Stir fried food is always a healthy alternative.
Not only the taste of stir fried food but also the sizzling sound and flames which are produced in your kitchen while stir frying are quite satisfactory.
Now you might be thinking that Is this possible with the electric stove also ?
Well the answer is a complete yes with woks.
Wok is a type of cooking pan which distributes heat evenly on all its parts .Initially it originated in China and now it is used in all parts of the world. Most commonly it is used for stir frying as tossing of vegetables is easy in woks.
You can use a wok for steaming,boiling,poaching, deep frying and roasting small nuts also.Woks add a restaurant like smoky flavour to your food and make it delicious. They heat up quickly and cook your food evenly with authentic flavours.
How to Choose the Best Wok for Your Kitchen?
Shape and Size
Should I go for flat bottomed or round bottomed wok?
Every time you think of buying a wok ,this very simple question comes in your mind.
Size and shape of wok are two most important factors you need to consider while buying a wok .Limited options are available for best woks which you can use on electric stoves.
Flat bottomed woks are best for electric stoves as the base needs to be in contact with the heat source.You need to ensure that the wok should not be very shallow otherwise you will not be able to toss or mix the food properly.
Round woks are good for mixing but for using them on the electric stove you need to buy a ring stand which makes it an uneasy and complex procedure for you .Size of the wok depends on the quantity of food you want to cook.
I would suggest you to buy at least 5″ wok for an electric stove or even a size up ,so that it fits most electrical stoves. Heat will also evenly distribute if cookspace is more. So you should go for a wok with size greater than the quantity of food you want to cook in it.
Material
The carbon steel wok has always been a great choice. Carbon steel has an ability to conduct heat at a faster rate but seasoning is required to make them non- stick .These light- weight pans are easy to handle .They require proper maintenance and are generally not recommended to be washed with soap water or in a dishwasher .
They have lost their popularity these days because of the carbon smell that is felt inside the food sometimes while cooking inside them.
Cast iron is another element used to make woks. Woks made up of cast iron also become non- stick with time if given proper maintenance.
This material takes more time as compared to carbon steel to heat up but once heated up it retains heat very properly. This material tends to be heavy and takes more strength to move . Cast iron woks are also not dishwasher safe.
Stainless steel and aluminium woks are popular these days because they are easy to clean and you can easily clean them in a dishwasher. Seasoning is also not required in stainless steel pans.
Though they are heavy these days people prefer them. They are not a very good option for professional cooking as these pans require time to heat up properly. Aluminium pans are light in weight and good conductors of heat.
Teflon or other non -stick treatments are applied on pans to make them completely non -stick but they are available widely .The main problem with them is that most of these woks can bear temperatures upto 500°F only. So frying at high temperature which is required in professional kitchens is not possible in this kind of woks.
Budget Friendly
Finding a budget friendly wok with all the necessary qualities is not very easy. A lot of alternatives make it more confusing for you. So you should go for a wok which suits your budget and the requirements of your kitchen.If you want to wash your wok on a daily basis then avoid cast iron or carbon steel woks even if they fit in your budget.
Always go for a good brand with higher ratings even if you have to increase your budget for that because wok is used for many years and it is generally a one time investment .
Instead of buying again and again , buy a good quality wok once .It will be a better investment for you.
Best Wok for Electric Stove in 2024
| Name of product | Size | Material |
| Lodge P-14W3 Pro- Logic Cast Iron Wok | 14 inch | Cast Iron |
| Calphalon Contemporary Flat -Bottom Wok | 13 inch | Aluminium |
| Bruntmor Flat Base Wok | 14 inch | Cast Iron |
| T – fal A80789 Jumbo Wok | 14 inch | Aluminium |
| Joyce Chen J22-0060 Flat Bottom Wok | 14 inch | Carbon Steel |
| Cuisinart 726-38H Chef’s Classic Stir-Fry Pan | 14 inch | Stainless Steel |
| Cooks Standard NC-00233 Stir Fry Pan | 13 inch | Stainless Steel |
| Calphalon contemporary Flat -Bottom Wok | 13 inch | Stainless Steel |
Lodge P-14W3 Pro- Logic Cast Iron Wok
Features
Cast iron is the material used in making this product which retains heat easily so that food can cook evenly.
Lodge is a great cookware company and the quality of iron present in this wok is durable and two loop handles present in it provide safe and secure grip .
It is seasoned with vegetable oils and devoid of any artificial and harmful chemicals which ensures a healthy cooking.
The flat bottom of this product makes it a great choice for cooking on the electric stove.
You can easily clean it with nylon brush and hot water.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This cast iron wok is a great choice for the electric stove because it has a flat bottom and high heat retention power. It is easy to use and clean.
Oil is baked into the pores of this iron wok which makes it non-stick and rust free for a longer duration of time.The two loop handles of this wok make it easier for you toss the food and you can also grill food in this wok.
It is very durable and easy to clean. You just need to wipe it with a nylon cloth or brush .
Amazon link ✓ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063RXQK/
Calphalon Contemporary Flat -Bottom Wok
Features
- High quality aluminium construction ensures that heat spreads evenly inside the wok and gives you healthy food without excessive oil.
- This product is oven safe up to 450°F and gives a stylish look to your kitchen .
- You do not need to give extra attention while cleaning this device .It is dishwasher safe.
- This calphalon wok is inspired by traditional wok design ,so it is perfectly hollow and you can easily stir fry ,toss and turn the food.
- This item comes with a full time warranty ,So it is a great investment. You can easily use it with the stainless steel handle which is installed in this device.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This product is made up of aluminium and three layers non stick coating of this product makes it a great option for your kitchen. It ensures oil free cooking which gives you and your dear ones a healthy lifestyle.
You do not need to worry about maintenance of this pan .
You can easily wash it in the dishwasher along with other products of your kitchen.
So this product is a great combination of durability and performance which comes with a lifetime warranty.
So you don’t need to think twice before buying this flat bottom wok for your kitchen.
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DE1CDD4/
Bruntmor Flat Base Wok
lt is easy to clean this wok because it does not need to get scrubbed.
You just need to clean it with nylon brush and in case you still find residue inside , just warm some water inside it to make it properly clean .
Flat base and rounded body ensures proper mixing of food and it is ideal for electric and induction cooktop.
14-inch large cooking surface gives you a perfectly cooked dish with evenly balanced flavours.
Wooden lid present in this kit allows you to steam food properly and the handles present on either side enables safe and easy handling.
Cast iron is a highly durable material and this cast iron pan comes pre- seasoned, so its non stick qualities are quite good.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This product comes in a modern design which increases the elegance of your kitchen. This pre seasoned pan has large wooden handles and a wooden lid which makes it a perfect product for your kitchen. Many people generally complain about the size of woks but this cast iron wok is 14 inch large which makes it stand out in the market. Excellent conductivity due to flat base provides even cooking .Sturdy base provides stability on the electric stoves.
So this highly versatile wok is one of the best options available .
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K428H3W/
T – fal A80789 Jumbo Wok
Features
- Capacity of this aluminium wok is quite large ,which makes it easy for you to cook dishes for your whole family in a single go.
- Teflon non stick coating inside this pan makes it completely non -stick and enables you to enjoy oil free dishes.
- Silicone coated handle makes it safe for you to use this and it comes with a whole so that you can use extra hanging storage.
- It is oven safe upto 350°F and easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.
- Aluminium construction allows heat to spread evenly and makes it convenient for steaming,sauteing,deep frying,poaching and boiling.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This product comes with high non -stick quality. It is oven safe upto 350°F ,so it is ideal for baking purposes also.
You do not need to spend a lot of time cleaning this because it is dishwasher safe.
Thus it saves your time which you can utilize somewhere else .
Aluminium is highly durable and it comes with lifetime warranty also.
So in a nutshell, it is a PFOA and lead free non – stick wok is a great investment for your kitchen.
You need not to spend a lot of time cooking again and again, even guests arrive at your home because it is large in size.
You can easily prepare meals for everyone in it.
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MYI2ZO/
Joyce Chen J22-0060 Flat Bottom Wok
Features
It is made up of heavy-gauge carbon steel and the flat bottom present in it makes it a great choice for electric and induction stovetops.
It is 14-inch in diameter which ensures complete mixing of food inside it and heat can easily spread uniformly due to more surface area which provides even cooking.
Helper handle ensures stability and makes it easy for you to move it and a loop present on this handle helps in hanging storage.
Seasoning is required before using it and you can easily season it with cooking oil .The material is rust -free but you need to re -season it whenever required.
It is oven safe up to 350°F. The handles are also removable in case you want to use it in the oven.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This14 inch Carbon Steel Flat Wok is a great option for your kitchen. It is a professional flat base wok with heavy-gauge carbon steel body and stay-cool Phenolic handles. With Joyce Chen’s Wok, you do not have to worry about rusting problems.Instructions given are very clear for cleaning and greasing , they need to be followed in order to maintain the non-stick qualities .
Carbon steel is quite durable which makes it great for your kitchen .Most people want light weight woks ,so this is great option as it is lighter than cast iron pans. Excellent heat distribution is another quality which makes it ideal for your kitchen.
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VQIP4/
Cuisinart 726-38H Chef’s Classic Stir-Fry Pan
Features
This is made up of stainless steel with encapsulated aluminium core and flat bottom which ensures perfect heat distribution.
An additional glass cover comes with this 14″ pan which is see- through having a stainless steel rim.
It is dishwasher safe and also oven safe up to 550°F, which makes it a versatile option for your kitchen.
The classy silver finish of this pan increases the elegance of your kitchen and this shine is long lasting.
The stay cool handles of this pan makes it easier for you to cook at high temperatures safely.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This product is worth buying because it has a classic look and great performance. You do not need to worry about hot spots because heat is spread evenly throughout the pan.You can wash it in the dishwasher and it is oven safe up to 550°F. Stainless steel body does not discolor and the lid locks all the nutrients inside ,so this pan ensures healthy and nutritious cooking. Measurement markings are given , so you can easily measure ingredients before putting into the dish and get flavorful results. So this 14″ stainless steel wok is best for stir fry .
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-726-38H-Classic-Stainless-Stir-Fry/dp/B000ND3GQY/
Cooks Standard NC-00233 Stir Fry Pan
Features
Stainless- steel body, aluminium core and flat base make it a good consideration for your kitchen.
Solid stainless-steel dome lid resist scratches and stores nutrition and moisture.
This 13″ wok has magnetic stainless steel bottom ensures even heating and handles come with a stay- cool technology.
It can be used on all stovetop surfaces such as induction and also oven safe upto 500°F.
This stainless steel three- layer metal pan is dishwasher safe and comes with limited lifetime warranty.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
Aluminium padded -bottom of this wok heats quickly and ensures uniform heat distribution ,so that you can cook a perfect dish for your family.
Stainless steel body is very durable and the mirror -like finish is long lasting.The shape of this pan is ideal for moving and stir -frying. The stainless steel body is rust-free .
You need to season it properly before using.
The handle is quite smooth and it is good enough as compared to other expensive flat -base woks present in the market. The food prepared in this pan never sticks to the walls if it is heated properly.
So it is a great choice for every modern kitchen .
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00421AYKE/
Calphalon contemporary Flat -Bottom Wok
Features
Aluminum core is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel in it which ensures fast heating ,perfect conductivity and durability.
Stainless steel is non-porous which means that it does not mix -up with food while cooking , so it is safe to use.
The wide surface area of this 13 inch flat-bottomed wok is great for stir frying on the electric stove and gives great performance in your kitchen .
It comes with Calphalon’s full lifetime warranty and is dishwasher safe.
This cookware is oven safe which makes it more versatile and suitable for giving you a lot of recipes.
Glass lid and long handles make it quite convenient to use and glass lid is oven safe up to 450°F.
Why Should You Buy This Product?
This Contemporary Stainless steel wok is specially designed for home chefs ,so it has all the qualities that an ideal steel wok should have.
The stainless -steel handles ensure comfort while cooking and they come with stay-cool technology.
The Aluminium core gives proper heat distribution in this pan which satisfies your cooking requirements.
You can easily stir – fry in this pan and the flat base keeps it balanced on the electric stove.This 13 inch wok is triple -layered and highly durable.
You can use it for serving also as its stainless steel and shiny finish always looks classy.
It is dishwasher safe and you can easily use it in the oven as well as broiler. So in a nutshell, this product is worth buying.
Amazon link ✓
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007KQZ34/
How To Season and Clean Your Wok?
So with the help of above options, you can easily choose a great non -stick wok for your electric stove.
After choosing the type of wok which is suitable for you, you need to know how to season it or clean it.
Some woks are pre -seasoned and others you need to season before using.
Generally it is preferred that you should keep on seasoning the wok in order to maintain or increase its non – stick qualities.
You should clean the wok before using it for the first time with warm water to get rid of factory oil on them.
You should follow the instructions given by manufacturers ,whether soap solution and scrubbing is allowed on your wok or not. If it is not allowed then warm water will be enough for you to clean it.
Once you are done with removing all the residue and manufacturer’s oil .It’s time for seasoning.
So a question might strike in your mind.
Why Is Seasoning Required? and How It Works
Seasoning creates a protective coating inside your pan and it becomes thicker every -time you season it again.
This layer presents the wok from rust and unnecessary odour. It increases the non- stick quality of your wok and with proper seasoning ,it becomes completely non- stick after some time.
Before seasoning ,it is important to dry the wok and evaporate all the water .
So, now it is important to season your wok with refined oils that have a high smoking point, so that they do not get burnt up and give you unnecessary odour.
The best seasoning oils I would prefer are sunflower oil, canola oil or grape- seed oil.
Tips for Preserving the Seasoning
You should not use acidic products such as lemon and tomatoes in your newly seasoned wok , they will remove the seasoned layer .
Your wok will improve its non- stick qualities if you cook often in it.
So do not keep it unused for a long period of time.
Do not scrub your wok excessively and avoid usage of harsh chemicals.
Avoid steaming and poaching products in your newly seasoned wok.
You should definitely buy a wooden spatula for your wok because metallic spatulas might cause scratches inside it.
If you want a dish in large amounts then either use a big wok or do the same thing twice because proper surface area is required for perfect cooking.
If you are using wok for the first time make sure it is pre-heated Pre -heat your wok ,it should be hot enough to sear food .
Tips for Preserving Your Wok’s Seasoning
Don’t steam, boil, or poach products in your new wok
Avoid cooking with acidic products in a newly seasoned wok, including tomatoes, vinegar, and lemon
Don’t use abrasive pads or any warewashing chemicals, including soaps and sanitizers
Cook, saute, and fry often to continuously build a patina
Invest in a bamboo wok brush, wok ladle, and wok spatula
Every time you use your wok, the patina will become more developed and the pan’s performance will improve.
Its non-stick properties will increase and food will release quickly and easily from the pan.
Cleaning will become easier too, as food particles are less likely to stick.
With the proper care, your wok will last you for many years to come.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a visual guide on how to clean and season a wok, check out our video below.