Best Wok For Deep Frying – List of Top 5 Woks With Full Buying Guide (Latest)

Is it possible to deep fry in a wok? If you’re only cooking a little amount of food, deep frying in a wok is easier as well as more efficient.

Those who are familiar with using an electric deep fryer with its high sides and lid may find using a wok for deep frying less appealing. The wok, on the other hand, has its advantages.

Consider the type of food you’ll be deep-frying and the type of burner or stove you’ll be using before purchasing a wok. Alternatively, you can also choose to buy an electric wok if you do not want to cook on a traditional stove. 

Advantages of deep frying in a wok

The wok’s design is unusual, with sloped sides and a shallow depth. It has a large diameter. The larger surface area means less oil is used as well as there is more room to deep fry the food. Lightweight items float to the surface quickly after being entirely fried. When compared to stovetop pans, you can prepare more food at once. It implies that you can conserve gas heat or energy. 

The shallow depth makes it simple and quick to remove the food once it has been fried. In comparison to deep frying in a Dutch oven, deep frying in a wok is less messy. 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.

Is a wok good for deep frying?

Here are the four key advantages of deep frying in a wok rather than a Dutch oven, frying pan, or stockpot.

1. Less oil splatter

Tired of your deep-fried stovetop becoming a Jackson Pollock painting? Unlike frying pans, pots, and Dutch ovens, woks have high and wide edges that catch a lot of oil splatter.

2. You’ll use less oil to fry the same amount of food

Because the sides of woks come up earlier than the sides of other cookware, you’ll require less oil to get your desired oil depth.

A wok can reach the same oil depth as a dutch oven while using 33% less oil, according to Cook’s Illustrated.

3. Ease of access

The gently sloping edges of woks allow you to move objects freely in, out, and around inside, guaranteeing an equal fry.

4. Fry more at once

Because a wok has a larger surface area than typical cookware, you can finish your fry in fewer batches, which implies less time slaving over a hot burner and more time stuffing your face with your wonderful fried creations.

People generally think that deep-fried food is not good for health, though this is not all true. Vegetables are healthier when fried in extra virgin olive oil than when boiled in water. You can refer to the health benefits of deep-fried vegetables and learn more about this topic.

Best Tips for Deep Frying in a Wok

• Moisture leads to oil splashing, so dry the food completely before going to fried.
• Don’t fill a wok with oil more than half.
• Use a deep-frying thermometer to measure oil temperature.
• Add food pieces at one time, so that they will fry and cook evenly.
• Don’t add too much food at one go till crowded your wok, it leads to rapid fall down of oil temperature and you will lose the crispness of your food.
• After finishing the deep frying, use a skimmer to remove the bits of food particles.

Best wok for deep frying- Wok summary list

#1 Cuisinart 726-38H Chef's Classic 14-Inch Stainless Steel Wok – If you are looking for the best stainless wok for deep frying, this might be the one for you.

#2 Bruntmor, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok – This pre-seasoned wok is for you if you love cast iron utensils as well as their versatility.

#3 MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Nonstick Flat Bottom Wok with Lid – MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Non-Stick Wok is multipurpose cookware as you can do any type of cooking using this wok.

#4 Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok – As the name depicts, this Lodge cast iron wok is small in size suitable to cook for a small family. 

#5 Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen 14” Carbon Steel Wok – This wok is constructed of 1.8mm durable carbon steel which enables quick heat up and cool which is the essence of Chinese cooking.

List of top 5 woks for deep frying – Best rated woks

#1 Cuisinart 726-38H Chef's Classic 14-Inch Stainless Steel Wok

The Cuisinart 726-38H   Chef’s wok is made of stainless steel with a mirror finish as well as a stunning classic appearance. It does not discolor due to the stainless steel material. Check out best stainless steel woks for similar options.

It also does not react with any food and does not affect the flavor. So that you may always appreciate the true flavor of food.

It includes an aluminum encapsulated base that helps in fast as well as even deep-frying heating. Don’t use the flavor lock lid while deep frying, even though it comes with one. However, you can use it to seal in the taste of your food while steaming. If you love to steam your veggies, you can take a look at the best woks with steamer.

User Experience 

Users mentioned that this wok is big but lightweight. They also said that because it is so big, the likelihood of spill out on stir-frying is less, and so is the splatter. Users were happy that the wok is easy to clean. They also mentioned that it is durable as well as of great quality. One of the users commented that the wok is really big, so when she has family and friends over, she can make enough food in there to feed 8-10 people. Some users were disappointed and mentioned that the wok loses its color and discolors after a while of use.

Pros

• Easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe
• Aluminum encapsulated base heats quickly and evenly
• Comes with measurement markings for easy usage
• Works well with electric cooktop

Cons

• An issue with even heating
• Difficulty in using with gas cooktop

My Verdict: This is easily one of the best stainless steel wok for deep frying available in the market.

Summing up, this is a big wok, enough to make a full family dinner. Looking for some smaller option? We have a list of the best 12” woks.

#2 Bruntmor, Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok

The Bruntmor cast iron wok has a strong base that provides stability while deep frying your food, which is an important feature for deep frying.

When it comes to using a cast iron wok, seasoning is essential. Don’t worry about seasoning, though! Because it comes pre-seasoned, you won’t have to season it. It’s ready to use in the kitchen. Its unique rustic design makes it easy to use on an electric, gas, or induction stove. For more such options, take a look at the best induction woks.

This wok can also work in an oven. Large loop handles on the wok make it easy to handle while cooking. When cleaning the wok, avoid using harsh detergents or soaps. After each usage, thoroughly clean it with hot water and a nylon brush. Avoid submerging a hot cast iron wok in cold water. After washing, quickly dry it with a dry towel and lightly oil it. You can also refer to best cast iron woks for similar woks.

User Experience 

Users liked the wok and mentioned that the heat retention is amazing. They mentioned that the wok had good build quality and heats evenly. Users also commented that it is easy to clean, and store. One of the customers commented that the wok doesn’t move as you stir fry, it heats evenly, it’s easy to clean, and it’s going to last him the rest of his life. Few of the users were complaining that the food was sticking to its bottom. Other than that, no significant complaints by its users.

Pros

• Pre-seasoned wok
• Comes with large handles for easy handling
• Compatible with any type of cooking surface

Cons

• Not reliable for pow wok cooking as it is heavy in weight

My Verdict: This wok has amazing sturdiness as well as is very versatile. It can be used on any kind of stove you have. 

As the name tells you, the wok is pre-seasoned to free you from the seasoning work. You can look at more similar options by clicking here.

#3 MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Nonstick Flat Bottom Wok with Lid

The MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Non-Stick Wok is versatile cookware that may be used for any style of cooking. This wok can be used to stir-fry, roast, steam, boil, bake, and prepare a variety of other meals. You can take a look at our best stir-frying woks for more options.

It has a high-quality ceramic as well as Titanium interior that is scratch-resistant and ultra-nonstick. This guarantees the wok’s long life and durability. We have some of the best titanium woks list prepared for you. 

It has a professional-grade aluminum alloy that helps in even and rapid heating. Toxic-free materials were used in the construction, making it ideal for healthy cooking. Despite the fact that it is dishwasher safe, it is recommended that you wash it by hand. Overall, the wok’s versatility and quality allow you to improve your cooking skills and cook like a professional. Check out our list of best professional wok if you are looking to buy a top-quality wok as a chef. 

User Experience 

Users liked that the cooking is even, and the pan is large enough to cook for 4-5 people. They mentioned that the pan is sturdy and lightweight. Users also commented that the cooking surface is truly non-stick and cleans up easily. One of the customers mentioned that she has fried sausage, prepared teriyaki chicken with rice, and even melted a slice of cheese in this pan and nothing sticks. This pan is indeed great for fried rice. Check out the best woks for fried rice for more options.

Some users, on the other hand, were complaining about the non-stick feature. They mentioned that the food starts to stick after a while of use.

Pros

• Comes with extra accessories that are effective for deep frying
• Versatile cookware as you can do stir-frying, steaming, boiling, deep-frying, and much more
• Suitable for all types of stovetops
• Toxic-free material for healthy cooking

Cons

• The metal handle gets very hot over a short period of time of cooking

My Verdict: The wok is light in weight when compared to cast iron and stainless steel wok. Due to this, it is very easy to use and won’t feel heavy when you toss your ingredients.

This wok comes with a lid to help you steam any kind of veggies or meals you would like to make. Take a look at the best woks with lid for more options.

#4 Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok

This Lodge cast iron wok is small in size, as the name implies, and is ideal for cooking for a small household. It can hold up to 2 quarts of food at a time.

The wok is pre-seasoned. As a result, it is ready for any form of cooking. It may be used on a gas stove, an induction cooktop, an oven, as well as a grill. This wok is also suitable for outdoor cooking, as it can be used over a campfire. If you like to do camping, you might want a wok suitable for that. Don’t worry we got your back. We have an expert list prepared of the best woks for camping just for you.

It has a dual-loop style handle that makes handling much easier.

The wok can be used to fry, sauté, sear, bbq, braise, bake, and boil, among other things. With this small wok, you won’t be short on time when preparing any meal. If you bbq a lot, you might want to take a look at the best bbq woks.

It’s the ideal size for deep frying because it doesn’t waste a lot of oil and doesn’t spray oil all over the counter. It’s also great for Indian deep-fried dishes.

User Experience 

Users liked that the wok gets very hot and retains heat well. They mentioned that it is very stable on the stove while cooking. Users also commented that the wok is heavy due to the iron but it is durable, did not come with any coating, and is easy to clean. One of the users commented that this mini wok sits perfectly without wobbling and prevents spillovers and accidents. Some users were complaining after using it for a while that the wok starts to rust and leaves some black residue.

Pros

• Versatile as well as durable
• Can deep fry food without wasting much oil
• Due to the wide top, oil doesn’t get splatter over a cooktop
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Not suitable for stir-frying as food gets tossed outside the wok

My Verdict: The cast iron material ensures superior heat retention, overall quality, durability, and versatility of this appliance.

As this wok is so compact, you can use this small cookware for outdoor cooking or even while traveling in a car or RV. Check out the best RV woks for more options.

#5 Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen 14” Carbon Steel Wok

This Carbon Steel Wok is a classic wok designed with Helen Chen’s expertise. It is made of 1.8mm thick carbon steel that allows for quick heating and cooling, which is essential in Chinese cuisine. Despite being built of high gauge carbon steel, it is light in weight, making it easy to handle. Carbon steel woks like this are highly preferred by professionals due to their properties.

For simple maneuverability, the wok comes with a solid bamboo handle and a helper handle. You should season the wok before using it. It provides a perfect surface for frying, searing, and prevents any rusting.

Soak the wok in hot water for at least 5 minutes before washing it. It assists in the loosening of grime and sticky food residue, making cleaning easier. Then clean inside with a sponge and hot water, and outside with a scrubber sponge and hot water. Before storing it, dry it well over low heat. This wok has a flat bottom to accommodate any type of modern stovetop. We have a list of similar woks with a flat bottom if you are searching for one.

User Experience 

Users liked that it is lightweight as well as sturdy having a flat bottom to sit easily on modern stovetops like electric stoves. They also commented that the seasoning takes a while to do. Users mentioned that this is a great wok, and has high heat capacity. If you want to explore more options, we have a dedicated list of woks for high heat.

One of the users commented that this wok is super sturdy, and the metal is thin enough to heat well and evenly. A bunch of customers were disappointed and complaining regarding the handle of the wok. Some were complaining that it didn’t arrive while others were saying it was not compatible. Few of the users were also complaining that they faced rusting problems with the wok.

Pros

• Compatible with gas as well as an electric stove with proper stability while deep frying
• Works great for conducting heat
• Fast heat up as well as cool down

Cons

• If not seasoned appropriately, it can rust

My Verdict: Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen 14” Carbon Steel Wok seems to be very sturdy and stable wok. It can be used on gas as well as electric stoves which increases its versatility.

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. 

Things you should consider before buying the best wok for deep frying

Material

Cast iron, which is the most traditional wok material, is the best for deep frying. If you want to stay far away from the rusting problems, I would recommend you take a look at our list of rustproof woks.

However, deep-frying is not restricted to cast iron, and it is critical to understand how to analyze the many materials available in Woks:

Teflon (Non-stick) – This material is great for steaming, stewing, and boiling, but it is not ideal for deep frying or stir-frying. This is because the high temperatures required to fry food cause the Teflon material to melt, allowing dangerous chemicals to enter the food and ruining the pan. We have collated a list of the best non-stick woks just for you.

Aluminum – This material heats up and cools down quickly, making deep frying both simple and tricky. It’s simple to use because you know the oil will heat up rapidly and cool down quickly once you’re finished. It’s challenging since controlling and regulating the oil temperature while on the stovetop is difficult. 

Cast Iron– Because it heats and cools slowly while retaining heat, this is the perfect material for deep frying. This makes it easy to control the oil’s temperature. The disadvantage of cast iron is that it requires a lot of upkeep because it is prone to rust.

Size

It’s important to find a deep frying pan that’s neither too big nor too little to satisfy your family’s demands. It should be large enough to prepare food for everyone while yet being small enough to store easily. For families, a 14-inch pan is commonly recommended.

Warranty 

Big brands, such as Helen Chen, Lodge, Calphalon 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. If you like the Calphalon cookware, we have the list of best Calphalon woks to add to your collection.

Quality Vs Price

It’s important to consider the cost of a wok you want to buy against its quality, just as you would with any other type of cookware. It makes no sense to save money by purchasing a large, seemingly multipurpose wok of poor quality merely because it is within your budget. The sensible choice is to either acquire a smaller wok than you need but of excellent quality or to take your time and save more to get the highest quality for the size you want. Although, we do have a list of budget woks which are excellent without compromising with the quality.

You can get a decent wok under 25 dollars. We have a list of best woks for 25 dollars to help you out in search of one.

FAQ – Deep Fry Wok

1. Is wok a good option for deep frying?

Yes! The flared design of a wok makes it suitable for dealing with smaller meals that need to be cooked quickly and at high heat. Furthermore, because of the design, you can fit a lot of food in a wok without increasing the cooking time owing to congestion.

You may build it out of high-quality heat-retaining material like blue carbon steel, and you’ll have a true workhorse pan that belongs in any kitchen (stay away from deep frying in nonstick woks as this can damage their nonstick coating). Take a look at best-hammered steel wok if you want a good quality stainless steel wok.

2. Are woks oven-safe?

Aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, and copper are common materials for oven-safe woks. As a result, make sure your wok’s coating can resist high temperatures. Teflon, for example, can withstand temperatures of up to 500°F.

Ceramic is one of the best materials if you use the oven very often. It also looks the best and gives a great appearance to the kitchen. Do not forget to get the best ceramic wok for your kitchen.

Meanwhile, you can also check out some of the best copper woks for your kitchen.

3. Are nonstick woks dishwasher-safe?

The majority of the woks in this article are dishwasher safe. Even if the cookware is labeled as “dishwasher safe,” we still recommend hand washing it with warm soapy water.

4. What are the pitfalls of using a wok on an electric stove?

Woks aren’t traditionally designed to be used on electric stoves. There are a number of reasons why an electric stove is not the ideal option to use. Because a round wok will not fit correctly on an electric stove, you will require a wok ring to stabilize it.

A flat base is the only choice for an electric stove, whether it’s coil, glass, or induction, thus the walls take more time to heat up. 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.

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. Check out our expert list of best round bottom wok for round bottom models.

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.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re making Chinese, Indian, or Western food, these are the best woks for deep frying. With these wok models, you can deep fry any type of food without any problem.

The majority of people may avoid deep frying at home because it is messy and costly. You can resolve these worries with the right home wok. Choose the ideal wok for your stovetop, the items you’ll be deep-frying frequently, and the number of people you’ll be cooking for.

We have also collated a list of the best woks which you can check out. So, choose the wok that best suits your needs and will improve your deep-frying experience!!