If you are a foodie and you love trying continental cuisine, then a big thumb up for you. Because now, you can enjoy the excellent essence and experience of cooking any Asian cuisine with the best carbon steel wok. You must have noticed that Asians are cooking most of their food items in various sizes and types of carbon steel woks.
You see how comfortably they toss and flip any items, whether it’s vegetables or meat, on a wok pan. If you are also fascinated by their cooking charisma and want to find out the best works, then you are definitely on the right platform.
Here, I have some versatile wok recommendations along with reviews where you will see traditional wok, large cast-iron wok, heavy-duty wok, authentic Chinese wok, wok made in japan, and many more. Not only that, but I also help you find the authentic wok.
You may know that identifying high-quality wok is not an easy job. Therefore, to guide you towards finding the best wok I am also sharing some critical information such as what is a wok, different wok materials, its difference from a cast iron oak or stainless steel wok, how to find the best one, and so on.
I am sharing all the details and information that helped me find the best-cast iron wok for my favorite kitchen, hoping that you will find the desired one for you as well.
Let’s begin!
Contents
Top 3 Carbon Steel Wok in 2022
In a hurry? These 3 are the Best Carbon Steel Wok in 2022:
What Is a Carbon Steel Wok, and Why Do You Need It?
One of the most valued queries that people often ask is what a wok is and what woks are made of. Well, carbon steel wok is an Asian cooking ware. From fries to boil or even steam, a carbon steel wok is a multipurpose pan for most Asian-style cooking.
By design, you can identify a carbon wok. Though there are a lot of variations in sizes and features, the essential kitchen wok is a round pan, large in size, which seems like a large bowl. When you intend to buy a wok, you will see craft wok, large wok, small wok, metal wok, wok with a lid, blue carbon steel wok, Japanese wok, and there are a lot of other varieties as well.
Even though it is a popular and widely used cookware for Asian cuisine, you can actually comfortably cook other cuisines as well. Hence, to answer why you need a carbon steel wok set, it can give you a convenient cooking experience, and you can try and learn different cooking techniques. And, it’s one of the main reasons users prefer to buy a wok around the globe.
Best Carbon Steel Wok Comparison
| Image | Name | Summary | Our Rating | Get It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok | Can be used on an open fire, The wok can be seasoned easily, Suitable for both deep and stir-frying, Can accommodate large food volume, The sturdy wooden handle never gets hot. | Check Price | |
 |
Cooks Standard NC-00233 Stainless Steel Stir Fry Pan | Easy to clean, This wok is very heavy, Rust-free stainless steel, Handles are cool to touch, Works well on induction stoves. | Check Price | |
 |
Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok | It’s Lightweight, Stay cool handle, Easy to use and handle, It is multi-surface compatible, Features even heat distribution. | Check Price | |
 |
Chef's Medal Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok | 14-inch diameter, All environment safe materials, Thick commercial quality material, Bamboo handle with hole for easy storage, 8mm thick commercial-grade carbon steel. | Check Price | |
 |
Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok | Affordable price, Multipurpose wok, Flat-bottomed for stability, Heat-resistant bamboo handle, It heats very quickly and evenly. | Check Price |
5 Best Carbon Steel Wok of 2022
Here I am going to review the top 5 best carbon steel wok of 2022 that are most popular and best to purchase. All of them are worth your money. You will definitely love them all. So, let’s not waste time and jump on the review section!
1. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
Our first and Editor’s choice is Craft Wok Carbon Steel Pow Wok as the best round bottom wok. It is from Craft Wok; they are running their business since 2014. Craft Wok is manufacturing Carbon Steel Wok with proven quality over the years. If you are fond of Pow Wok, this Carbon Steel Wok is the best choice for you. Keep reading to know more information.
It’s a 15 gauge (1.8mm) carbon steel, commercial-grade wok. This traditional Chinese wok pan comes with a round bottom. But, it is not suitable for a flat electric or flat induction stove. And, you have to season it before use. Don’t worry; you will get instructions for easy seasoning with the wok.
It is hand-hammered by Chinese professionals in Guangzhou. And most professional Chinese chefs prefer this wok. The wok comes with a steel helper handle that does not burn when you stir fry over high heat. Also, the handle helps hang the wok for storage. It also comes with a wooden handle that has a superior hygroscopic, not slippery surface for tight grip when you stir-fry.
The primary purpose of the wok is to stir-fry. It features fast frying with frequent stirring on a hot skillet. Besides, the wok pan can be used as a vessel for deep frying food in hot oil. You will be happy to know that it can also be used as a steamer and even as a smoker. The steel wok is suitable for the open fire, and you can even take it with you outside the home and surprise friends with unbelievable Chinese dishes.
Please remember, you have to dry and keep the wok oiled at all times, especially after washing. So, what do you think? Good enough? Wanna have a trey? Don’t miss the wok and grab it before it gets sold out!
- Lightweight enough
- It can be used on an open fire
- The wok can be seasoned easily
- Suitable for both deep and stir-frying
- Can accommodate large food volume
- The sturdy wooden handle never gets hot
- This is an attractive wok with a hand-hammered look
- The wok is not suitable for an electric stove
2. Cooks Standard NC-00233 Stainless Steel Stir Fry Pan
Here is our 2nd best stainless steel wok to buy from Cooks Standard located in California, USA. The company is dedicated to design and manufacture high-quality cookware products for both home and kitchen. It always tries to present professionals and home chefs with the highest-quality materials, thoughtful design details, and fine craftsmanship. So, what are they offering on the Cooks Standard NC-00233 Stainless Steel Stir Fry Pan? Let’s discuss it!
It is a 13-inch wok and made of 18/10 stainless steel with an aluminum core. It comes with air-flow technology, and that is why its solid stainless-steel riveted handles stay cool. You will be happy to know that its secure-fitting stainless-steel dome lid traps heat and moisture. Moreover, it is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe to 500 degrees F.
What’s more? Well, the Cooks Standard NC-00233 comes in a beautiful design that every homemaker must love it. It is three-layer metal cookware that features an interior and exterior layer of premium-grade 18/10 stainless steel with a multi-element alloy aluminum core along the bottom and up the sides. This feature helps for fast, even heating and thorough heat distribution.
Its brushed stainless-steel exterior resists scratches for long-lasting good looks, whether on the stovetop or hanging from a pot rack. More importantly, you can use this cookware on all stovetop surfaces, including induction. You can clean the wok easily by hand or by the dishwasher. So, overall it’s an ideal carbon steel wok to buy. What do you think? Wanna have a try?
- Well-made
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Great durability
- The wok is versatile
- Elegant appearance
- Secure fitting dome lid
- This wok is very heavy
- Rust-free stainless steel
- Handles are cool to touch
- Works well on induction stoves
- Heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel plus aluminum core
- A bit large for a stove
- Needs more oil for cooking
- The lid must be purchased separately
3. Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok
This Carbon Steel Wok for electric, induction, and gas stoves is called the best carbon steel wok with lid as well as the best wok for electric stove. If you like top-rated products, this one is for you. You will see a bunch of positive reviews of this wok if you browse Amazon. However, let’s not waste time and jump on its features!
It is a flat bottom carbon steel wok with 12.5″ diameter w. The wok is tested thoroughly and works well on electric stoves, induction stoves, gas ranges, and other heat sources. What about the handle? Don’t worry! The handle is wooden and will not get hot during use.
Nowadays, almost every housewife love carbon steel product. In fact, it is the best and most common material for woks. You may know carbon steel is lightweight and heats up extremely fast. For all these facilities, Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok is a perfect choice as it is made of high-quality carbon steel.
You will be happy to know that this wok includes a gorgeous wooden lid and a metal spatula. You will get a video user guide and viral takeout recipes with the wok. Its printed hammered texture is definitely gorgeous and unique.
- Elegant design
- It’s Lightweight
- Stay cool handle
- Accessories included
- Easy to use and handle
- It is multi-surface compatible
- Features even heat distribution
- Seasoning is required
4. Chef’s Medal Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
For the fourth product, I love to recommend the Chef’s Medal Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok. It’s a 14 inch round bottom hand-hammered carbon steel pow wok by Chef’s Medal. There are some unique features on the wok which influenced me to add this to my list. Let’s know them in detail! First of all, it’s s super lightweight wok, and its weight is around 4 3/4 lbs. It is made of 1.8mm thick commercial quality carbon steel and made hand-hammered by professionals in Guangdong, China. Similar to other woks, you have to season it too.
All the instructions are included to season the wok, and the process is straightforward. It comes with a delightful bamboo handle with a hole perfect for hanging the wok in storage. So, you have no problem with storing the wok after use.
It features perfect curvature for the circulation of heat throughout the dish. This wok is best for stewing, steaming, boiling, and deep-frying. You will be able to cook a stir-fry in minutes using this wok. Isn’t it outstanding? If you are a health-conscious person, good news for you! What? Well, this wok has no chemical coating and uses less oil than cast iron. As a result, you can feel good with its non-stick solution!
It also features authentic flavors. Moreover, this Chef’s Medal Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok truly gets better with age. As you use it, it will develop a beautiful, black, non-stick patina and add authentic flavor to your cooking from all your pasta dishes!
For the proper maintenance, you have to follow some instructions. Let’s discuss them for your benefit! You never use abrasives like a steel scrub. To wash the wok don’t use any detergent. You will use hot water and a kitchen dish brush; after washing, you have to dry it well and wipe a few drops of cooking oil over the inside and out. So, how about it? Have a try?
- Easy to store
- 14-inch diameter
- 100% handcrafted
- All environment safe materials
- Thick commercial quality material
- Bamboo handle with hole for easy storage
- 8mm thick commercial-grade carbon steel
- Needs seasoning
- Not compatible with induction or electric stove
5. Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok
The last one is Helen Chen’s Carbon Steel Wok. You may know about Helen’s Asian Kitchen. It’s a top brand among others in the wok tools industry. The creator of the brand is Helen Chen, an Asian culinary expert, cookbook author, and cooking instructor. Her focus is on making Asian cooking quick, easy, and more accessible to the home cook. However, let’s discover what’s special in this flat bottom wok.
You can make stir-frying, stewing, sauteing, steaming, braising, frying, and deep-frying favorite Asian recipes and more for you and your family using this wok. It is made of 1.6-millimeter carbon steel with a heat-resistant bamboo handle, helper handle, and high-domed lid. The wok is of a sturdy riveted design. Most importantly, you can store it by hanging on the wall of your kitchen after use.
The carbon steel of the wok distributes heat quickly, so foods cook evenly. You already know that it is a flat-bottom wok. Now you will be happy to know that the flat bottom of the wok sits securely on any stovetop, and it features deeply sloped sides. It works with gas, electricity, and induction. Moreover, its high-domed lid retains heat and prevents splatters.
Also, the carbon steel wok is easy to season and maintain. The package includes a 13-inch bamboo spatula and recipe booklet with instructions. Though the wok is made of heavy gauge carbon steel, yet it is lightweight and easy to lift while cooking. Its concentric grooves provide rapid, constant heating and quick heat recovery for best cooking. What about durability?
Don’t worry; it’s a durable wok. If you take care of it properly and regularly, it should last a lifetime! Remember, when you clean the wok, don’t use soap, instead soak the wok in hot water for 5 minutes to loosen stuck-on food. Then use warm water and a soft sponge on the inside to protect the interior patina. To clean the exterior, hot water, and a scrubber sponge is sufficient. Dry over low heat before storing it.
- Advanced kit
- Affordable price
- Multipurpose wok
- The wok is lightweight
- Easy to store by hanging
- Easy lifting when cooking
- Flat-bottomed for stability
- Heat-resistant bamboo handle
- It heats very quickly and evenly
- Compatible with gas and electric stoves
- Not easy to clean
- Seasoning is required
- It can get rusty quickly
What Is the Difference Between Carbon Steel Wok Vs. Cast Iron Wok and Stainless Steel Wok
Before buying a wok, you need to know which is the best type of wok to buy. If you have already gone through wok reviews ratings or craft wok reviews, you must have noticed there is diversity even in traditional wok material. How do you know whether you need a ceramic wok, calphalon wok, black steel wok, Chinese cast iron wok, or stainless steel wok with a lid?
So, to know what makes a good wok, you need to know the differences in the material. Here, in two separate sections, I am going to explain the differences and how you can benefit from certain material.
Carbon Steel VS Cast Iron Wok
Though carbon steel and cast iron have a similar appearance, there are some differences in quality and aspects. For instance, compared to the cast iron wok, carbon steel pans are lightweight and easy to handle. Also, it comes with a smooth surface that helps cooking easily. You won’t have to deal with food sticking up, which is mostly the trouble you will get with a cast iron wok.
Then, if you are in a hurry, you can actually count the carbon steel pan because it saves time. I mean, though cast iron and carbon steel pan get high temperature quickly, the carbon steel wok also cools down quickly. The most important difference is, if you are looking for a wok with a wok lid, then you can easily find different sizes, shapes, and features of carbon steel wok with a lid.
Stainless Steel Wok VS Carbon Steel Wok
Although stainless steel wok and carbon steel wok are lightweight and easy to handle, there are some basic differences you will notice in the cooking experience. The most significant difference is; the stainless steel wok is thinner than a carbon steel wok. Hence, stainless steel pan won’t get heat evenly, which is the specialty of a carbon steel wok pan.
And for this reason, you will have to use more oil on stainless steel pan or wok while cooking food. Also, carbon steel wok is strong and durable compared to a stainless steel pan. However, carbon steel wok does not have rust or corrosion resistance like stainless steel; you can keep its smooth texture by keeping it clean regularly.
How to Use a Flat-bottom Wok?
A traditional carbon is a round bottom, but there are some carbon steel flat bottom woks. It’s not difficult to use. If you are wondering about the using procedure of a flat bottom carbon steel wok or Chinese wok pan, follow the details below.
The most fascinating aspect of a flat bottom wok is you can use it on any type of surface. Whether you have an electric stove, gas stove, induction stove, or grill, you can use it anywhere without worrying about balance or wobble.
First of all, when you are choosing a flat bottom wok, you need to pay attention to what size wok to buy. There is a wide variation on wok sizes, and all of them may not sit properly on your induction, porcelain, or glass stove. Thus, you need to consider the size of your burner before choosing the size of your wok.
Also, pick a wok that comes with helper handles. Then, when you are placing the pan on the stove, be sure the bottom of the pan covers the stove properly. Then only you can get even temperature on the wok pan, which will help you cook thoroughly.
How to Choose a Chinese Wok?
There is a huge confusion often users face is between Japanese wok vs. Chinese wok. Though you have seen the woks are made of carbon steel in Chinese that also come in different shapes, certain features will help you identify the authentic Chinese wok.
- The authentic and traditional Chinese wok is made of cast iron material.
- The wok is thin and fragile but good for quick and even heat distribution.
- While cooking, the cast iron wok brings out the utmost flavor of any seasoning.
- Chinese cast iron woks are handy and easy to toss and cook vegetables.
- The traditional style comes with extra deep woks and helper handles.
What Are the Must-have Features to Find the Best Carbon Steel Wok?
Whether you intend to purchase a hand-hammered carbon steel wok or top-quality wok accessories set, you need to know the tricks to find the best wok to buy. Below are some of the key features that will help you identify the top-notch wok pans anywhere. As a matter of fact, I have also paid attention to these features while searching the leading amazon wok pans to review.
Material
You will find works in diverse materials such as carbon steel, cast iron, known sticky, and so on. Among all these materials, large carbon steel wok is the most popular one. They are lightweight yet strong and durable. You can find carbon steel wok at a budget-friendly price. And, this wok is quick and comfortable to cook with as it captures heat quickly, making your cooking process faster.
Though cast iron woks are traditional Chinese wok material, they are thin and less durable. Besides, if you are looking for medium or small carbon steel wok for home use, you can choose non-sticky ones. So, choose the material wisely.
Size
You will find various sizes of wok for sale. What matters is which size of wok you need. Here is the trick! To know the right size of your wok, consider the size of the burner. Too big or too small wok won’t give you satisfactory cooking experience. Also, think about the amount of food, frequency of use, and what type of food you are going to cook on your wok pan.
Shape
You must have already seen the flat bottom and round bottom wok carbon steel with outstanding versatile features—no need to be confused. The round bottom wok is a more traditional style that you can use on a gas stove easily. However, you must use a flat-bottom wok for a ceramic cooktop or electric stove.
The flat bottom is a more western style that is deep enough to cook food. Hence, I suggest using it on a flat surface to get even heat throughout the pan. Nevertheless, the round bottom pan is more convenient for tossing and stir-frying. Do consider the pros and drawbacks of varying the shapes of your wok pan.
Handle
Usually, traditional hand-hammered wok comes with a loop handle and a long stick handle. Whether you are choosing a western-style or Japanese or Chinese wok, it usually comes with handles. Having loop handles on both sides or a combination of stick and loop handle is always easy to deal with comfortably.
Here, what you need to pay attention to is the handle material. Whether you choose a high carbon steel wok or large stainless steel wok, make sure the handles are resistant to heat and ergonomic. You can choose wooden or plastic-based handles for heat resistance, durability, and clean easily.
What Might Happen If You Don’t Consider the Features
You must have read through the details in the key features you must consider while finding the best woks in the market. I cannot stress enough how important each of the features is. As there is a diversity in materials that are used in manufacturing wok, there no certainty all will facilitate your cooking experience.
Instead, they can make your investment go in the wrong wok. For instance, if you are searching for a wok for an Asian restaurant, then you must pick a large round bottom wok for cooking large quantities of food at a time. If it’s authentic Chinese style wok, then you will be able to capture all the flavors in your food, which will satisfy your consumers.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a wok pan for home use, then a big size wok may not fit on your stove. Here, you also need to think about the type and size of your stove, along with how frequently and what type of food you will be cooking. You see how different the choices need to be made depending on where and what you are cooking.
So, a wok pan is to give you the ultimate experience and essence of Asian Cuisine. You can cook another type of food in it as well. Therefore, to pick the right one that will fit your kitchen and your requirements without compromising the quality of the pan, you must consider the features before purchasing.
FAQ
Q) Is carbon steel safe?
Answer: Certainly, without a doubt, you can buy carbon steel wok as it is safe for cooking and also good for health. As the wok pot is made of carbon and steel, it does not contain or leave any harmful residue while cooking.
Q) Can you use a wok on an electric stove?
Answer: By wok, we naturally refer to the round bottom woks. They are comfortable to use on a gas stove. However, there are other shapes of wok like flat bottom woks, which you must have seen in electric wok recipes on TV channels. These are actually convenient to use on an electric stove. It will still give you the comfort and luxury of cooking in a Chinese carbon steel wok.
Q) Where can I buy a good wok?
Answer: I assume you have already seen carbon steel wok amazon. There are other platforms, too, like Walmart, home depot, Wayfair, and so on. However, on amazon, carbon steel wok comes in a wide variety, top quality, and reliable reviews. From industrial wok to professional wok or regular kitchen wok, you can find all kinds in a diverse price range and good quality wok on amazon.
Q) Who makes the best wok?
Answer: It’s actually difficult to name one carbon steel wok set as the best. Because wok comes in a diverse type of material also, there are many brands that make good quality woks. According to my research, Cooks Standard makes authentic wok carbon steel.
Q) What is the safest cookware for your health?
Answer: Almost all the materials that are used for manufacturing wok are healthy for us. Compared to all the materials, the safest material for health is ceramic. Besides, aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and copper are also safe to cook wok food.
Q) What type of wok to buy?
Answer: There are certain features you need to keep in mind while you are surfing amazon woks to buy. What you must consider is if it’s made of carbon steel with at least 2 millimeters thick. Also, it must have the ability to withstand high temperatures and should not bend when you press. Pick up the wok that comes with two handles. There are other features that you must pay attention to, which are mentioned in this article. Check them out before you purchase.
Final Verdict
Whether you are searching for the best flat bottom wok or the best non-stick wok, you must be careful before the final purchase. You can follow up on my buying guide carefully to choose the best carbon steel wok for you.
I have already preferred the best-cast iron wok and even the best small wok for you to make your purchase easy and fast. Please do not forget to share which wok you have chosen. I always love to hear from you!
