The 5 Best Wok for Electric Stove
By: Olivia Taylor
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The 5 Best Wok for Electric Stove
Despite being known for stir-fry, a wok can cook many things. A wok allows you cook at high temperatures, and allows you to cook a wide range of foods. The shape and design of the wok is important because some woks work better on electric stoves than others.
Today, there are many materials and shapes of woks available. The design, material and shape will determine the cost and functions. We’ve created a guide to help you select the best work for electric burner stoves. Let’s take a look.
The Top 5 Best Wok for Electric Stove
1. Circulon Covered Wok
Circulon is a well know brand when it comes to cookware. This very stylish wok is made of stainless steel and is fourteen inches in diameter. It is non-stick and dishwasher safe which makes clean up very quick and painless.
The Circulon Covered Wok comes with a lid, which lock in flavors while you’re cooking. The design features easy to grip handles that are oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the fully encapsulated stainless steel base allows you to use it on all hob types, including electric and induction.
Pros
– It is designed so that food will not stick
– This wok comes with a hassle free lifetime guarantee
– It is dishwasher and oven safe
– This wok can be used on all types of stove tops, including electric
Cons
– The non-stick surface is sensitive and should be cleaned gently, but is excellent when cooking
– The handles can get hot at high temperatures
– The lid doesn’t always fit a snuggly as expected
Product Details
Manufacturer: Circulon
Quantity: 1 wok
Dimensions: 16.61 x 16.22 x 6.02 inches
Summary:
Circulon delivers quality and style with this wok. It is the perfect size at fourteen inches and very convenient because it is dishwasher safe. This is a great wok because it has easy grip handles and can be thrown in the oven. In addition it can be used on a types of stoves.
2. Ceramic Wok By DaTerra Cucina
The next wok on our list is made in Italy. It is professional quality but made for home use. This wok is is coated with ceramic, which allows it to distribute heat evenly.
As with most woks, this one is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, you can roast, and sear on the stovetop and then transfer the food to the oven in the same pan, just like processional chefs.
Pros
– Since this wok is ceramic-coated, it is nontoxic and does not contain lead, cadmium or PTFE.
– It is non-stick so your food will not stick, you’ll use less oil and clean up is easier.
– It heats up quickly and evenly
– This wok is the perfect size coming in at thirteen inches
Cons
– If you use metal utensils, the non-stick coating may come off. As a result, only silicone or wood tools should be used.
– It comes with a full refund, but only a one year warranty
-It is more expensive than other pans reviewed.
Product Details
Manufacturer: DaTerra Products
Quantity: 1 wok
Dimensions: 23.46 x 14.88 x 5.51 inches
Summary: The Ceramic Wok By DaTerra Cucina is gourmet quality because it comes with a ceramic coating that prevents sticking. The thirteen inch size is perfect for family meals. You can sear and roast met and vegetables on the stovetop before finishing them off in the oven.
This wok has a flat bottom. As a result, it is safe to use on glass top, propane electric and induction stovetops. In addition, it comes with a full return, one year warranty.
3. Mauviel M’Steel Black Steel Wok
The Mauviel M’Steel Wok is made from black carbon steel. As a result, this wok is an excellent heat conductor and is extremely durable. Since steel can tolerate high temperatures, you can preheat longer and sear meat just like professional chefs.
This wok is extra thick and is made in France. It is designed to work on all types of stove tops including electric and induction. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
– This wok is high quality and must be washed to maintain the protective coating to make sure it last for years to come
– The Mauviel M’Steel Black Steel Wok is a solid pan that can be used daily and still last
– It heats very quickly to sear and can be used in the oven.
Cons
– This wok needs to be seasoned to acquire a natural non stick quality
– This wok cannot be put in the dishwasher and must be hand washed according to the manufacturers instructions.
-It takes a little more time to clean after each use otherwise it will rust if it is not properly dried after being washed by hand.
Product Details
Manufacturer: Mauviel
Quantity: 1 wok
Dimensions: 20.9 x 11.8 x 3.8 inches
Summary: The Mauviel M’Steel Wok is designed to be used on all stove tops. This pan is a little expensive but definitely worth the it. This wok does require a little more work upfront before you can use it, but its definitely worth the time spent because a well seasoned pan will last decades.
As with seasoned pans, this wok will develop a dark coating and acquire a natural nonstick coating. Finally, it is designed to work on all types of stove tops including electric and induction.
4. Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Wok
Number four on our list is part of the Calphalon Premier collection. As a result, it has superior qualities such as nonstick surface, and its three layer interior that makes it tough enough for metal utensils and the dishwasher.
It is thick which helps prevent warping and denting. This wok will heat evenly, which will cook your food consistently whether its on the stove top or in the oven.
Pros
– The bottom is flat which makes it suitable for all types of stove tops.
– It is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
-It is a deep thirteen inch wok which is perfect for making meals for the entire family
Cons
– The handle on the lid tends to get hot when cooking with the lid on
– While the manufacturer says it can withstand metal utensils, we don’t recommend using them.
– It can be put in the dishwasher however it is a little large to put in the dishwasher.
Product Details
Manufacturer: Calphalon
Quantity: 1 wok
Dimensions: 25 x 13.25 x 4.13 inches
Summary: The Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Wok is made of anodize aluminum which means it will heat evenly and be extremely durable. Clean up is really easy since it is dishwasher safe. Overall, this is a nice wok that can be used on all types of stove tops.
5. Anolon Advanced Wok
The last wok on our list is the least expensive but delivers excellent results. The Anolon Advanced Wok has a nonstick coating that ensures your food will cook evenly. In addition, the handle is made of stainless steel that is coated with silicone rubber.
This wok comes with a dome shaped lid that is made of glass that allows you to keep an eye on your food. You can sear your food on the stovetop and then finish is in the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
-It is made with double hard-anodized construction which makes it twice as hard as steel
– The handle is covered with silicone so it won’t get hot when cooking
– The surface has a triple layer of non-stick coating which allows it to release food without sticking
-It is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
– It should be washed by hand
– The wok is thinner and lighter than other woks reviewed
– The glass lid fogs up when being used which defeats the purpose of it being glass
Product Details
Manufacturer: Anolon
Quantity: 1 wok
Dimensions: 17.1 x 14 x 7.4 inches
Summary: The Anolon Advanced Wok has a nonstick coating that delivers great results. Your food will cook evenly, and is easy to toss because the handles are coated with silicone. It comes with a glass lid and it can even be put into the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is a Wok and Why Do You Need One?
Traditionally, a wok is a round bottomed cooking pan that originated in China. Today, woks are made in many different countries.
Woks are used, most commonly, for stir frying. However, they can be used for steaming, plan frying, boiling, searing, deep frying or making soups and stews. Traditional utensils similar to a spatula or ladle are used to stir the food because it protects the person cooking from the high heat.
People love cooking with woks for many reasons. Woks are made with a curved shape that allows the bottom to heat up quickly to sear meat and vegetables. The raised sides of the pan allow you to flip and toss food without spilling. In addition, the small area at the bottom of the pan prevents oils an sauces from pooling at the bottom.
2 Types of Wok Bottoms
Woks come in round bottom or flat bottom. A flat bottom allow woks to be used on electric stoves. A round bottom should not be used on an electric stove because the round bottom will not make contact with the heat source. As a result, your food will not heat evenly or cook consistently.
Round bottom woks are more traditional. Special spatulas and lades are designed to pick up and stir food from the round bottom. Round bottom woks can be used with gas stove tops, and over pit stoves. They should not be used with glass top or electric stove tops.
2 Types of Wok Handles
The handles of woks come in two different styles: one single stick handle or two loops on each side of the wok. The twin small loop handles are the most common handles.
Loop handles are common with cast iron woks. Both handles are used when tossing food. A towel is used when grabbing the handles to toss food. Sometimes handles are covered with silicone to reduce the need to towels or mitts.
Stick handles are long, usually made of steel, and are sometimes covered with silicone. They can also be made of wood. Stick handles are common with stainless steel pans because the material weighs less. Heavier materials like cast iron do no have sticks handles because the cast iron is too heavy to life with a stick handle.
Regardless of the type of handle, tossing food in a wok requires a lot of upper body strength specifically arm and wrist. Tossing food in a wok can be difficult at first, but with a little practice you can become a pro.
What are Woks Made Of?
Woks are commonly made from one of the three following materials: carbon steel, stainless steel or cast iron. Each type of material offers good qualities and not so good qualities, depending on what your needs are. Lets take a look at each type.
Carbon Steel – Carbon steel is one of the most popular types of materials woks are made of. The are very durable and heat evenly. As a result your food will cook evenly and consistently. Carbon steel woks will need to be seasoned to prevent food from sticking. Carbon steel woks will work on induction stoves.
Stainless Steel – Stainless steel woks are very professional looking and are often displayed in kitchens. They are extremely durable and seasoning them is not necessary. Since stainless steel has a non-porous smooth surface, they are very easy to clean.
Cast Iron – Cast iron woks are the most is durable. However, they do require seasoning. The major benefit of cast iron is it gets better as it ages. In addition, cast iron retains and holds heat longer than any other type of material. As a result, you will save energy by needing as much heat to cook.
How do you clean a wok?
If you’re using a cast iron wok, you should never use soap, harsh cleaners or scrubbers. Cast iron woks need to be seasoned in order to be non-stick and that patina will be removed if you use soap or scrubbers. A cast iron wok should be gently cleaned with only hot water and a soft sponge cloth or wok brush.
After you clean the wok, make sure you towel dry it completely. It needs to be completely dried to prevent it from rusting. Its not the end of the world if you wok does rust. Simply, soak it in hot water for a few minutes then wash with your sponge or wok brush to remove and rust particles.
If you have a wok that is not cast iron, you can use soap and water to clean it. If your wok is dishwasher safe, it should be rinsed and run it in your machine. Always check your manufacturers instructions before putting it in the dishwasher.
Can you use a wok on a glass top electric stove?
Yes, you can use a wok on a glass top electric stove, however it needs to have a flat bottom. Glass top electric stoves work best with smooth and flat bottom woks. Flat bottoms are important because it allows the wok to have good contact with the heat source. This will help prevent hot or cold spots and allow your food to cook evenly
Can you use a wok ring on an electric stove?
Yes, you can use a wok ring on an electric stove. A wok ring is also commonly known as a wok stand. Wok rings are designed to keep a round wok in place while cooking on a flat cooking surface such as an electric stove.
To use a wok stand with an electric stove simply put your wok ring on top of your burner. Then, put your round bottom wok on top of the wok ring. For best results, make sure your wok ring is the right size for your wok and burner. Your wok ring should be at least four inches smaller than the diameter of your wok.
Key Points For Successful Use Of Wok
We’ve compiled a few tips to getting the best results from a new wok.
- When buying a wok, buy one that is the right size for you. Larger woks can get heavy especially when filled with food. Woks that heavy will be hard to toss and may even cause pain in your arm and wrists.
- Make sure you’re not overfilling your wok with food. If there is too much food, it will not cook quick and may become soggy.
- Prep your vegetable before you begin to cook. The vegetable should be cut the same size to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Always pre-heat your work before adding anything to it. That includes oil. Oil should be after your wok is pre-heated.
- Only use oils with a high smoking point. Some oils such as sesame and olive oil will burn and taste bitter so those should be avoided. Oils like grape seed and peanut work great with woks.
- To get the best flavors from your wok, use a controlled heating source. The heat level used with a wok must be very high to get flavor and textures that come from stir frying.
What is the difference between wok and kadhai?
The difference between a wok and kadhai is very small A kadhai is a deep pan with steep sides. A wok can have either a flat or round bottom. however a kadhai is always flat on the bottom.
While woks are common in Asian cooking, kadhais are common in India, Bangladeshi and Pakistan. However, the main difference between a wok and kadhai is the ability to heat. Woks are designed to heat quickly and cook fast. Kadhai’s are designed to cook slower.
Wok vs. Frying Pan
At first glance, you may think there is no difference between a wok and frying pan. However, there is a big difference. If you want to stir fry you need a wok.
Woks come with either a round or flat bottom. They are known for being deep with very high sides, which are designed to help keep heat inside the pan. Woks heat much faster than frying pans, which helps sear food.
Woks are great for retaining heat and cooking food quickly. Most woks are naturally non-stick, which definitely helps with cleanup. Woks are great for making healthier foods by using less oil.
The sides of frying pans are not as sloped as a wok so you can not toss and stir fry food like with a wok. Frying pans are great for frying because the bottom is wide and flat. This allows liquids to form a pools which is needed to fry food well.
Frying pans look good especially when made out of stainless steel and are normally dishwasher safe. The downside to frying pans it the are prone to sticking and can be hard to scrub if food gets stuck on it.
The bottom line is if you want to fry food use a frying pan. If you want to stir fry food use a wok.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a wok can be used for more than stir frying. The best wok for an electric stove is a flat bottom work. Each wok reviewed has its own set of pros and cons, let us know in the comments which wok you purchased.