HOUSEWARMING PRESENT: Birthdays and holidays aren’t the only times to give gifts. Know someone moving into a new apartment or who just bought a house? This nonstick wok with lid makes for a perfect contribution to the new chapter in their life.
4. Best Flat-Bottom Wok: SKY LIGHT Wok Pan, No Chemical Stir Fry Pan
- Material: carbon steel
- Diameter: 13 inches
- Weight: 3.57 lbs
- Suitable for: electric, induction, gas and ceramic stoves, oven safe (but remove handle first)
- Wok type: flat-bottom
Material
We’ve already gone on about the benefits of a carbon steel wok, but what we haven’t mentioned is that it can also be healthier, not only because of the smaller amount of oil required but because carbon steel could also potentially lock in more of your food’s goodness and vitamins such as vitamin C which is quickly lost in an iron pan.
This Product
The surface of this carbon steel wok is nitriding processed, which improves its durability and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
You can also put it in the oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, just be sure to detach the anti-scalding wooden handle before doing so. The removable handle also makes the wok convenient for storing, and you can also hang it up via the hanging ring to save on storage space.
This wok is suitable for cooking on all surfaces, and it’s completely chemical-free thanks to having no coating on the surface, meaning there’s no need to worry about toxic substances or coatings falling off. The flat base also makes this wok easy to use on electric, induction, gas, and ceramic stoves.
About the Company
Sky Light manufactures a range of kitchenware and their mission “is to bring the art of craftsmanship to your kitchen with modern technology.”
From what we can tell, Sky Light sells mainly on Amazon, and there isn’t much company information available online so they’re likely a relatively new company, but they have an Amazon store set up.
Why this product?
The flat-bottom makes this wok highly versatile as it can be used on a range of cooktops, and the removable handle is also super convenient for using the wok in the oven or hanging it up to save storage space.
Carbon steel is also an excellent choice of material as it locks in flavors and the surface becomes naturally non-stick the more you use it.
Pros
- Durable carbon steel construction
- Even heat dissipation and retention
- Removable handle
- Oven safe up to 450 degrees
- Suitable for all cooktops
Cons
- Carbon woks require seasoning
5. Best Non-Stick China Wok: Chinese Wok Non-Stick Die-Casting
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 12.6 inches
- Weight: 4.64 lbs
- Suitable for: Induction, gas, ceramic, electric, halogen & solid fuel cookers
- Wok type: flat-bottom
Material
Non-stick woks are another popular choice, as they are easier to cook and clean, and require less oil, so they’re a healthier option.
In the past, there have been some health concerns related to non-stick coatings such as Teflon, but there is a range of non-stick materials on the market today and many of these are PFOA free.
While non-stick woks are very easy to cook with and clean, the downside is that they’re not made for high heat cooking, and stir-frying at high temperatures with Teflon-coated woks is NOT recommended.
Cooking at high temperatures with a non-stick wok will degrade the non-stick surface, which is precisely why you also can’t scrub non-stick woks clean with abrasive materials.
The Product
This wok from CookLover has a non-stick marble coating which not only looks great but it’s also coated by high-performance, non-stick German GREBLON C3+ PTFE, which makes this wok extremely easy to cook with and clean. It’s also 100% PFOA-free and doesn’t burn or smoke.
This wok comes with a glass lid with a steam vent so you can easily view your food while it’s cooking, and a heat-resistant and anti-slip ergonomic handle and knob allows you to easily grip and handle the wok and lid.
This flat-bottom wok has a sturdy, reinforced die-casted aluminum body that provides rapid, even heat distribution to save you both time and energy and eliminate the development of hot spots.
However, as we said earlier, non-stick woks are not ideal for stir-frying, and you should avoid using them on high heat. This wok can be safely used up to 220℃-280℃.
The Company
CookLover is owned by Jinhua Linghang Kitchen Industry Co. LTD and was established in 2000. It’s based in China, and the company’s factory produces up to 10,000 units a day.
The brand specializes in manufacturing cookware, in particular, pots and pans. Their cookware is precision die-cast from one molding using EU standard aluminum.
Why this product?
While non-stick woks aren’t recommended for stir-frying, this wok was too good to miss off our list entirely. It has a sturdy, durable feel to it and a stunning non-stick marble design that’s 100% PFOA-free.
This wok eliminates the need to cook with high quantities of oil, and it heats food quickly and evenly to allow you to save on energy and time.
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of cooktops
- German GREBLON C3+ PTFE non-stick coating
- 100% PFOA free
- Heat-resistant and anti-slip ergonomic handle and knob
- Glass lid with steam vent
Cons
- Not ideal for stir-frying or cooking at high temperatures
- 🍳NON-STICK GREBLON C3+ COATING: Interior & exterior is coated by high performance non-stick German GREBLON C3+ marble coating makes the wok pan easy to cook and clean. Safe temperature up to 260℃.
- 🍳SMOKELESS, GREEN & HEALTHY: Cooking with little oil for healthy diet, very durable surface, great non-stick effect, Environmental friendly and high temperature resistant.100% PFOA free Durable and non-burnt cookware.
- 🍳STURDY REINFORCED DIE-CAST BODY: Ensures fast, even heat distribution,4mm thicken bottom provides a stable heat distribution during cooking, rapidly heating up, saves time and energy, 3.5mm thickens aluminum body appropriate weight and heat conductive can ensure uniform heat dissipation and prevent hot spots.
- 🍳ERGONOMIC BAKELITE KNOB AND HANDLE: COOKLOVER's wok builds with heat resistant soft touch silicone Bakelite knob and handle with beautiful wood grain design (NOT REAL WOOD).
- 🍳VERTICAL SILICONE GLASS LID: With steam vent makes viewing food easily, heat-resistant and anti-slip Ergonomic handle and knob is nice to grip, easy to maneuver, safe and anti-scald.
Frequently Asked Questions
A wok is deeper than a frying pan and has a curved profile that is ideal for quick, high heat stir-frying, as the high walls of a wok allow the food to be easily tossed. Traditionally woks have a round bottom, but you can also get flat-bottomed versions that are designed for use on induction or electric stovetops.
Carbon steel woks are the wok material of choice for Chinese restaurants and chefs. Carbon steel seasons over time to create a non-stick surface that is wonderful to cook on. They’re also fairly inexpensive and are lighter than cast iron, so they’re easy to lift when stir-frying.
While non-stick woks are easy to clean and use, they aren’t suitable for heating at high temperatures, so they’re not the best choice of material when it comes to woks, especially if you plan on cooking a lot of stir-fries. Carbon steel is a better choice, and it will become naturally non-stick the more you use it.
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