Buoyed by the flavors of the exotic Chinese cuisine, the wok is more and more sought after from all over the world. That makes the market become diverse and buyers have got plenty of options. But that, unfortunately, overwhelms non-experienced people.
To help you find out the best wok for stir fry, we have compiled this review list.
Here are the best woks for stir fry you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Even Heat Distribution (Flat Bottom Wok): ITSMILLERS Ceramic Non Stick Octagonal Wok
- Durable (Flat Bottom Wok): Bielmeier Wok Pan 12.5”
- Fast Heating (Flat Bottom Wok): ANEDER Frying Pan Non Stick Wok Pan
- Easy To Clean (Round Bottom Wok): Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan
- Chip & Crack Resistant (Round Bottom Wok): FOODYLABS 14 Inch Wok Pan
- Rust Resistant (Round Bottom Wok): Mecete Wok pan 5th Generation
| 6 Best Woks For Stir Fry | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Even Heat Distribution | ITSMILLERS Ceramic Non Stick Octagonal Wok
| |
Durable | Bielmeier Wok Pan 12.5”
| |
Fast Heating | ANEDER Frying Pan Non Stick Wok Pan
| |
Easy To Clean | Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan
| |
Chip & Crack Resistant | FOODYLABS 14 Inch Wok Pan
| |
Rust Resistant | Mecete Wok pan 5th Generation
| |
Best For Even Heat Distribution: ITSMILLERS Ceramic Non Stick Octagonal Wok
- Even heat distribution - a 4mm reinforced die-cast aluminum bottom
- Versatile - a sturdy, heat-resistant handle and a 12.5-inch diameter size
- Easy to clean – dishwasher-safe materials
- A little heavy
Are hot spots and burnt-bottom wok your current matters while making stir-fried dishes? Then, we have this excellent alternative for you - the ITSMILLERS Ceramic Nonstick Octagonal Wok.
Aside from a sturdy, heat-resistant handle and a 12.5-inch diameter size - which is versatile enough for most cooking tasks, it boasts a 4mm reinforced bottom made of die-cast aluminum that provides perfectly even heat distribution.
We also liked its non-stick German PTFE-free coating, which prevents stuck food as effectively as advertised and is very durable.
While hand-washing is highly recommended to this wok, it is dishwasher-friendly. A big bonus!
| ITSMILLERS Ceramic Non Stick Octagonal Wok Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.31 pounds |
Size | 12.5 Inches |
Materials | Aluminum |
Highlight Features | a 4mm reinforced die-cast aluminum bottom a sturdy, heat-resistant handle and a 12.5-inch diameter size dishwasher-safe materials |
If you are seeking a decent stir-fry wok for even heat distribution, our favorite pick is the ITSMILLERS.
Durable: Bielmeier Wok Pan 12.5”
- Durable - nitriding-treated carbon steel & heat-resistant to 450F
- Heath-safe – containing no chemicals or toxins
- Not naturally non-stick
This wok is made of nitriding-treated carbon steel, which is lighter yet more durable than die-cast aluminum with non-stick coating and more rust-resistant than other grades of carbon steel.
The material is also excellent at heat resistance, up to 450F, which allows it to work well on all stovetops, composed of an oven.
Besides, it contains no chemicals or toxins. No PFOA. No health risks.
The only minor caveat is that this wok is not naturally non-stick, but will be if properly seasoned and treated. It is a bit time-consuming but very well worth the price and quality.
| Bielmeier Wok Pan 12.5” Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5 pounds |
Size | 12.5" |
Materials | Carbon Steel |
Highlight Features | nitriding-treated carbon steel & heat-resistant to 450F containing no chemicals or toxins |
The Bielmeier Wok Pan 12.5 will be your best bet if you are in need of an ultra-durable wok for stir fry.
Fast Heating: ANEDER Frying Pan Non Stick Wok Pan
- Heat up super-fast - carbon steel body
- Ideal for singles or small families – the 11” size
- Easy to check the food – a heat- and shatter-resistant glass lid
- Wish the handle was sturdier
If the 12.5" diameter size is too large for your needs and you want a high-quality yet affordable wok with fast-heating capability, then we believe you'll really like this option - the ANEDER Frying Pan Non-Stick Wok Pan.
Its body material is non-stick, lightweight, rustproof, and food-safe. Particularly, it heats up fast with no smoke emissions and also distributes the heat evenly.
The heat- and shatter-resistant glass lid is another notable feature, which is sturdy, hassle-free of steam, and allows you to easily check the cooking food.
The price also includes a food-grade spatula.
| ANEDER Frying Pan Non Stick Wok Pan Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.21 pounds |
Size | 11 Inches |
Materials | Aluminum, Glass, Silicone, Plastic |
Highlight Features | carbon steel body the 11” size a heat- and shatter-resistant glass lid |
Looking for the best stir-fry wok for fast-heating? Consider the ANEDER Frying Pan Non-Stick Wok Pan.
Easy To Clean: Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan
- Easy to clean – non-stick 600+F pre-seasoned bottom
- Even heat distribution - black carbon steel material
- Sturdy - a tightly-fixed, well-dried handle
- No lid included
This 14" diameter wok will be the best choice for a medium to a large family who loves authentic Asian cuisine.
Along with a tightly-fixed, well-dried handle, it features a black carbon steel body that has already been pre-seasoned at 600+F. Therefore, it prevents sticky foods better than unseasoned woks and is easier to clean (though you still have to season it with oil).
The material also offers top-notch uniform temperature and avoids hot spots greatly, unlike lower-end brands.
But it's a pity when this wok doesn't come with a lid.
| Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.8 pounds |
Size | 14 Inches |
Materials | Carbon Steel |
Highlight Features | non-stick 600+F pre-seasoned bottom black carbon steel material a tightly-fixed, well-dried handle |
Made of pre-seasoned black carbon steel, the Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan is not only sturdy and lightweight but also easy to clean.
Chip & Crack Resistant: FOODYLABS 14 Inch Wok Pan
- Chip and crack resistant - 2mm hand-hammered bottom design
- Solid hand-feel – riveted handle and secondary lug
- Able to stay stable on a flat surface – including a ring
- Heavy
- Expensive
If your budget is loose and you are really into Asian dishes, invest in this 14" carbon steel wok.
While many other carbon steel woks are just 1mm thick, this one is up to 2mm and 100% hand-hammered. It not only heats up fast and evenly but also prevents chips, cracks, and deformation effectively.
Meanwhile, the handle and the secondary lug are stiffened by rivets for solid hand-feel.
You'll also love the included ring, which is used for keeping the wok stable without damaging your table or cooktop surface. It is rustproof and heat resistant.
| FOODYLABS 14 Inch Wok Pan Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.59 pounds |
Size | 14 Inches |
Materials | 15 gauge / 2 mm thick Carbon Steel - Hand Hammered |
Highlight Features | 2mm hand-hammered bottom design riveted handle and secondary lug a ring |
Featuring 2mm ultra-thick body material, the FOODYLABS 14 Inch Wok Pan stands out for chip and crack resistance capability.
Rust Resistant: Mecete Wok pan 5th Generation
- Rust-resistant - high-grade hand-hammered, pre-seasoned carbon steel body
- Durable and solid - 1.8mm thick bottom design & thick rubbery grips
- Expensive
The Mecete Wok pan 5th Generation is not coated with rust-resistant chemicals to ensure safety.
Instead, it's made of high-grade carbon steel that's hand-hammered and heated at 550+F until showing a beautiful black surface, which is rust-resistant, bubble-free, and non-stick.
Compared to factory-made woks, we feel it is firmer and more uniform in density.
Not just the body, Mecete also makes the handle of this wok to be a lot sturdier, with 1.8mm carbon steel material and thick rubbery grips.
However, that next-level performance comes at a cost. That's why we only recommend it for Asian cooking enthusiasts whose budget is on the table.
| Mecete Wok pan 5th Generation Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.69 pounds |
Size | 13.3 Inches |
Materials | Alloy Steel, Carbon Steel |
Highlight Features | high-grade hand-hammered, pre-seasoned carbon steel body thick rubbery grips |
The Mecete Wok pan 5th Generation has a perfect balance of rust resistance and safety, making it a great investment for any Asian cooking expert.
How To Choose The Best Wok For Stir Fry?
Material
Carbon steel is our top recommendation when it comes to the best material for stir-fry wok because it heats up fast, is lightweight, and will develop a great patina during the time of use. Cast iron is the next choice.
Carbon steel isn’t originally non-stick but with proper seasoning from the beginning, you can make it a nonstick one.
We do not recommend choosing a model with nonstick coating though it might be quite convenient to use and clean. The reason is while you’re stir-frying foods, high heat and stirring motions (which sometimes could be aggressive) can ruin the coating and make it peeled.
On the other hand, nonstick coating is literally chemicals.
Diameter (size)
For home use, you should choose a wok with 12 to 16 inches in diameter. These sizes are compact enough for common stirring motions and techniques – like flipping, but large enough to accommodate foods.
The Shape Of The Bottom
There are two options for the bottom shape of stir-fry wok:
- Round bottom
- Flat bottom
Please take a peek at this comparison table to see the differences, pros, and cons of each shape:
Round bottom wok | Flat bottom wok | |
Pros | Circulate heat evenly to create wok hei | Able to stay balanced on flat American stovetops |
Cons | Unable to stay balanced on some kinds of stoves unless you place it on a wok ring. | A bit challenging to stir fry foods evenly |
Best for | Gas stoves | Gas, electric, or induction stoves |
Bonus: Wok rings are an inexpensive round ring made of metal, which is for holding a round-bottomed wok in place without tipping over on a flat surface.
Lid
This is optional. Aside from stir-frying, a wok can be used for steaming, and in this case, a lid comes in handy.
Lids can be made of various materials: clear glass, wood, or aluminum with a wooden knob. The choice is up to you.
Which Brands Make The Best Wok For Stir Fry?
MILLERS
Millers Kitchen is a global brand specializing in manufacturing and distributing premium cookware and kitchenware products. They are also the leading brand in the USA market, known for top-notch quality, durability, and affordability.
Bielmeier
We love cookware products by Bielmeier for their decent quality, beauty, and especially, durability. They are outstanding to us (as well as a lot of other worldwide customers) by providing wok products where quality meets affordability.
Yosukata
YOSUKATA was established by pro-Asian chefs who pay lots of attention to the flavor and taste of foods, which ensures the quality, durability, and functionality of their cookware products.
FAQs
Is a stir fry healthy?
Yes, a stir-fry is healthy because the quick-cooking process helps keep more nutrients of the ingredients better than boiling. Besides, compared to deep frying, stir-frying requires less oil, resulting in lower fat content.
Why is a wok better for stir fry?
A wok is better for stir-frying because you can easily push cooked food to the sides of the cookware whilst moving uncooked food to the center, on the bottom. Besides, the cooking process is faster and requires less oil than traditional skillets.
What oil works best for stir fry?
The best oil for stir fry is peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, and soybean oil.
Which is better: flat or round bottom wok?
Flat and round bottom wok has its own pros and cons, which means that flat-bottom wok can be better than the other in some aspects, and vice versa.
A round-bottom wok is easy to stir fry food evenly, however, it can’t stay balanced on flat American stovetops, such as electric stoves.
Can I use a round bottom wok on a gas stove?
Yes, you can. Not only round-bottom wok but also the flat-bottom model can work well on a gas stove.
Conclusion
Our team conducted all our tests, analyzed the top-rated ones, and put them in this article to try and help you determine the best wok for stir fry that will stay with you the longest and also do the best in your kitchen. We wish you luck and fun in your cooking adventure.
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
