Best Wok For High Heat – Top 5 Best Woks With Buying Guide (Latest)

Choosing the best wok for high-heat cooking has become a difficult task. Searing, sauteing, stir-frying, and browning are some of the methods for preparing great dishes using high heat. This type of cooking necessitates the use of the best wok for high heat that can endure the heat. There are many different types of woks available right now for high-heat cooking. Stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and enamel cast iron are all excellent choices for high-heat cooking.

Because they are free of harmful substances like lead and PFOA, the materials are also safe to use.

What are the best oils for high-heat cooking?

Avocado, peanut, canola, sunflower, and sesame oil are the best oils for frying since they can withstand high heat. These oils have a high smoke point (400°F or higher), making them better suited for high heat cooking.

Because saturated fats are more stable at high temperatures, they can be a healthier oil to use when cooking at a high temperature or frying food. This implies that they’re less likely to catch fire and smoke.

Nut oils, such as peanut oil, are fun to play around with within the kitchen because there are so many varieties. Peanut oil contains one of the highest levels of monounsaturated fats of any cooking oil. It’s usually tasty, with a nutty aroma and taste, and it cooks quickly at high temperatures.

Avocado, canola, coconut, grapeseed, extra-virgin olive oil, sesame, high oleic safflower, and sunflower oils are all good for sautéing. You should not use unrefined oils with low smoke points, such as flaxseed oil, wheat germ oil, and walnut oil, extra-virgin olive oil for high heat cooking. The major downside of using extra virgin olive oil for cooking is that it has a low smoking point. The smoking point of extra virgin oil is around 374–405°F (190–207°C). When any oil reaches its smoke point, it starts breaking down, causing nutrient loss and you may even witness some change in the flavor.

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.

Why is most of the chinese cooking done over high heat?

Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a traditional Chinese cooking technique. It is a quick and easy way to prepare food that is also tasty and flavorful. The kitchen utensil required for this is a good quality wok for high heat. Stir-frying is usually done on a gas stove, however, an electric stove can be used if it is preheated to a high temperature.

Deep-Frying

Deep-frying is used to make meals with a crisp texture. It’s commonly used to fry a range of meats and vegetables in hot oil. A deep saucepan or wok for high heat, a Chinese scoop strainer (used to hold items in a deep fryer and to strain dishes once removed from the oil), and long chopsticks are used for deep-frying.

Braising

Braising is putting ingredients, spices, seasonings, and a little amount of water or broth in a wok or a saucepan, boiling things together at a high temperature for a short time and then simmering it for a long time at a lower temperature (usually one hour or more). You’ll need a wok for high heat, saucepan, or stew pot if you want to braise your dish. If you love steaming food, check out our list of best woks with steamer so you don’t have to limit yourself in the kitchen.

What to consider when picking your wok – best tips

Here are some quick tips for selecting a wok for your kitchen:

• The type of stove and heating element type (electric or gas), will factor into the decision of your wok selection, so definitely consider that first. We almost always prefer a gas flame, but if you have an electric stove, consider that into your wok selection.
• If you like an authentic wok hay flavor, don’t be tempted to get a non-stick model. At the temperatures required for Chinese cooking, these are of questionable safety, since most are rated around 500 degrees or less, and many times you may exceed or come close to that limitation (e.g., when heating the wok to “just smoking”).

Best material for the high heat wok cooking

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

Stainless steel offers a number of distinctive characteristics that make it the preferred material for many professional chefs as well as home cooks. Check out our list of the best professional wok if you are looking to buy the best of the best wok.

The highly polished mirror surface gleams beautifully, and the steel is extremely durable. It doesn’t react with meals either. Stainless steel provides a superior natural non-stick resistance and is compatible with most ovens and induction cooktops.

Due to the multi-element alloy aluminum core that runs along the bottom and up the sides, stainless steel woks are a great choice for stir-frying food because they have an amazingly quick and even heat absorption and conductibility rate. Check out our list of best stainless steel wok for more options.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is one of the most durable materials on the planet. Its sturdy structure can endure high temperatures and will provide you with excellent cooking results. Although cast iron takes a long time to heat up, it can maintain and conduct heat quite well. As a result, it’s not only a terrific choice for stir-frying, but it also provides incredible searing results.

Cast iron is heavier than other materials and is prone to corrosion if not properly maintained. If you take care of the wok, however, it will become a timeless heirloom. Some cast-iron cookware companies pre-season their woks, which gives your food an extra layer of flavor.

All of these characteristics should be enough to convince you to buy a cast iron wok. You can go to best cast iron wok and select the one which suits your needs.

Aluminum

Although the word aluminum brings back ideas of flimsy pans destined for the garbage, manufacturers of aluminum cookware are improving their offerings these days. They’re making a wok out of heavy-gauge, hard-anodized, or premium-grade aluminum, which is a great choice.

Aluminum is less expensive than stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron, in addition to being lighter. It’s also a fantastic heat conductor. 

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 the best titanium wok.

Meanwhile, you can also take a look at the best copper woks.

Best wok for high heat – Wok summary list

#1 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok – Hand-hammered by Chinese professionals in Guangzhou, this wok is the proven choice of many professional Chinese chefs. 

#2 M.V. Trading 14 Inches Wok Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok – The flat bottom wok is designed to sit directly on an electric stove to take advantage of all the heat.

#3 Lodge P14W3 Seasoned Cast Iron Wok – For authentic cuisines or home-spun favorites, the Lodge 14 Inch Cast Iron Wok offers a large cooking surface that retains heat, making short work of any dish.

#4 Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Wok, Cast Iron Wok – This one’s a combination of modern shape, classic colors, and delicate detail into one extraordinary cast iron wok which will bring you a simple but comfortable feeling.

#5 Mammafong Round Bottom 14-inch Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok – Traditional carbon steel construction disperses heat evenly and quickly for optimum cooking performance.

List of top 5 Woks for high heat – best rated woks

#1 Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok

This wok is composed of commercial-grade carbon steel in a 15-gauge thickness. The wok is completely hand-hammered and shouts excellence. It’s built to last and is ideal for high-heat cooking. The design is based on a classic Chinese wok pan, so you’ll be able to enjoy true wok cooking.

In fact, the company goes out of its way to give a manual for the simplest seasoning procedure. Customer service is also available to ensure that you get the most out of your wok pan.

When it comes to the design, the wooden stick, together with the helper handle, ensures that you stay safe when cooking and tossing the ingredients. The handle can also be used to store the wok by hanging it. For more hand-hammered steel woks, refer to our list.

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 on a proper burner. They also liked that it’s solid, well made, and the handle can be detached for the initial seasoning. Users also appreciated how the food comes out amazing with wok hei. One of the users commented that 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. Well, maintaining the wok carefully and regular seasoning is the solution to this problem. And that’s my two cents worth from personal experience! You can also get yourself a pre-seasoned wok and skip the work of seasoning your wok. For such pre-seasoned models, refer to best pre-seasoned wok.

Pros

• Great heat distribution 
• Completely handcrafted 
• Made out of durable materials 
• Scratch-resistant 

Cons

• The carbon steel can get rusty, if not taken care of

My Verdict: It is the best wok for outdoor gas stir fry or bbq, especially if you are looking out for a sustainable cooking tool or value for your investment. 

#2 M.V. Trading 14 Inches Wok Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok

The thickness is 1.5 mm gauge, and the construction is carbon steel. This is a well-known American brand. M.V. Trading’s bottom design is flat, which is ideal if you want to use it on an electric, gas, or coil stovetop. The handles on this 14-inch-diameter wok are made of birch wood, allowing you to adjust the heat without fear of burning yourself.

The M.V. Trading wok has a 4′′ depth and is not smooth on the sides, which is excellent quality. Due to the absence of smoothness on the sides, you can quickly heat up food and divide it into a wok. Many consumers are concerned about the precise heat distribution, but on the plus side, you can rest certain that this wok can readily withstand instant temperature fluctuations.

Because it is simple to season, it requires less oil when cooking. This results in a healthier meal for the user especially when cooking meat like roasting, frying, or some barbeque.  If you are looking to cook some bbq, check out our listing of the best bbq wok.

User Experience 

This wok has a lot of positive ratings and a good response by the users. They liked that the carbon steel feels heavy and well built. They also acknowledge that the wok heats evenly and cooks food quickly. One of the customers commented that he is very happy with the wok and the seasoning is easy, just follow the directions sent with the wok. I found a few users complaining about the wok getting rusted after some time of use. Well, as informed earlier, these woks do require a bit of maintenance. But, this little bit from you will definitely go a long way in giving you this life-long kitchen mate. 

Pros

• Easy to Season
• Less Fragile
• Durable if maintained well
• Perfect for gas, electric stove, and grills
• side pool handle and the main handles are heat resistant add to the convenience of lifting
• Size is perfect for stir-frying without spilling
• Well established American brand

Cons

• Come as Unseasoned
• Not good for induction cooktop
• Not easy to clean

My Verdict: This product is simple to season and will not break under any circumstances. You can easily serve up to 15 people by yourself. 

Get yourself a rust-proof wok so you don’t have to worry about it getting rusty.

#3

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. If you think that this wok is too big for you, we have prepared a list of the best 12-inch woks just for you.

Cast iron retains heat and evenly distributes it, allowing the food to cook faster. You can use this wok 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. I would strongly advise you to 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 among most other woks 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
• Flexible functionality – can be used on all cooking mediums namely gas stove, induction, oven etc.

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. Check out our list of the best woks for induction for more similar options.

The lid can be a very important accessory for some. If you are among those, take a look at the best woks with lid and pick the one which suits your needs.

#4 Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Wok, Cast Iron Wok

When you choose a cast-iron wok, you’re probably not planning to toss anything. Save room with this loop-handled wok, which is also my recommendation for heavy-duty bulk cooking, because you won’t need the long handle, and you won’t be able to use it with anything this heavy either. With repeated use, it becomes more and more nonstick, just like other cast iron pans, with no extra chemicals or procedures other than oil. It retains heat for a long period of time, allowing your dish to cook well as well as sear to flame-kissed degrees. It releases trace amounts of healthy iron within your dishes and lasts an eternity if properly cared for.

Bruntmor’s pre-seasoned large wok enhances the essentials with extra-wide handles and a broad flat bottom but a little curved, base that ensures sturdiness without compromising sloping surface area. You’ll require both a big metal spatula and a spoon set because you would be unable to lift it during cooking, but the curve of the turner will resemble the wok sides well enough that you won’t be missing it. Refer to our expert list of the best flat base woks for more options.

User Experience 

Users appreciated its looks and how well the design was. They also appreciated its even heating and ease of cleaning. Above all, they seem to be super impressed with its flat bottom that holds it real steady. However, some users complained about it getting rusty and its heavy weight.

Pros

• Oven- and grill-safe
• Oversized for heavy-duty, big batch cooking
• Cast iron will last forever with care
• Can work on all types of cooking mediums – gas, induction, electric, oven, etc.

Cons

• Must be hand washed
• Very heavy at over 13 pounds
• Short handles can get very hot

My Verdict: To sum up, this wok is a great choice for heavy-duty bulk cooking. With great build quality at such a price, it’s a green light from my side. 

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.

#5 Mammafong Round Bottom 14-inch Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok

This stylish silver wok has been 100% hand-hammered by a master craftsman in Guangdong, China. So it is beautiful as well as durable. The extra-long and also sturdy blond wood handle provides a safe, comfortable grip, and the handle is securely fit into 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 latest stir-fry creation 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, which is perfect for stir-fry. 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
• Quick heating and even heat distribution
• Made from 16 gauge carbon steel

Cons

• It 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: It is made from premium carbon steel, and its heavy-duty 16-gauge body ensures fast heating conductivity, superior heat distribution, and also retention abilities.

This is the best budget wok available for stir-frying. For more budget woks, check out our list of the best budget wok.

Things to consider before buying the best wok for high heat – 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. I will recommend you to cook on a gas stove for high heat cooking and get a wok for same. 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. 

Size

When selecting the ideal wok for high heat, it is important to select one that is precisely the proper size, just as it is when purchasing any other cookware. The size of your household and the amount of storage space available determines this factor. 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 a specific 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.

FAQ – best woks for high heat

1. What happens if you overheat a Teflon pan?

While the health effects of overheated Teflon may be serious, using common-sense cooking practices will help you avoid exposure. Summary: Above 570°F (300°C), Teflon coatings may begin to break down, releasing toxic fumes into the air. These fumes can cause temporary, flu-like symptoms known as polymer fume fever.

2. Can I use Flaxseed oil for cooking?

Flaxseed oil is abundant in omega 3 fatty acids and has a low smoke point, so you should not use it in cooking.  Make sure you keep it at a cool temperature, such as in the refrigerator.

3. Which cookware to avoid for high heat cooking?

If you’re going to cook with a lot of heat, you should avoid nonstick cookware. The nonstick in this artificial nonstick can melt or break down at high temperatures.

Toxic compounds may get into the food as a result of the breakdown, making it unsafe for human consumption. Teflon products aren’t recommended for use in high-heat cooking.

Only natural nonstick coatings, such as those found in cast iron cookware, are optimal for high-heat cooking. You can get non-stick cookware for normal cooking, and hence we have collated some of the best non-stick woks for you.

4. Is stainless steel toxic when heated?

Cooking with high-quality stainless steel cookware is safe. It won’t react with acidic or alkaline foods, allowing dangerous compounds to leak into the food. This cookware can withstand high temperatures in the kitchen. Meanwhile, you can also check out our list of the best ceramic wok to add an amazing look to your kitchen cookware.

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. 

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. A flat base is the only choice for an electric stove, whether it’s coil, glass, or induction. 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.

Conclusion

The 5 woks mentioned above are the best cookware for high heat cooking. You’ll wind up with one of these, depending on your preferences.

Cast iron and enameled cast iron are more expensive, but they are well worth it. Cookware made of carbon steel is a superb alternative to stainless steel and cast iron. Because of its durability and inherent nonstick from seasoning, cast-iron cookware is ideal for high-heat cooking. We have also collated a list of the best woks which you can check out and choose the wok which suits your needs. A wok will have your meal ready in no time, whether you’re serving the family or just want a quick snack.

Meanwhile, you can also take a look at the best calphalon woks for some of the best options.