Content Summary
A wok is a great investment if you want to make delicious Asian cuisine at home. If you are looking for the best wok for electric stove, you have come to the right place!
While wok cooking is conquering the world, many wok users are unaware of the possibilities it offers - apart from traditional stir fry. In this blog post, we will review some of the best woks for electric stove on the market and explore their endless possibilities.
We examined three different woks: a carbon steel wok, a cast iron wok, and a stainless steel wok. In the end, we decided to choose three carbon steel woks to be our "best woks for electric stove".
Our main considerations: they are relatively light, which makes them easy to handle when cooking wok style: We call it "action cooking". Another consideration: all Asian cooks we have met all choose carbon steel.
Now, we will help you decide which one of these three is best for your needs. We will talk about the different features that you should look for when choosing a wok, as well as some of the best wok brands on the market. Let's get started!
Catchy Finds' 3 Picks In The Spotlight
YOSUKATA Black Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok
What Makes It Catchy
Looking for a top quality wok pan that will last you a lifetime? This professional-grade wok pan is made from tough, black carbon steel, pre-seasoned at high temperatures over 600˚F, that can take years of wear and tear.
The ergonomic wooden handle ensures a comfortable grip during use, while the pan itself is expertly crafted and hammered by artisans to perfection.
Additionally, the 13.5’’ size is perfect for feeding a family or small group, and the included wooden handle makes it easy to grip, carry and store. With a tightly welded and fixed base, this wok is a perfect choice for any home chef.
Things In The Spotlight
This is a perfect tool for unlocking the rich, authentic flavors of Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese cuisines in your own home!
This wok has been specially designed with a flat bottom to lock in the juice and flavor of ingredients, ensuring that every dish is packed with flavor.
But the Yosukata wok is not just for stir-fry – it’s also incredibly versatile, and can be used for healthy deep-fried, braised or pan-fried meals.
Craft Wok Flat Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
Best Choice For Its Sturdiness
Craft Wok Flat Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
What Makes It Catchy
This superior quality wok is hand-hammered by Chinese professionals in Guangzhou. It is made from 15 gauge (1.8mm) thick carbon steel, making it extremely sturdy and durable.
It also has a flat bottom, making it ideal for use on an electric or an induction cooktop. The original design by Craft Wok, among flat bottomed woks this wok has been a favorite among professional Chinese chefs for years.
With a diameter of 14 inches, this wok is large enough to cook for a family or small group, but not so large that it's unwieldy to use, make it perfect for cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
Things In The Spotlight
This wok is made with traditional methods and materials, ensuring that you get the best possible performance out of your cooking.
The flat bottom of the wok ensures even heat distribution, while the hand-hammered construction ensures durability and longevity.
This wok must be seasoned before use, but don't worry - easy seasoning instructions are included with purchase. Though it may take some time to learn how to properly season and care for the wok, this investment will be worth it when you see the incredible results you can achieve with this kitchen tool.
Bielmeier Carbon Steel Wok
What Makes It Catchy
This wok is made of high-quality carbon steel, which ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking. It is also equipped with a flat base that makes it compatible with all types of stovetops, from gas stoves to induction cooktops and of course, electric stoves.
This wok is lighter in weight and quicker to heat than cast iron or stainless steel pans, and it can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including frying, stir-frying, stewing, and so on.
With these tools, you'll be able to create delicious meals that are sure to impress your family and friends. And best of all, the Bielmeier wok is available at an unbeatable price.
Things In The Spotlight
In addition to its superior construction, the Bielmeier Carbon Steel Wok also comes with some handy accessories. These include a wooden lid, wok spatula, 12.5-inch cooking chopsticks, and a Loofah pot brush.
The wooden lid allows slow cooking or steaming. The mouth at the right edge makes it easy to pour soup. The hammer pattern looks very special.
Plus, the removable wooden handle allows you to easily put it in the oven, making it a versatile kitchen tool. Cleaning and keeping it dry may help to reduce rust. However, after cleaning, you will need to season the pan with oil. We recommend canola oil, for its high smoking temperature.
Note: see the FAQs for an instruction on how to season your carbon steel wok.
Wok For Electric Stove FAQs
Many people are curious about the best way to use a wok on an electric stove. To help answer those questions, we've put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about using a wok pan on an electric stove. Keep reading for more information!
What is a wok?
In Chinese "wok" means cooking pot. Although it's impossible to date when woks were invented, it must have been over 2,000 years ago. The round wok has been, and still is, the foremost cooking appliance in China. Nowadays, you can find woks all over the world, and not only in Chinese kitchens.
Most famous for stir fry, the wok pan is used for many other purposes, such as deep fry, steaming, braising and making soups and sauces. Traditional woks are everywhere, but their diaspora has resulted in use of different materials like aluminum and stainless steel, and adapting qualities like nonstick and dishwasher safe.
Woks with electric heating elements are also available. But one thing has not changed in 2,000 years: it's a great instrument for creating delicious dishes.
What is the best wok to use on electric stove?
The best wok to use on an electric stove is a flat-bottomed wok. A wok with a round bottom is not recommended because it will not sit flat on an electric burner and could potentially wobble, making it difficult (and dangerous!) to cook food evenly.
A wok with a round bottom works best on gas stoves, but always use a wok ring to stabilize the pan. If you do not have a flat-bottomed wok, in theory you can use a wok with a round bottom by placing a sheet of aluminum foil or an upside-down metal baking tray underneath, to make it sit flat on the burner.
However, it will be very hard to do a good job cooking, as only a tiny part of the pan will be heated. It is also not without danger.
Do woks work well on electric stoves?
Woks work fine on electric stoves, as long as they have a flat bottom. They heat up quickly and evenly, so you can get that perfect sear on your meats or veggies.
And because they're so shallow, there's less risk of food sticking or burning. Plus, woks are just fun to cook with - they make it feel like you're really in the kitchen for some genuine action-cooking!
What kind of wok can I use on a glass top stove?
On a glass top stove it's best to use a flat-bottomed wok. This will help to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking.
If you have a second burner, you can also use a ring to elevate the wok. This will give you more control over the cooking process and help to prevent burning.
What material is best for a wok?
There may not be a definitive answer to this question since different people may have different preferences. Some prefer carbon steel because it conducts heat evenly, while others may find that cast iron or stainless steel works better for them. Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking to get out of your wok and what type of cooking you will be doing with it.
If you are looking for an all-purpose wok that can be used for multiple cooking techniques, carbon steel is a good option. It heats up quickly and uniformly, allowing you to sear meat or cooking vegetables with ease. Additionally, carbon steel is less likely to stick than other materials, making it ideal for stir-frying.
On the other hand, cast iron pans are best for deep-frying or braising since they can retain heat better than other materials. Stainless steel woks are also a good option for those who want an easy-to-clean wok that is still durable.
No matter what material you choose, make sure that it is compatible with your stove type. A stainless steel wok, a cast iron wok and a carbon steel wok all work fine on an induction cooktop, as their materials are ferro-magnetic. Aluminum or copper woks cannot be used on induction cooktops because they are not magnetized.
Which is better, a cast iron or carbon steel wok?
Both cast iron and carbon steel woks have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Cast iron woks are heavier and more durable than carbon steel woks. They also have a non-stick cooking surface that makes them easier to clean. However, cast iron cookware must be seasoned before they are used and they can be quite slow to heat up.
A carbon steel wok is lighter than a cast iron wok, but not as durable. It doesn't have a non-stick surface, which means it requires more care when cleaning. However, a carbon steel wok pan heats up much faster than a cast iron wok pan.
Is a stainless steel wok an alternative for a carbon steel or cast iron wok?
Of course there is nothing wrong with stainless steel cookware. You will find woks with, for example, a triple layer stainless steel construction and a stainless steel handle.
The main issue with a stainless steel wok, is that it takes too long to heat up, and like cast iron, it's just too heavy to manoeuvre when you stir fry, or need to do a fast adjustment of your ingredients.
There is no perfect wok. We believe the selected 3 carbon steel woks are currently the "best woks for electric stove".
Are electric woks worth it?
Electric woks are definitely worth it! They're a great way to cook food quickly and evenly without having to use a lot of oil. However, if you are used to a non-electric wok, you may need some time to get used to handling it.
In other words, you are not as free to manoeuvre the pan as what you were used to. They come in a variety of different sizes, so you can find one that's perfect for your needs.
Can you stir fry on an electric stove?
Yes, you can stir fry on an electric stove, as long as you have the right pan. In fact, many people prefer to stir fry on an electric stove because it heats more evenly than a gas stove.
To stir fry on an electric stove, you will need a wok or a large frying pan that is specially designed for stir fry. You will also need to heat the pan over medium-high heat before adding oil.
Once the oil is hot, add your ingredients and quickly stir them around until they are cooked through. Make sure to keep stirring so that the ingredients don't burn.
Which is better, a flat or round bottom wok?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your own cooking preferences and techniques.
Some people find that a round bottom wok is better for stir-frying, while others prefer the flat bottom wok for tasks such as deep frying.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which type of wok works better for your own cooking style.
Can you use a flat bottom wok on an electric stove?
Yes. A flat bottomed wok works fine on an electric stove, as the heat is conducted evenly, while it will be steady. A round bottomed wok is better suited for a gas stove. So electric stove woks always have a flat bottom.
What kind of wok do Chinese chefs use?
The wok that Chinese chefs use is called a carbon steel wok. It is a convex-shaped pan that is made of thin metal. The sides of the wok are flared, which allows the chef to easily toss food while cooking. Carbon steel woks are lightweight and conduct heat quickly, which makes them ideal for stir-frying.
Another type of wok that Chinese chefs use is called a cast iron wok. These woks are heavier than carbon steel woks and take longer to heat up. However, they retain heat better and can be used for cooking at higher temperatures. Cast iron woks are often used for deep-frying or for cooking over an open flame.
They are heavy, and even if you offer Chinese chefs a high quality cast iron pan, they may still reject it and opt for the carbon steel one. Why? They find them way easier to handle, while the quality of the food is the same.
Whatever type of wok you choose, make sure that it is the right size and material for your stove. Woks come in a variety of sizes, so you should be able to find one that is a perfect fit.
Are carbon steel pans OK for glass top stoves?
Some people say that carbon steel pans are OK for glass top stoves, but I wouldn't recommend it because they can scratch the surface.
I would recommend using a light-colored anodized aluminum pan on a glass top stove. Anodized aluminum is nonstick and scratch-resistant. It also heats evenly, so your food won't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Note: do not confuse a glass top stove with an induction cooktop. However, although a carbon steel pan works well on an induction stove, be "soft and gentle": they may scratch its surface.
Are carbon steel woks OK for electric top stoves?
Yes, carbon steel woks are definitely ok for electric top stoves. In fact, they work really well on them! The reason is that carbon steel is an excellent conductor of heat, so it ensures that your food cooks evenly and quickly.
It also has a non-stick surface which makes cleanup a breeze. Just be sure to season your wok well before using it for the first time, clean it well after use, and season it again before each use.
How do you use a wok on a flat electric stove?
If you've never used a wok before, it can be a little daunting to know how to get started. Here are some tips on how to use a wok on a flat electric stove:
1. Start with the right size wok. If you have a small stove, opt for a smaller wok so that it fits snugly over the burner. If you have a large stove, you can choose between a larger or smaller wok depending on how much food you typically cook at one time.
2. Place the wok on the burner and turn it up to high heat. You want the wok to be very hot before adding any oil or ingredients, so that they will sear and cook quickly.
If your stove has an exposed heating element, be careful not to touch it with the wok as it will be extremely hot.
Which is better: an electric wok or stove top wok?
There isn't really a definitive answer to this question since it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer electric woks because they find them easier to use and clean, while others prefer stove top woks because they find the food tastes better.
If you're looking for an electric wok, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- First, make sure that the wok is made of durable material like carbon steel, cast iron or stainless steel.
- Second, look for an electric wok that has adjustable temperature settings so you can control how hot the surface gets.
- Third, choose an electric wok that comes with a complementary steamer basket - this way, you can steam vegetables or cook rice at the same time as stir-frying your protein of choice.
As for stove top woks, the most important thing is to find one that fits snugly over your burner. You also want to make sure that the wok is made of a material that conducts heat well, like carbon steel or cast iron.
And finally, be sure to season your wok before using it for the first time - this will help create a non-stick surface and prevent food from sticking to the wok.
So, which is better? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
How much does a good wok cost?
A wok is an important piece of equipment in any Chinese kitchen, and a good wok should last you for many years if properly cared for. With that said, a good quality wok will usually set you back anywhere from 50 - 200 US$.
Of course, you can find cheaper options out there, but they likely will not withstand the high heat needed for proper stir fry cooking.
Additionally, lower quality woks might not be made from materials that distribute heat evenly, meaning your food could end up unevenly cooked.
So while it might be tempting to save a few bucks by opting for a cheaper model, in the long run it’s worth it to invest in a quality (preferably, nonstick) wok that will serve you well for years to come, as long as you are willing to give some tender loving care to your wok.
Is a wok ring necessary?
On a gas stove, for woks with a round bottom, absolutely. A wok ring stabilizes the wok, helps spread out the flame under the wok for better heat distribution, and makes wok cooking safer.
Without a ring, you limit the heat to the small space of the flame. On an electric stove, just get a flat bottom wok. Using a wok ring won't work.
How do you season a carbon steel wok on an electric stove?
When you use a wok for the first time, and it hasn't been pre-seasoned, thoroughly clean it to take off its top layer. Rinse it until the water is clear. Then, heat the wok for a few minutes, until it is very hot.
Now add vegetable oil with a high smoke point (like canola oil; don't use olive oil or sesame oil), and spread it evenly over the surface with a teflon brush. Lower the heat, and let it stand for a few minutes. Finally, rinse it well under hot water.
If you are in doubt if it's now well-seasoned, test it by frying an egg. When it doesn't stick, it's done.
Best Wok For Electric Stove For You
So, what’s the verdict? Out of our three picks for the best wok for electric stovetops, which is your favorite?
Check out our other blog posts for reviews on other kitchen appliances.
Thank you for reading!
Happy woking!
Catchy Finds