Whether you love throwing together vibrant stir-frys that are bursting with fresh vegetables, or you prefer the savory aroma of braised meats simmering in rich sauces, one of the most essential kitchen items you’ll require for tackling your favorite Asian cuisines is a well-crafted wok. Giving you the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, a quality wok offers versatility and efficiency that is unmatched by any other cooking vessel, and its unique shape ensures each ingredient is cooked to perfection each and every time. Allowing you to fry, braise, steam, and even deep-fry with ease, the wok is a true culinary workhorse, and it’s capable of handling a wide range of cooking techniques so you can master authentic flavors right inside your very own kitchen. But while woks might be found inside almost every Asian household, they are far from identical, and there is a wide assortment of options that range in size, style, and functionality. Thankfully, this buying guide was created to help you effortlessly navigate the enticing world of woks, and if you've found yourself in the market, but aren’t sure where to begin, then this article is the best starting place for you. 

Style

When shopping for a wok, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by the vast selection available, and one of the first things you’re likely to notice is just how different each one looks. While all options will have higher sides than a traditional pan, and at least some type of handle, the similarities tend to end there, and you’ll need to make some crucial decisions as you shop to ensure you walk away with the perfect wok for you. From the classic rounded bottom design of traditional Asian woks to the flat-bottomed versions tailored for Western stovetops, the variety in shape, size, and material can be bewildering, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from this popular kitchen essential. Instead, with a bit of consideration and research, you should be able to identify which style is best suited to your preferences and needs, and the core options you’ll be able to select between will include:

If you’re in the market for a traditional style wok then a version with a rounded bottom is going to most likely appeal to you. Making it easier to stir, scoop, and scrape the ingredients as you cook, this style is clearly distinguished by its fully curved shape, and it is often prized for its superior heat distribution and beautiful appearance. Not only are round bottom woks aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer a more authentic cooking experience, mimicking the design used for centuries in Asian kitchens and commonly found in many popular restaurants across the globe. However, while rounded woks may be the most traditional, it’s important to note that they won’t necessarily work with all household stovetops, and unless you plan on using it over an open flame every time, you’re going to need a specialized wok ring or burner to stabilize it during cooking. If you’re new to woks, a very casual cook, or have a tight budget to work with, you may find the extra expense and hassle isn’t quite worth it overall, and that another style of wok may be a more appropriate choice for your needs. 

In contrast to the common round bottom wok, a flat bottom wok is a much less traditional choice that has seen a huge increase in popularity - especially in more Western households. Instead of requiring specialized cooking equipment, these simpler versions are able to be used on virtually any type of stovetop, and you can easily go from an open flame to an electric burner without needing additional accessories like a wok ring. Significantly more stable, the flatter design ensures you can cook your meals without ever worrying about the wok tipping over, and you can still achieve excellent heat distribution and even cooking across all the recipes you try to tackle. However, some traditionalists argue that the flat bottom design may not provide the same level of heat control or authentic flavor infusion as a round bottom wok, which is designed to efficiently conduct heat around the curved surface. Additionally, while flat bottom woks are versatile, they may not be as adept at stir-frying due to the decreased ability to toss ingredients, giving you a less authentic experience in the kitchen. With that said, a flat bottom wok is usually a smart choice for beginners or individuals with an electric stovetop, and their versatility makes them a practical option that’s hard to beat.

Woks tend to be larger and heavier than other types of frying pans, and because of this, they always feature 1 or 2 handles on the side to help you maneuver it while cooking, and to make serving a bit easier. For dual-handled woks, these are commonly referred to as Cantonese style, and these can be a great choice for individuals who plan on making large batches of food that need to be carried over to a table or serving area once it’s ready to be eaten. With a Cantonese style wok, you won’t be able to do fancy flips while stir frying or be able to toss your meats to thoroughly coat them in a sauce, but the trade off is you will gain greater stability and ease of handling, especially when dealing with heavier loads. For the most part, Cantonese style woks are almost always going to be the preferred choice among large families or for cooking in bulk for gatherings, as they will provide improved practicality and convenience without sacrificing cooking quality.

Unlike a Cantonese style wok that has two small handles on opposite sides, a Mandarin, or Northern, wok is easily distinguished by its single, elongated handle that looks similar to what you’d see on a standard frying pan or sauce pot. The benefit to opting for a Mandarin wok is that they are the ideal choice for tackling a tasty stir fry or other meals that require a lot of flipping and tossing, as the longer handle will enable you to execute those signature flips with precision and ease. But while a Mandarin wok may not have two smaller handles to assist you with transporting and serving like a Cantonese version does, they do still include a single smaller handle opposite the longer one to help increase portability. For smaller batches that aren’t overly heavy, a Mandarin wok can still be a practical and versatile choice in the kitchen, and for many home cooks, and even restaurant chefs, they tend to be the preferred choice simply because of how adaptable they truly are.

Materials

After deciding on the style of wok that is best suited to your preferences and needs, the next thing you’ll need to decide is what type of material you want your new kitchen addition to be made from. Regardless of whether you’ve settled on a Cantonese or Mandarin wok, all styles will be available in a selection of materials, and what you end up picking can have a direct impact on how well it performs, what types of dishes you can create, and even how easy it is to clean and maintain. Whether you want a version that you’ll need to lovingly season in order to enhance the flavor of your dishes, or you prefer the convenience of a non-stick coating that will allow you to cook without worrying, the material choice is crucial, and some of the potential options you may want to consider include:

Durable, easy to clean, and resistant to both rust and corrosion, stainless steel woks are one of the most popular choices among home cooks and professional chefs alike, and their sleek, modern appearance makes them a stylish addition to any kitchen. Thanks to their sturdy construction, woks made from stainless steel tend to be more reliable and long-lasting than some of their counterparts, and they perform remarkably well with both heat retention and even distribution. However, where stainless steel falls a bit short is in terms of heat conductivity, as it may not get hot quite as quickly, or reach as high of a temperature, as options like carbon steel or cast iron. If being able to rapidly sear or achieve intense heat is essential for your cooking needs, stainless steel might not be the best choice, and in that case you may want to explore other materials that are better suited to your needs. 

Renowned for its durability, excellent heat conductivity, and ability to develop a natural non-stick surface, carbon steel woks are favored by chefs and home cooks alike for their outstanding performance in the kitchen. Unlike stainless steel, carbon steel heats up much more quickly and evenly, and this is essential when you want your ingredients to cook through, without having to worry about burning or wasting too much time standing over the stovetop. Not only that, but carbon steel is also significantly lighter than options such as cast iron, making it a smart choice if you plan on incorporating flips and tosses into your technique. With that said, carbon steel isn’t cheap, and if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, then this might not be the best choice for you. Likewise, carbon steel does require a lot more effort when it comes to cleaning and maintaining, so this isn’t the right material for someone who prefers low-maintenance cookware that is hassle-free. 

In recent years, cast iron has really made a comeback in the world of cooking, and for good reason. Strong, durable, and with superior heat retention, this heavy-duty material is prized for its ability to heat up slowly and evenly, and it will allow your ingredients to continue sizzling away, long after you’ve turned off the heat. With regards to woks, cast iron versions are true investment pieces, and if properly handled and maintained, can become a genuine kitchen staple that will stay in your family for generations to come. But while cast iron is impressively long-lasting and high-performing, it certainly isn’t lightweight, and few materials are heavier than a solid piece of cast iron cookware. Because of this, cast iron can be challenging when trying to flip a stir fry or when transporting large portions, meaning they may not be the best choice for bigger families or groups. Whether cast iron is right for you will depend heavily on your preferences, needs, and the meals you enjoy cooking, and like with all material types, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, maintenance, and cooking style before making your decision.

Sizes

When it comes to woks, size matters, and just like with both the style and the material choices, how big or how small you go can significantly impact your cooking experience. Woks come in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact models perfect for single servings to large, restaurant-style versions designed to feed a crowd, and you’ll need to think about how many people you typically cook for at a time to help you determine which is right for you. Thankfully, there truly is a size out there to fit all households and preferences, and as a general rule of thumb:

Bottom Line

Selecting the perfect wok may be a bit of a time-consuming process, but the amount of effort required is absolutely going to be worth it in the end. Unlike a standard frying pan, a wok opens the door so you can tackle more adventurous and mouth-watering dishes, and it’s a staple component in any Asian-style recipe. From savory beef in black bean sauce, to delicate stir-fried pea shoots, the versatility of a wok allows you to explore a wide range of flavors and cuisines, and it can make your time in the kitchen much more enjoyable, especially if you love experimenting with different ingredients and cooking techniques.  Whether you opt for a traditional round-bottom wok or a modern flat-bottom version, the key is to find one that suits your cooking style, preferences, and kitchen setup, and with a little bit of patience, and some important research, you'll be able to walk away with a beautiful and practical wok that will last you for years to come.