There’s something uniquely satisfying about cooking with intense heat, whether it’s grilling over an open flame on a hot summer day or cranking up the stove to sear a juicy steak. This high heat imparts a primal quality to the cooking process, adding a distinctive charred and slightly smoky flavor to the food. This principle is particularly crucial in stir-frying, where the use of a wok—an ancient round pan with high, sloping sides—is indispensable. Designed specifically to handle high temperatures and facilitate the rapid movement of ingredients, a wok is a fundamental tool for achieving the perfect stir-fry.
A wok thrives on substantial heat, which is essential for searing and cooking ingredients quickly without causing them to become soggy. This high temperature is not just about speed; it’s about achieving what’s known as wok hei, a Cantonese term meaning “breath of the wok.” Wok hei refers to the unique, smoky flavor that comes from cooking ingredients at extremely high temperatures. This characteristic flavor is what sets a genuine stir-fry apart from a mere sauté. When you enjoy a stir-fry at a Chinese restaurant and experience that distinctive wok hei, it’s often the result of a commercial wok burner—a specialized piece of equipment that produces a powerful, intense flame much stronger than any standard home stovetop.
While installing a commercial wok burner in a residential kitchen isn’t practical for most home cooks, there are ways to approximate its effects. Enter the electric wok—a modern innovation that first appeared in the U.S. in the early 1980s and was officially patented in 1992. This appliance combines the traditional wok with a contemporary electric heating element, allowing you to achieve high cooking temperatures without the need for a traditional stove, wok burner, or open flame. The electric wok offers a convenient solution for home cooks looking to replicate the intense heat and distinctive flavors of professional stir-frying.
Best Overall
NuWave Mosaic Induction Wok
Price: $230 at Amazon
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What We Like:
- Rapid Heating: Reaches high temperatures quickly, reaching up to 575°F in just a minute.
- Traditional Design: Features a classic round bottom and a long handle for easy maneuvering.
- Versatile Use: The wok can be removed from the base while cooking, offering flexibility similar to a traditional stovetop wok.
- Complete Set: Includes a lid, draining rack, and wok stand for added convenience.
What We Don’t Like:
- Maintenance: Carbon steel requires seasoning and careful maintenance to prevent rusting.
- Cost: At $230, it is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Overview: The NuWave Mosaic induction wok stands out for its advanced technology and exceptional performance. Its induction heating element provides precise temperature control, allowing you to adjust heat in 5-degree increments and choose from three different wattage settings for optimal cooking. The wok itself is made from traditional carbon steel, offering excellent heat distribution and the ability to achieve a true wok hei—a crucial element for authentic stir-frying. Unlike other electric woks, the NuWave Mosaic’s wok is detachable from its base, allowing for the traditional tossing and stirring technique. While its high price and maintenance requirements are notable, the quality and performance make it a top choice for serious cooks.
- Wok Diameter: 14 inches
- Wok Material: Carbon Steel
- Total Dimensions: 21 x 19.5 x 5 inches
- Power: 1,500 watts
Best for Beginners
Presto Stainless Steel Electric Wok
Price: $96 at Amazon, $96 at Walmart, $110 at Wayfair
What We Like:
- Heat Retention: Retains heat effectively, making it suitable for a variety of cooking tasks.
- Temperature Control: Accurate temperature control with a small regulator that can be removed for cleaning.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe and comes with a wooden spatula for easy maintenance.
What We Don’t Like:
- Temperature Limitation: Maximum temperature of 400°F may not be sufficient for all stir-frying needs.
- Heat Control Plug: The plug can become hot during use.
Overview: The Presto 5900 is a great choice for those new to electric woks. Its stainless-steel construction ensures durability and heat retention. The temperature control is precise and allows for versatile cooking, though it has a maximum temperature of 400°F, which may limit its effectiveness for high-heat stir-frying. The wok is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup, and the included wooden spatula is handy for removing stuck-on food. However, it’s not ideal for traditional stir-frying techniques due to its design, which doesn’t allow for the wok’s characteristic shaking.
- Wok Diameter: 14 inches
- Wok Material: Stainless Steel
- Total Dimensions: 14 x 17.6 x 8.9 inches
- Power: 1,500 watts
Best Large-Capacity
Breville Hot Wok Pro
Price: $180 at Williams-Sonoma, $150 at Sur La Table
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: 15-inch diameter and 8-quart capacity, suitable for cooking large quantities.
- Advanced Heating Element: Butterfly-shaped heating element mimics the effect of a commercial wok burner.
- Multifunctional: Offers 15 heat settings and comes with a steamer rack and adjustable-vent lid.
- Dishwasher-Safe: Easy to clean with a durable nonstick coating.
What We Don’t Like:
- Inconsistent Heat at Lower Temperatures: Struggles with maintaining consistent low temperatures.
- Price: Relatively expensive, especially for those on a budget.
Overview: The Breville Hot Wok Pro is designed for serious home cooks who need a large-capacity wok. Its advanced heating element provides even heat distribution, emulating the performance of a large commercial burner. With 15 heat settings, it can handle everything from simmering to searing. The wok’s 8-quart capacity is perfect for family-sized meals or large batches. Despite its robust features, the wok’s performance can be inconsistent at lower temperatures, and its size requires ample storage space.
- Wok Diameter: 15 inches
- Wok Material: Nonstick-Coated Aluminum
- Total Dimensions: 17.9 x 17.9 x 9.1 inches
- Power: 1,800 watts
Best Budget
Aroma Housewares AEW-306 Electric Wok
Price: $66 at Amazon, $70 at Wayfair, $68 at Home Depot
What We Like:
- Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly options available.
- Dishwasher-Safe: Easy to clean with a nonstick coating.
- Deep-Frying Capability: Suitable for deep-frying, a feature not commonly found in budget woks.
What We Don’t Like:
- Shallow Basin: Limited depth compared to other models, which may affect cooking capacity.
Overview: The Aroma Housewares AEW-306 offers excellent value for its price. It features a nonstick coating that makes it easy to clean and is dishwasher-safe. The wok includes a glass lid with a steam-control vent, a steamer platform, cooking chopsticks, and a frying rack. Although it has a smaller capacity compared to other models, it is effective for deep-frying and general stir-frying. Its shallow basin is a limitation, but it remains a great option for those on a tight budget who need a versatile electric wok.
- Wok Diameter: 14.2 inches
- Wok Material: Nonstick-Coated Aluminum
- Total Dimensions: 14.2 x 15.5 x 8 inches
- Power: 1,500 watts
Best Nonstick
Ovente Electric Wok with Nonstick Coating
Price: $33 at Amazon, $29 at Walmart, $33 at Wayfair
What We Like:
- Nonstick Coating: Easy to clean and prevents food from sticking.
- Cool-Touch Handles: Safe to handle while cooking.
- Tempered Glass Lid: Ideal for steaming vegetables and monitoring cooking progress.
- Multiple Temperature Settings: Five temperature settings with a maximum of 500°F.
What We Don’t Like:
- Slow to Warm Up: Takes longer to reach the desired cooking temperature.
Overview: The Ovente Electric Wok is a budget-friendly option with a nonstick coating that simplifies cleanup and prevents food from sticking. It features a tempered glass lid for steaming and five temperature settings, with a maximum heat of 500°F. The cool-touch handles add safety and convenience, though the wok may take longer to heat up compared to more expensive models. Its compact size and easy-to-clean features make it an attractive choice for those seeking a practical, affordable electric wok.
- Wok Diameter: 13 inches
- Wok Material: Nonstick-Coated Aluminum
- Total Dimensions: 13 x 18 x 7 inches
- Power: 1,400 watts
Final Verdict
Our top pick, the NuWave Mosaic Induction Wok, represents the pinnacle of electric woks with its fusion of high-quality carbon steel and advanced induction heating technology. This luxury appliance excels in precision and power, offering a superior cooking experience for those who are serious about their stir-frying. The wok’s induction system allows for precise temperature control, making it ideal for achieving the high heat necessary for authentic wok cooking. The inclusion of a detachable carbon steel wok adds to its versatility, enabling traditional cooking techniques like tossing and shaking.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance, the Aroma Housewares AEW-306 Electric Wok stands out as an unexpectedly effective tool. Despite its lower price, it offers reliable functionality, including a nonstick coating and various accessories that enhance its versatility. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of an electric wok without breaking the bank.
What to Look for in an Electric Wok
Material
The material of an electric wok significantly influences its cooking performance:
- Stainless Steel: Heavier and more expensive, stainless steel woks are known for their superior heat retention and durability. They are less prone to warping and can handle high temperatures well. However, they may not heat as quickly as aluminum woks.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and typically more affordable, aluminum woks heat up quickly but may struggle with heat retention once food is added. They are often coated with nonstick surfaces, which simplifies cleaning but limits the use of metal utensils and may wear out faster.
- Carbon Steel: Known for its excellent heat distribution and stir-frying capabilities, carbon steel is favored by professional chefs. It requires seasoning and regular maintenance to prevent rust and maintain its nonstick properties. It’s generally more expensive but provides the best performance for high-heat cooking.
Nonstick coatings are also common and make cleaning easier but are less durable and can be scratched by metal utensils.
Size
Electric woks come in various sizes, affecting both their capacity and cooking performance:
- Small (12-14 inches): Ideal for cooking for one or two people. These woks are easier to handle but may have limited capacity for larger meals.
- Medium (14-16 inches): Suitable for family meals or small gatherings. They strike a balance between size and ease of use.
- Large (16 inches and above): Best for cooking large quantities. Larger woks take longer to heat up and may be prone to uneven cooking if not well-designed.
The diameter of the wok impacts its capacity significantly. For example, a 15-inch wok can be nearly 25% larger than a 14-inch one, affecting how much food you can cook at once.
Power
Power is crucial for achieving the high temperatures needed for proper wok cooking:
- Wattage: Electric woks typically range from 1,200 to 1,800 watts. Higher wattage woks can generate more heat, making them better for high-heat cooking techniques like stir-frying.
- Heating Elements: The arrangement and design of the heating elements also affect performance. Some woks have round elements that may heat the bottom more effectively, while others have more complex shapes that provide even heating across the entire surface.
- Temperature Control: Look for models with precise temperature control. Some woks offer a range of settings from low to high, while others allow for specific temperature adjustments, giving you better control over your cooking.
Shape
The shape of the wok influences its cooking performance:
- Traditional Round-Bottom: Provides excellent heat distribution and is ideal for stir-frying. The high, sloped sides create different temperature zones, which help in achieving wok hei.
- Flat-Bottom: Often found in electric woks, it provides better stability on the heating element but may not replicate the traditional stir-frying experience as effectively.
FAQs
What’s the difference between an electric skillet and an electric wok?
The primary difference lies in their shape and intended use:
- Electric Skillets: Typically have a low, flat base with short sides, making them suitable for pan-frying and sautéing. They offer a wide, flat cooking surface but lack the high, sloped sides necessary for stir-frying.
- Electric Woks: Feature tall, sloped sides and a rounded or slightly flat bottom, which are essential for effective stir-frying. This shape allows for high-heat cooking and better food movement, essential for achieving wok hei.
How does an electric wok work?
An electric wok operates similarly to other electric appliances:
- Heating Mechanism: It uses an electrical coil to generate heat. The coil heats up and transfers the heat to the wok’s cooking surface.
- Temperature Regulation: Electric woks cycle the heating element on and off to maintain temperature, which can sometimes result in less precise temperature control compared to gas or induction cooking.
How do you clean an electric wok?
- Unplug and Cool Down: Always unplug the wok and let it cool before cleaning.
- Cleaning Process: Most woks have a removable cooking vessel that can be washed in the sink. Avoid abrasive cleaners or sponges, especially for nonstick surfaces. Some models are dishwasher-safe.
- Burnt Food: For stubborn, burnt-on food, soaking the wok in hot water can help loosen residues before cleaning.
How do you cook in a wok?
- Tumble-Tossing: In traditional woks with long handles, you can toss food by shaking the wok. Most electric woks, however, have shorter handles and must remain on their base, requiring you to stir and flip food along the sides for even cooking.
Can you deep fry in an electric wok?
- Temperature: If the wok can reach 350-400°F, it can technically be used for deep frying. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid spattering and ensure safety.
What is wok hei?
- Definition: Wok hei, meaning “breath of the wok,” refers to the complex flavor achieved through high-heat stir-frying. It results from the caramelization of sugars, Maillard reactions, and the intense heat used in cooking. Achieving wok hei involves high temperatures and vigorous stirring to create a distinctive smoky and caramelized flavor.
