Best Camping Wok – The List Of Top 5 Camping Woks(Updated)

There’s really just one way to stir fry veggies, pork, fish, steak, and poultry while camping, and that’s using a camping cooking wok. For the best camping wok, you’ll have to read through hundreds of online reviews, company websites, and product descriptions before finalizing the one that suits you.

This camping wok guide will walk you through the world of outdoor cooking woks. We ranked five of the best woks that will do your cooking job well while on a camp, so you can quickly choose the one that’s suitable for you.

Benefits of using a camping wok

Campers require a portable wok to help reduce carrying requirements for a specific camping experience, such as a lightweight choice for trekking so they don’t feel high pressure on their shoulders or a larger wok for a stay at a lodge.

A cast iron wok, like any other cast iron product, maintains a steady cooking temperature. Cast iron distributes heat evenly. However, there will still be temperature changes in a wok because of its architecture, but you may expect even temperature graduation. I hope all these advantages are enough to convince you to take a look at the best cast iron woks.

A wok is an excellent tool for streamlining the cooking process and creating a “one-pan” supper. This allows families going on an outdoor trip to spend less time setting up their camping kitchen and more time making memories.

 Looking for induction-compatible woks? Refer to our expert listing of the best induction woks.

Why you should season your camping wok

By properly seasoning your wok, you’ll develop a patina coating on the cooking surface that prevents rust and corrosion while also improving the metal’s non-stick characteristics, whether it’s cast iron, aluminum, or carbon steel. You can directly refer to the best rust-proof woks and pick the one that suits your needs.

The patina layers will grow with each usage, improving the flavor of your recipes. You’ll notice a difference in the non-stick coating as it improves, making cooking and cleaning your wok easier.

What else could be better than stir-frying and making delicious Asian Thai curry on your outing? Mentioning that, check out our listing of the best wok for Thai curry.

Best Seasoning oils for your outdoor camping wok

Seasoning a wok is best done using refined oils with a high smoking point. To avoid coloring your food with undesired flavors, a good seasoning oil should be able to burn at high temperatures without smoking and have a neutral flavor. You can take a look at our list of the best high heat woks for this purpose.

For seasoning a wok, use any of the following oils:

• Canola oil
• Grape seed oil
• Lard or pork fat
• Peanut oil
• Shortening
• Sunflower oil

Well, if you are a home chef and looking for a top class wok for your kitchen, check out our list of best home woks.

What is the best type of wok for camping?

The metal used in the construction of your wok will have a significant impact on the results of your cooking. The type and quality of metal chosen affect conductivity, heat dispersion, and durability.

Carbon Steel:

Carbon steel is the most durable type of metal for cookware, especially outdoor cooking woks. It may not be as appealing as stainless steel, but it is very durable. Carbon steel cookware is lighter and more versatile than cast iron, and it is even more durable than stainless steel. It also distributes heat more evenly and quickly than any other metal cookware, including copper and nonstick coated cookware. Take a look at the list of the best carbon steel woks.

Make sure any carbon steel cookware you buy has been seasoned and is rust-resistant.

Stainless Steel:

It’s also known as 304 stainless steel, and it’s tough, heat-resistant, and safe for cooking. When stainless steel is cleaned on a regular basis, it preserves its brilliance and is very resistant to bacterial growth and rust. So don’t waste any more time and check out the best stainless steel woks.

A stainless steel wok’s main disadvantage is that it does not transmit heat as evenly as aluminum or cast iron. Uneven heat distribution can result in undercooked food, putting you and your guests at risk of food poisoning. 

Cast Iron:

Cast iron cookware is extremely heat resistant and durable, making it ideal for heavy-duty cooking. Kitchenware and equipment, including a cast iron wok, will always cost more since they can withstand high temperatures and heavy use without wearing out or breaking.

The best-cast iron woks are seasoned and coated with a non-stick surface to prevent rust. Cast iron’s major flaw is that it doesn’t transmit heat as uniformly as stainless steel or carbon steel.

Aluminum:

Heat conductivity is significantly higher than that of stainless steel. Another cost-effective option is an aluminum outdoor cooking wok. Compared to stainless steel, they disperse heat more evenly. Aluminum cookware is a popular choice since it is inexpensive and heats up quickly.

Aluminum is lighter than stainless steel and far lighter than carbon or cast iron, making it ideal to carry along while camping. An aluminum wok with a non-stick coating will survive for many years. 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.

Alternatively, you can also use a titanium wok. It is one of the best cookware materials because of its fast heat conduction and lightweight. Also, check out our expert listing of best titanium wok.

Best camping wok- wok summary list

#1 Weber 7425 Gourmet BBQ System Wok – The Weber 7425 Gourmet BBQ System Wok isn’t a traditional Cantonese or Chinese style wok, but it can still stir fry a wide range of food, among other things.

#2 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok – If durability is your top priority and you’re already comfortable using cast iron or carbon steel cooking ware, the CraftWok Pow Wok is probably your best option.

#3 Lodge Pro-Logic Wok with Flat Base – With over 120 years of experience, you can always expect quality from Lodge products. Made entirely in the US, the Lodge P14W3 is a top quality indoor or outdoor cooking wok.

#4 AmazonBasics Heavy-Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok – Thoroughly pre-baked with penetrating vegetable oil, the AmazonBasics Cast Iron Wok Pan comes already pre-seasoned with a beautiful black patina for easier food release.

#5 Jim Beam 12'' Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Wok – The pre-seasoned cast-iron wok with handles from Jim Beam represents quality, performance and efficiency. It has a diameter of 26. 5 cm and a height of 8. 5 cm, making it excellent for any recipe preparation.

List of top 5 camping woks

#1 Weber 7425 Gourmet BBQ System Wok

The Weber 7425 is a large wok at 13 inches in diameter, yet it’s the best for serving 5 to 8 people comfortably on camping. Although the cast iron is strong and rust-resistant, it is also remarkably light. This outdoor wok may be used on a burner camp stove or a kitchen stove because of its flattened bottom. 

You won’t be able to find a lid that fits because of the size and extended arc shape. Hand washing in a large sink is recommended. Because the handles are riveted steel, gloves should be worn at all times. The Weber 7425’s cast iron design allows for professional high heat grilling for stir-fries or low heat for soups and stews. Take a look at the best professional woks to start cooking like a pro.

User Experience 

Users liked and mentioned that the handles are perfectly designed and the finish is quite impressive. They also mentioned that the wok is made of good quality and reasonably priced. One of the customers commented that it is super durable and sits flat on her glass-topped stove. We have the list of the best woks specially made for your glass top stove.

Although the Weber 7425 wok is advertised as porcelain-coated, many reviewers have noted this is not the case. No significant complaints by the users. 

Pros

• Unusual 13” inch diameter can comfortably serve large groups (5 -8)
• Durable cast iron retains heat a long time
• Flattened bottom is useful for stovetop or outdoor camp stove

Cons

• It can be difficult to wash by hand due to its size
• Must wear gloves when using

My Verdict: You’ll be able to sauté or stir fry veggies or meat quickly while retaining the natural fluids. Refer to the best wok for stir fry for more options.

Though this wok is not the cheapest option available, we have a dedicated list of the best budget woks that you can buy.

#2 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok

This is a commercial-grade wok, which means it’s made to withstand a lot of use. This 15-gauge carbon steel wok can withstand years of heavy use and high cooking temperatures, even with everyday use.

The CraftWok Pow Wok is probably as authentic as you could get in the US, handcrafted and hammered in the province of Guangzhou by expert wok masters. The 1.8mm thickness of carbon steel makes it exceptionally heat resistant.

Carbon steel does not heat as quickly as copper or aluminum over an open flame or on an electric burner, so your oil will not burn after only a few seconds in the wok. As the cooking oil coats the inside of the CraftWok Pow Wok, it will smoke clean. The round bottom also distributes heat more evenly and consistently from the center out, resulting in more uniformly cooked results. 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.

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 outdoor on a proper outdoor propane 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 even when there’s no paint used.

Pros

• Authentic wok design is sturdy and highly durable
• Thick carbon steel construction is ideal for high heat cooking or frying outdoors or indoor
• 14” inch diameter suitable for serving a family of 5

Cons

• Heavy-duty cookware weighs more than aluminum or copper wok
• Non-slip Wooden handle may come loose

My Verdict: The CraftWok Pow Wok is an excellent value for money, given its low price and high durability.

For more hand-hammered wok like this, take a look at the best hammered steel woks.

#3 Lodge Pro-Logic Wok with Flat Base

Unlike a typical wok, the Lodge P14W3 has a flattened bottom for a modern look. This means you may use it on a flat stovetop or a wok burner outdoor. This wok can also be used on a charcoal or gas grill. With a 14-inch-diameter cooking surface, you’ll be able to cook meals for up to eight people at a time or more.

Prior to your first usage, the Lodge P14W3 is pre-seasoned with cooking oil by the manufacturer to produce a patina layering. This outdoor camping cooking wok keeps heat for a long time because of its sturdy cast-iron design, allowing you to stir fry or cook your food uniformly over a longer duration of time without excessive smoke. This flat bottom wok can also be used on electric stoves. For more options, check out the best woks for electric stoves.

User Experience 

This unit 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. Easy to clean, does not rust, heat evenly on electric coil stovetops, not too heavy. We have the list of best woks if you use a coil stovetop.

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 the pan is very easy to clean; just use a wet scrubber and gently clean using the dishwash cleaner. 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: Overall, the Lodge P14W3 provides the most value for money, but it is a little difficult to maneuver. Best outdoor wok to cook large meals for outdoor use.

If you are looking for a wok with accessories like wok with a lid, kindly check out our expert list.

#4 AmazonBasics Heavy-Duty Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok

The AmazonBasics Cast Iron Wok is even bigger than the CraftWok, best to feed a family of six with ease while camping. Because it is less expensive than the #1 pick, the flaws are understandable. The absence of a wooden handle is the first thing you’ll notice. Rather than a traditional Chinese wok, this looks more like a giant deep-dish having a round bottom. You can also use this wok for deep-frying. Take a look at the best wok for deep frying for more options. Because the handles on either side are cast iron, if you plan to use this wok outside at your camping or in your backyard, you’ll need a good pair of BBQ gloves.

Even though it has a gorgeous black patina, you should wash and rinse the wok before using it for the first time – but don’t use soap.

User Experience 

Users said that this wok is really very big….sufficient to make stir-fry, noodles, pasta, etc. for a family of 5 to 6. Others said that it is a very smooth and good quality product. One of the users commented that the product is heavy but the quality is just amazing; it’s very useful in making foods and heat distribution is just way ahead of everything. Some of the customers, on the other hand, were complaining that the coating started to come off just in a week of use.

Pros

• The large cooking surface can easily cook for a family of 6
• Heavy-duty cast iron construction is highly durable
• Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil

Cons

• Wieldy and heavy to handle, it must be washed by hand
• The large size needs special storage considerations
• Metal handles require gloves

My Verdict: Even though cast iron conducts heat better than carbon steel, it takes longer to heat than aluminum, stainless steel, or copper.

You can use this to cook great stir-fries if you have a gas stovetop. For more similar options, take a look at the best woks for gas stoves.

#5 Jim Beam 12'' Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Wok

This cast-iron grilling wok is 12 inches in diameter and is large enough to prepare and cook hefty amounts. This wok is a good choice for the price of around $25. We have a similar list for the $25 price range. It is also built to be long-lasting and durable. As a result, you can get the most out of it for years. The heavy-duty construction, on the other hand, enables even cooking and excellent heat retention.

A sturdy flat base is also included with this wok. It allows this vessel to sit steadily on any surface, whether in the oven or on the grill. You can use this wok to cook delicious bbq. Refer to best bbq woks for more options.

It swiftly transfers heat to the wok and keeps it hot for a long period. This wok has ergonomically constructed handles. It provides a safe and tight grip as well as convenient storage. It’s always ready to use after washing because it’s already seasoned. This product is lighter and easier to use than other cast iron woks on the market, making it ideal for beginners.

Refer to the best 12-inch woks for more options like this.

User Experience 

It has one of the best ratings compared to all the products on our list. Users were commenting that the wok is well seasoned and it is non-stick. They also mentioned that the wok heats evenly and is great for stir fry. One of the customers was commenting that the wok surface is super soft and lightweight and helps her to prepare the dishes with ease and save energy. Few of the users, on the other hand, were complaining that the wok Is a bit heavy and got rusted after a while of use. 

Pros

• Lightweight
• No sticking
• Easy to wash
• Well-seasoned

Cons

• Not big enough to cook large meals

My Verdict:  Its heavy-duty design ensures excellent heat retention and even cooking. Handling and storage are made easier by the ergonomically built handles. You can use it in the grill as well as the oven.

Check out the list of the best pre-seasoned woks for more options like this.

Things to consider before buying the best camping wok

Material

All outdoor cooking woks are made of some form of metal that acts as a cooking surface when heated. When food comes into contact with any metal surface, it runs the risk of absorbing dangerous chemicals that were employed to treat the metal during the production process.

You would need a sturdy, heat-resistant, and food-grade safe metal that qualifies as a quality construction material. Your outdoor camping wok should be free of potentially dangerous chemicals, whether it’s stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum. To avoid dangerous chemicals from leaking into your food, you need powder-coated and non-stick surfaces that should also be seasoned by the manufacturer.

While the FDA does not demand an approval rating for every piece of cookware or cooking utensil, manufacturers must comply with toxicity and hazardous element requirements.

Size and height

Outdoor wok exists in a variety of sizes, and there is no perfect size other than your own preference. Whether you plan to take this set car or RV camping versus backpacking is another consideration. If this is for a solo backpacking trip, you definitely want something light, compact, and small so that you have room for all of your things. Cast iron is a great material for the great outdoors, but it’s far too heavy to carry by hand, so definitely keep that to car or RV excursions. Check you the list of RV woks specially picked for your RV traveling and don’t forget a portable kahuna burner for outdoor use and other accessories.

Ease of cleaning

Owning a set of cookware that cleans up quickly and easily will make your cooking in the great outdoors much more enjoyable. Cookware with a nonstick coating is typically much easier to clean off with limited water because the stuck-on food bits come off easily. If a pot requires an excessive amount of scrubbing or cleaning product, this is probably not the best investment for your camping cookware inventory. We have collated a list of the best non-stick woks so that your cleaning work becomes a breeze.

FAQ

1. Should I use a round or flat-bottomed wok?

When cooking on a glass or ceramic top, a flat-bottomed wok is recommended over a round-bottomed wok. We have collated a list of the best flat bottom woks just for you.

The carbon steel on the bottom of a flat-bottomed wok can come into touch with the electric coil burner or the glass-ceramic burner.

If you utilize a wok ring, you can use a round-bottomed wok. Take a look at the best round bottom woks and get the one which suits your need.

2. Can I use a wok ring with an electric stove?

Both yes and no. It is one of the accessories which you can use on an electric stove. If you’re using an electric coil stove, a wok ring won’t fit properly on top of the coils, thus I wouldn’t recommend using one. 

You’ll need a round-bottomed wok with a wok ring if you’re using an electric glass-ceramic stovetop. If you too have a liking for ceramic cookware, don’t waste your time and look straight at the best ceramic woks. However, I would never recommend using the wok or the wok ring on this stovetop due to the risk of damage to the stovetop. 

You can also eliminate the requirement of a stove by buying an electric wok and save power. We have collated the list of the best electric woks just for you which you can also use in your RV while outdoor camping enjoying a campfire.

3. Is Copper better than Stainless Steel?

Cooking woks made up of copper are ideal conductors of heat; they are hygienic, durable, and corrosion-resistant; making them ideal to cook safe and good meals. 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 plus they do 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.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for an ultralight, collapsible wok for a camping trip or a more substantial set to cook for a group; our list has the best camping woks which won’t put high pressure on your shoulders while travelling. Pick any one of these and it will be the perfect fit for your upcoming camping and backpacking trips. 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 our other guides like the best calphalon woks for some of the best options.