You might be new to wok cooking or maybe you’re a veteran. We are going to discuss best iron pan. Whatever your experience level, it’s essential to have the best wok in hand when making your favorite dishes.
A wok is a versatile pan used in many countries.
With a trusty wok in your kitchen, you can experiment with recipes from all kinds of culinary traditions.
A high quality wok is made to heat evenly and quickly. With the right mix of oil, meat, spices and other ingredients, you can cook a healthy meal in just a few minutes.
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If you want to experiment with frying, woks are ideal because of their high sides. In addition, many woks are non-stick. So you can use less oil when cooking vegetables and meat.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an authentic wok. They are made from all kinds of metals such as: carbon steel, cast iron and stainless steel to name a few. You have to decide if you prefer a flat bottom wok or round bottom one, whether you want looped handles or long handles and how big you want it to be.
Our Reviews of the Best Woks
Woks are an ideal pan to sauté, steam or deep fry foods quickly and easily. We hope our list will help you choose the right wok to buy for your kitchen.
You’ll see woks with lids, large stir fry woks to feed a big family, small woks to fit into tight spaces, stainless steel wok, and everything in between. Whatever your cooking style, cleanup preferences, and preferred price point, we think there’s something on our list of the best woks that will work for you.
1. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum & Nonstick
At ten inches in diameter, this wok is big enough to make all kinds of stir-fry’s and other recipes.
It’s got a long handle that’s easy to grip. It’s made from stainless steel and designed to stay cool as you cook. You’ll have no trouble managing this wok with one hand.
This wok is made from heavy gauge aluminum that offers even heat distribution and it weighs 4.5 lbs. It’s also oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a flat bottom wok, it’s ideal for cooking on both electric and gas stovetops. It’s also non-stick, which means you can use less oil for healthier, low-fat cooking.
Be sure to only use oil misters on your non-stick cookware, not a non-stick spray like Pam. If you use Pam, it can leave a sticky residue that is difficult to remove.
Clean up is also easy with this wok. You can quickly wash it by hand. However, you should avoid using scratchy dishcloths on the non-stick surface.
You can also put it right in the dishwasher if you prefer. Best Iron Pan. Lastly, it comes backed by Calphalon’s full lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Non-stick pan so food doesn’t get stuck on its surface
- Long stainless steel handle designed to stay cool while you cook
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Diameter a bit longer than stated
- Does not come with lid
2. Kasian House Cast Iron Wok, Pre-Seasoned with Wooden Lid
With a cast iron wok like this one from Kaisan, you’ll get excellent heat retention and distribution. This flat-bottom, 12-inch wok has a couple of great features that make it both gorgeous and easy to cook with.
Working with cast iron means you need to be aware of hot handles. It also means you have a lot of weight to lift when it’s time to pick up your dish.
This 11.4-pound wok comes with large looped handles that make it easy to grip, even with pot holders on. You won’t have to worry about dealing with one long handle. This wok is easy to grab with both hands.
It also comes with a gorgeous wooden lid. The lid is not meant for cooking, but it will help you keep your food warm. You can make your recipe and transfer your wok to a trivet on the table.
Once there, cover your wok with your lid and you have a beautiful centerpiece. The cast iron will retain heat so it will keep your food nice and hot for a while.
This wok comes pre-seasoned so it’s ready to use right out of the box. As with any cast iron piece of cookware, it does require a bit of extra care. You want to make sure it’s completely dry before you store it.
You can use this wok on the grill, on stovetops and in your oven. It comes with a satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer, but the details of this are hard to determine. Check your instruction booklet for more information.
Pros
- Cast iron comes pre-seasoned for immediate use
- Cedar lid included for keeping food warm
- Satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer
Cons
- Cast iron can be heavy
- Requires some work to maintain
- Lid cannot be used during cooking
3. Lodge 14″ Seasoned Cast Iron Wok
It comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil (no chemicals or synthetic coatings) so you can cook with it immediately. Lodge provides its own great guide to caring for cast iron if you need extra tips on cleanup and maintenance.
At 14 inches and 11.86 pounds, this is a large option. You can cook a lot of meat, fish and vegetables in this wok. It’s got looped handles which make it easy to lift too. You’ll need to use pot holders and two hands to pick up this wok from the stove.
You can cook on the stove top, grill, over a camp fire, on induction heat or even in the oven. If you want to use this wok to deep fry, make sure to only fill it 1/3 of the way with oil—any more than that could cause spillovers or significant oil splatter.
Lodge does not provide a written warranty for their cast iron, but they do stand behind their products. If you reach out to customer care with any problems, they promise to take care of you.
This seems to be for the lifetime of the product without any particular limitations but we can’t guarantee that. You need to reach out to them directly.
Pros
- 14-inch diameter will hold food for a big family
- Cast iron construction offers durability, even heat distribution and fast cooking times
Cons
- Weight may be too heavy for some cooks
- Cast iron care can be more work than some prefer
- Large diameter may be too big for some cabinets
4. Breville Hot Wok
A hot wok is often used in hot pot cooking. This pot lets you heat broth and cook in it right at the table. It has a 6-quart capacity and is 14 inches in diameter. It weighs 12.57 pounds.
You can fit a lot of soup, broth, or other ingredients in this wok. It has a non-stick surface so you can also use it to sear meats and cook fish and vegetables. It comes with a stainless-steel base and a glass lid so you can monitor your cooking in real-time.
If you don’t want to use it right at the table, you can also use it as an extra warming pot when your stove top is full.
This is an electric appliance so it will need to be plugged in. It comes with a 1500W butterfly heating element and will get up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, it has 15 heat settings so it’s fully customizable.
You can safely clean this bowl and lid in the dishwasher when you’re done cooking. You’ll just need to remove it from the base. Additionally, you’ll want to check your instruction manual for how to do this—it can be a bit tricky.
Lastly, this product comes with a 1-year limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship.
Pros
- Heats fast and evenly
- You can heat and cook all in one appliance
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Detachable bowl is tricky to remove from base
- May be too large for some
- Need to use non-metal utensils to protect the non-stick surface
5. Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Nonstick Covered Stir Fry Pan
This hard-anodized aluminum, PFOA-Free, non-stick pan from Rachael Ray is a reliable choice that will heat quickly and evenly. It has cool, stylish details like its agave blue handles, making it a great choice for those who want a bit of personality in their kitchen. At 11 inches in diameter, you’ll have plenty of room for ingredients to cook meals for your whole family.
You can put this pan in the oven if you want—it’s safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a shatter-resistant glass lid and is safe for all heat sources, except induction.
As with all non-stick pans, keeping your heat primarily to low-medium will extend the life of your non-stick surface. You can turn this pan up to high but remember to bring it back to medium or low to continue cooking.
This is a round bottom pan so be aware that it may be tricky to maneuver on some stovetops. At 3.6 pounds, it’s very lightweight.
Its comfort grip, long handle makes it easy to pick up, no matter what recipe you’re cooking. It’s also dishwasher safe so clean up is simple.
This product is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. You can submit your claim on the Rachael Ray website by creating a login and password. There are exclusions to cover damage so make sure you follow proper care instructions for the pan.
Pros
- Lightweight so it’s easy to lift
- PFOA-Free, non-stick surface for easy food release and fast clean up
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Handle may be too slim for some users’ comfort
- Non-stick coating can be easy to scratch—must use silicone or wood utensils
- Rounded bottom may not be preferred by some
6. Craft Wok Big Heavy Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok (Round Bottom)
If you’re looking for a high quality, traditional wok, this Craft Wok is a good option. It’s made of carbon steel that’s hand-hammered and is reasonably priced.
It has a round bottom and a wooden handle. This wok and others like it are often chosen by professional Chinese chefs.
This model has a helper handle that will stay cool enough to help you lift it as you cook. At 16 inches across and 5.73 pounds, you’ll likely need both hands to safely maneuver it.
You can use this on gas and electric stoves. However, a large wok like this with a round bottom works exceptionally well with a wok burner. If you have one of these already or want to experiment with one, this will be a great option for you.
Warranty details are difficult to determine. You’ll need to check directly with the manufacturer to see if there is some type of warranty or satisfaction guarantee.
Lastly, this wok needs to be seasoned before use. It’s not difficult to do but it is an extra step to consider. If you choose to season it in the oven, you can remove the wooden handle to do so.
Pros
- Heats quickly
- Durable, high quality, traditional, hand craftsmanship
- Large size will accommodate any dish and feed a large family
Cons
- Requires seasoning
- Handle is a bit loose for some users
- Warranty information difficult to determine
7. Bruntmor, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 14″ Wok
This 14-inch cast iron wok from Bruntmor is a great option for the budget buyer. It’s a heavy wok, weighing 11.9 pounds.
The wide, looped handles make it easy to lift and handle. You can grasp them even with potholders on.
This wok comes pre-seasoned so you can use it immediately. It is a flat-bottomed wok on the outside but it’s rounded on the inside. It’s safe for any stove top such as gas, electric, induction as well as your oven.
When cooking with your wok, you should bring the heat up slowly rather than starting it on hot. Once you get it to the temperature you desire, it will hold its heat for a long time.
If you want to sear meat in this pan, be aware that there is a particularly small hot spot at the very bottom of this pan. It works great to sear small quantities of meat, but will not work well for large amounts.
This wok has to be hand washed so it shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher. For best results, clean it with a stiff nylon brush and hot water. You should avoid using any harsh detergents or soap.
You’ll want to avoid putting it into cold water so you don’t run the risk of it rusting. Once cleaned, towel dry and apply a light coating of oil like flax-seed oil while it’s still warm.
This is done to keep your cast iron seasoned and in good condition. Over time it will naturally provide a non-stick cooking surface.
Bruntmor backs this product with a 1-year limited warranty for defects caused by manufacturing or workmanship.
Pros
- Cast iron offers even heating and exceptional heat retention
- Wider looped handles provide easy gripping with potholders on
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Might be too heavy for some
- Cast iron requires seasoning after use
- Hand wash only
8. T-fal Specialty Non-stick, PFOA-Free 14″ Jumbo Wok Cookware
This lightweight wok is a non-stick option that will hold a lot of food. At 14 inches across and only 2 pounds, you can feed a big family. With a non-stick wok, you’ll get the benefit of using little to no oil for healthier cooking and easier clean up.
The non-stick coating is PFOA-Free so you won’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals cooking into your food. You can transfer this pan to the oven and it will heat up to 350 degrees. It’s also dishwasher safe.
Its silicon, long ergonomically designed handle and helper handle offer a comfortable grip. Both handles will also stay cool while you’re cooking. This wok is light and easy to lift from the stove to the table when it’s time to serve your meal.
T-fal backs this product with a limited lifetime warranty. Be sure to care for your wok according to the instructions in your manual. They will not cover damage caused by improper use.
Pros
- Large capacity for cooking big meals
- Both oven and dishwasher safe for added convenience
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Too wide for easy deep frying
- Risk of non-stick coating flaking
- Not optimal for high heat cooking
9. Calphalon Unison Non-stick 13″ Flatbottom Wok
This 13-inch non-stick wok from Calphalon is one of the most premium non-stick choices on our list. It has a flat bottom and comes with a glass lid so you can easily watch as you steam your recipes.
This pan is also specially textured for searing so you get a nice brown on your meat, fish or vegetables. When you’re done cooking, you can put this wok right in the dishwasher.
The tempered glass lid is slightly domed and is oven safe. You can put this entire set right in the oven for finishing foods or keeping them warm.
Exact temperature specifications on this are unclear. So we advise that you keep the temperature lower and avoid putting this wok in high heat ovens.
The edges of this pan are beveled so you might find that it wobbles a bit on your stovetop. If this bothers you, you might want to go with a different flat-bottomed wok on our list that will stay more stable.
This wok works well for high heat cooking and is large enough to hold a lot of food. Be aware that it is much heavier than average non-stick pans at 9.55 pounds.
The stainless steel handles stay cool on both gas and electric stove top ranges. You’ll want to lift this wok using both the long and helper handles. Additionally, you’ll also want to watch how much food you put in it if you’re concerned about being able to lift the wok.
This product is backed by Calphalon’s full lifetime warranty. Be sure to follow product care instructions in your manual.
Pros
- Specially textured pan for perfect searing of fish, meats and vegetables
- Tempered glass lid allows for easy viewing while you’re cooking
- Full lifetime warranty
Cons
- Might be too heavy for some
- May wobble a bit on flat surfaces
- Exact oven safe maximum temperature difficult to determine
10. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered 14″ Carbon Steel Pow Wok
This hand hammered, traditional wok has a round bottom which isn’t suitable for flat electric or flat induction stoves. However, it is suitable for gas stove tops and open fire so you can also use it outside the home as well. This wok pan can also be used for deep frying food in hot oil and for making all kinds of different soups.
The wooden handle does not get slippery and offers a tight grip while cooking. In addition, the steel helper handle will not burn when you’re cooking over high heat. Having two handles make this wok easy to pick up and maneuver.
Since it’s made of carbon steel, it will require seasoning. You can do this in the oven but you’ll need to remove the wooden handle first. You can also do this directly on the stove.
If you prefer a wok that is ready to use straight out the box, carbon steel woks are probably not best suited for you. Craft Wok provides instructions in the package on how to season it and their customer service is also on call to help you.
The craftsmanship makes this a beautiful wok. You can hang it on the wall when you’re not using it for added convenience and to save space.
The company mentions they have an easy refund policy and to contact them directly for details. However, any warranty information was difficult to find. We suggest that you reach out to them directly for more information.
Pros
- Carbon steel is an ideal metal for quick and even wok cooking
- Top choice for many professional Chinese chefs
- Can be used as a smoker and steamer
Cons
- Warranty information difficult to obtain
- Can’t be used on flat electric or flat induction stoves
- Carbon steel requires seasoning to cook with