A barbecue wok is a traditional, one-of-a-kind, and extremely versatile cooking utensil that may be used for stir-frying, steaming, braising, stewing, and even deep-frying. This fascinating food-cooking utensil is the Chinese’s most essential piece of cookware, and it is widely used throughout Asia and the rest of the world. A BBQ Wok is a bowl-shaped tool that evenly distributes heat and uses less oil, resulting in tasty prepared BBQ meals that are good for your health. Using a large barbeque wok ensures that the food is stir-fried within rather than on the stove. I would suggest you take a look at woks for deep-frying if you love to make deep-fried items.
Contents
What Is a Barbecue Wok?
A barbecue wok is a cooking utensil that may be used to grill a variety of items on a grill. Cooking on the grill is easy with this metal pan, which lifts the food from the actual metal grill, allowing bits of food to cook more evenly. The barbeque wok is often made up of a metal pan with several small holes, like a colander with two metal handles.
Many cooks use a barbecue wok to stir-fry vegetables over a grill. These woks may be used with either charcoal or gas grills. In the BBQ wok, cooks can also blend meat and veggies. Because these pans don’t usually allow for cooking with the grill hood closed, the food may take longer to cook through.
Did You Know? Always use an oil with a high smoke point—meaning something that can be heated to very high temperatures before it starts smoking—and a neutral flavor. Peanut oil, canola oil, and grapeseed oil all fit the bill. You can learn more about this topic by referring to what is ‘smoke point’.
Well, if you are a home chef and looking for a decent wok for your stove, check out our list of best home woks.
Why is the grill great for stir-frying and bbq?
A common complaint among stir-fry and bbq lovers is that generating the high heat required to properly prepare them at home is sometimes impossible. You can check out woks for high heat for more options.
Standard methods and techniques may deliver acceptable results, but don’t you expect more? If that’s the case, put your wok on the grill, and you’ll never use your wok inside again—or set off your smoke detector! Those who have gas stoves have things a little easier, but most home kitchen burners aren’t up to par with your favorite Chinese restaurant’s nuclear-powered jets. We also have a list of best woks for the gas stove which would work best with your gas stove.
Health benefits of Barbecuing
Consider what happens when something is fried. The fat stays in the dish, and the frying oil even adds more fat! A barbecue has the advantage of allowing a lot of fat to fall through and onto the flames. That means that cooking fat meat on a grill with enough space for the fat to drip away from the food is really healthier. Barbecuing might be a good option if you’re attempting to lose weight.
Aside from the fat in the meat dropping away, as we just discussed, you don’t need to use any cooking oil or fat while grilling on a barbecue. When you fry, you usually need to add a little oil or fat to the pan to keep the food from drying out, whereas barbecues cook and grill without any additional oils. Think how many calories those cooking oils and fats contain, and realize that you can avoid them with a BBQ.
We all love to cook some delicious barbecue while camping or traveling, don’t we? So why to limit your fun. If you are among these, make sure you take a look at our expert listing of best woks for camping, and if you travel in your RV, you can check out our list of the best woks for RV.
Tips For Healthy Barbecuing
Get leaner meats
Meat can still be barbecued while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Simply choose slimmer cuts. Remember that even the higher-fat ones will taste better on the grill since some of the fat will seep through.
Grill more fruit and veg
You don’t have to use a barbecue for cooking only meats. You may make them healthy by grilling vegetable kebabs or fruit like melon.
Things to consider before buying the best BBQ wok?
Round Vs. Flat Bottom
The round bottom wok was once one of the few traditional designs for BBQ, but now there is a broad selection of woks for sale that everyone can buy and enjoy the greatest home-cooked barbecued meals. Take a look at our list of best round bottom woks and add one to your beautiful kitchen.
Many people prefer flat-bottomed woks because they are more convenient to use on flat stovetops. So if you have modern stovetops in your kitchen, I would recommend you to take a look at the best flat bottom woks.
Materials
These traditional Chinese cooking equipment for grilling come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Stainless steel woks are widely used in homes and commercial establishments such as restaurants and pantries. This is a low-cost, lightweight material that easily and quickly transfers heat. So don’t forget to take a look at the best stainless steel woks for more options.
Carbon steel is also one of the best and most durable wok materials for bbq. One of the most popular is the hand-hammered wok, which is the most durable because it is treated and processed by hand.
The cast metal wok with holes is another popular BBQ wok. It’s ideal for grilling veggies, fish, and/or tiny meat chunks. You can check out our list of the best cast iron woks for some of the best options available in the market.
A professional wok is designed specifically for skilled chefs who want to change the way people think about BBQ cuisine. These varieties are easily accessible in household kitchens and are well-known as a commercial wok, which makes barbecuing quick and simple. I have made your work easier by compiling some of the best professional woks available in the market. Just take a look and buy one and start tossing your food like a pro.
Non-Stick
On the grill, a nonstick wok is typically used to cook small, delicate dishes. It is the ideal option for light cooking, and you can use it to prepare BBQ king prawns, grilled salmon, tasty vegetables, and more. The non-stick ones have several advantages, including the fact that they are non-stick, easy to use, prevent food from falling through the grate, cook seafood, fish, and vegetables to perfection, fit on top of your current grate, and are dishwasher safe. I hope all these advantages are enough to convenience you to get yourself a non-stick wok. So don’t waste any more time and take a look at our list of best non-stick woks.
Electric
Modernization in BBQ woks, such as the electric wok, has made barbecuing easier and faster. These electric ones include a temperature control feature and are non-stick BBQ equipment. They are also very easy to maintain. The base and handles of this BBQ wok are heat-resistant. This type is less likely to burn the oil or make your kitchen feel smoky. We have collated a list of some of the best electric woks just for you.
Did You Know? You should not use a nonstick wok on the grill; most of those coatings aren’t meant to withstand the kind of heat you’ll expose them to on a grill. They might start to degrade and can contaminate your food with toxic compounds.
A wok can cook anything from Chinese noodles to Thai curry. Mentioning that, check out our listing of best wok for thai curry if you are looking for a wok to make some delicious Thia curry.
Best wok for bbq – A summary list
#1 ZhenSanHuan Chinese Hand Hammered Iron Wok – If you want a more traditional iron wok, then you can’t possibly go wrong with this unit.
#2 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok – Coming from a Chinese origin, this particular hand-hammered pan has been one of the preferred options for Chinese chefs.
#3 Lodge Pro-Logic Wok with Flat Base – This massive cast iron wok has a stunning appearance and will be nearly indestructible for decades.
#4 Flat Bottom Hand Hammered Wok by Mammafong – Grilling outdoor is fun, and this wok is for you if you like to cook delicious stir-fries with friends/family while spending quality time is bound to get you excited.
#5 Town Food Service 18 inch Steel Wok – If your idea is not just to feed yourself but the entire family, including the guests, you have called, this is the best wok to buy.
List of top 5 woks for bbq
#1 ZhenSanHuan Chinese Hand Hammered Iron Wok
This item was forged using an ancient Chinese technique that included 12 steps and up to 36,000 times of hand hammering. This pan has a mirror surface to improve food release performance and ensure that your contents slide easily inside the cookware.
The nonstick cowling on the ZhenSanHuan Chinese Hand Hammered Iron Woks is not painted or coated, so you won’t have to worry about it peeling or falling off.
As previously said, this pan is constructed of iron, which produces iron oxide, a protective layer that serves as a nonstick coating. Each time you use it, it becomes better.
User Experience
Users say that this wok is a testament to old school hand craftsmanship, and it’s truly a piece of functional art. They also mentioned that it is quite heavy and certainly not an easy toss to flip food. Others were saying that nothing sticking to the surface. It’s also a perfect size and really beautiful. One of the customers commented that this wok cooks like a dream! Superslick, great sear, and it has a musical sound. No significant complaints by its users.
Pros
- Outstanding non-stick performance
- Solid, reliable iron construction
- Classic concaveness design for optimal heat conductivity
- Absorbs less oil and generate less smoke
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Come at a salty price
My Verdict: This is one of the best bbq wok and very versatile. Due to its premium build quality, it can easily take the heat from a grill and cook excellent bbq food.
This thing is not cheap, but you get what you pay for. If you are looking for some budget-friendly options, we got you. Here’s a list of the best budget woks that you can get.
#2 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok
This wok is composed of commercial-grade carbon steel in a 15-gauge thickness. The wok is completely hand-hammered and shouts excellence.
It’s built to last and is ideal for high-heat cooking. The design is based on a classic Chinese wok pan, so you’ll be able to enjoy true wok cooking.
In fact, the company goes out of its way to give a manual for the simplest seasoning procedure. Customer service is also available to ensure that you get the most out of your wok pan.
When it comes to the design, the wooden stick, together with the helper handle, ensures that you stay safe when cooking and tossing the ingredients. The handle can also be used to store the wok by hanging it. For more hand-hammered steel woks, refer to our list.
User Experience
Users like this wok and mentioned that it’s well priced, well made, and reasonably thick at 1.8mm, a little on the heavy side. I personally like the extra thickness as it gives you flexibility when cooking on a proper burner. They mentioned that it’s solid, well made, and the handle can be detached for the initial seasoning. Users also mentioned that it’s a great wok to cook with; food comes out amazing with wok hei. One of the users commented that this wok is amazing, the thickness of this wok is just right, not too heavy, but it has a strong, sturdy feel.
Few of the users, on the other hand, were complaining that the wok started to rust after a while of use.
Pros
- Great heat distribution
- Completely handcrafted
- Made out of durable materials
- Scratch-resistant
Cons
- The carbon steel can get rusty, if not taken care of
My Verdict: It is the best wok for outdoor gas stir fry or bbq, especially if you are looking out for a sustainable cooking tool or value for your investment.
You can also get yourself a pre-seasoned wok and skip the work of seasoning your wok. For such pre-seasoned models, refer to best pre-seasoned wok.
#3 Lodge Pro-Logic Wok with Flat Base
Lodge is a family-owned business that has been in operation for 120 years, so they know what they’re doing!
The 14-inch wok is large enough to feed a large family, and its cast iron construction allows it to be used on electric, gas, or induction stovetops. It’s safe to bake with or cook over an open fire. This wok might be too big for some, but don’t worry, we have a list of the best 12-inch woks just for you.
Cast iron is known for retaining heat and evenly distributing it, allowing the food to cook faster. It may be used to make stir-fries, soups, and sautees, as well as deep-frying with far less oil than a standard fryer. This wok makes it easy for you to cook anything from steaming food to cooking fried rice. For more such models, check out the best wok for fried rice.
This wok has already been seasoned with vegetable oil rather than synthetics or chemicals. It is strongly advised that you repeat this procedure after each wash. Not to preserve it in tip-top condition, but to make it better with each use.
User Experience
This product has the highest rating and positive reviews than any other wok on our list. Users loved the fact that this cast iron wok comes perfectly pre-seasoned. They also liked that food never got stuck on it, and it kept the heat very well. One customer commented that the weight of the wok allows for the pan to stay in place without moving while cooking/stirring. Customers also mentioned that it is very easy to clean. There are absolutely no negative reviews or feedback given by the customers.
Pros
- Suitable for cooking large family meals
- Excellent quality and highly durable
- Retains and evenly distributes the heat
- Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
- A flat base design for easier handling
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a lid
My Verdict: Its flat bottom design makes it suitable for use on electric, gas, and even induction cooktops.
The lid can be a very important accessory for some. If you are among them, take a look at the best woks with lid and pick the one which suits your needs.
#4 Flat Bottom Hand Hammered Wok by Mammafong
This is a tough outdoor grill wok that will get your party going. It’s entirely handcrafted and manufactured with the old-fashioned method of hand hammering. The 14-inch size ensures that everyone has a chance to sample your cuisine. It also has a flat base, which makes it easier for the wok to sit securely on any stovetop.
It is made of high-quality carbon steel and has excellent heat dissipation properties. The wooden handle prevents the heat from transferring to your hands. Finally, the overall ergonomic design ensures that you get the same powerful smoke every time you stir fry, impressing your peers.
User Experience
Users liked the length of the handle and mentioned that stir fry is a breeze in this wok. They mentioned that the wok is of very good quality and has good thickness. One of the customers commented that it’s beautiful, lightweight and works on her induction stove, and has nothing to dislike. If you are looking for more such woks to cook on induction, click here and check out our expert list.
Another user commented that it’s the perfect size and weight, and the quality is fantastic. The handle is very sturdy! Few of the users were complaining that the wok started to rust after washing it.
Pros
- A heavy-duty wok
- premium and safe material used
- ergonomic design
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Without proper care, it is rust-prone
My Verdict: In case you are looking for an indoor completely hand hammered carbon steel wok, the flat base is perfect for your modern kitchen. Refer to best carbon steel woks for more options.
Rusting can be a big issue. But don’t worry, we have collated a list of the best rust-free woks just for you.
#5 Town Food Service 18 inch Steel Wok
This is the ideal wok to buy if you want to feed not just yourself but your entire family, as well as any guests you’ve invited. It’s the ideal huge outdoor wok for stir fry because of its 18-inch diameter.
Despite the fact that decent woks are never cheap, this one is particularly budget-friendly considering its large size. The addition of cold-forged steel to the wok adds to the extra strength required for simpler wok handling.
The wok is typically made in China and features welded handles. Despite its enormous size, it does an excellent job of dissipating heat thanks to clever engineering.
User Experience
People who bought this wok were really happy with their purchase. Users were saying that this is an absolutely fantastic wok for the price. Some of them were happily mentioning that it’s sturdy and, best of all, massive! One of the users commented that it’s too heavy to toss around too much, thickness is in the middle range, not paper-thin and flimsy, but not heavy, which helps to keep heat. Some of the users were complaining about the wok getting rusted after washing.
Pros
- One of the largest sizes out there in the market
- Perfect value for money
- Great durability
Cons
- Needs to be seasoned before initial use
- Rust-prone
My Verdict: This wok justifies its price. One of the best bbq wok coming with great features without making a dent in your pocket. You can check out best woks for 25 dollars for similar options.
This wok is mainly for outdoor use because of its large size. If you are looking for something elegant for your kitchen, take a look at the best ceramic wok and add an amazing look to your kitchen cookware.
FAQ
1. Grill Wok vs. Grill Pan: What’s the Difference?
There are two main differences – their size and their depth.
In general, grill pans have a wider surface. If you stretch your imagination a little bit, they look like stainless steel serving trays. When it comes to depth, grill woks tend to be deeper.
2. Can I use a round bottom wok on an electric stove?
While the type of stove makes a huge difference – particularly one with a wok ring – let’s put it this way: Yes, you can use a round-bottomed wok on an electric stove. However, it’s not optimal. A flat-bottomed wok would be more suitable if you’re using an electric stove? But if you have a propane burner, then by all means. The round-bottomed wok would work perfectly on that. I would strongly recommend you to check out our list of best woks for an electric stove and then get one according to your needs.
3. Can you make foods other than stir fry?
Yes. You can make a variety of dishes besides stir-fry. Scrambled eggs, fried rice, salad, chicken beef, warming tortillas, roasting coffee beans, and steaming seafood. I would recommend you to take a look and get a wok with a steamer if you like to steam veggies and meat.
4. What exactly is “WOK HEI”?
It’s that wonderful umami-like flavor that you get from searing and stir-frying at high temperatures. You can taste it in stir-fried leafy greens from a good Chinese restaurant, and you can taste it in a good Beef Lo Mein or Vegetable Lo Mein. A carbon steel wok and high heat is the best route to wok hei, but you can come close with other wok types. Check out our expert list of best woks for stir-frying and get the best wok for your kitchen.
5. What’s the difference between a wok with a flat bottom and one with a round bottom?
There’s a reason that round-bottomed woks have existed around for generations. Heat distributes more uniformly from the base in such woks.
Flat bottoms, on the other hand, center the hot spot on the burner’s base, requiring more time for the sides to acquire and maintain higher temperatures. A flat base is the only choice for an electric stove, whether it’s coil, glass, or induction. Check out our listing of best wok for glass top stove for glass stove models and best wok for coil stove for coil-based stove models.
6. Which is better – Titanium or Aluminium?
Titanium’s biggest advantage is its ultralight performance. Titanium is 45% lighter than steel and stronger than aluminum. It is the lightest cookware material you can buy before you must sacrifice strength. It’s also corrosion-resistant, offering great durability. You can check some great woks made of titanium by clicking here.
On the other hand, cooking woks made up of copper are ideal conductors of heat; they are hygienic, durable, and corrosion-resistant. Copper conducts heat 20 times better than stainless steel, and thus, the heat evenly spreads in a copper vessel compared to the other materials. Take a look at our expert listing of copper woks for some of the best options.
Conclusion
A BBQ wok is a simple way to grill stir fry and other tasty foods. A BBQ wok is a very versatile barbeque utensil that allows you to grill smaller items that you wouldn’t think of grilling otherwise. A grilling sheet or grid, for example, is similar to a cookie sheet with holes, while a BBQ wok is a metal wok with holes. By selecting one of the models in my top five list, you’ll get a wok that’s robust, reliable, and built to last. We have also collated a list of the best woks which you can check out and choose the wok which suits your needs.
Meanwhile, you can also take a look at the best calphalon woks for some of the best options.
To those who want to read honest reviews and make a solid decision which they will not regret later. Ritik is an enthusiastic writer and what makes him stand out is his extensive knowledge in the field of kitchen gadgets and appliances. Seeing his mom using different gadgets and appliances at home fascinated him more in this niche since the childhood. He loves to share his research and knowledge about all the latest kitchen gadgets and appliances being released in the market and provide his reviews along. He helps his audience decide what will fit the best in their kitchen and what not.
