If you are a fan of stir-fried recipes and love the simplicity and awesome taste of anything which is made or prepared by stir-frying then a carbon wok is what you are going to need.
A wok is an accessory that is popular on the account of making Asian dishes and if you own a wok you will be able to prepare tasty and luscious Asian dishes very easily and comfortably.
Carbon steel wok has been here for years, and they are so good that the advantages of using them are unmatched. One kitchenware which you will find in every home and one that is necessary for each kitchen is a carbon cooking pan.
Although they are a good choice for your frying pans, they can be used for other kitchens in the house. Either brushed, steamed, smoked, deep-fried, or even baked, a carbon steel pan lets you make fun of cooking while at the same time adding flavor to your meal.
For frying anything you are going to need high tem[erature cooking and for this carbon stands tall. It is one of the best material you can use due to its even conduction and the attribute of being non-stick.
Finding the right carbon steel wok can be a daunting experience as it is pretty challenging due to a large number of brands with tons of products that cannot be easily distinguished to find out the best from them.
Today we will see some of the Best Carbon Steel Woks that are available in the market and also learn many other things about them in detail.
If you are looking for carbon steel woks then this will be the best place to know every aspect.
Advantages and disadvantages of Carbon Steel Woks
Talking about anything in the world you are going to find some pros and cons, some benefits and drawbacks.
Everything has its positive sides and negative ones too and carbon steel wok is not an exception. Let’s have a look at those two sides.
Advantages
Affordable price
You will find varying prices for carbon steel woks but they are always reasonable and lower than other materials.
Lightweight
They are very lightweight compared to woks made of other materials. You can easily lift and control them while using them.
Safety
Carbon steel woks are very safe as they do not release any toxins that are harmful to our health like other materials.
Durable
Carbon steel woks will stay with you for a very long time and they are also crack resistant. This is a very strong material and very durable.
Even heat distribution
Carbon steel woks can heat up quickly and therefore you can save your time for cooking and they also distribute the heat evenly all over the surface assuring delicious cooking.
Disadvantages
It requires seasoning
It is very important to season cast your carbon steel woks so that the surface becomes non-stick. You need to do this before using it.
Storing carefully
Carbon steel woks can get rusted easily so you need to make sure that you store them at a proper place and while storing them you need to clean them and dry them after cooking.
Not safe from the dishwasher
It is prone to scratches if you put it in a dishwasher
No good with acidic ingredients
If you use acidic ingredients with carbon steel woks its non-stick surface will get harmed. Avoid using lemons and tomatoes.
While there are drawbacks to the carbon steel wok, you can certainly justify it. And the gains outweigh the inconvenience. So purchasing a carbon steel wok is a smart cost.
Let’s look at the products
Origins 91-0021 Natural Carbon-Steel Wok
Standing on the top of our list this carbon steel wok offered by Origins has a medium size of 14 inches. This is a very versatile product and it will surely let you enjoy your cooking.
The bottom of this Wok is flat and therefore it can easily go with stovetops, inductions, electric stoves, and many more adding to its flexibility. If you use this carbon steel wok you are going to have a very delightful experience while cooking and improve your cooking standards. Whatever you make by using this wok will only tend to become tastier. The dimensions of this pan are 24 x 14 x 5 inches and it weighs around 4.21 pounds.
After stir-frying, vegetables become crispier. They are getting tender and juicer whether you prepare poultry, beef, or seafood. You can cook a wide area with a bowl shape. You don’t have to fear when you chuck food out of the wok. The handles of this wok are made using plastic that is very comfortable to use and they also help you to protect your hands from burning. You need to season the wok before using it to make the surfaces non-stick.
Pros
- It has a size of 14 inches
- The handles are very comfortable while cooking
- It provides a large cooking space
- It needs a very little amount of oil for cooking
- It is very durable
- Versatile to fit all kind of stoves
Cons
- The handles are short
Click on this link if you want to buy this product
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JLWU8A/
Regent Traditional Oriental Chef Carbon Steel Wok
This is a very beautiful and useful product. This carbon steel wok is very strong and good for making a lot of delicious recipes. If you want to buy a carbon steel wok with long handles then this will be the best option for you.
This carbon steel wok offered by Regent comprises a long wooden handle along with an additional helper handle made of wood. These two handles add to is comfort and safety as they are cool to touch and help you to control the wok while cooking. They are very comfortable and provide a good grip. These long handles help you to stir fry and flip things safely without major efforts.
The wok is 13.3 inches in size, and you will have plenty of space to make different tasty meals. The flat base makes the Regent steel wok ideal for heat sources such as gas, ceramic, electric, and induction. The dimensions of this product are 22.1 x 13.3 x 4.6 inches and its weight is 3.55 pounds. This makes it very easy to use and reliable too.
This wok gets heated up quickly and also provides quick heat transfer and it evenly distributes the heat all over the surface. It is good for stir-frying vegetables and meat and also good for deep frying and steaming. The wok is very light weighted and you can carry and move it easily.
Pros
- It is very simple to use
- Great safety
- It is very lightweight
- Even heat distribution all over the wok
- Good heat transfer
- Compatible with all heat sources
Cons
- Expensive
Click on this link to find this product
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078M7RGDP/
Sur La Table Professional Carbon Steel Wok
Looking for a great size wok which isn’t much heavy then this one is for you. This is a very reliable Wok which is performance-oriented. It is made of top quality materials and this makes it very sturdy and durable that will last with you for a very long time.
It has a very large interior space which allows you to cook a large amount of food for a large number of people to serve. It is ideal to use if you are willing to serve a large lot of people at once. It is also backed with an additional helper handle.
When the wok is filled with rice, the extra support handle is useful. The handle is made of maple, which makes the application durable and clean.
This is a very great Wok that will stay for a long time if you use it very carefully and season it before using it. This wok is compatible with heat sources like gas, electric, ceramic, and also induction stovetops. The handles are comfortable and the dimensions of this product are not specified. It has a flat bottom and it has a size of 6 inches.
Pros
- It is safe with metal utensils
- It is ideal for stir-frying
- Itis very sturdy
- It is lightweight
- Has a great cooking space
- Suitable for multiple heating sources
Cons
- It requires a lot of heat for cooking
Click on this link to check out the current price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J0F6F8M/
Craft Wok Big Canton Style Carbon Steel Wok
This is a large beast size Wok that can be used for professional cooking. If you are looking for a large-sized carbon wok then this craft canon style carbon steel wok will work the best for your expectations.
This is a large-sized 16 inches Wok that is the best choice for many professional Chinese chefs. As this is a canton-style conventional carbon steel wok, you must season it before using it. Chinese experts hammer the hands so that they’re very sturdy and minimize your work effort while moving the Wok. The dimensions of this wok are 16.5 x 16.5 x 9.8 inches and it weighs around 5.4 pounds. It has a round bottom. This is a heavy and big product and therefore you need to put some strength while handling this product.
If you are good with those conditions then you can make unbelievable Chinese dishes using this Wok and this will be a great use to you.
Pros
- It enables fast frying
- Helps to make Chinese dishes
- It is made using durable materials
- It has a large size
- It is suitable with open fire
- It can also work as a steamer and a smoker
Cons
- It is too big and heavy
Click on this link to check the price of this Wok
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XK6KNHQ/
M.V. Trading 12 Inches Carbon Steel Wok
If you are tight on your budget and looking for an inexpensive wok then this one is the best Wok with the most affordable price tag on our list.
The carbon Wok M.V.Trading is ideal for small portions since it has a small scale. This 12-inch wok is made of 14 gauge carbon steel and its reliability cannot be addressed. The materials used make obvious about its durability therefore there is nothing left to discuss it.
It is backed with a natural, blond, wooden handle along with a side spool handle that helps you to easily handle the Wok and it also provides safety. It has a flat bottom making it compatible with various heat sources and even with an oven and electric stoves.
It helps you to create a lot of delicious dishes and Chinese dishes are the best to prepare for using this product. It operates effectively on a gas stove. With a depth of 4 inches, your friends and family can comfortably make tasty Chinese dishes.
Pros
- Provides fast and even heatings
- Very durable
- Made using 14 gauge carbon steel
- Comfortable handles
- Works great with gas stove
- Affordable enough
Cons
- Not good with glass top electric stove
Click here if you are willing to buy this product, check its current price by tapping on the link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006U8B9H4/
Joyce Chen J22-0060 Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok
This is a beautifully designed product that looks very attractive and elegant and its look isn’t everything about it. It has got some exceptional features that make it stand out from the crowd.
This is a very sturdy and durable product as it is constructed using heavy gauge stainless steel. This product is going to serve you for a very long time so once you have bought it you won’t have to worry about spending money anytime sooner. It has ergonomic phenolic handles that are very safe to touch and they also provide a good grip that adds to its control. They are also very comfortable and aids easy lifting of the Wok.
It is much more comfortable for you to throw your food or move the wok with the aid of the additional helper handle. The weight of this product is just 0.63 ounces making it the most lightweight product on our list and the dimensions are 22.8 x 15.4 x 3.6 inches. The bottom of this Wok is flat making it suitable for many heartings sources like a gas stove, electric, induction, and many more.
Pros
- It is very good with electric and gas ranges
- It is easy to lift
- It is provided with a convenient 6 piece combo
- Provides loop for easy storing
- It is lightweight
Cons
- The plastic coatings are very difficult to remove
Click here to check the current price of this exceptional Wok
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VQIP4/
Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel Wok
This is a very uniquely designed Wok that comes with a lid. It has a high domed lid as you can see in the picture that allows you to cook a large variety of dishes. This is a very versatile product and the handles are made comfortable.
The handles are made of wooden materials that are resistant to heat so that they are safe to touch and also they are very comfortable to use. They help to easily lift the Wok. At the end of the handle, there is a tiny hole so that you can conveniently store it. You can now make great fried rice because it can be spread easily and uniformly with this carbon steel wok.
The dimensions of this wok are 19 x 14 x 10 inches and it is 14 inches in size. The product weighs up to 4,95 pounds and it is lightweight. Sits perfectly on the stovetop, electric stove, cooktop for induction due to the flat bottom. You will get a 13-inch bamboo spatula, a recipe booklet containing directions while purchasing a product.
Pros
- The top domed lid and a spatula is provided
- It ensures high-end cooking
- Easy to lift while cooking
- You can easily store it by hanging
- The handles are safe and comfortable
- It is lightweight
Cons
- It is difficult to clean
- There is a light chemical released while using the first time
Click on this link to check the current price.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OFREDC/
Ecolution Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok
This is a very different carbon steel wok as you won’t be required to season it before using it. It is a non-stick wok that will provide a non-stick surface from the very beginning.
If you do not want to waste time seasoning the wok or are tired of multiple cleaning levels. The perfect alternative is to buy an Ecolution carbon stainless steel wok. This commodity is well-performing due to its extra-sustainable carbon steel composition. This is a product that is safe with the dishwasher so you do not have to worry about cleaning after cooking.
The dimensions of this product are 19.5 x 12 x 5.8 inches and it weighs around 2.4 pounds that makes it very easy to lift while cooking. The size of this wok is 12 inches. It is backed with soft-touch riveted handles that make it very comfortable to use and hold the Wok. The handles do not get heated up so they are very safe to touch too.
Pros
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- The materials used are heavy-duty carbon steel
- It is dishwasher safe
- It is easy to clean
- Very lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Riveted handles
- A flat base ensures balance
Cons
- The interior surface starts to peel off
Click on this below mentioned link to check the current price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DOGH8HA/
KEN HOM Nonstick Carbon Steel Wok
Making it to our today’s list this Wok from KEN HOM is yet another beautiful product that offers excellent performance and desired outcomes. This is one of the best Wok for using on an induction.
Customers love the KEN HOM non-stick Wok due to its attributes. This Wok is effortless to clean and its non-stick coating helps you to cook your favorite recipes without worrying that it might get stuck. Both the interior and exterior surfaces have a coating of non-stick. This exterior coating helps to save the wok from scratches, rust, and stains. The non-adhesive cover surface lets you cook and release food safely. Furthermore, it is ideal for the cooktop induction with its flat surface.
This is a large wok so the handles are designed in such a way that you can easily control it properly. The riveted handle along with a helper handle helps you to get a good hold and feel comfortable while cooking your favorite recipes. It removes any kind of inconvenience.
Pros
- It has both interior and exterior non-stick coating.
- The coating is PFOA free
- The handles are heat resistant and safe to touch
- The wok is dishwasher safe and very easy to clean.
- It is backed with a good warranty of two years
- It is large enough.
Cons
- The non-stick coating doesn’t stand for a long time.
Click on this link to check the current price
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019Z2IYQ0/
Mauviel Made In France M’Steel Carbon Steel Wok
This is one more excellent product. This Wok from Mauviel is a very strong and durable product and it is one of the best for searing. The Wok is designed using a very strong construction technique and the material used is black carbon steel.
This product can withstand high heat with ease due to its construction and materials and therefore this is one of the best products for searing. The handles of this wok are uniquely designed using iron for making it very durable. These handles can get hot so being careful while preparing food is very important. The black layer on the bottom is not to be removed as this will make the product sticky.
The weight of this durable product is 6 pounds and the dimensions of this beautiful product are 20.9 x 11.8 x 3.8 inches. The size comprises 11.8 inches. The bottom of this product is round and it also has an additional helper handle.
Pros
- It can withstand high heat
- The product is very sturdy
- It is ideal for searing
- It is safe to use with metal utensils
- The seasoning instruction is explained in detail
Cons
- The iron handles can be very hot to touch
- It is a heavy wok
Click on this link to check the current price of this product
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NMIPJ8K/
Buying guide, things to consider while making a good purchase for the best wok.
If you ever visit the market for buying a wok that will best fit your needs then you might have come across tons of products and this might have left you with a question: which one to select and which one to let go?
Looking at the number of different woks available in the market it is very challenging to say which one is best as every product has some different features that make them best for the desired purpose. Now selecting the best one for you is a subjective thing. I have prepared a guide that will mention the things that you need to consider while buying the best wok for you. I hope this guide helps you.
Size
The size of the product will always play a major role and it depends on various other factors like how much food you are going to prepare, how many people you are going to serve, the space available for storage, and many more.
Carbon steel woks come in different sizes and therefore it is very necessary to decide over the size. This might depend on the purpose of the wok. If you are looking for a wok for home use then a 14-inch pan will be suitable as smaller pans cannot accommodate all the ingredients they might not be fit for serving a large number of people and a large pan can also be a problem according to huge storage. A large pan is fit for commercial purposes.
Design
The design of the wok is also one crucial thing to look after while selecting a wok. These products are either flat bottom or come with a round bottom. These shoes are intended to serve for different heating sources.
A flat bottom one will go with various heating sources like a gas stove, induction, oven, electric stove, etc. round-bottom ones are good with gas stovetops. Often read the overview of your suppliers and learn about the cooking surface you like. You may select a pot consistent with different cooking surfaces and choose your favorite cooking form.
Weight
The weight will always play a very major role in such kinds of products. The weight of your wok must be ideal enough that you can move or carry it while cooking without any kind of difficulties.
Weight is a crucial attribute that most people forget. The weight of the pot determines how easy it is to ship. While modern Woks come with a lifting handle, the lift or transportation of a heavy pot takes more energy. The weight will define comfort while cooking so if you are not looking for any problem then go with a lightweight wok as this will be easy enough to carry while cooking.
Handles
Checking the handles while buying a wok is very crucial. The handles should be such that they prove a feeling of comfort while using the product. They must provide you with a good grip over the product so that it doesn’t slip while cooking.
While any carbon wok has a handle, your cooking experience is decided by the way these handles are made. The simplicity of the handle is a significant aspect. Wok handles are not the same. Some are long, and some are gunned down. The length of the handle will also matter to decide over it carefully. Longer handles will help you to toss your food without losing control.
The materials that are used to design the handles are very important as they will tell you about the safety of touching the wok. Modern wok handles are made from natural wood, phenolic wood, or plastic. Both these components are poor heat conductors, which ensures that even though high temperatures are used the handle stays cold and secure to carry.
As they are resistant to both high temperatures and chemical cleaners, phenolic handles have one advantage over wood and plastics.
Durability
Durability implies the product’s power. It is said that a product is robust because it can operate repeatedly without any loss for a long time.
The reliability of the wok is critical so you’re not going to pay for a carbon steel wok again and again. The materials and configuration and how you use and manage the Wok all add up to the reliability factor. Look for items that are good enough for a long time to stay with you.
If you want to make sure the wok performs for a long time, pick the one that is most non-corrosive and durable.
Price
The cost is yet another factor in this purchase guide for the best carbon steel wok that one has to keep in mind when making the purchase decision.
It is only good to pay cash for it when the wok is ready to run according to your needs. The wok should be such that it gives the value of the price you have to pay. If we’re talking about decent woks, then it will work properly and provide quick and in time for preparing dishes. Well done, and so the investment is worth it.
Ease of use
You have to make clear how and where you can use it before ordering every product. Make sure you are aware of how to do it. It should not be very difficult to use the commodity that you are planning to purchase.
If you buy a wok that is hard to use and appreciate, it might make the thing you’re cooking a mess and waste a lot of your time as well. It is still advisable to go with a commodity that is easy for you to use.
Storage
Carbon steel is prone to rust and therefore it needs special care while storing. You should go for woks that are easy to store like the ones that come with a hole on the handles that you can hang anywhere you find convenient.
Modern Woks have loops to provide better and easier storage on the handle or metal hanging ring. Read and grasp the Wok manual as well and make sure that all the storage instructions have been followed.
Thickness
The thickness of the wok will define the distribution of heat. A good wok should be such that transfers the heat evenly and quickly.
A good wok should also allow for heat distribution. The best thickness of the pan is between 1.5mm and 2mm. Since carbon heats up rapidly and cools down quicker as well it is easy to control heat.
Conclusion
Finding the right wok for you can be very difficult and therefore today we saw everything about carbon steel woks. Woks are very beneficial and they serve a lot of purposes, you can use them for making tasty dishes.
Having a carbon steel wok at your place will help you to serve a lot of things to your family and friends. If you love stir-fried recipes then buying a carbon steel wok will always be recommended.
Today we saw the benefits and drawbacks of carbon steel woks and also discussed and reviewed some of the best carbon steel woks available in the market, we saw their features along with the negatives and positives. I also mentioned a buying guide that will help you to make a good decision for your purchase. If you find any of the products suitable for you, you can buy it from our list as they are all well researched and reliable.
I hope I covered everything and you find this article useful and relevant and now you can make a good decision over carbon steel woks.