Best Carbon Steel Woks

Despite all the benefits and extras of modern stir-fry pans, traditional-style woks still remain very popular. The Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok is a great example of time-proven Chinese cookware. From most perspectives, this is the best carbon steel wok on this list.

This high-capacity round bottom pan is ideal for cooking on the open fire, allowing you to take it outside and impress all your family members and friends with scrumptious Asian dishes. Yet, it is suitable for a gas stove or a concave induction top as well. You will just need a special wok ring for better pan stability while cooking.

Made of high-quality carbon steel, this model boasts exceptional durability and sturdiness. Under appropriate care, it will deliver high-end performance and serve you for years to come. However, maintenance is no hassle. Simply season your Pow Wok with some oil before the first use, hand wash the pan without using any metal scrapers, and thoroughly dry it after wash.

The hand-hammered surface has tiny dimples promoting better oil distribution and more efficient heat transfer from the cooking surface to the foods while stirring the ingredients. A solid wooden handle provides a comfortable non-slip grip and stays cool when you stir-fry over high heat. A 14” diameter is just the right size for treating a family of 3-6 persons with unbelievably delicious Asian-style dinner.

When it comes to cooking techniques, aside from its main purpose of stir-frying, the Pow wok can be used as a container for deep hot oil frying and for the preparation of various soups, as well as a steamer, and even a smoker. Whether you are a meat-eater, fish and seafood lover, a vegetarian or even vegan, with a traditional wok at hand, you can cook a variety of scrumptious dishes to match any taste and diet.

Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok presents an excellent, flexible package. The pan's tested thoroughly, so you won't have to worry about having any issues with gas ranges, electric stoves, induction stoves, and other heat sources.

Its carbon steel composition makes this cooking pot lightweight, aiding heat distribution and making sure that the pan heats up as fast as possible.

Plus, the wok comes supplied with this elegant wooden lid and one stainless steel spatula. The spatula is pretty much immune to rust and corrosion, so you won't face any maintenance/upkeep challenges. The downside to the lid is that you'll have to maintain it carefully because wood is susceptible to moisture.

On the upside, the handle is wooden too, which is great since it won't get hot during use.

Generally speaking, you shouldn't have any maintenance and use issues because the company's user care video guide on YouTube makes the necessary information accessible and the techniques easy to replicate. Also, the channel's packed with awesome wok recipes.

Bottom line, Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok will let you prepare delicious meals. The 17-gauge carbon steel makes the pan as strong as cast-iron pans but much more lightweight.

Joyce Chen 22-0060 has been designed to streamline and simplify preparing different Asian meals. The 14-gauge carbon steel construction makes this pan immune to deformation.

The wok is compatible with pretty much all stovetops, including induction 'tops (flat bottom). At the same time, the pan's oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Apart from that, the phenolic handle is grippy, comfortable, and remains cool to the touch, so you won't have to worry about burning your fingers. The handle is also well-balanced, so you can grab any part without worrying about tilting the pan. Also, this handle comes equipped with a hanging hook/loop that enables hanging storage.

In addition to that, the pan comes fitted with an extra handle. This handle will let you stabilize the pan when necessary and simplify transportation. You can grab both handles and not worry about tipping over/knocking over/dropping the pan.

As far as its downsides are concerned, despite the pan's carbon steel construction, this wok takes quite some time to heat up, so you'll have to exercise patience.

Besides that, Joyce Chen 22-0060 will let you achieve professional results without much experience under the belt. In other words, it is probably the best carbon steel wok for beginners within this lineup. The 14-inch bottom is quite generous too.

Chef's Medal Wok is that pot that you'll pass down to the next generation. Featuring 1.8-mm thick, high-grade carbon steel, the wok's been hand-hammered to make sure this pot is resistant against deformation and high temperatures.

Because the bottom is round and not flat, the wok is somewhat difficult to season. At the same time, the round bottom makes flipping and stirring the ingredients much easier. Also, this curvature enables even heat distribution and circulation, making sure that the dish is completely and fully prepared throughout.

You'll have no issues stewing, steaming, boiling, and deep-frying various meats and vegetables. The pan will let you prepare stir-fried chicken and veggies within minutes.

Again, the 15-gauge carbon steel is no joke, keeping the pan lightweight yet tough as nails. The bamboo handle doesn't heat up, so you'll be able to grab the pan without wrapping the handle in a towel. The second handle will let you balance and carry the pan when there will be too much food on it. You can use the hole in the pan or the second handle for hanging storage.

Long story short, Chef's Medal Wok will make sure that the pan withstands the test of time and get even better with age.

Helen's Asian Kitchen 97005 is affordable and about as good as these woks come. Using this pan, you'll have no issues frying, stir-frying, deep-frying, steaming, stewing, sauteing, and braising different ingredients, preparing various Asian meals. The 1.6-mm, 16-gauge carbon steel means that this pan is durable, sturdy, yet more lightweight than cast-iron skillets.

At the same time, the heat-resistant bamboo handle is ergonomic and pleasant to the touch, letting you comfortably grab, hold, and carry the pan. The second handle also features bamboo padding, so you'll be able to balance and carry this pan fully-loaded with food. The high-strength rivets make sure that these handles remain steady and secure.

Along with the pan, the people behind this product send you this high-domed lid and one bamboo spatula. The lid's design makes storage somewhat challenging but also makes cooking comfortable, sealing the aroma and keeping the flavor inside. Also, the high dom retains heat and prevents splattering. Of course, the spatula will let you comfortably stir the ingredients.

Last but not least, the pan's flat bottom sits nicely and securely on most stovetops, working with gas, electric, and induction cooktops.