Best Hammered Steel Wok – The List Of Top 5 (Updated)

Professional chefs always prefer the best hand-hammered steel wok because of their strong and sophisticated construction. Mammafong is a well-known brand that produces some of the best hand-hammered woks available. These fantastic woks are made from a single piece of material. They may go through as many as 12 stages and as many as 36,000 times of hand-hammering to achieve the precise even finish.

What is the best hand-hammered steel wok?

A hand-hammered carbon steel pow wok is a wok with a single long handle, around 6-7′′ long, either metal hollow handle or wooden handle, that allows the wok to be flipped and tossed over a strong gas flame (like flipping an omelet). This type of woks come in four sizes: 10′′, 12′′, 14′′ (the most popular), and 16′′. I would refer to these woks as the “macho” wok since it takes a little more muscle to quickly flip/toss the wok over high heat with one hand, in a continuous motion.

The flat bottom pow wok may be used on electric burners without the use of a wok ring (which is used to stabilize a round bottom wok). You can get a flat bottom wok to use on your coil or glass stovetop. We have a list of best woks for glass stovetop which will be perfect for your kitchen.

Because of the divots or hammered markings on the 6′′ diameter flattened bottom, it is not advised for ceramic stovetops or heat induction. After 20 minutes of high heat, the metal handle will be too hot to touch with bare hands, and a cloth or silicone slip-on handle is recommended.

These are authentic and traditional woks which people buy only for authentic cooking. If you want something modern for your kitchen, we have a list of the best electric woks that would help you to cook several dishes without the need for a gas stove.

History of hammered steel wok

Traditional woks were hand-hammered from a flat sheet of iron, but today they are usually made of carbon steel, cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. Each of these has different properties and there is no consensus among the cooks as to which is the best. Hand-hammered woks are still preferred by professionals since the process of hammering creates small dimples along the sides of the wok that helps to create what Cantonese call wok-hei. It is a complex aromatic flavor that comes from the infusion of burnt elements into the cooked food. 

How are the best hand-hammered steel wok made?

Traditional hand hammered walks are an excellent choice. The slight indentations left by the hammering pattern allow you to push cooked food to the sides of the pan while adding ingredients to the center without them slipping back. Hand-hammered walks are generally a bit more expensive than other woks. The only problem is that it can be difficult to find one with a flat bottom and a handle. But don’t worry, we have listed a variety of hand-hammered woks in our list. 

New to using carbon steel wok?

If you’re new to hammered woks, make sure you study up how to season them before you start cooking. The greatest hand-hammered steel woks, according to most reviewers, are simply fantastic for a lot more than just stir fry dishes. Check out our list of best woks for stir-frying if you love to cook fried food.

Looking for a wok with lid and other accessories? Here’s the list of best woks with lids for you to check out.

Which is better? Stainless steel wok vs carbon steel, cast iron wok

Stainless steel may not conduct heat as well as iron or carbon steel, and it does not conduct heat evenly or without hot spots. (Wok cooking refers to cooking over a very high heat source.) Food can stick to stainless steel, requiring the use of extra oil. You can overcome this by using a wok for high heat. 

Carbon steel and iron develop a patina/seasoning that makes them naturally nonstick, but they require a little more attention than stainless steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is wonderful for steaming, stews, soups, lengthy cooking, and slow cooking, and it’s generally used with bamboo steamers. It will be a wise choice to go with a wok having a steamer so you don’t have to limit your cooking. We have collated a list of best woks with steamer just for you.

Things to consider before buying the best hammered steel wok

Material

The material of the cookware is the first thing we look for. Stainless steel woks are widely used in homes and commercial establishments such as restaurants and pantries. Stainless steel woks are 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. This type of wok is lightweight and uniformly conducts heat. Being lightweight, these woks are a great choice for cooking on a camp. 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 better check out our list of the best woks for RV.

Carbon steel is my preferred material because it is very traditional. It’s a better heat conductor and can withstand high temperatures without compromising food quality. Steel, cast iron, and other materials are also good to use; choose the one that best suits your cooking style and requirements.

Similarly, you can also check out copper woks as they are the finest heat conductors of all metals. For the list of the best copper wok, refer to our expert listing.

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.

Weight and Size

One of the most important factors to consider is the weight of the cookware. What weight is appropriate to you will most likely be determined by your cooking needs. Do you and your family need a large hammered carbon steel wok? It’s very likely that you’ll get a heavier wok.

Woks are available in a variety of sizes, with some restaurants using woks that are several feet in diameter. The size of the wok you select will be determined by a number of criteria, including your personal preferences, the type of stove you have, and the depth of the wok.

Flat bottom or round bottom

You have a number of options when cooking with gas. If your burner cannot hold the wok, you’ll need to utilize a wok ring. Wok rings are cheap and can be used as a trivet when lifting the wok from the stove. Electric, ceramic, or heat induction burners are not suggested for round-bottom woks. Flat-bottomed woks are quite adaptable, and they may be used on both gas and electric (coil) stoves. You can refer to the best wok for coil stove for more options.

Due to the obvious “uneven” hand-hammered divots/markings on the flattening bottom surface, roughly 5.5′′ -6′′ diameter, hand-hammered flat bottom woks are not suggested for ceramic stovetops or induction burners. Customers’ opinions on flat bottom woks on ceramic stoves are split 50-50; some think they wok brilliantly and are pleased with the results, while others claim they dance around their burner. Take a look at the best ceramic woks to add to the look with your ceramic stovetop.

A wok can cook several dishes; 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 Thai curry.

Best hammered carbon steel wok – carbon steel woks summary list

#1 ZhenSanHuan Chinese Hand Hammered Iron Wok, Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel – If you want a more traditional carbon steel wok, then you can’t possibly go wrong with this unit. 

#2 Mecete Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok – Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Woks from Mecete are composed of high-quality iron. Mecete woks have now become thinner and more dense as a result of thousands of hammerings.

#3 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok – This wok is hand-hammered carbon steel wok by a top Chinese chef to ensure that you receive the perfect stir fry.

#4 Flat Bottom Hand Hammered Wok by Mammafong – Grilling outdoor is fun, and this flat wok is for you if you like to cook delicious stir fries and other dishes with friends/family while spending quality time is bound to get you excited.

#5 Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan – Built to withstand the demands of a busy professional kitchen, this carbon steel wok will have you cooking truly authentic delicious, and also healthy Chinese stir fry dishes for 6-10 people.

List of best carbon steel woks – Top 5 with good reviews

#1 ZhenSanHuan Chinese Hand Hammered Iron Wok, Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel

This model 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. This wok has several benefits and is just perfect for your home. You can take a look and buy more woks for home like this and cook the best recipes for your family.

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 and cleaning is also easy. 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

• Best 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 an excellent carbon steel wok and very versatile. Due to its premium build quality, it is highly recommended. It can easily take the heat from a grill and cook excellent bbq recipes. Check out our expert list of best woks for bbq for more options. I would say, enjoy the bbq in this fall starting September and invite some guests also.

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 Mecete Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok

On the surface of this carbon steel wok, there is no chemical coating. To make it a better choice for you, the manufacturer has employed a concrete form of carbon steel material. Knowing that this wok is hand-hammered, you’ll be pleased to learn that the thickness of its steel remains constant, ensuring an optimum heat distribution.

Cast iron was used to solidify the handle and handle attachment of this carbon steel wok. And you’ll need to use two rivets to give the handle the best grip possible, making it easier to carry this hand-hammered steel wok. There is also a ring that may be used to hang this wok when it is not in use. Because of its round bottom, this wok requires a special ring that keeps it at an even height above the electric stove. But don’t worry, our experts have collated the best woks for the electric stove in case you own one for the best stir fries.

User Experience 

Some individuals said that this hand-hammered steel wok had dents in it. They also claimed that the wok’s shape was not circular. The handle of this steel wok was complimented by some customers. They liked that the wok’s handle sets it apart from other works. On the other hand, users also mentioned that this steel wok works well in their kitchen and lives up to their expectations.

Pros

• Beautiful hammering and a rock-solid handle
• It was made from one straight piece of metal
• Non-stick.
• Easy Cleaning

Cons

• The handles do get hot from the wok

My Verdict: This wok justifies its price and is a banger for all the carbon steel wok lovers. Additionally, the hammed interior cooking surface is seriously impressive. Want more non-stick options? Don’t waste any more time and take a look at our list of best non-stick woks.

#3 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok

Yes, you read that right. This flat wok is hand-hammered by a top Chinese chef to ensure that you receive the perfect stir fry. It features one long wooden hand and an assisting handle made of steel if the wok is used for lengthy periods of time on the heat.

This flat wok is composed of 1.8 mm thick carbon steel, which is significantly thicker than any other wok on the market. Although this adds weight, it also adds a shield and ensures that it will not shatter easily at any temperature. It may wobble at first, but after a few uses, it will take shape and settle into a steady position. This is a great option for all those who are looking for a flat base wok. You can also refer to our expert list of best flat bottom woks for similar options.

User Experience 

Users love the hand-hammered look of it and said that it is absolutely beautiful. They mentioned that it is a bit heavy but the handle grip makes moving it around easy. They also mentioned that it is large enough to make a large stir fry. One of the users commented that it is very sturdy and after seasoning, is as non-stick as most coated cookware. I would recommend you to take a look at the best pre-seasoned woks if you are a beginner. Some users, on the other hand, were complaining that the wok was getting rusted after a while of use and cleaning is tough due to heavy weight.

Pros

• Thicker construction
• Traditional Hand hammered
• Easy to unscrew/screw handle
• Flat base

Cons

• Professional Tampered is required

My Verdict: It is one of the best carbon steel woks in the market. It might be heavy for some users but I feel like you will get adapted to it. The build quality is amazing and would last very long if taken care of properly. All of this makes it the best wok for a coil stove to buy.

This wok might be expensive for some. But don’t worry, we have a list of best wok for 25 dollars which won’t hurt your wallet.

#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. You can also make authentic Chinese fried rice in this. Take a look at the best wok for fried rice for more options.

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 the flat base works on her induction stove, and has nothing to dislike. Less weight makes cleaning easy. If you are looking for more such woks to cook different recipes 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. 

Rusting can be a big issue. But don’t worry, we have collated a list of the best rust-free woks just for you. So, take a look a buy the one which suits your needs.

#5 Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan

This stylish silver wok has been 100% hand-hammered by a master craftsman in Guangdong, China. 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.

The carbon steel hand helper makes it easier to lift the wok and make stir fry. You can use the hand helper to hang the wok up in your kitchen. As well as having a lightweight design that makes it easier for you to maneuver the wok as you toss your ingredients like a professional. This wok is built to withstand professional chef requirements and serve 5-10 people at a time. We have a list of the best professional woks in case you want more options.

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 who tested it 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. As the wok has a round bottom, you can add a lot of your favorite ingredients and cook your dishes to perfection. Check out our expert list of best round bottom wok for more round bottom models.

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 and a must buy item. Its heavy-duty 16-gauge body ensures fast, heating conductivity, superior heat distribution, and also retention abilities. You would have to do the cleaning with your hand as it’s not dishwasher safe.

This round bottom wok works great on gas stoves and cooks evenly. Check out more options if you use a gas stove by clicking on this link.

FAQ – Top asked questions related to best carbon steel wok

1. Why Should I Use a Cast Iron Wok?

It takes longer for cast iron woks to heat up and cool down. It will, however, take less energy to hold the cast iron wok hot once it has been heated. Lodge makes a fantastic wok, which I use on a daily basis. It doesn’t move on my stove because it’s heavy, and you wouldn’t need a wok ring to keep it stable. Another feature I admire is the flat bottom of the wok, which contrasts with the round bottom on the inside. I hope all these characteristics are enough to convenience you to take a look at the list of best cast iron woks.

2. How Large a Wok Should I Buy?

The size of the wok you choose will be influenced by the amount of food you’ll be preparing. You could get away with 12 inches wok if you live alone and just prepare one meal at a time. You can check out our list of the best 12-inch wok for some of the best options available in the market.

If you have a large family or close guests arriving, 14 inches wok or larger might be appropriate. Most individuals begin with 14 inches wok and then progress to a larger or smaller size.

3. Why Should I Use a Carbon Steel Wok?

Carbon steel has extremely good anti-warping qualities, thus your wok will be able to tolerate higher oven temperatures with ease. You’ll need to season and maintain the wok to keep it from rusting. Invest in a carbon steel wok for top-notch stir-fry results.

Carbon steel is very conductive and uniformly distributes heat across the wok. For more options, check out the best carbon steel wok.

4. Which wok is the best for deep frying?

Finally, the best deep frying wok is the one you enjoy and prefer. However, if you’re searching for particular suggestions, Lodge, Bruntmor, Cuisinart, and Helen Chen’s are among the best. We have made your work easy. Just check out our list of the best wok for deep frying and buy the one which meets your requirements.

Here’s how Hand-Hammered Woks are made

Conclusion – Which is the best steel wok

When there are so many options, it can be difficult to choose one, just as with any other model or product. This list, as well as the buying guide, can assist you in resolving your confusion for hammered steel woks. Simply select a handful of the top woks from the above list and compare them. This makes deciding on a good option easier. So don’t waste any more time in thinking and place your order for the best-hammered steel wok today. 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.