The wok is the most important of the Chinese cooking tools–the charismatic frontman of the band if you will! So it only makes sense that we show you how to select a wok and buy the right one for you. A wok is a wide and somewhat shallow-domed pot that gets wickedly hot when you have a good flame going. Our list has the best options for 12″ wok that reach temperatures that we’re pretty sure Smoky the Bear wouldn’t approve of.
What many people also don’t realize, is how versatile a wok can be. Aside from stir-frying, your wok is a great tool for any type of deep-frying, steaming, or boiling. You can check out our listing of the best wok for deep frying if you love to make deep-fried food.
Woks heat up fast, which means boiling noodles or heck, even pasta, is very quick!
Contents
What are the Best Materials for 12″ wok – Stainless Steel or Cast Iron?
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel woks are gaining more popularity now a day. While stainless steel takes some time to heat, it has good, even heat distribution. Traditionalists are opposed to stainless steel woks because they can be heavy and don’t respond quickly to temperature changes the way carbon steel woks do. They’re durable, however, and don’t need to be seasoned. Stainless steel woks are often combined with other types of metal, like an aluminum core, which helps them heat up quicker. They’re also usually dishwasher safe. You can take a look at our expert listing of the best stainless steel woks and get yourself an excellent wok today.
Cast Iron
Cast iron, on the other hand, requires a bit more time to heat, but it retains heat very well. Like a carbon steel wok, a cast iron wok also needs to be seasoned before first use to help prevent sticking, though some are sold pre-seasoned. You can skip the trouble of looking and just check out our list of pre-seasoned models at best pre-seasoned wok. Like a carbon steel wok, it too will become non-stick over time if treated properly. Cast iron tends to be heavy, which may make moving the wok difficult. In such cases, a wok spatula may be used to stir the food; it has a shovel-like design, ideal for moving food around quickly and easily.
Our experts have collated a list of the best-cast iron woks if you are looking for one.
Did You Know? Never overfill the wok. The food will not cook quickly enough. More importantly, you need a spare cooking environment to bring out the “wok hei”—the signature smoky dragon’s breath flavor of good wok cookery.
Stainless steel woks are often combined with other types of metal, like an aluminum core, which helps them heat up quicker. Talking about aluminum, woks with an aluminum structure distribute heat quickly and evenly. It will steam your veggies quickly. Check out best wok with steamer for more similar options.
What is the good size for a wok? Is 12 inch wok the best option?
While woks vary widely in size, a good size for a family of four is about 12″-14″ in diameter. If you are cooking for two, it is still best to own a wok of this size so you have plenty of leftovers. Any larger than this, storage can be difficult. Larger woks – greater than 14″ in diameter also do not readily fit on stove burners; the size of the wok will prevent you from using other burners simultaneously.
Make a choice depending upon the size of your range and how much you want to cook at one time, but generally speaking, I would recommend a 12-14 inch wok.
What to consider when buying a 12″ wok – Wok buying guide
Here are some factors on how to choose a wok for your kitchen:
Price
Woks, like other cookware, come in a wide range of prices. Since woks are a specialty pan that not every manufacturer provides, there may not be quite as many possibilities as there are for regular pans. But there are some excellent budget-friendly cast iron and carbon steel variants that should not be neglected. If you are on a budget and looking for a good quality wok, check out our list of best wok for 25 dollars.
Warranty
Big brands, such as Calphalon, will usually provide a warranty on their cookware, covering you from faults in craftsmanship or materials. Some manufacturers limit their warranties to a certain number of years and specify that they do not cover regular wear and tear or inappropriate use. Before you buy something, make sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty to determine if it matches your needs.
Type of Wok
The kind of stove, as well as the form of heat source (electric or gas), will influence your wok purchase, so think about that first. People generally always prefer a gas flame, however, if you have an electric stove, keep that in mind while choosing a wok. For a detailed listing of gas stove models, refer to our expert listing best wok for gas stove.
Alternatively, you can also choose to buy an electric wok if you do not want to cook on a traditional stove.
Non-stick or Not
Don’t be tempted to choose a non-stick wok if you want a true wok hay flavor. These are of dubious safety at the temperatures needed for Chinese cooking, as most are rated at 500 degrees or less, and you may frequently cross or come near to exceeding that limit (for example, while heating the wok to “barely smoking”).
Size
When selecting the ideal wok for frying, it is important to select one that is precisely the proper size, just as it is when purchasing any other cookware. This is determined by the size of your household and the amount of storage space available. It should be large enough to feed as many people as you want while still being compact enough to fit into whatever space you have at home. Are you a home chef? Take a look at the best woks for home and cook fantastic meals for your family at home.
You might want a wok to take along while traveling. And for that, you would need a lightweight and compact wok. So if you are looking to buy a wok for camping, check out our listing of the best camping wok. And if you travel in your RV, you can check out our list of the best woks for RV.
Shape
One of the most significant considerations when purchasing a wok for an electric stove is the shape. The bottom of many Woks is fully round. This is useful for mixing, but it may prevent the heat from reaching all areas of the wok. In other terms, the heating may be restricted to the well’s bottom. Check out our list of best wok for electric stoves if you use an electric stove.
On the other hand, if your Wok is too deep or flat-bottomed, you may compromise the stirring and tossing element that is so important in wok-style cooking. Do check out the best wok for stir fry if you are looking to stir fry your food.
Did You Know? Even before you add oil to the wok, it should be preheated until it begins to smoke. A well-seasoned and properly cleaned wok will always have micropores in the metal that hold some oil/food particulate—that’s a good thing. Once the oil is added, the pores will begin to close.
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 12″ wok- Wok summary list
#1 Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 12-Inch Flat-Bottom Wok – With a stylish, contemporary design and exceptional cooking performance, this wok is a reliable pan that is just right for everyday stir-fry cooking for two people.
#2 Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Inch Flat Bottom Wok – The Calphalon Signature 12-inch Wok is simple and practical, featuring a smooth nonstick finish with a hard-anodized construction, making it durable and relatively lightweight.
#3 Cooks Stainless Steel Wok, 12-Inch with Glass Lid – Love the look and high cooking performance of stainless-steel? Take home the Cooks Stainless Steel Wok, 12-Inch with Glass Lid.
#4 TeChef - Art Pan 12 – The Art Pan Collection features heavy-duty construction, new Teflon non-stick coatings, and Print Design technology, which will make the wok your favorite everyday pan for all types of dishes.
#5 Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan – Built to withstand the demands of a busy professional kitchen, this Wok will have you cooking truly authentic delicious, and also healthy Chinese stir-fry dishes for 6-10 people.
List of top 12″ woks with customer reviews
#1 Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 12-Inch Flat-Bottom Wok
The Calphalon wok has a heavy-gauge, hard-anodized aluminum construction which is well known for its excellent consistent heating properties and a high level of durability. You do not have to worry about your food sticking to the pan as it has a PFOA-free multi-layer ultra-durable non-stick black surface which also means you can use less oil or butter for healthy, low-fat cooking. Check out our list of best non-stick wok for more options if you are looking for top nonstick models.
The easy gripping double-riveted stainless steel stay-cool handles are extra long and also sturdy. The pan is oven safe up to 450°F so you can use it for a lot of different cooking applications, and it is dishwasher-safe. However, to maintain its cooking integrity, it is best to hand wash it but it is very easy to clean.
User Experience
This wok has great ratings and a lot of positive feedback from its users. Users who bought this really liked that it cooks evenly, sears perfectly, and cleans without any effort at all. They also mentioned that It’s nice and heavy with a very flat bottom which means it works well on a glass top stove. Check out our listing of best wok for glass top stove for more glass stove models.
Users also commented that the non-stick is very durable. One of the users appreciated that this small wok is a great size for smaller than family-size meals as she’s loving cooking for herself in it.
Pros
- Heavy-gauge, hard-anodized black aluminum construction
- Very good even heating
- PFOA-free non-stick coating
- Oven safe up to 450ºF
- Dishwasher safe for easy clean-up
Cons
- Too small for large portions
- Thick material takes a while to heat up
- Not recommended for induction stoves
My Verdict: The wok features a traditional wok design with its deep bowl and a flat bottom that keeps the heat contained in a smaller zone, which makes it the perfect pan for quick and also easy stir-frying, sautéing, and searing meat, fish, and vegetables. If you are looking to cook some bbq, check out our listing of Best BBQ Wok.
This is one of the best woks sold by Calphalon. Do check out our expert listing of Best Calphalon Wok for more models.
#2 Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick 12-Inch Flat Bottom Wok
The Calphalon Signature 12-inch Wok is simple and functional, with a nonstick coating and hard-anodized construction that makes it sturdy and lightweight. It has a glass lid that fits snugly over the top.
Using and cleaning this Calphalon was easy thanks to its PTFE nonstick coating. The second stainless steel handle on the opposite side made it easy to lift and move the wok during and after cooking. 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.
The rims of this wok are slightly curled outwards, a minor touch that makes pouring the contents easier once they’re done cooking.
User Experience
Users complimented about this wok that it looks great. They liked that it conducts and holds heat really well. They also mentioned that the wok is nicely weighted and balanced, so it stays on the stove and doesn’t tip all over the place. One of the users commented that clean-up is a breeze courtesy of the non-stick surface. Some of the users were complaining that the surface scratches easily.
Pros
- Flat-bottomed design
- Nonstick
Cons
- Too slow to heat up
- Doesn’t retain heat well
My Verdict: Calphalon Contemporary is a big wok, which makes it more ideal when it comes to cooking for a crowd.
This wok works great on any modern cooktops due to its flat bottom design. For more such models, you can take a look at our list of best flat bottom woks.
#3 Cooks Stainless Steel Wok, 12-Inch with Glass Lid
The wok has a highly polished mirror finish and is made of 18/10 strong rust-resistant stainless steel. It’ll look great in your kitchen, and you’ll want to show it off at the dinner table. The multi-element alloy aluminum core (on the bottom and up the sides) prevents hot and cold spots, ensuring that your food is perfectly cooked.
This wok features a 12-inch wide opening, a dome lid, and a non-stick surface that is easy to season. The glass lid is an excellent addition because it allows you to keep a watch on what you’re cooking without losing heat. For more models with lids, check out our list of the best wok with lid.
The handles have an open V-shaped structure with stay-cool air-flow technology that allows air to flow over the handle to keep your hands safe.
The wok is safe to use on all types of stovetops, including gas, electric, ceramic glass, and induction. Looking for more induction-compatible options? Refer to our expert listing of the best induction woks.
It can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. It’s also simple to clean by hand without damaging it or losing its aesthetic appeal. Any defects in the wok are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
User Experience
Users liked that it heats up quickly. They also mentioned that this pan is large and will make a family-size stir-fry. One of the customers mentioned that this item is amazing, has professional weight and handling. Another user commented that this was the best among the ones he had. Easy to clean, does not rust, heavy-duty stainless, heat evenly on electric coil stovetops, not too heavy. We have the list of best woks if you use a coil stovetop.
Some users, on the other hand, were complaining that the food sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- High cooking performance
- Great value for money
- Attractive mirror finish
- Durable and also rust-resistant 18/10 stainless-steel
Cons
- Food might stick sometimes
My Verdict: You can expect a high cooking performance and an impressively fast and also even heat absorption.
You can check out our post of best rust proof woks for more models.
#4 TeChef - Art Pan 12
This beautiful wok is made of heavy-gauge aluminum that is extremely durable. TECHEF employs forged aluminum with thin walls and a 3.5 mm thick heavy-duty steel base to ensure optimal cooking performance. It will be great for you if you are a professional chef. This 12-inch wok, which also serves as a stir-fry pan fan, is a fantastic illustration of TECHEF’s commitment to innovative cookware.
Because the wok features a Teflon Platinum 5-layered non-stick surface that is PFOA and BPA-free, you can enjoy effortless cooking. It’s made to last longer than ceramic cookware, and the high sides keep the food safe inside the wok as you toss your veggies like a professional chef. If you want some more professional options like this wok, we have a list of professional woks prepared just for you.
User Experience
Users really liked its look and said that it is beautifully made. They mentioned that it is light for its size and thickness. They also mentioned that it heats fairly quickly and seems to retain a fairly high heat level on the bottom surface. For more such models, refer to our expert listing of the best wok for high heat.
One of the users commented that the nonstick surface works well, and true to its name, food just slides around. Some of the users were disappointed with the non-stick coating and mentioned that it started coming off after a while of use.
Pros
- Thick heavy-duty flat steel base
- Distributes heat fast and also evenly
- Teflon Platinum 5-layered coated non-stick surface
- Coating last longer than ceramic cookware
- Very good non-scratch surface
- BPA and PFOA-free
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Not ideal for oven use
- Does not always give good results on induction stoves
- Have to purchase the lid separately
My Verdict: The wok has an attractive Aubergine Purple exterior that will look stunning in your kitchen and is easy to clean.
#5 Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan
This stylish silver wok has been 100% hand-hammered by a master craftsman in Guangdong, China. Take a look at best-hammered steel wok for more similar woks.
The extra-long and also sturdy blond wood handle provides a safe, comfortable grip, and the handle is securely fastened to the wok by two screws. As well as having a lightweight design that makes it easier for you to maneuver the wok as you toss your ingredients, the carbon steel hand helper makes it easier to lift the wok and you can use the hand helper to hang the wok up in your kitchen.
As the wok has a round bottom, you can add a lot of your favorite ingredients and cook your dish to perfection. Check out our expert list of best round bottom wok for round bottom models.
User Experience
Users were happy with its excellent quality and also the ease to season it. They also liked that it heats up quickly and evenly. Users also mentioned that the wooden handle is long and stays cool so it’s easy for them to toss around ingredients. One of the customers commented that the craftsmanship is beautiful and it was much lighter than she expected. Some users, on the other hand, complained that the wok got rusted after a while.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Ideal for a large family
- Authentic Chinese wok design
- Round bottom provides plenty of room for ingredients
- 100% hand-hammered by a master craftsman
Cons
- Needs to be seasoned before first use
- Not dishwasher safe
- The round bottom may not suit all cook-tops
- Can rust if it is not dried properly
My Verdict: This is a premium carbon steel wok. Tts heavy-duty 16-gauge body ensures fast, heating conductivity, superior heat distribution, and also retention abilities. Do look at some more options here.
This is the best budget wok available in 12 inches. For more budget woks, check out our list of the best budget wok.
FAQ
What is the right size of wok for your kitchen?
The majority of woks are 12-14 inches and fit perfectly on a range top. 14″ is a good size, but anything from 12″ to 16″ is a good size for a home cook. I have had woks from 12″ to 16″. According to me, a 10″ is getting slightly small, but not very small. So go with your gut.
For starters, if you have a family of four, a 12” – 14” wok will do just fine. Anything smaller than that would be the best option for two people.
For someone living on their own, 8” wok would be adequate enough to help them sustain themselves.
On the contrary, if you are planning to host a party outside your house, any wok within the size of 18” is large enough.
Just bear in mind that using a large wok may not always fit on your regular stove burner. Most modern kitchens are equipped with range tops, the all-too-important kitchen hood, and a door to the kitchen so the cooking smells don’t escape into the main living area.
What is the best material for a wok to be made out of?
Woks, like other types of cookware, come in a variety of materials. There are woks constructed of cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, and various types of aluminum on our list of the best woks for stir fry alone.
As this indicates, there is no one-size-fits-all material for a wok, and the best wok for you will be determined by how you want to use it and your lifestyle.
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, woks made of aluminum are lighter as well as easier to handle. Due to the superior thermal conduction qualities of aluminum, the pan will heat up faster, the dish will cook quickly, and less energy will be needed.
Why does food stick to my stainless steel wok?
Pores exist in stainless steel. When the steel heats up, it expands, causing them to shrink. As the pores close, they cling to the food, causing it to stick. Seasoning the pan will prevent this from happening.
Is Copper better than Stainless Steel?
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. Due to this excellent property of heat conductivity, 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.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is long-lasting and does not require seasoning. Woks made of stainless steel are frequently combined with other metals, such as an aluminum core. The reason for this is, it helps them heat up faster. They’re also generally fine to put in the dishwasher.
Here’s a short video to help you out if you are still confused regarding the best material for you.
Conclusion
Investing in the perfect wok for you is an excellent long-term investment. Remember that if properly cared for, most of these Woks will last a lifetime. Overall you can choose between any of the woks listed above if you desire the ideal one for your kitchen. We have also collated a list of the best woks which you can check out and choose the wok which suits your needs.
These woks can be the focal point of many joyful family gatherings, or they can simply be a quick and healthy dinner to prepare after a long day at work. Consider giving one as a wedding gift and having it lovingly displayed year after year. It will create fantastic memories.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our list of the best ceramic wok to add an amazing look to your kitchen cookware.
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.
