Carbon steel Woks have been around for years, and the benefits of using them are incomparable to none. A carbon cooking pan is one of the essential kitchenware for every home. Though they are an excellent choice for your stir-fries, they can be used in the kitchen for other cooking purposes. Whether stir-frying, steaming, smoking, deep frying, or even baking, a carbon steel pan will help you add fun to your cooking while adding flavor to your food at the same time.
Frying requires high temperatures and carbons is one of the best material to use due to its even conduction and non-stick nature. However, not all carbon cooking pans in the market today will give you optimal cooking experience. To ensure you add fun to your cooking, we have selected the best carbon steel wok for you to choose from.Best Pick
The Craft Wok 731W88 Carbon Steel Wok is our best pick because of its durable construction, convenient structure and high functionality. This wok has a large cooking surface area that helps to save time and effort. If you are looking for a high-quality, long-lasting carbon steel wok, you might want to check this one out first. It is designed to make your cooking experience a breeze.
Budget Pick
The Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok is our budget pick because it not only delivers great performance but it also has a super sleek design that looks good on any kitchen counter. This wok comes with convenient accessories that allow you to create and try out a ton of Asian cuisines at home. This wok is definitely worth your money.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Carbon Steel Woks
| Product Name | Item Diameter (inches) | Item Dimensions (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craft Wok 731W88 Carbon Steel Wok | 14.0 | 22.52 x 14.02 x 5.98 | 4.39 | A |
| Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok | 12.5 | 21.7 x 12.5 x 3.74 | 5.37 | A |
| Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok | 14.0 | 19 x 14 x 10 | 4.94 | B |
| Joyce Chen J22-0060 Carbon Steel Wok | 14.0 | 24 x 14 x 4 | 0.04 | A |
| YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok | 14.0 | 23 x 14 x 5.5 | 3.88 | B |
| Mammafong Carbon Steel Wok | 14.0 | 22.44 x 13.78 x 5.91 | 3.30 | A |
| Bielmeier Carbon Steel Wok | 12.5 | 13.39 x 13.35 x 4.7 | 5.30 | A |
| M.V. Trading Carbon Steel Wok | 12.0 | 14.4 x 14 x 6.7 | 4.14 | B |
| Craft Wok 731W87 Carbon Steel Wok | 16.0 | 16.54 x 16.54 x 9.84 | 5.39 | A |
| Origins K Wok | 14.0 | 21.75 x 14 x 6 | 4.21 | B |
1. Craft Wok 731W88 Carbon Steel Wok
If you are looking for a way to enjoy making stir-fry meals, you might want to first change your wok. A carbon steel wok such as the one by Craft Wok might turn out to be the tool that you are missing in your kitchen. This wok is super sturdy, efficient, and highly functional.
It has a round base that sits well on gas stoves, burners, or cooktops. Plus, it is weighted which makes it easier to use.
This carbon steel wok has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of 5.98 inches. You will be able to cook a generous amount of Chinese food in this cooking utensil. This wok has two handles. One is a long, wooden handle and the other is a steel helper handle. The long, wooden handle allows you to grasp your fingers around it tightly. The wooden material provides a slip-resistant texture. On the other hand, the steel helper handle is a large loop handle that does not heat up when exposed to a heat source. You can use both handles to carry your carbon steel wok comfortably.
This item is made with high-quality materials which means that you will not need to look for a replacement any time soon. Craft Wok has used 15 gauge carbon steel with a thickness of 1.8mm in its construction. Your wok will not break or become worn out after a few uses. Since this wok is made of carbon steel, you will need to protect it from rust and corrosion by seasoning it from time to time. You can do this by lightly coating the wok with oil. Make sure that your wok is completely dry after washing it.
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2. Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok
This carbon steel wok from Souped Up Recipes is made to make your cooking experience ten times better. This wok comes in a complete package. It includes a wooden lid and a stainless steel spatula. You will also receive a user guide video that will show you how to use, clean, and care for your carbon steel wok.
Since this wok has a round base, it can be seated on electric stoves, induction stoves, or even gas ranges. This wok is super easy to use and will allow you to make a ton of Asian cuisines at the comfort of your home.
The wok is made of high-quality carbon steel that makes it super durable and long-lasting. The carbon steel construction enables the wok to retain heat well. It also enables the wok to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. Since the wok is made of carbon steel, it has the ability to retain a high temperature without damaging its parts. This allows you to try out a wide variety of recipes that involve cooking at a high temperature.
When you receive your wok, it is advised to wash it with warm, soapy water to get rid of the factory coating. You need to dry it completely before putting it on your stovetop. It is recommended to heat your wok till it starts to smoke. At this point, you will want to add oil to your wok, spread it out, and start cooking your food.
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3. Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok
Are you looking for a quality carbon steel wok with a lid? Then this pan from Helen Chen's may be a perfect choice for you. Chen’s Wok is made using heavy-duty carbon steel to give you years of stress-free cooking.
The pan features a traditional wok material which adds fun to your cooking by providing superior cooking performance.
Chen's Wok also boasts of beautiful long lasting handles which promote easy transportation. Aside from being made using heavy-duty carbon material, the pan is lightweight allowing for easy lifting of your pan when cooking. For even heat distribution, the pan is made using a 16mm gauge carbon. Its handles are made of heat-resistant natural wood. With its generous size, you can quickly prepare your meals without much hassle.
Storage of the pan is easy thanks to the loop on the handle, which allows you to hang it when not in use. Aside from having a lid, the pan also comes along with stir-fry spatula, and a recipe booklet, making it stand out.
Chen’s pan is recommended for use with electric stove and gas. The Concentric grooves provide fast, consistent heat distribution and speedy heat recovery for better cooking. With this Wok, you don't have to worry about its maintenance. The pan only requires simple cleaning. However, seasoning is required before using.
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4. Joyce Chen J22-0060 Carbon Steel Wok
Are you a stir-fry enthusiast and looking for the best 14" carbon steel flat-bottomed wok? Then this pan from Joyce Chen can be a great choice for you. Chen 22-0060 is designed using superior quality carbon. It features a flat bottom with a 14” diameter with a 2.0mm thickness for rapid and even heat transfer.
To add fun to your cooking, the Wok has an ergonomic phenolic handle which stays cool and fits well in your hands allowing you to toss your food and take control of your pan.
With its additional handle helper, you can maintain the stability of the pan and transport it with ease. Aside from having an ergonomic handle, the pan is easy to store, thanks to the loop on its handle. One thing we love about this pan is its ability to save energy regardless of whether you are using gas or electricity.
However, like any other carbon steel pan, you will be required to season it before using for optimal cooking experience.Pros
Cons
5. YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok
If you want to make flavourful, juicy stir-fried meals, you might want to switch to a more high-quality wok such as the YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok. This wok comes pre-seasoned which means that you no longer need to go through the time-consuming process of seasoning the wok.
The wok is shaped like a traditional Chinese or Japanese wok. It has a round base which allows you to use it on top of gas stoves and even open fires. You can also deep-fry, braise or even pan-fry meals using this wok.
The YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok has a solid construction. It is made with special black carbon steel that makes the wok more long-lasting. The wok has the right amount of thickness to retain heat well and to distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface. Since the wok comes pre-seasoned, you only need to use a little amount of oil to achieve that non-stick surface. The black carbon steel coating protects the wok from rust and corrosion, making it much more durable.
It is super easy to clean this carbon steel wok. All you need is hot water and a soft sponge. It is best if you do not use dish detergent or soap when washing this item. You need to dry it completely before storing it in a cool, dry place. Keep in mind that you should wash your wok once it has cooled down completely. If you wash it while your wok is still hot, the black coating is likely to come off. Using dish detergent or a harsh sponge will result in discolorations as well.
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6. Mammafong Carbon Steel Wok
If you are looking for a wok that will allow you to cook a variety of Asian cuisines starting from tofus to salads and much more. You can stir-fry, deep-fry, braise, steam or even saute food in the carbon steel wok by Mammafong. You can also make soup in this cookware.
This wok has a diameter of 14 inches which means that you will be able to cook a great quantity of food at once. You will able to fit large pieces of meat, fish or even crabs in this wok. The Mammafong Carbon Steel Wok is one such item that is likely to create a smooth cooking experience.
The cooking area features a non-stick coating that enables you to use lesser amounts of oil when cooking your meals. The non-stick cooking surface prevents food from sticking onto it which makes cleaning the wok much easier. It is important to not use any soap or dish detergents when cleaning this wok. You are to rinse it thoroughly with warm or hot water and then dry it completely before storing it.
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7. Bielmeier Carbon Steel Wok
Want to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture in your meals? You might want to try out the Bielmeier Carbon Steel Wok. This high-quality wok comes with a pair of chopsticks, a wooden lid, a wooden spatula, a loofah pot brush and heat resistant gloves. It comes in a complete package!
The wok has a long wooden handle that can be removed easily. This means that you will be able to season the wok in your oven in just half an hour. You can wear the gloves when taking the seasoned wok out of the oven.
The wok has a large cooking surface with a flat base that lets you place the wok on ceramic, gas, electric or even induction stovetops. The wok is easy to use and is compatible with most stovetops.
The stepped wooden lid enables the wok to lock in the moisture and flavor in the food. You will get more juicy and flavourful food by placing the lid on top. Moreover, the lid will enable the wok to reach a high, steady temperature that will help to cook your food faster.
The wok is super easy to clean as well. You can use the loofah pot brush to get rid of the dried bits of food. The loofah pot brush can be used to clean other pans and cooking utensils as well. It is super soft and long-lasting.
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8. M.V. Trading Carbon Steel Wok
Looking for a cooking pan which can sit well on a grill or an electric stove? Then this carbon steel wok from M.V. Trading may be a great choice for your cooking needs.
This wok not only has a spacious cooking surface that will allow you to cook a variety of delicious recipes in a large amount but it also has a sturdy construction. You will no longer need to look for a replacement every six months.
The M.V. Trading Carbon Steel Wok has a super sturdy and durable construction. It is constructed using 14-gauge carbon steel that enables the wok to heat up quickly and to retain that temperature throughout the cooking session. The round base enables the wok to distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking surface. You do not need to worry about having cold spots during your cooking time.
The wok has two wooden handles attached to it. One of them is long that provides additional support while you are sauteeing vegetables or making a stir-fried salad. The other is a spool handle that you can hold onto while carrying your wok from one place to another. The two handles are sturdy and enable you to wrap your fingers around it without feeling any discomfort.
You will need to season the wok before each use. If you do not season it correctly, food will tend to stick to the cooking surface which means that you will need to use a large amount of oil, resulting in super oily food. Moreover, seasoning your wok regularly will protect it from rust and corrosion. You will be able to use your wok for a longer period of time.
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9. Craft Wok 731W87 Carbon Steel Wok
If you are looking for the best hand-hammered carbon steel wok, then this pan from CraftWok could be a good choice for your kitchen. The pan features a traditional canton style with a small diameter rounded bottom. Craft Wok is designed to be used on the open fire.
With Craft pan, you can prepare your Chinese dishes, do your deep fries, steam, smoke, as well as preparing different types of soups.
Like any other carbon steel wok, the pan requires seasoning before use. Due to its round bottom, the pan will not work on an electric stove top. Another challenge is that it does not come with a manual. However, you can access it through the internet.
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10. Origins K Wok
The carbon steel wok by Origins has a sleek design that gives your kitchen a more modern look. This wok has a diameter of 14 inches and a depth of about 5 inches which means that you can cook stir-fried rice, noodles, salads and lots more without making a mess out of your cooking space.
The Origins K Wok has the ability to withstand high temperature. The wok does not take much time to distribute heat evenly across its cooking surface.
It also retains constant temperatures well which reduces the chances of cold spots forming on the surface. The wok has a long plastic handle and a metal hanging ring that allow you to carry the wok easily. You can hang the wok on a hook for easy and quick storage.
This item has a flat bottom which means that it can used on most stovetops ranging from gas stovetops to electric or glass ones. The wok will not wobble or lose balance while you are cooking food in it. Moreover, the flat bottom also allows you to place the wok on tabletops or other flat surfaces.
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Reasons Why You Should Use a Carbon Steel Wok
Safe
Almost all cooking methods require a lot of heat. When some metals like Aluminum are heated, they release toxins posing a health threat to human life. Carbon steel is non-stick and does not release any toxins even when heated on high temperatures making it safe for cooking.
Lightweight
Compared to cast iron, the carbon material is light. This gives you the freedom to toss your food and transport the pan without much strain.
Even Conduction
Unlike stainless steel pans, carbon wok allows for even and rapid heat distribution. Its ability to transfer heat faster helps you prepare your food faster while saving energy.
Better Control
Carbon steel heats up fast. The material does not only allow even heating but also even cooling. This feature gives you greater control when cooking food that requires medium-low temperatures by regulating your temperatures when they go to the extreme.
Affordable
Carbon cooking pans are non-stick and inexpensive. This gives you the freedom to prepare your healthy and tasty meals without breaking the banks.
Easy to Clean and Season
Cleaning and seasoning a carbon steel wok is easy compared to cast iron. This helps save time and hassles.
Durable
Cooking pans made of carbon steel are durable. The material is chip and crack-resistant which makes it stand out from other pans.
However, when proper care is not given, it may rust affecting its durability. Seasoning your pan can help give it good mileage and promote healthy cooking.
Factors to Consider When Buying Carbon Steel Wok
The market offers varied types of carbon steel Woks to choose from. Each cooking pan is designed differently, and before spending on one, you need to look at some of the critical factors to ensure you have made the right choice. Check out your cooking pan shopping guide.
Size
Carbon Woks come in varied sizes to choose from. Though this may depend on the purpose of the pan, for home use, a 14” wok is highly recommended. A smaller pan will always stress you since it cannot accommodate your ingredients while a Bigger one will overwhelm your kitchen for nothing. Large cooking pans are recommended for commercial purposes.
Design
Carbons steel pans are either flat bottomed or round bottomed. However, not all these shapes will be compatible with your cooking surface. A flat-bottomed wok is best on induction ranges, electric stoves, and flat grills while round bottoms are ideal for gas stovetops.
Always read your manufacturers description to get to know the preferred cooking surface. Choosing a pan that is compatible with varied cooking surfaces gives you the freedom to choose your preferred way of cooking.
Construction Method
Woks are made using hammering, spinning and stamping methods. The stamping methods involve bending a piece of metal. Most cooking pans made using stamping method have smooth sides.
Woks with smooth sides do not hold food and are not the best.
The spinning method produces cooking pans with granular sides. Spun woks are made using lathes and have concentric circles down the pan.
These concentric circles allow you to place food on the sides without sliding. This feature helps you take full control of how different food cooks.
Hammered Woks have small indentations or divots produced by each hammer blow. This can be noticed when you come close and have a keen look on the interior side. The edges are pretty rough and hold your food in place.
Both spun and hammered Woks are affordable and a great choice for your cooking needs.
Thickness
A good wok should allow even distribution of heat. The best pan thickness ranges from 1.5mm to 2mm. Since carbon heats up fast and also cools down faster, regulating heat is easy.
Handles
While every carbon wok has a handle, the way these handles are designed will determine your cooking experience. One important feature to look at is the handle design. Wok handles are not created the same. Some are long while others are shot.
Longer handles allow you to toss your food without losing better control of your pan making your cooking a breeze.
Another feature is the material used. Modern wok handles are designed using natural wood, phenolic or plastic. All these materials are bad conductors of heat which means your handle remain cool and safe to hold even when using high temperatures.
Phenolic handles have one benefit over wood and plastics in that they are resistant to both high temperatures and solvent cleaners.
However, heat resistant and ergonomic handles are a plus feature for a better cooking experience.
Weight
Weight is a fundamental feature which is overlooked by most people. The weight of your pan will determine the ease of transportation. Though modern Woks come with helper handle for easy lifting, a heavy pan will require more energy to lift or transport it.
Make your life easy by choosing a pan that is not too bulky for you to carry around.
Other Accessories
Some cooking pans come as a one piece set while others come with lids and even recipe booklet. All these accessories make your cooking easy and manageable.
Simmering food promotes even cooking and buying a Wok that comes along with a lid can save you time and money. A recipe booklet is also a plus for learning new tips and tricks that you have never used before.
Storage
Carbon steel material is prone to rusting especially when proper storage measures are not taken into account. Modern Woks have loops on the handle or metal hanging ring which provide better and easy storage. Also, read and understand the Wok manual and ensure all the storage instructions have been adhered to.
How to Season a Carbon Steel Wok
Before using your Wok, you will be required to season it. Seasoning is one of the critical steps that help make your pan non-stick and enhances its looks. Besides, adding flavor to your pan, seasoning your wok add taste to your food, makes it easy to clean and prevents rusting.
In case you feel that your Wok does not make your food tasty anymore or it's non-stick, you can always season it to make it more efficient. And here is step by step guide on how to season your Wok.
- Clean your wok with hot water using a small quantity of liquid detergent and stainless steel or pad. Scrub gently without using excessive force.
- Using an abrasive cleaner and a scrubber, scrub the exterior part of your Wok to remove any dirt and oil. Avoid using an abrasive cleaner on the interior of your pan.
- Rinse off your pan and dry it thoroughly
- Place your pan on high heat. Move and tilt it up to the rim and back till the metal turns into a blueish-yellowish color.
- Remove your pan from the heat source
- Put 1 1/2 teaspoon of oil in your Wok. Using a paper towel, rub it over the surface.
- Turn your heat to medium-low. Place your Wok on the heat source and heat it for 10 minutes. Be careful, heated oils and Wok can cause serious burns or fire.
- Using another paper towel, wipe off the oil.
- Repeat the same procedure from number 6 to 8 until no black residue is left on the towel.
- Your cooking pan is now ready for use.
What is the Best Carbon Steel Wok?
All the above seven carbon Woks are best buys under the right circumstances. If you have a big family of over 12 members, you can consider a 16” hand hammered Wok. For smaller families of about 12 people or less, the 14” will allow you to toss your ingredients and optimize your cooking experience.
With proper care, all these Woks can last long giving you years of fun and healthy cooking. How to do that? Ensure you season your Wok properly before use.
Once you are through with cooking, clean your pan and dry it thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of oil before storing it to prevent rusting.
FAQ
How should I season my wok in an oven?
You have to coat the entire wok with oil and then place it upside down on a baking tray inside the oven. Then, set the temperature at around 450° Fahrenheit and run the oven for 20-30 minutes. Take the wok out of the oven and wipe the oil using a paper towel or a dry cloth once it has cooled down. Make sure to remove the handles from wok if they are made of wood or plastic.
What type of oil should I use to season my wok?
You can use a wide variety of oils including soybean oil, vegetable oil, canola oil or other plant-based oils such as peanut oil and avocado oil. It is best if you do not use extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil as these oils tend to have a high smoke point.
How do I remove the hardened bits of food stuck on the surface?
You can use a soft sponge to scrub off the hardened bits of food. You can also use hot water to soften the dried or burnt food. You should not use any soap or harsh sponge to clean the wok.
Do I need to season my pre-seasoned wok?
Yes, you will still need to season your pre-seasoned wok if you want a non-stick cooking surface. It is highly recommended to season a carbon steel wok before each use.
Final Verdict
A carbon steel wok is super easy to use, promotes healthy living and it is energy efficient. It heats up quickly and you will be able to cook in a variety of styles. Carbon steel woks are great for trying out new recipes but the best carbon steel woks will to cook more flavourful and juicy food without much hassle. It is one such cookware that deserves a place in all kitchens.
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