Getting hunger pangs that can only be cured by devouring authentic Asian cuisine are real. The dilemma reaches the climax when you don’t have the right set of utensils to cook your meal. We all know how a wok has an integral role to play when we talk about Asian or Chinese food. Having a well-built carbon steel wok is essential if you wish to fulfill your cravings the right way. We heard you all and you can now stop looking for carbon steel wok reviews on every online platform possible. We just came up with a detailed list that will help you get the best carbon steel wok. However, to give you a better understanding of the product.
Table of Contents
Carbon Steel Cookware Pros and Cons
Pros
- Carbon steel has natural nonstick properties. Although you need to season it yourself, it still makes a great nonstick utensil.
- It tends to be long-lasting as it is 99% iron. High iron content makes it less fragile and adds to its durability.
- Carbon steel is an excellent heat conductor and this automatically adds more value to your cooking quality.
- It is perfect for foods that need to be cooked at high heat because it has great heat tolerance.
- Carbon steel cookware is affordable compared to other types of cookware available in the market today.
- Carbon steel is easy to handle because it is lightweight. This makes it easier for you to lift the pan.
Cons
- Carbon steel is not dishwasher safe and requires to be carefully hand-washed with mild detergents.
- Its reaction to acidic foods is quick, therefore, it is not an ideal fit for foods with high acidic content.
- Since it requires seasoning, one wrong step in the process can affect its performance and of course, the quality of your meal.
- Cheap quality carbon steel cookware can lose its original shape over time as it is thin.
Best Carbon Steel Woks
Joyce Chen 21-9978, Classic Series Carbon Steel Wok
Get a chance to devour authentic Chinese cuisine cooked to perfection in this carbon steel wok pan. It has our votes for all the right reasons which we are sure you are going to agree with once you get to use this one. It comes with a 1.5 mm gauge and the best part about it is that its made of natural carbon steel. This is one of the many things that make it a great value for money. It is designed and manufactured following the Chinese cooking standards and this adds to the rich flavor of the dish you are willing to cook in it. The birchwood handles are designed flawless that provides an easy and comfortable grip while cooking. No wonder, it has entered our list of the best carbon steel wok.
Pros:
- It is compatible with electric, gas, and induction stovetop. No doubt, it is versatile in this regard.
- The heat distribution is quick and even allows the food to cook properly.
- You don’t need to use a lot of oil when using this carbon steel wok.
Cons:
- Not cleaning it thoroughly may lead to rust and ruin the surface.
14 Inches Carbon Steel Wok with Helper Handle
There must be someone around you who is always in search of the best flat bottom carbon steel wok. For them, we just found one and we are sure this will change the way they look at Chinese cuisine. The construction is solid, durable, and resilient and this is what makes it worth the buy. The handles offer a perfect grip making it comfortable for you to cook your meal and also it allows you to have a flawless control of the pan. Not only this, but it is also budget-friendly so if you are new to cooking and do not want to invest much then this is the best you can buy for yourself.
Pros:
- This Wok is made of durable carbon steel and offers perfect stability when cooking.
- Seasoning is easy and does not take up much of your time.
- The handles have excellent angles and grip which make the process very convenient for you.
Cons:
- It is not dishwasher safe and it is unseasoned.
Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok
Our search for the best flat bottom carbon steel wok has not ended yet. We came across this one and could not resist to share it with you all. Made of 1.6 mm heavy-duty carbon steel makes a perfect choice for everyone looking for a Wok that comes with a high-grade transparent lid. From stir-frying to deep-frying, it has you covered for all your Asian recipes and there’s no denying that. The bamboo handles are heat resistant allowing you to cook without burning your hands. It has excellent heat distribution that will make you fall in love with whatever you cook in it. And we are sure, the food cooked in this will leave the guests impressed like never before.
Pros:
- It is easy to clean up and maintain once you are done cooking.
- The package includes a 13-inch bamboo spatula and a well-explained recipe book.
- The product has a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Washing it in the dishwasher can cause the surface to damage.
Sur La Table Professional Carbon Steel Wok 21-9969
Whether you are a home chef or a commercial chef with long duty hours in the kitchen, this is the best carbon steel wok. Not only does it make your cooking experience comfortable with its flawless design, but it also enhances the taste of the food. It is specifically designed for meals that required to be cooked on high heat and the even heat distribution further adds to its value. The dimensions are around 14 inches which is an ideal size for perfect cooking. The handles are designed in a way that you can easily flip, fry, and stir your food. What else do you look for in a carbon steel wok?
Pros:
- It is lightweight and very convenient to move from one point to the other.
- This wok is compatible with ceramic, electric, gas, and induction stovetops.
- It is also compatible with metal utensils.
Cons:
- It is subjected to rusting if it is not taken care of properly.
Traditional Hand Hammered Wok by Mammafong
Here is another carbon steel wok that sits perfectly on any stovetop. The major reason why we are recommending this is the fact it is fully hand-hammered. This certainly makes it unique and stand out among the others. One can certainly not doubt the quality of this because it is in line with the Chinese cooking standards. Moreover, it also preferred by top chefs which is another reason why you should get hold of this. The premium quality carbon steel used in this wok makes it last for the longest time possible and serving you with the most mouthwatering Asian cuisines. It heats up fast and also retains it exceptionally.
Pros:
- It works on gas, electric, and induction tops.
- The handles are sturdy and perfectly fixed making it comfortable to toss around your food.
- It is a perfect buy for the busiest of commercial kitchens.
Cons:
- Seasoning it might be a tricky procedure for some.
Mauviel Steel Wok
Don’t we all trust anything that is made in Europe? We suggest you invest your trust in this very carbon steel wok as well. The thickness of the body varies between 1.2 to 3mm and the handles are made of durable iron that have a good grip. Also, know that Mauviel is a renowned cookware manufacturer in France that has been in the business for a significant period. Questioning its quality has certainly no room. In addition to this the product is capable of fighting high heat like a warrior so its perfect for foods with the requirement of high heat cooking.
Pros:
- It works on various kinds of cooktops making it one of the most versatile woks.
- Riveted steel handles provide easy control of the product.
- It offers very good heat conduction.
Cons:
- The product is not dishwasher safe.
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Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
This hand-hammered carbon steel wok will make you fall in love with authentic Asian cuisine over and over again. The thickness of this wok is 1.8mm and has a round bottom. The fact that it is manufactured with the help of Chinese professionals is itself compelling enough. Moreover, many Chinese chefs prefer this one over any other so you can imagine the magic it does to the food you cook in it. Not only this, it is designed and manufactured in a way that handles do not heat up while cooking and for this reason, it might be the best carbon steel wok for you and your other chef friends.
Pros:
- The storage of this wok is not an issue because you can easily hang it in the kitchen.
- Seasoning is a very easy job. It includes well-explained instructions for the process.
- Wooden handles are easy to grip and not slippery at all.
Cons:
- Washing it in the dishwasher or not cleaning it properly can cause the surface to rust.
Pre Seasoned Traditional Hammered Carbon Steel Wok
Don’t like seasoning the wok yourself? No worries, you can now get this pre-seasoned carbon steel wok which going to do wonders with your much-loved food. This way you can save loads of time and trouble and who doesn’t want to get things done so conveniently? Apart from that, it is solid enough to deal with tough days in the kitchen. If you are in favor of round bottom carbon steel wok then this might be the best carbon steel wok. Moreover, it has no harmful coatings that might affect your health in any way which another major advantage that should not go unnoticed. It is a traditional Chinese pan that is being used many experienced chefs and we are sure you are going to love it too. The fact that it is hand-welded is a bonus.
Pros:
- The price is neither too high nor too low.
- It is void of any harmful chemicals and other materials.
- The handles are made from imported red eucalyptus.
Cons:
- It is not dishwasher safe and can easily rust if it is not well taken care of.
Joyce Chen 20-1140 Wok
Joyce Chen has another amazing carbon steel wok for everyone dreaming of flawlessly cooked Asian cuisine. It is a round bottom steel wok. However, keep in mind it is not compatible with flat stovetops. Otherwise, everything is durable and functional and there’s no denying that. It is made of unseasoned carbon steel with 1.8mm thickness. Moreover, it heats up quickly and retains heat well enough to give you a meal of your choice. Apart from this, it is extremely affordable and that makes it great for those who have just made their way into the world of cooking Asian cuisines.
Pros:
- It lowers down the time taken to cook food as it heats up faster.
- Wooden handle offers perfect grip while cooking
- It can resist high heat quite efficiently which also enhances the taste.
Cons:
- It requires hand wash only.
- It needs to be seasoned before use.
Carbon Steel Wok for Electric, Induction, and Gas Stove
Replace your broken and rust carbon steel wok with this one. It has everything you look for in the right wok. It’s a flat bottom wok with 12.5 inches of diameter and you can cook a decent amount of food in this. The product comes with various accessories which include a wooden lid and high-grade steel spatula. No doubt, it’s a full package that you cannot afford to miss out on. Moreover, it is lightweight which makes it easier for you to lift when cooking. You can cook without hurting your arm in the kitchen when you have this wok by your side.
Pros:
- The size and shape are reasonable enough for the pan to be stored easily.
- It heats up fast and evenly which saves your recipes from major disasters.
- It includes a seasoning video guide for your ease.
Cons:
- The quality of the handle might not be too good.
How to Pick the Best Carbon Steel Wok?
Get the right wok by checking the following off the list.
- The first and foremost thing you should do is to check material because all else becomes secondary if the material itself is not good.
- Check out the method of manufacture. Hand-hammered wok tends to have dent due to human error in hammering. Stamped woks can make the cooking procedure a bit more tricky.
- The shape of the wok further determines the quality and functioning of the product.
- The handles should be stable and the material should be such that it must provide a strong grip and makes it easier to stir or fry.
- It would be best if you could find a wok that is compatible with multiple stovetops.
Conclusion
Don’t get confused about which wok to pick for your commercial or home kitchen. For your ease, we have shortlisted two woks that might be of help to many. Joyce Chen 21-9978, Classic Series Carbon Steel Wok, 14-inch has sufficient capacity to cook reasonable quantities. Moreover, the brand is trustworthy and offers high-quality products to its customers. If you are looking for one that is a bit more compact then we would recommend Carbon Steel Wok for Electric, Induction, and Gas Stove. It is only 12.5 inches which is quite convenient if you don’t have to cook a lot.