Food as art comes in diverse cooking styles using various utensils. Specifically, we have taken an interest in the special utensil, a wok. If you want to have a feel of Chinese cooking, the wok is a great starting point. For the modern kitchen, we recommend using the best wok for electric stove cookers to obtain the most delicious delicacies.
Accordingly, we have put together an informative buying guide to help you find quality woks for your electric cooking tops. Even so, let's first understand the wok better.
What kind of wok can I use on a glass top stove?
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What is a Wok?
A wok is a deep bowl-shaped utensil with origins in China. In appearance, it has the impression of a pan but now a deeper one, resembling a cooking pot. In the Chinese tradition, a wok was used for steaming dishes, pan-frying, deep-frying, stewing, searing and stir-frying. Other kitchen utensils that accompany a wok include a spatula and a lid for delicious meals.
In the modern kitchen, a wok is ideal when food needs to be stirred constantly especially fragile meats and soft vegetables. With this understanding of a wok, read on for our top eight woks for electric stove reviews.
1. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
- Round Bottom Heavy 14 Inch 15 gauge (1.8mm) carbon steel wok,...
- Not suitable for flat electric or flat induction stove. Carbon...
- Hand hammered by Chinese professionals in Guangzhou. This wok is...
- Steel helper handle will not burn when you stir fry over high...
- Craft Wok - Love Wok! We are a team of professionals drawn...
Our top recommendation for the best wok for electric stove cookers is the Craft Wok Carbon Steel Wok. We love this Asian-inspired wok since it is made with lightweight carbon steel, which effectively conducts heat. In addition, this carbon steel wok has a straight wooden handle and a stainless steel helper handle. Combining its lightweight feature and enabling handles, this Craft Wok model is the ideal companion for stir-frying, reversing and tossing food.
For its maintenance, this carbon steel wok requires seasoning with oil before use. Subsequently, the cooking surface will blacken, leaving a glistening surface that will, in turn, require little or no oil to allow the sliding of food while cooking. However, this wok doesn't work well with flat electric or induction stoves.
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2. Lodge Pro-Logic Wok with Flat Base
- One Lodge Pre-Seasoned 14 Inch Cast Iron Wok
- Large handles and flat base for easier handling
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
- Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- Use to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, fry, or grill
If you are looking for a cast-iron wok, we've got you covered with the Lodge Pro-Logic Flat-Base Wok. The Lodge Pro-Logic pan is durable with excellent heat conductivity for rapid cooking. Additionally, this sturdy pan is flexible since you can use it to make an easy egg toast or a complex delicacy with complex ingredients. Also, due to its flat base, this cast iron wok is best suited for any stove, with the cast iron rendering highly effective on any heat source.
Moreover, this wok offers utmost food safety since it doesn't have non-slip coatings that might come off and taint food flavor and quality. Even more, its full cast iron construction ensures that it is easy to clean with soap and hot water. Over time, this wok develops a non-slip cooking surface. However, you should avoid using this heavy wok on a glass top since it might risk breakage.
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3. Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok
- PRE-SEASONED FOR IMMEDIATE USE - Sizzling stir frys, crispy deep...
- VIDEO AND WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS - Had problems with other carbon...
- THE ORIGINAL FLAT BOTTOM WOK - Works on electric stoves,...
- SOUPED UP RECIPES CARBON STEEL WOK - Manufactured and imported by...
- VIRAL TAKEOUT RECIPES - Over 900,000 subscribers trust her...
Another carbon steel wok on our list is by Souped Up Recipes. This flat-bottom wok is lightweight and a good conductor of heat, making it ideal for rapid cooking. In addition, this wok is a great alternative to a cast iron wok, but it will require seasoning before using it.
In its functionality, this Souped Up Recipes wok is highly versatile in cooking both simple and complex meals. Asides from using this wok on an electric stove, you can also use this wok on an induction cooktop. Fortunately, this wok comes with accessories: a spatula and a wooden lid. Also, for safe handling, this wok has a straight wooden handle for easy tossing and food reversing.
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4. T-fal A80789 Specialty Nonstick Jumbo Wok
- Large capacity for cooking family size meals
- Superior nonstick interior and exterior make it easy to cook and...
- Aluminum construction for fast and even heat distribution
- Dishwasher safe; Oven safe upto 350 degrees Fahrenheit
If you are a fan of non-stick kitchenware, we have one on our list in the name of T-fal A80789 Jumbo wok. Favorably, this cookware is large enough to cater for family-sized amounts, thus the label 'Jumbo'. When it comes to its nonstick feature, its interior is coated with non-Teflon material. Besides its nonstick coat, this wok is made with lightweight aluminum material with superior heat distribution.
As a result of its non-stick features, this wok ensures clean cooking results with minimal oils. Also, due to the nonstick surface, this pan is easy to clean with the convenience of a dishwasher. However, for longer service of the non-stick coating, you should use wooden utensils like a bamboo spatula to avoid scrubbing it off.
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5. Cuisinart 726-38H Chef’s Classic Stainless Stir-Fry Pan
- 14-inch stir-fry pan made of stainless steel with encapsulated...
- Kindly refer to User Manual Page No 2 for the troubleshooting...
- See-through glass cover with loop handle and stainless-steel rim.
- Dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup; oven-safe up to 550 degrees F.
We also recommend the Cuisinart 726-38H stir fry pan for a stainless steel feel. From its outlook, this wok has a mirror finish impression that will appeal to any cooking space and make you feel like a professional chef. In addition to its appearance, this cookware comes with a glass lid for moisture and heat retention as food cooks.
Luckily, this wok is safe for the dishwasher to maintain its shiny impression for a long time. Overall, you can use this pan for both easy and complex delicacies with the help of its even heat distribution.
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6. Helen’s Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok
- Helen’s Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel Wok for stir frying,...
- Made from 1.6-millimeter carbon steel with heat-resistant bamboo...
- Carbon steel distributes heat quickly so foods cook evenly;...
- Flat bottom sits securely on any stovetop; works with gas,...
Another excellent pan model with the signature feel of Asian cookware is Helen's Asian Kitchen Wok. This cookware has a body of carbon steel and a handle made with bamboo. Moreover, this wok comes with a helper handle for easy turning, food reversing, and easy hanging storage for extra convenience.
Even more, this pan is ideal for diverse wok-cooked dishes with different styles, including stir-frying, braising, deep-frying and sauteing. Additionally, it comes with a lid that retains heat inside for obtaining the correct flavors. Notably, this wok doesn't have a non-stick coating, but the carbon steel accumulates patina over time that ultimately provides the non-stick performance.
Overall, you can use this wok on diverse stovetops, including electric, induction and gas. You also need not worry about its utility life because it has a strong riveted design that reinforces its sturdiness on fire and in the kitchen.
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7. Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Multi-Ply Clad Wok
- 13-inch wok made of 18/10 stainless steel with aluminum core
- Solid stainless-steel riveted handles stay cooler with air-flow...
- Secure-fitting stainless-steel dome lid traps in heat and...
- Dishwasher-safe; oven-safe to 500 degrees F
Another wok that is functional and still looks stylish is the Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Multi-Ply Clad Wok. This wok for electric stoves is constructed with high-quality stainless steel. It is also polished with a quality silver finish that gives it an impressive look. In addition, this cookware has exceptional heat distribution qualities with an effective air-flow system for maintaining cool handles.
Due to its stainless steel exterior, this pan is scratch-resistant and durable. After use, you can clean it using a dishwasher. Finally, you can use this wok in induction hobs, gas stoves and electric stoves.
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8. Joyce Chen Flat Bottom Wok
- Flat bottom wok with a 14-inch diameter; ideal for electric or...
- Constructed of heavy gauge carbon steel; 2. 0 mm professional...
- Ergonomic Phenolic handle fits comfortably and stays cool
- Additional helper handle stabilizes and simplifies transport
- Loop on handle for hanging storage; requires seasoning; hand wash
Joyce Chen Flat Bottom Wok is another perfect option that you could purchase if you want to purchase a durable wok. It is designed with a heavy gauge carbon steel that makes it long-lasting. Additionally, it features a handle that gives you a good and comfortable grip as you make your favorite dishes. It also has an additional handle that offers you easy portability.
The Joyce Chen Flat Bottom Wok also has a loop at the handle that allows you to hang the wok, saving storage space. These carbon steel woks are constructed with metal that is super easy to clean and maintain. The amazing thing is that this flat bottomed wok has a 14-inch diameter that will fit inductions and gas ovens perfectly.
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Flat-Bottom Vs. Rounded-Bottom Wok
Woks mainly come in two bottom forms: flat-bottom and rounded-bottom. It is best to get a flat-bottomed wok for an electric stove. This bottom design is preferred because it entirely makes contact with a burner ensuring heat is evenly distributed within the whole wok.
A flat-bottom wok can also be placed directly on an electric stove for fast heating up. We also recommend a flat-bottom design for electric cooktops since it is stable and secure due to a wide placement surface that can sit flat. Another benefit of a flat-bottomed stir fry wok is the versatility to other heat sources, including an induction stove.
Nonetheless, you can also use a round-bottomed wok on an electric coil or stove but with the help of a burner ring. Even so, such woks will take longer to heat up due to the space between the heating element and the wok's bottom. Often, it is best to avoid using a round-bottomed pan on an electric stove-top with heating coils, even with a wok ring, since it is most likely to tip and spill food. When it comes to a gas stove, you can easily use either a round-bottomed or a flat-bottomed wok directly without the need for any stands.
Even as we focus on electric stove use, we feel it is equally important to cover the aspect of glass stove-tops in relation to a wok's bottom. As such, a glass stove-top is glossy and an effective heat source, but it's also fragile to physical force. Therefore, we recommend using flat-bottomed and lightweight wok such as a carbon-steel model on a glass surface. However, always avoid dragging to dropping woks on a glass top stove to avoid damaging it.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Wok for Electric Stove
1. Material
The first consideration to make while shopping for the best wok for electric stove cookers is the material. Notably, different types of wok are classified in terms of the material used in construction. The most common materials used for woks include stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel and cast iron. Next, we are going to distinguish these materials and their suitability to electric stoves.
Carbon steel is the preferable wok material since it is inexpensive, lightweight heats evenly and doesn't discolor easily. As a result, most Asian kitchens prefer a carbon steel wok since it is safe for tossing hot ingredients. Additionally, there are stainless steel woks that are scratch-resistant, rust-resistant, dishwasher safe and don't taint food flavors with non-stick coatings. You can also find a stainless steel wok with an aluminum core for superior heat conductivity.
In addition, you can invest in an Aluminum wok which is also light for easier handling. Aluminum also heats up faster for quicker food preparation and less energy consumption. However, aluminum woks discolor over time. Progressively, manufacturers are exploring the use of anodized aluminum for increased durability and additional decorative features.
Finally, there are woks made from cast iron which is usually heavy and thick metal. These woks are excellent heat conductors and are easy to clean, with regular seasoning for maintenance. Luckily, cast iron woks last long as they develop a nonstick coating over time. Even so, in order of preference, cast iron ranks last while carbon steel woks are the best.
2. Size
Furthermore, the functionality of a wok depends on its size and thickness. If you have a thick pan, it will likely heat up slower than a thin-walled wok. Essentially, a thin wok would be easier to handle than a thick one. Size also corresponds with the weight, and it determines the ability to stir fry, reverse and toss a wok.
Moreover, differently sized woks serve different purposes. For instance, deep frying would be best suited by a large and deep wok. However, you should also consider the size of your electrical stovetops for woks with suitable diameters and depths.
3. Handle Design
A quality wok should have the ability to support its weight through the handle feature. On the one hand, light woks often come with a straight handle and a supplemental opposite little loop, suitable for reversing food. On the other hand, heavier woks come with two loop grips for convenient carrying and handling. Overall, a helper handle is necessary for safety while handling a hot wok.
4. Accessories
Finally, it would help to go for a wok that comes with accessories. Some of the expected wok accessories include a spatula, laid, burner rings and steamer tray. For instance, a wok with an aluminum lid is better for maximum heat and moisture retention. Therefore, it is advisable to go for woks with accessories, even though it means spending more.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Wok for Electric Stove
1. Do Woks work on electric stoves?
Yes, flat-based woks work securely on electric cooktops. At the same time, round-based woks cannot be stable on an electric stove. Nonetheless, you can use a wok ring to securely use a round-based pan on an electric cooking top. We welcome you to read our woks for electric stove reviews to prove they can work.
