Best Carbon Steel Wok Reviews in 2023 – Buying Guides
What is the best carbon steel wok? The wok lover find carbon steel wok reviews. Carbon steel wok is a round cooking utensils that can be used to prepare different types of dishes. It is originating from China. Because of its good performance, it become a popular kitchen utensil all over the world. Best to use on gas, electric or induction burner.
This wok can be found in different size, shape, design and color. So many kinds of cooking you can do with this wok such as steaming, poaching, boiling, roasting nuts, stir-frying, stewing, brazing, making soup etc. Easy to wash and use. Wok needs to season before use it.
Many years ago the Chinese have used a rounded cooking surface called a wok. The means of the word “wok” is “cooking pot.” Most Asian cultures use woks as their main cooking materials. In Japan, the word of wok is translated to “Chinese pot.” In other Asian cultures, woks are known as kuali. Indian culture also uses a wok.
The first woks appear in Han Dynasty tombs, as small terracotta versions on top of small terracotta stoves.
There are two vital reasons that the wok may have become a popular cooking utensil are that they require very little fuel to cook in and that they were versatile. Different types of meals could be prepared with very few ingredients.
This type of wok is made with different materials, but the most common is carbon steel. The best carbon steel woks are lightweight, affordable, heat up quickly and are durable.
Carbon steel woks are available in different style, color, shape, and design. It is best to use on gas, induction or electric. By using this wok you can do steaming, poaching, boiling, roasting nuts, stir frying, stewing, braising, making soup, etc. It makes your life easy and save time while cooking. Before use the carbon steel wok, season it first. Do not use olive oil while cooking. Wash this wok with hot water and wipe it with the sponge or wet cloth. Do not use soap to clean it.
Carbon steel wok is the most popular wok because it transfers heat evenly, heats up firstly, produces its own nonstick coating and it is affordable. Something to consider when choosing a wok.
How to buy Best Carbon Steel Wok
Carbon steel wok is a very useful utensil not just to make perfect Chinese food. It is perfect to make stir fry, steaming, boiling, deep frying and braising meat. Woks come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. To have a good wok you should research the different types of wok, choose one and buy that from ideal location. Before use the wok, you need to know how to use and take care of the wok.
Size and Height
The height and the size of the product needs to consider before buy a carbon steel wok. . If you get one that is too deep, the heat will be retained in the bottom and the transfer of heat to the sides will not be proper and result in uneven cooking.
On the other hand, if the wok is too shallow you will not be able to move and toss foods up the sides. The measurement of a wok should be a 14-inch pan with a minimum of 5 inches for the flat-bottomed ones, and a depth of 4 inches.
The Shape
This wok either a flat-bottomed or rounded bottom it will perform well If you use a gas stovetop. If your cooker is electric or an induction range, you should go for the flat-bottomed style because it will sit comfortably on top of it without wobbling.
Handles
This type of wok comes with different handles. Some of them come with two small loop handles opposite each other, some have a long handle on one side and a loop handle on the other side, while others simply have only one long handle. The reason of the handles is the same purpose: to lift the wok up. Select your wok on the basis of your preference and technique.
Accessories and Utensils
Some carbon steel woks are sold individually. But others come in a set that consists of a ladle, lid, burner rings steamer tray, spatula, etc.
Before choose one decide what you will use the wok for. Besides stir-frying, there are many other options like steaming, smoking and deep frying and all these will require extra pieces for proper and great cooking.
Decide the buying options
First, you need to decide where to buy wok. You can go to the department store or you can buy from the online. If you decide to buy from the online, you need to choose the right website and see the customer review.
Price
Decide a price range. You can find a good and durable carbon steel wok for about $30. This type of wok can be found as high as $200 or more, but it is not necessary to spend that much money.
Buy the accessories
You need to buy accessories. Most woks will come with some key accessories in the box, but the accessories are not so much good. You need to purchase accessories. Necessary accessories to buy are:
- A domed cover.
- Two long-handled Chinese spatulas
- A shallow Chinese ladle with a large bowl. It can be either metal or wooden.
How to Season a Carbon Steel Wok
This wok need to season before use. First scrub it clean, then wipe it dry and heat it over medium heat with two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Clean with kitchen paper, rub the oil over the surface of the wok. Continue every five minutes for about twenty minutes, until the kitchen paper comes out clean.
Maintenance
Carbon steel should not be exposed to soap. Cleaning your carbon steel wok should consist of a simple rinse with hot water, wipe with a sponge or wet cloth. If food still stick, a bamboo wok cleaning brush or a stainless steel cloth can be used.
When cooking with your carbon steel wok never use olive oil or any other oil with a low flash point in your wok. Another advantages of a carbon steel wok is that it needs less oil with each use and becomes more nonstick over time.
Top 5 Best Carbon Steel Wok Reviews
Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok Uncoated Carbon Steel, 14-inch
Joyce Chen when she opened her first restaurant, she found that the quality and selection of Chinese cookware in America adjust with her high standards. So, she developed her own good wok. Joyce Chen product sources from all over the Pacific Rim to bring the best of Asia today.
The 14” Carbon Steel Flat Woks main features is its professional weight 2.0 mm, with heavy –gauge carbon steel body. It has phenolic handles to stay cool.
- It is ideal for gas and electric ranges.
- Made out of heavy gauge carbon steel.
- Its weight is 2.0 mm.
- Extra helper handle stabilizes and simplifies transport.
- It has ergonomic phenolic handle to stay cool and fits comfortably.
- For hanging, requires seasoning and hand wash it has loop on handle.
- Flat bottom wok is 14-inch diameter.
Pros:
- Extra helper handle.
- Ideal for gas and electric.
- Ergonomic phenolic handle to stay cool.
Cons:
- Wash only with hot water.
Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen 14-inch Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Lidded Wok Stir Fry Pan Set
This carbon steel wok is made for use on gas or electric burners. This 14-inch carbon steel wok is great to make delicious Asian meals for your whole family. This pan is weighted heavy.
This carbon steel pan is perfect for preparing Asian style recipes such as curried shrimp with lemon rice and Szechwan beef stir-fry. It has heat resistant durable and attractive wooden handles. This Pan has a loop on the handle for easy hanging storage.
This carbon steel wok set comes with 1.6mm 14-inch carbon steel flat bottom, 13-inch bamboo spatula and recipe booklet. For good result, this pan needs to wash by hand.
- Helen Chen creates it.
- This pan has durable and attractive wooden handles.
- Made for use on gas or electric burner.
- This set includes 14-inch wok, domed metal lid, 13-inch bamboo spatula and recipe booklet.
- It is 1.6 mm, quick conduction and comfortable weight.
- Recommended to wash by hand and simple initial seasoning required.
Pros:
- It has durable and attractive wooden handles.
- This set comes with 14-inch wok, metal lid, 13-inch bamboo spatula and recipe booklet.
- Comfortable weight and quick conduction.
Cons:
- Wash by hand, and initial seasoning needed.
Joyce Chen 21-9978, Classic Series Carbon Steel Wok, 14-inch
This 14- inch carbon steel wok is the perfect combination of features, function, and size. This pan will deliver excellent cooking performance, and it has a long Brich wood handle and side helper for easy lifting.
It helps to stay cool on the stovetop so, you can easily remove the pan from the burner. Its curved sides extend the cooking surface, which helps with tossing and stirring.
This pan has enough room to cook a whole fish. Steaming, simmering or deep frying are just a few of its multiple uses. This pan is made for use on gas, electric or induction stove. This carbon steel wok need to seasoning.
- It is natural carbon steel.
- It has birch wood handles.
- Made for use on gas, electric or induction burner.
- This wok is 14-inch diameter.
- It is 1.5 mm gauge carbon steel body.
Pros:
- Excellent cooking performance.
- It has a long Brich wood handle and side helper handle for easy lifting.
- Because of the handle, it is stay cool on the stovetop. You can quickly remove the pan from the burner.
- It has enough room to cook a whole fish.
Cons:
- Seasoning is required.
16-inch Carbon Steel Hand Hammered Wok (wok ring not included)
Most woks in the U.S. today are made using sophisticated machinery. But many woks in China are still crafted by the traditional hand-hammered method. Metal handles. Wok ring is not included with the round bottom wok.
- Round bottom to use on the gas burner.
- This wok comes with two loop handles.
- Surface is hand hammered and heats food evenly.
- Its included wok ring.
- After wash wok needs to dry.
- This wok needs to season before use.
Pros:
- It has two loop handles.
- Round bottom great to use on gas stove.
- Wok ring included with the wok.
Cons:
- Seasoning needed before use and its need to dry after use.
BergHOFF Geminis 11.75″ Carbon Steel Wok
This carbon steel wok is European design and three layer ferno ceramic. PFOA and PTFE free. Five years’ warranty and made from cast iron, silicone, and stainless steel. It is black color. No assembly required. 21.8 in. L x 12 in. W x 7.8 in. H (4.32 lbs.).
- Black color
- Design is European
- This is PFOA and PTFE free
- It is three layer ferno ceramic
- This is made from cast iron, silicone and stainless steel
Pros:
- Five years’ warranty
- PFQA and PTFE free
- This is three layers fernp ceramic
Cons:
- No assembly required.
Final Verdict
Carbon steel wok is most popular wok in the world. It heats up quick and transfer the heat properly. Many dishes can be preparing with this wok. Woks are available in different style, color, shape and design. It is best to use on gas, induction or electric. By using a wok you can do steaming, poaching, boiling, roasting nuts, stir frying, stewing, brazing, making soup etc. It is make your life easy and save time while cooking. So get the best carbon steel wok reviews and enjoy cooking.
