Nothing tastes quite like fried rice or any fried dish for that matter. It is even better when you fry using a wok.
This ancient cooking utensil originates from China has evolved over the years. But what makes it stand out from other pans? For one, the wok is extremely versatile and can be used to cook using different techniques.
Other than that, it can reach wickedly high temperatures to give your food a beautiful sear. Today, we want to help you pick the best wok for stir fry.
If you are in the market for the same, this review will come in handy and you may want to stick around to the end.
Ten best woks in market: Comparison Table
Perhaps you have scanned this review and you feel like it’s a lot, or you are simply not the kind of person that enjoys reading through large chunks of text.
Not to worry, we have created the following comparison table that analyzes our top options. That should help you make a faster choice.
| SL | Product Name | Weight | Check Price |
| #1 | Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok | 5.3 pounds | Check Price |
| #2 | T-fal, Nonstick 14 in. Wok | 5.14 pounds | Check Price |
| #3 | T-fal A80789 Wok | 2 pounds | Check Price |
| #4 | Cooks Standard 13″ Wok | 8 pounds | Check Price |
| #5 | Craft Wok Carbon Steel Pow Wok | 4.39 pounds | Check Price |
| #6 | Ozeri 14″ Green Earth Wok | 3.1 pounds | Check Price |
| #7 | Lodge Pro-Logic Wok | 11 pounds | Check Price |
| #8 | MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Nonstick Wok | 4.96 pounds | Check Price |
| #9 | Joyce Chen 21-9977 Nonstick Wok | 4.4 pounds | Check Price |
| #10 | SCANPAN USA 12-1/2-Inch Wok | 2.19 pounds | Check Price |
How to Choose the Best Wok for Stir Fry?
It wouldn’t be wise to pick the first stir-fry wok that you come across. Instead, you want to consider several important factors before making your purchase such as:
Build Material
The ideal stir-fry wok should be lightweight and made from a conductive metal and this is why carbon steel is a popular choice.
Aluminum is another great option simply because it is lightweight. A cast iron wok would also make a good choice but only if you don’t mind its maintenance process and the fact that it is heavier.
Nonstick vs. Seasoned
Remember we mentioned that woks can get extremely hot? This also means that food is likely to stick to the base if the cooking surface is not seasoned or nonstick.
Carbon steel or cast iron wok can be seasoned using oil to give a naturally nonstick surface that improves with every use.
However, if you are not too keen on doing the work that comes with manual seasoning, you can purchase a wok with nonstick coating. This also makes cleaning and food release easy.
Flat vs. Curved Base
The traditional wok has a round-bottomed base that allows you to toss your ingredients easily. Unfortunately, most modern cooktops do not accommodate the curved bottom.
We would therefore advise you to go for a flat-bottomed wok or get a wok ring if you have to go for a round-bottomed one.
Handle Type
Usually, woks come with two metal handles on either side or a long wooden one and a smaller one on the different side.
For you to lift the wok without getting burnt, a stay-cool handle makes a great feature. Still, on the handle, it should provide a nonslip grip as well as be comfortable to hold.
That way, you will have an easier time flipping your food and cleaning the pan.
Wok Capacity
Do you love to entertain? Or you simply have a large family. If this is the case, go ahead and pick a large wok (they go as big as 8 quarts).
On the other hand, if you have a smaller family or live alone, you will be better off with a smaller wok. You also want to consider the storage space you have available when picking the size.
We took it upon ourselves to compile a list of the top-selling woks for stir-frying in a bid to help you make an informed and fast choice.
Here is what is available in the market.
Best wok for Stir Fry – buying guide
1. Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok
This piece could easily be our favorite wok for stir-frying simply because it is made from carbon steel. That means it heats up fast, distributes that heat evenly, and is quite lightweight.
Do not even get us started on the accessories. This wok comes with a stainless steel spatula and a wooden lid to make your cooking experience seamless. It also helps that the wok features a stay-cool handle to guarantee your safety while cooking.
What We Liked About It
Brought to you by a YouTube channel known as Souped Up Recipes, this carbon steel wok allows you to prepare different Chinese recipes that your family or guests will love.
Now, the wok does not come pre-seasoned but it does come with comprehensive and clear instructions for doing the same.
You also get value for your money with this piece because it is among the most affordable options on this list that does not compromise on quality. We love that about it.
What Could Have Been Better
This wok’s wooden handle broke after several uses according to some users. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality material for the handle.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Value for money
- Comes with accessories
Cons
- The handle could be stronger
2. T-fal, Nonstick 14 in. Wok
If you are looking for a wok option that is built to perform, you have to consider this piece. It features a hard-anodized aluminum build that retains heat beautifully and has a protective layer to make it scratch and corrosion-resistant.
You can also rely on this unit not to react with acidic foods. How cool is that?
What We Liked About It
Some woks are suitable for occasional use while others are made for everyday use. This particular one is made for the latter with its nonstick toxin-free interior.
The nonstick surface also makes cleaning easier and cooking a breeze. What we loved most, however, is that this wok comes with riveted handles designed to offer safety and comfort as well as a thick base to guarantee even heat distribution for perfectly cooked meals every time.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this wok’s nonstick coating peels off after a while. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality coating to avoid this.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Scratch-resistant
- Toxin-free interior
Cons
- Nonstick coating could be better
3. T-fal A80789 Wok
You will love this unit if you have an average-sized family because it comes with a large capacity. The fact that it is spacious also allows you to toss and turn your ingredients effortlessly.
Besides, it comes with a premium nonstick cooking surface that makes cooking and cleaning a walk in the park. Do not forget that with that, you also get to use less oil while cooking which translates to healthier eating.
What We Liked About It
This stir fry wok is made from aluminum but what does that mean for you? Simply that your wok will heat up faster and distribute that heat uniformly for evenly cooked food.
Moving away from that, the wok is oven safe thus allowing for convenient cooking and dishwasher safe making cleaning a breeze.
We love that this wok can be used as a gift as well seeing as it is aesthetically pleasing.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have reported that this wok’s interior surface scratches while cooking. We feel that the manufacturer should have applied a scratch-resistant coating to counter this.
Pros
- Oven-safe
- Easy to clean
- Gift-able
Cons
- Not scratch-resistant
4. Cooks Standard 13″ Wok
With an entire 13-inches, you can comfortably prepare family-sized meals in this wok. It features a stainless steel and aluminum build so you can rely on it to give you years of service.
It also has riveted handles that stay cool so that you do not get burnt while cooking. The handles are also comfortable to hold so maneuverability will not be an issue.
What We Liked About It
The product description of this wok states that it features a Multi-Ply Clad metal construction and what that means is that heat goes through the entire thing rather than just the bottom to deliver optimal cooking performance.
Another great thing about this piece is that the wok comes with a stainless-steel lid that fits securely to trap moisture and heat. As such, you can also simmer and steam your meals in this wok.
We also love that it is oven and dishwasher safe making cooking and cleaning a breeze.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, this unit is quite heavy which makes handling a bit difficult for some users. We feel that the manufacturer could have used lighter material in the construction to reduce the weight.
Pros
- Durable
- Stay-cool handles
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Could be lighter
5. Craft Wok Carbon Steel Pow Wok
You never have to question the longevity of this particular carbon steel wok seeing as it is built to offer durability.
It is round-bottomed which means that it will probably not sit securely on your modern cooktop. That said; you can always get a wok ring and go ahead to enjoy the authentic taste of stir-fried meals.
What We Liked About It
Hand-crafted by Chinese artisans, this unit from Craft Wok is a preferred choice by most Asian cuisine chefs. Quite heavy and sturdy as well.
Now, although this pan does not come with a nonstick surface, it does come with detailed instructions on how to season it.
Nevertheless, what we loved most about it is that it comes with an auxiliary handle that will not get hot even when stir-frying over high heat. The handle also comes in handy when it comes to storage because it can easily be hanged. We love that.
What Could Have Been Better
As reported by some users, this wok tends to rust over time. We feel that the manufacturer should have pre-seasoned it before releasing it to the market seeing as not everyone will be able to do that on their own.
Pros
- Distributes heat evenly
- Thick
- Build quality
Cons
- Not corrosion-resistant
6. Ozeri 14″ Green Earth Wok
This wok from Ozeri stands out from other ceramic cookware brands simply because it is coated with ultra-safe ceramic that is PFOA and PTFE free and inspired by nature.
You get superior nonstick performance without running the risk of releasing toxic fumes at high temperatures. Can it get any better than this?
What We Liked About It
It is highly unlikely that this pan’s interior will scratch seeing as it comes with a 100% ceramic coated interior that is also extremely easy to clean.
Other than that, it comes with a heat-resistant handle that will remain cool even while you stir-fry your meals under high heat.
We love that this piece heats up fast to save you time as well.
What Could Have Been Better
As per some users, this unit’s bottom fell off after a while of using it. The manufacturer should have reinforced it better or used a better quality base to avoid this.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Heavy duty
- Heat-resistant handle
Cons
- Questionable quality
7. Lodge Pro-Logic Wok
Lodge Pro-Logic is probably the only American that produces a full line of cast-iron cookware. The brand boasts of unparalleled quality for years and they continue to prove themselves with this wok.
With 14-inches of workspace, you can prepare any meal you want in this wok comfortably. Moreover, it comes with a flat base and large handles for easier operation.
What We Liked About It
If you enjoy uniformly cooked food, you will love this wok for stir fry. It provides even heating and unmatched heat retention to provide you with just that.
It also comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil to give a nonstick cooking surface. That means you get to grill, fry, sauté, or even sear your food.
What we found most appealing nonetheless is that this unit can be used in the oven to bake for those instances where you feel too lazy to cook.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have reported that this pan is too heavy making maneuverability close to impossible. We feel that the manufacturer should have used lighter material during construction to avoid this.
Pros
- Versatile
- Warm
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Quite heavy
8. MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Nonstick Wok
This could be the best wok for deep frying or even steaming. That is how versatile it is. It is a 5-quart nonstick unit that gives you enough space to cook enough food for your family.
It can also be used to bake. Surely, what more could you ask for?
What We Liked About It
With this unit, you also get longevity and superior cooking performance as well as a scratch-resistant surface. How so? Simply because it comes with a ceramic and titanium interior.
Still on that, you get to use less oil for healthier cooking, faster food release, and an easier clean-up process. You would think that is all but no, this unit is dishwasher safe as well so go figure.
We love that this wok heats up faster and distributes heat evenly. That means no hotspots for you. Instead, you get to save time and enjoy uniformly cooked food all the time.
What Could Have Been Better
Several users have reported that their orders arrived with scratches and dents. We feel that the manufacturer could have done a better job with the packaging.
Pros
- Easy food release
- Multipurpose
- Fast heating
Cons
- Packaging could be better
9. Joyce Chen 21-9977 Nonstick Wok
This Joyce Chen wok will certainly deliver the great cooking experience you are looking for when it comes to stir-frying. That is because it heats up quickly to deliver uniform cooking.
Besides, it features a stay-cool handle as well as an auxiliary one to offer comfortable and secure control. Burn injuries are highly unlikely in this scenario.
What We Liked About It
Any kitchen will benefit from having this 14-inch carbon steel wok. It is a multipurpose piece that can be used to cook an assortment of meals.
Moving on swiftly, this wok cuts down on cooking time just because it heats up fast. It also retains heat to ensure that your food remains warmer for longer. We love that about it.
What Could Have Been Better
Judging from reviews, this unit is high maintenance. The manufacturer should have considered this before releasing the product to the market.
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- Maneuverable
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- High maintenance
10. SCANPAN USA 12-1/2-Inch Wok
Whether you are looking to sear, braise, or brown your food, you will find this wok extremely useful as it comes with a ceramic cooking surface to facilitate all that.
Cleaning will not be an issue either with this wok seeing as it can be tossed in the dishwasher.
What We Liked About It
If you are the kind of person that loves baking, you will appreciate that this unit is oven safe up to 500°F. It also comes with an attractive warranty and that says a lot about its quality.
We love that this wok is toxin-free and that it uses little to no oil to cook. That means a healthier lifestyle for you.
What Could Have Been Better
Although the product description claims that you can use metallic utensils with this wok, some users have reported that it scratched after doing so.
We feel that the manufacturer should have been transparent with that to avoid customer mistrust.
Pros
- Toxin-free
- Reasonably priced
- Sturdy
Cons
- Misleading product description
Tips for Stir-Frying in a Wok
Here are several tips to help you make the most out of your wok when it comes to stir-frying.
1. Your wok should be smoking hot before you put any ingredients in. This cuts on cooking time and guarantees you that authentic wok taste.
2. Never cook ice-cold food. Wait for it to thaw. Cold food instantly cools down your wok and you do not want that.
3. Add a few ingredients at a time. Do not just throw everything in there as that will cool down your wok.
4. Slice your vegetable and meat before cooking them. The goal is to expose as much surface area as possible.
5. Stir your ingredients often to ensure they are uniformly cooked.
6. Woks heat up fast. Have your ingredients ready before you turn the flame on to ensure you do not end up with burnt food.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following commonly asked questions are supposed to help you when it comes to picking the best-selling stir-frying wok for money.
Between carbon steel and cast iron wok, which is better?
Carbon steel conducts heat better than cast iron. However, this is balanced out because cast iron is a thicker material.
Cast iron is easier to clean up and you do not have to worry about food sticking to the base or the seasoning getting into your food while cooking. We would therefore say that carbon steel is a great option for modern cooktops while cast iron works better in the traditional setting.
What is the best material for a wok?
We would have to say carbon steel. Not only is it the most common material used for wok construction, but it is also recommended by Asian cuisine chefs.
Other than that, it is durable, lightweight, and inexpensive. Above all, it heats up rapidly and evenly.
Are Woks Japanese or Chinese?
The wok is a round-bottomed cooking pot that originates from China. As such, the answer to this question would be China.
Our Top Pick
Having analyzed all 10 products, we have chosen the Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok as our top pick. This unit can easily pass as the best wok for stir fry or even deep frying. That’s seeing as it features a carbon steel construction, heats up rapidly, distributes heat evenly, and is on the lighter side.
It also comes with accessories such as a wooden lid and stainless steel spatula to simplify your cooking experience. Other than that, it comes with stay-cool handles to guarantee your safety while cooking.
Another great thing about this wok is that it is among the most inexpensive on our list even though it comes with an assortment of features. That gives you value for money and we love that about it.
Conclusion
Stir-frying invokes an extraordinary cooking experience. You get to flip your ingredients into a sizzling pan, meat, and vegetables tumbling in the air to release an irresistible and savory aroma.
A wok makes the perfect companion for cooking that way seeing as it can get extremely hot. It also makes a user-friendly and inexpensive cooking companion.
We understand that you may find it difficult to make the right choice especially because the market is saturated with different kinds of woks. This guide should help you with that so do not be afraid to take advantage of it.
