10 Best Carbon Steel Woks In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
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Perfecting your favorite noodle dish or the famous Asian fried rice is easy if you have the best carbon steel wok. A good quality wok in the kitchen lets you create tasteful and savory dishes in a breeze.
This selection of the best carbon steel woks is ideal for amateur cooks and professional chefs alike. Here are some of our most promising finds.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall - Craft Wok 14-inch Hand-Hammered Carbon Steel Wok• Wooden grip and helper handle |
Most Budget-Friendly - Ecolution Nonstick Carbon Steel Wok• Modern and sleek design |
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Most Professional - Soonear Kote2 Japanese Carbon Steel Wok• No flimsy wooden handles |
1. KYTD's 12.5-inch Carbon Steel Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers left great feedback on this carbon steel wok for its design and functionality. It is excellent for any stove type, and it worked great for those who used a convection oven, a hob stove, or an electric stove. Some reviewers said that the carbon steel wok had quite the weight to it. Nevertheless, it was value for money and offered long-lasting quality.
Why We Think It's Great
KYTD carbon steel wok is Chinese hand-hammered and crafted with tradition and modern touches in mind. Its handle is ergonomic and remains cool while pan-frying your noodles or stirring your fried rice. What makes this an ideal contender for the best carbon steel wok is its flat bottom feature, making it compatible with any type of stove.
Who Should Buy It
This carbon steel wok boasts heat conduction from its flat bottom, making it ideal for environmentally conscious cooks who prefer to save energy from hours of cooking.
2. Soonear Kote2 Japanese Carbon Steel Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
When it comes to buyer's choice, the Soonear Kote2 carbon steel wok is an excellent piece of kitchenware to have. Users particularly enjoyed this product for its smooth and lightweight quality and how authentic the "feel" is when gripping on the steel handle. Buyers also commented how much they appreciated the easy seasoning instructions provided.
Why We Think It's Great
This is one of the best carbon steel woks you can find online since it's made with Japanese artisanal craftsmanship and durability. It's less than a kilogram (2.02 lbs), making it lightweight and easy to use when trying to nail that famous Japanese omelet you've been trying to perfect for months now.
This carbon steel wok was made with tradition incorporated in its design, thus the absence of a rubber grip. Traditional woks with no grip usually require a towel or cloth when holding to avoid too much heat transfer. Nonetheless, this wok is value for money and comes in three different sizes, providing users a variety of options for their kitchen needs.
Who Should Buy It
The Kote2 carbon steel wok is made especially for home cooks for its lightness and durable quality. However, you can also use it in many restaurant settings. It was created to cook more Japanese dishes like tempura, fried rice, and yakisoba noodles.
3. Yosukata Store 14-inch Carbon Steel Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
Amazon customers found the Yosukata carbon steel wok to be useful and of high quality. Some buyers said the wok was quite heavy, while a few others claimed it was not nonstick nor pre-seasoned. Regardless, the product garnered praise for its user-friendliness and functionality.
Why We Think It's Great
The carbon steel wok from Yosukata Store boasts a wielded hand base, making it sturdy and easy to hold with its wooden handle grip. Most traditional woks do not have a grip on the handle, so this one is ideal for amateur cooks who have low heat tolerance when cooking.
Since it's made with high-quality materials, it's heavy-duty and provides even thickness and heat distribution ideal for cooking fried rice. This carbon steel wok also supports other types of traditional cooking techniques like braising or simmering.
Who Should Buy It
The Yosukata wok is great for home cooks or those who own a gas stove or a hob stove at home. This best carbon steel wok is perfect for those who like to experiment with Asian cooking methods. Braising chicken, deep-frying tempura, or tossing your noodles are all doable.
4. Craft Wok 14-inch Hand-Hammered Carbon Steel Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
Reviews about Craft Wok carbon steel wok are primarily positive and highlight the quality of the product. Users mentioned the need to properly season the wok before using it, while others commended its exceptional quality and sturdiness. Truly a "superb bit of kitchen kit," according to one shopper.
Why We Think It's Great
Craft Wok's carbon steel wok is made with traditional artistry and functionality. It has a round bottom for even heat distribution, ideal for those who enjoy quick dinners at home.
It can easily contend as one of the best carbon steel woks you can find online since it is affordable and long-lasting. Craft Wok has retained this design since 2014 and has since received positive feedback for their products’ top-of-the-line quality.
The carbon steel wok comes with a wooden handle that is good for home cooks sensitive to high-heat cooking. One thing to note is that buyers should learn how to season the wok properly before using it with any food they wish to serve.
Who Should Buy It
This carbon steel wok is perfect for amateur cooks and those who enjoy throwing in quick dinners. It's pretty heavy, so first-time users should be cautious and practice proper tossing techniques to cook their food evenly.
5. Joyce Chen 4-Piece 14-inch Carbon Steel Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
There are rave reviews about the Joyce Chen carbon steel wok’s superb quality and easy grip. First-time wok users found it a good buy and worth every penny since it had the "perfect weight and thickness" when stirring their favorite noodle dish. Other customers discovered that it has a flimsy handle grip, making it awkward when transferring food to a plate.
Why We Think It's Great
This carbon steel wok from Joyce Chen boasts value for money, sleek design, and functionality all in one. It is round-bottomed and comes in a 4-piece set. It includes a 12-inch bamboo spatula, a recipe booklet, and a nonstick steel dome lid to cover the food while cooking.
It also has birchwood handles that help keep your hands stay cool while tossing food in the wok. Another highlight of this product is the lid with a cool-touch knob that helps trap the food's moisture, heat, and nutrients.
Who Should Buy It
Since cooking Asian dishes in this carbon steel wok requires fast hands, the grip’s weight helps amateur and professional chefs, making it easy to toss and flip food. If you're a first-time wok buyer, this set is an excellent investment since it also comes with a recipe booklet to experiment with Asian lunches and dinners in your household.
6. Chef's Medal 14-inch Hand-Hammered Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
People who bought this carbon steel wok have left some great feedback, while a few gave honest reviews about its longevity. According to one reviewer, Chef’s Medal’s carbon steel wok was "a pleasure to own.”
Another customer mentioned how it resembles the first wok she owned when she was still in Hong Kong. Five stars were given to the wok despite the bumpy surface due to uneven hammering.
Why We Think It's Great
This state-of-the-art carbon steel wok comes with many advantages. Many have pointed out the superb quality this wok possesses, including a deep curvature and flat bottom for even heat distribution. You can also get a refund if you're not satisfied with the wok's quality.
The carbon steel wok aids in stewing, steaming, broiling, and deep-frying dishes for those keen on eating Asian cuisines. This 14-inch wok has a bamboo and carbon steel handle with a hole for hanging, an ideal feature for those who like to use their kitchenware as part of their kitchen's aesthetic.
Who Should Buy It
Chef's Medal's version of the traditional hand-hammered wok makes one of the best carbon steel woks for avid cooks and chefs to enjoy. It has great features and comes in a good fit for every kitchen, making it user-friendly for every meal type.
7. Helen's Asian Kitchen 14-inch Flat Bottom Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
This carbon steel wok presents a promising quality, which is naturally seasoned that many users loved. "Muy Buen wok," according to one customer from Mexico.
Due to its even heat distribution, cooking traditional Asian dishes like Singaporean rice noodles is easy, says one purchaser. Some users also highlighted how clear the product's pre-seasoning instructions are, which they appreciated when unboxing the product.
Why We Think It's Great
Helen's Asian Kitchen offers cooks and chefs a top-of-the-line carbon steel wok that is great for frying, stewing, sauteing, braising, and frying. It's made with 1.6-millimeter carbon steel along with a heat-resistant bamboo handle. There is also a helper handle, which helps significant events that serve copious amounts of food.
What makes this one of the best carbon steel woks is its flat bottom. It works well with any type of stove. Whether you have an apartment induction stove or a restaurant kitchen hob stove, Helen's Asian Kitchen wok is very versatile.
Who Should Buy It
When it comes to Asian cuisine, having the proper cookware and ingredients play a significant role in creating rich flavors. This carbon steel wok is affordable and makes for a great kitchen tool, especially for those who don't have a lot of time preparing meals. It comes in a set with other helpful kitchen tools to help you whip your very own orange chicken dish.
8. FoodyLabs 14-inch Carbon Steel Wok with Ring
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers highly rated this carbon steel wok for its reliable versatility. It works with any type of Asian cooking technique and on any stovetops. Reviewers also said it's "very well made and worth the money." Other users mentioned its heaviness. Still, the 6 lbs. wok also included a step-by-step process of how to season it before using, which first-time buyers appreciated.
Why We Think It's Great
FoodyLab's wok features traditional and modern touches in one product. With an authentic rounded and hand-hammered design, this is one of the best carbon steel woks that come with a ring to help steady and support it on your stovetop.
The handle is made with wood to help keep your hands cool when cooking in high heat. When it comes to maintenance, this nonstick wok is easy to clean and boasts long-lasting quality with its straightforward design and functionality.
Who Should Buy It
This carbon steel wok makes one of the best gifts to foodies and amateur chefs alike. It's also a must-have staple in every Asian home, and if you're new to experimenting with Asian cuisine, then you should invest in this.
9. Ecolution 8-inch Nonstick Carbon Steel Wok
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What Customers Have To Say
Many purchasers commended the Ecolution carbon steel wok for its design and functionality. Customers think this is value for money for any type of home kitchen. A few people reviewed the item's nonstick feature; unfortunately, the coating did not last very long.
Why We Think It's Great
Ecolution's cooking pan is one of the best carbon steel woks you can find on Amazon. It's inexpensive and lightweight, which are both selling points for first-time buyers. This wok weighs less than 1.1 lbs and comes with a dual riveted handle for a soft touch and easy grip. The design is sleek and coated in an all-black exterior for a shiny finish.
It also comes in three sizes for those planning to get a chef's set. The only downside is that it is not suitable for all stovetops, mainly for electric, gas, and glass-ceramic stovetops. Buyers should also note its limited warranty.
Who Should Buy It
The Ecolution flat bottom carbon steel wok is ideal for those moving into their new place and needs a starter cooking kit. Its lightweight quality and durability make for a kitchen must-have, especially if you're the type of person who likes to make quick Asian dishes for dinner.
10. Cooklover's Nonstick Woks And Stir Fry Pan
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What Customers Have To Say
"No hot spots, easy cleanup, fitted glass lid with silicone seal and convenient stand-up feature, plus we loved the convenient helper handle," a recent buyer shares. They appreciated the wok's sturdy build and how fast it heated up for efficient cooking.
Why We Think It's Great
The Cooklover's Nonstick Woks And Stir Fry Pan is a high-quality, durable product that will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable. The Greblon C3 coating makes the pan-resistant to heat and allows it to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without damaging the surface.
Additionally, the sustainable materials used in the construction of this pan make it a responsible choice for your kitchen. The vertical silicone assists you grip the pan securely while stirring or flipping food while maintaining a comfortable grip.
Who Should Buy It
This wok is perfect for giving to your loved ones for their birthdays. Everyone could use a handy wok for experiments in the kitchen. Thanks to its durable construction and the complete set it comes with, it's a sure set to help with weekday and weekend meal prep.
Best Wok Material Buying Guide
Finding the right wok to invest in makes sense if you want one to last for generations. With kitchenware taking design integration up a notch, many forget the material's significance when making a wise purchase.
Here are the most common materials used in high-quality woks. Hopefully, this will help you choose the best one that suits your cooking needs.
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Carbon Steel Wok
Dubbed as the most traditional material used when producing high-quality woks, carbon steel is an alloy that consists of iron and carbon. Many confuse it with cast iron, but it sets itself apart for its lightweight quality. It also has a quick response to heat, making it ideal for Asian cooking. The texture of a carbon steel wok is smooth due to the malleability of carbon steel.
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Cast Iron Wok
Cast iron material is known for its heavy-duty quality and heaviness. This type of wok can withstand extremely high temperatures and plays a significant role in outdoor cooking. For those who enjoy camping or potlucks, a cast iron wok is your best friend.
Also, it excretes beneficial amounts of iron into food when mixed and tossed on the surface. Since it's free of chemicals, the maintenance is a bit more thorough than other types of woks.
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Stainless Steel Wok
Stainless Steel is another popular wok variation that home cooks prefer. Durability, heat conduction, and temperature maintenance are all on point. This type of material can retain and distribute heat evenly throughout the wok, making it a superb choice for those keen on cooking acidic foods.
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Non-stick Wok
Last but not least, nonstick woks are the most home-friendly pans. It requires almost no oil when cooking savory food, and it plays a massive role in reducing fat intake. This material is ideal for beginner-cooks who don't have enough experience cooking over fire. Unlike other wok types, nonstick woks do not require seasoning.
Carbon Steel Wok FAQ
1. What are woks used for?
Woks were traditionally popularized in Chinese cuisine. It's a highly durable pan with a deep curvature and a long handle conducive to pan-frying, deep-frying, broiling, boiling, braising, and searing, among other traditionally Asian cooking techniques.
2. What are the types of wok?
Apart from the carbon steel wok, other types of woks include stainless steel and cast iron woks. They all have one factor in common - highly resistant and conducive to high heat temperatures while cooking.
3. Do all woks need to be seasoned?
Yes, all woks must be seasoned to remove debris and oil from machinery. It will reveal its natural patina after several rounds on the stovetop fire, which will eventually make the wok nonstick.
4. How do you clean a wok?
Cleaning a wok is best by hand washing and not through a dishwasher. Simply soak it in hot soapy water, then use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid scratching the surface and remove all the debris. Dry with a paper towel or clean rag.
Wok cleaning tips
- Consider paper towels instead of microfiber towels when drying your wok.
- Place on top of the stove to gently heat and dry the wok.
- Avoid placing the carbon steel woks in a dishwasher.
5. What should a seasoned wok look like?
A well-seasoned wok should reveal its natural patina with a blueish color change when placed towards the light. The carbon steel wok will demonstrate a nonstick quality when cooking your food. Blackened areas of the wok are typical when used over time.
How to season your wok
- After washing the wok, rotate your wok on high heat for 10 minutes and make sure all sides are evenly heated.
- Oil your wok correctly while it's still warm from the stove. Grab a paper towel or rag, then place a small amount of oil to cover the surface area.
- Grab another paper towel or new rag to wipe all the oil possible.
- Leave your wok on high heat for another five minutes, wherein the wok's color starts to shift with blue tones.
- Turn off the stove, then let the wok cool for two minutes, then prepare your ingredients for the dish you'd like to cook.
- Ensure you repeat this process once in a while to maintain and protect the coating.
Conclusion
Owning a carbon steel wok is a step towards experimental cooking, which is usually a good thing if you're a certified foodie. A pan is one thing, but a carbon steel wok helps you cook with technique and precision in mind. It also teaches you how to manipulate ingredients with high temperatures.
We highly recommend the Craft Wok's Carbon Steel Wok for its overall versatility and functionality. Its classic design makes it easy to use without the extra fuss. Plus, it's very affordable.
A runner-up is the Soonear Kote2 Japanese Carbon Steel Wok which stands out for its artisanal Japanese craftsmanship. It’s also effortless to maintain and relatively light, and easy to hold for several rounds of flipping and tossing.