One of the most versatile cooking pans available is a wok. It’s fantastic for stir-fries, but it can also make a number of other delicious recipes. Woks allow you to properly sear meat, crisp vegetables while keeping their freshness and taste as well as even steam veggies. Electric stoves have simplified kitchen cooking by increasing the speed with which you can ignite your stove. The disadvantage is that obtaining the best wok for an electric stove is difficult. Traditional woks aren’t designed for electric stoves. They’re made for flat-bottomed pans, and the heating components are frequently too far apart in a round-bottomed pan to get a nice stir fry going.
Your choices may be limited if you want to use your wok on an electric stove. If you have an electric stove or an induction range, keep reading to learn about the most key elements to bear in mind when shopping for the best wok. You can read The breath of a wok if you are keen to know more about a traditional wok and its cooking.
A wok can cook anything from Chinese noodles to Thai curry. Mentioning that, check out our listing of the best wok for Thai curry if you are looking for a wok to make some delicious Thia curry.
Contents
Types of Wok – Best Material for Wok
Cast iron
Cast iron woks are heavy, as the name implies. Iron has high thermal conductivity characteristics, which simply means that it releases heat quickly to the food it is cooking.
Your wok will last a lifetime and be a natural non-stick once you’ve mastered the skill of washing it with simply hot water and no detergent and learned how to season it after each use.
Our experts have collated a list of the best-cast iron woks if you are looking for one.
Aluminum
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. For more models, refer to our expert listing of the best wok for high heat.
Aluminum will tarnish with time, which some people appreciate because it gives your Wok a worn-in aspect.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel with a high polish is appealing, won’t dent or scratch, and won’t influence the flavor. This is because there are no non-stick coatings to wear off and get into your food over time. Stainless steel is a long-lasting material that won’t rust if properly cared for.
It doesn’t need to be seasoned, is easy to clean, and can be put in the dishwasher. Take a look at best-hammered steel wok if you want a good quality stainless steel wok.
Stainless steel with aluminum core
It has the same qualities as a stainless steel wok, but it is bonded with aluminum for superior heat conductivity. This guarantees that everything in the pan cooks evenly.
Carbon steel
For many Asian cooks, this is the wok of choice. A carbon steel 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.
They’re safe to use while tossing hot items because of this.
Seasoning is required, and they will darken in color and create a beautiful patina with time. Carbon steel is generally affordable as well. Carbon Steel is highly preferred by professionals due to its properties. Check out our list of the best professional wok if you are looking to buy a top-quality wok.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the best cookware materials because of its fast heat conduction and lightweight. This material is also quite long-lasting, so it will be a while before you need to replace it. The scratch-resistant titanium coating that provides the pan its non-stick qualities prevents the ingredients from sticking into the pan. As a result, it’s perfectly safe to use. Also, check out our expert listing of the best Titanium wok.
Did You Know? In Indonesia, the wok is known as a wadjang, kuali in Malaysia, and kawali (small wok) and kawa (big wok) in the Philippines.
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.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Wok For Electric Stoves – Wok Buying Guide
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.
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.
Flatter is better
Flat-bottomed pans are ideal for use with electric woks. The wok with the flat bottom is a western variation, however, it is preferable for electric stoves since it makes better contact with the electric heating element. If you are looking for some flat bottom models, check out our list of the best flat bottom wok.
On this surface, a totally round wok would not be stable. To solve this problem, you can purchase a ring stand, but it’s better to just get a flat-bottomed model to start with and save money.
Size
When deciding which type of Wok to buy for your electric stove, think about how many people you’ll be cooking for and how frequently you’ll be using it in general. Woks are typically 10” to 14” in diameter. As a general rule, the more cook space you have, the better the heat dispersion and cooking will be.
Look for a flat bottom wok with a minimum of 5” on the bottom to fit most electric or induction heating sources when considering shape and size. Looking for induction-compatible woks? Refer to our expert listing of the best induction woks.
Material
Woks are available in a variety of materials, including cast iron and carbon steel, but carbon steel is the preferred choice for electric stoves. Cast iron does not conduct heat from electric heating elements as well or as quickly as carbon steel does. For long-term use, however, it may need more than one seasoning treatment.
You can also choose to buy an electric wok if you do not want to cook on a traditional stove.
Did You Know? The most common use for the wok is stir-frying, though you can also use it for deep frying, smoking, braising, roasting, grilling, and steaming. If you are looking to cook some bbq, check out our listing of the best BBQ wok.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our list of the best ceramic wok to add an amazing look to your kitchen cookware.
Best Wok For Electric Stove – Wok Summary List
#1 Cuisinart 726-38H Chef’s Classic Stir-Fry Pan – Cuisinart’s low-cost stainless steel wok has a flat bottom that sits evenly and stably on an electric or induction cooktop.
#2 Lodge Cast Iron Wok – This massive cast iron wok has a stunning appearance and will be nearly indestructible for decades.
#3 T-fal Jumbo Wok – The T-fal Jumbo Wok is quite affordable and will not put a hole in your pocket. It’s quite sturdy, and you’ll get a limited lifetime warranty with the purchase.
#4 Helen’s Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel Wok – If you know how to use a wok and can flick as well as toss ingredients with ease, this carbon steel wok could be a good fit for you.
#5 Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel Wok – Calphalon has long been known for its superior quality. It maintains a high level of heat retention throughout the cooking process.
List of Top 5 Woks – Wok for Electric Stove
#1 Cuisinart 726-38H Chef’s Classic Stir-Fry Pan
Cuisinart’s stainless steel wok has a flat bottom that allows it to sit properly and firmly on an electric stove. 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.
It’s trimmed in stainless steel to match and sits firmly in the wok’s drip-free rim. All of that wonderful taste will be retained. It has a high-sheen silver finish that gives it a classy, professional appearance, and if properly cared for, it will not discolor with time.
The pan’s base features an aluminum core, which distributes heat more evenly and prevents food from getting worse by heat spots. This wok is suitable for both electric and gas stoves. For more gas stove models refer to our expert listing best wok for gas stove.
User Experience
This product has very good customer reviews. Users liked that this wok is big enough to cook a whole meal for their family and lightweight at the same time. They also liked the high-quality stainless steel build. One of the users commented that the wok is very easy to clean and because it is so big, the likelihood of spilling out on stir-frying is less, and so is the splatter. No major complaints by its users but some of them were mentioning that it scorches and sticks with food.
Pros
- Large family size design
- Suitable for electric and gas stove
- Outstanding heat retention
- Comes with a protective lid
- Stay-cool handles for better grip
Cons
- Not suitable for induction cooktop
My Verdict: The aluminum design heats up quickly and uniformly distributes the heat across the pan, giving it a classy and beautiful appearance.
Although this wok doesn’t cost much, if you are looking for something budget-friendly, check out our list of best wok for 25 dollars.
#2 Lodge Cast Iron Wok
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
- Doesn’t come with a lid
My Verdict: Its flat bottom design makes it suitable for use on electric, gas, and even induction cooktops.
Users liked that it was pre-seasoned and was big enough to cook dinner for the whole family. For more pre-seasoned models, refer to best pre-seasoned wok.
#3 T-fal Jumbo Wok
This huge aluminum wok is large enough to feed your entire family as well as the family next door!
It has a great Teflon non-stick coating that allows you to create quick, healthful meals with little or no oil. The food release is simple, as is the clean-up; this wok can be put in the dishwasher.
With those messy spillages in mind, T-fal has even covered the outside of the wok!
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.
Hands are kept safe from the heat by the sturdy silicone-coated grip. When carrying, the smaller helper handle provides a good grip. It is oven safe up to 350°F.
User Experience
Users were happy with this purchase. They mentioned that the Teflon surface is extremely slick and nothing sticks to it. They also liked that the wok is huge enough to hold a staggeringly large amount of vegetables in it. Customers mentioned that the non-stick coating makes cleaning super easy. One of the customers commented that she bought this for simple stir-fries and was pleasantly surprised by how well it’s made. On the other hand, some of the users were complaining that the non-stick coating was coming off after a while of use. Also, users were noticing the wok getting scratches easily.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Aluminum construction
- Oven safe up to 350 ° F
- Evenly distributes the heat
- Easy cleaning process
Cons
- Not for use on induction hobs.
- Not for use with metal kitchen utensils
My Verdict: The wok is made of high-quality aluminum that distributes heat quickly and evenly.
Due to its big size, it’s perfect for deep frying. If you are looking to buy a wok for deep frying, check out our listing of the best wok for deep frying.
#4 Helen’s Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel Wok
Helen Chen, a prominent Asian cookery expert, created this wok in the hopes of making high-quality, healthy meals more accessible to home cooks. Her design features two bamboo handles and is made of recyclable carbon steel. These grips are nice to hold because they withstand heat.
If properly cared for, the work will endure a lifetime. You can accomplish this with proper detergent-free washing and seasoning. Also, your wok will remain rust-free if you follow this. For more rust-proof woks, do check out our listing of the best rust-proof wok.
It’s not too heavy, weighing in at roughly 4-pounds with the lid on. As the wok develops a natural patina and becomes more non-stick, its look will change. The color will darken until it reaches the professional restaurant’s deep black glossy finish.
This wok is what a home cook would want. For more such models, check out our expert listing of the best home wok.
User Experience
Users liked that this wok is super sturdy, and the metal is thin enough to heat well and evenly. They also appreciated that the handle was made of wood which gave a nice grip and didn’t heat up. One of the customers commented that the bottom is very flat and responded well to cooking on a glass top, remaining sturdy and firmly planted. Another user commented that she uses an electric stove and this wok really does a fantastic job and cleaning up is a breeze too. Many users faced some kind of issue with the handle of the wok, be it installation or something else.
Pros
- Large size
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defect
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Heat resistant bamboo handles
Cons
- Requires a lot of maintenance
- Not for oven use
My Verdict: Carbon steel is very conductive and uniformly distributes heat across the wok. One thing to remember about carbon steel woks is that they must be seasoned after each wash to avoid rusting. For more such models, check out best Carbon Steel Wok.
This is the best budget wok available for an electric stove. For more budget woks, check out our list of the best budget wok.
#5 Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel Wok
An aluminum core is placed between two pieces of high-quality stainless steel across the pan. This rich finish will guarantee not only uniform heat dispersion because of its excellent conductive capabilities, but will also be incredibly long-lasting.
The outside stainless steel, including the handles, has been brushed to maintain the mirror finish shine. It’s the best stainless steel wok for an electric stove. Check out our list of best stainless steel wok for more options.
While cooking on the cooktop, both the long and helper handles will remain cool. It is the best wok for a glass top stove because of this characteristic. It’s dishwasher and broiler safe, and it can withstand oven temperatures of up to 450°F.
This is an investment that will pay off handsomely. If you place it in the center of your dinner table, it will look gorgeous and attract a lot of attention.
User Experience
People who bought this wok liked it and mentioned that it is a beautiful looking pan, cleans up beautifully without sticking. They also mentioned that this wok heats up very evenly and the weight is perfect; not too light, not too heavy. One of the users commented that this wok is the most beautiful piece of cookware she has ever owned! There were no significant complaints by its users.
Pros
- Stylish as well as a durable design
- Aluminum core even heat distribution
- Oven and broiler safe design
- Stainless-steel exterior
Cons
- Not pre-seasoned
My Verdict: It features a flat bottom shape that makes it excellent for a variety of cooking surfaces, and it’s one of the best electric woks available.
This is one of the best woks sold by Calphalon. Do check out our expert listing of the best Calphalon wok for more models.
FAQ – Wok For Electric Stove
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Why do I need to season my cast iron wok?
Seasoning your wok will keep it rust-free and provide a natural non-stick coating that will last a lifetime. Seasoning is nothing more than an oil coating that protects food from moisture.
The manufacturers will bake the oil into the pores of your wok during manufacturing to start the seasoning process; all you have to do now is keep an eye on it. Remember to oil your wok while it’s still hot, just enough to bring back the lustrous sheen but not too much to make it sticky.
4. What is patina?
This is simply the name of the seasoning coating that your cast iron or carbon steel wok gets.
The patina thickens and becomes heavier with each use of oil. This will give you the naturally non-stick surface that wok enthusiasts crave. Check out our list of best non-stick wok if you are looking for top nonstick 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 – Which is the best wok?
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. They 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.
Hopefully, our guide has provided you with plenty of information for thinking and has assisted you in making an informed decision about which Wok is best for electric stoves. We have also collated a list of the best woks which you can check out and choose the wok which suits your needs.
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.
