Cast iron woks are a popular choice for many home cooks who want to achieve restaurant-quality stir-fries and other Asian-inspired dishes. Cast iron woks are known for their durability, heat retention, and ability to create a perfect sear on meats and vegetables. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best cast iron woks on the market and what to look for when making a purchase.
When it comes to purchasing a cast iron wok, the most important factor to consider is the size. Cast iron woks come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 10 inches to 16 inches in diameter. The size of the wok you choose will depend on the amount of food you plan on cooking and the size of your stovetop. It’s important to note that larger woks will require more heat and may not be suitable for smaller stovetops.
After researching and testing various cast iron woks, we have identified the top five woks that provide the best cooking experience. From the Lodge Pro-Logic Wok to the Joyce Chen Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok, we’ve got you covered.
Best Cast Iron Woks
We have researched and tested numerous cast iron woks to bring you the best options available on Amazon. Cast iron woks are a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for stir-frying, deep-frying, and even baking. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them an excellent addition to any kitchen. After careful consideration, we have compiled a list of the best cast iron woks that will help you achieve restaurant-quality meals at home.
Kasian House Cast Iron Wok with Wooden Handle and Lid
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron wok, Kasian House’s offering is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The wok comes pre-seasoned and ready to use, so you can start cooking right away.
- The wooden handle and lid add a touch of elegance to this heavy-duty wok, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
- The flat bottom design makes it suitable for use on a variety of cooking surfaces, including gas and electric stovetops and outdoor grills.
Cons
- The wok is quite heavy, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to handle.
- Some users have reported that the finish on the wok is a bit rough, which can make it more difficult to build up a non-stick coating.
- The wok is made in China, which may be a dealbreaker for some buyers who prefer products made in the USA.
We recently had the chance to try out the Kasian House Cast Iron Wok with Wooden Handle and Lid, and we were impressed by its overall quality and performance. The pre-seasoned surface made it easy to start cooking right away, and the flat bottom design made it easy to use on a variety of cooking surfaces.
One thing to keep in mind is that the wok is quite heavy, so it may take some getting used to if you’re used to working with lighter cookware. However, we found that the added weight helped to distribute heat more evenly and made it easier to achieve a nice sear on our stir-fry vegetables and meats.
The wooden handle and lid are also nice touches that add a touch of elegance to this heavy-duty wok. The handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool to the touch, even when the wok is heated to high temperatures. The lid also helps to keep food warm until you’re ready to serve, which is a nice feature that you don’t see on many woks.
Overall, we think the Kasian House Cast Iron Wok with Wooden Handle and Lid is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and durable wok that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. While it may not be the best option for those looking for something lightweight, its heavy-duty construction and pre-seasoned surface make it a great investment for anyone who loves to cook.
Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Wok Set
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable wok that can handle all your cooking needs, the Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Wok Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with a glass lid and silicone handle holders, making it easy to handle and transport.
- The wok can be used on a variety of heat sources, including electric stoves, gas, glass, induction, oven, grill, and campfire.
- The two loop side handles provide a steady and secure grip, while the removable silicone hot handle holder protects your hands from burns.
Cons
- The wok requires some maintenance to keep it in good condition, including seasoning and hand-washing.
- The size of the wok may be too large for some users.
- The wok may take longer to heat up than other types of cookware.
We recently tried out the Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Wok Set and were impressed by its versatility and durability. The wok is made from high-quality cast iron and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including searing, baking, broiling, frying, and grilling.
One of the standout features of this set is the included glass lid and silicone handle holders. The lid helps to trap in heat and moisture, while the handle holders make it easy to transport the wok from the stove to the table. We also appreciated the two loop side handles, which provide a steady and secure grip when lifting or transporting the wok.
While the wok may require some maintenance to keep it in good condition, we found that the benefits of using cast iron cookware outweighed the extra effort. The wok is also compatible with a variety of heat sources, including electric stoves, gas, glass, induction, oven, grill, and campfire.
Overall, we would recommend the Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Wok Set to anyone looking for a versatile and durable wok that can handle all their cooking needs. With its high-quality construction and included accessories, this wok set is a great addition to any kitchen.
Klee Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan with Wood Wok Lid and Handles – 14″ Large Wok Pan with Flat Base and Non-Stick Surface for Deep Frying, Stir-Frying, Grilling, Steaming – Stovetop and Oven Safe
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron wok, the Klee Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan is a great choice.
Pros
- The cast iron construction allows for quick and even cooking.
- The spacious surface makes it easy to cook large batches of food.
- The non-stick surface makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- The wok is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle.
- The wood lid is not as durable as the wok itself.
- The wok can rust if not properly cared for.
We recently used the Klee Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan to cook up a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, deep-fried foods, and steamed vegetables. The wok heated up quickly and evenly, and the food cooked perfectly.
One of the standout features of this wok is its spacious surface, which allowed us to cook large batches of food at once. The non-stick surface also made for easy cleaning and maintenance, which is always a plus.
However, the wok is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle, especially when transferring it from the stovetop to the oven. Additionally, the wood lid is not as durable as the wok itself, and can warp over time. Finally, if not properly cared for, the wok can rust, so be sure to follow the care instructions carefully.
Overall, we would recommend the Klee Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok Pan for anyone looking for a versatile and durable cast iron wok.
Bruntmor Cast Iron Wok
If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable cast iron wok, the Bruntmor Cast Iron Wok is a great option.
Pros
- The cast iron material provides unparalleled heat retention and even heat distribution without hotspots.
- The wok is naturally seasoned and features a quick-release surface that gets better with use.
- It is highly versatile and can be used for deep-frying, stir-frying, sautéing, grilling, steaming, and more.
Cons
- The wok is very heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
- The handles can get very hot, so it’s important to use oven mitts or potholders when handling the wok.
- It requires hand washing and regular oiling to maintain its non-stick surface.
We recently used the Bruntmor Cast Iron Wok to make stir-fry and were impressed with its high-heat performance and even cooking. The large cooking surface allowed us to cook a large amount of food at once, and the flat, sturdy base made it easy to use on our stovetop. We also appreciated the modern handles, which provided a comfortable grip.
Overall, we would recommend the Bruntmor Cast Iron Wok to anyone looking for a versatile and durable wok that can be used for a variety of cooking styles.
Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Wok
We highly recommend the Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Wok for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile, and long-lasting cooking tool.
Pros
- The cast iron material provides unparalleled heat retention and even heat distribution without hotspots, making it perfect for high-heat cooking.
- The naturally seasoned surface creates a quick-release surface that gets better with use, making it naturally nonstick and easy to clean.
- The wok is oven-safe and can be used on many heat sources, including glass-top stoves, induction, grills, or even live fire.
Cons
- The wok is quite heavy, which may be difficult for some users to maneuver.
- The size of the wok may be too large for small families or individuals.
- The wok needs to be hand washed and rubbed with oil to preserve the finish, which may require more maintenance than other cookware.
This wok is perfect for stir-fries, popcorn, roasts, and more. The modern handles and sloped side-walls make it easy to use and stylish in any kitchen. As a cast iron product, it is built to last and will provide great performance year over year.
The Lodge BOLD Cast Iron Wok is designed and made by Lodge Cast Iron, a company that has been crafting quality cookware since 1896. This wok is made in the USA, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where Lodge Cast Iron is based.
Overall, this wok is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook and wants a versatile and high-performing cookware in their kitchen.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best cast iron wok, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Size
The size of the wok is an important consideration. Woks come in various sizes, ranging from small to large. The size of the wok you choose will depend on your needs. If you are cooking for a large family or group of people, a larger wok may be more suitable. However, if you are cooking for one or two people, a smaller wok may be more appropriate.
Material
Cast iron is a popular material for woks due to its durability and heat retention. However, there are other materials to consider, such as carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel woks are lighter and easier to handle than cast iron woks. Stainless steel woks are also durable and easy to clean.
Shape
The shape of the wok is another important factor to consider. Traditional round-bottomed woks are ideal for stir-frying, but they may not be suitable for use on a flat cooktop. Flat-bottomed woks are more versatile and can be used on both gas and electric cooktops.
Handle
The handle of the wok should be comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip. Woks with long handles are easier to maneuver, while woks with short handles are more compact and easier to store.
Accessories
Some woks come with accessories such as lids, steaming racks, and spatulas. These accessories can be useful for various cooking techniques and should be considered when choosing a wok.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best cast iron wok for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wok do Chinese chefs use?
Chinese chefs traditionally use carbon steel woks because they heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly. However, cast iron woks have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability and ability to retain heat.
Is cast iron good for a wok?
Yes, cast iron is an excellent material for a wok. Cast iron is durable, retains heat well, and can be used on a variety of stovetops, including gas, electric, and induction.
What is the best wok to cook on?
The best wok to cook on is one that heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly. Carbon steel and cast iron woks are both excellent choices, but ultimately, the best wok for you will depend on your personal preferences and cooking needs.
What are the best woks made out of?
Carbon steel and cast iron are considered the best materials for woks. Carbon steel is lightweight and heats up quickly, while cast iron is durable and retains heat well. Both materials are excellent choices for cooking stir-fry and other Asian dishes.
What are the benefits of using a cast iron wok?
Cast iron woks have several benefits, including their durability, ability to retain heat, and versatility. They can be used on a variety of stovetops and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for searing and stir-frying.
Can a cast iron wok be used on an electric stove?
Yes, cast iron woks can be used on electric stoves. They are compatible with a variety of stovetops, including gas, electric, and induction. However, it’s important to note that cast iron is a heavy material, so it may take longer to heat up on an electric stove compared to a gas stove.
