Best Woks and Stir-fry Pans to Add Unmatched Versatility to Your Kitchen Arsenal

Review & Comparison, Last Update July 25, 2024
Are you craving stir-fried veggies, meat, fish, and seafood with a crisp crunchy texture? With a good wok or stir-fry pan at hand, you can cook those scrumptious meals at your home kitchen. Opt for one of the top-rated models from our review to unlock the spirit of Asian cuisine and diversify your cooking methods. ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
DIMENSIONS
MATERIAL
BOTTOM OR BASE
HEAT SOURCE
USABILITY
CLEANING
WARRANTY
 
PROS

A five-layer design in a combination with diamond-reinforced non-stick coating makes the pan not only cut and scratch resistant but also highly durable. A convenient long handle with threaded brass inserts will stay tight during the pan service life.  

CONS

The integrated handle might seem a bit small.

OUR VERDICT

The Woll Diamond Wok Pan is a real piece of top workmanship and top-grade German quality. The resilient surface finish ensures a long life. A traditional wok design provides even heat distribution while the patented non-stick coating is ideal for low-fat, vitamin-rich, healthful cooking. It's a great option for a family of 3-5 persons. 

detailed parameters
DIMENSIONS

12.5" diameter,  4" high, ~6" base diameter

Also available: 10.25" and 11.75" 

MATERIAL

Diamond reinforced, non-stick coated cast aluminum, PFOA free

BOTTOM OR BASE

Flat-bottom

HEAT SOURCE

Gas, Electric, Ceramic, Halogen, Oven safe up to 500°F/260°C

USABILITY

Fixed ergonomic long handle with brass inserts, Integrated small handle

CLEANING

Dishwasher safe

WARRANTY

Limited lifetime warranty 

PROS

A clear tempered glass lid will hold the moisture inside when steaming, poaching, boiling, or simmering and will let you see the food while you cook. Durable stay-cool handles are convenient for stirring without any additional utensils.

CONS

Inappropriate pan preparation might result in high protein foods sticking to the surface. 

OUR VERDICT

This light-weight wok-shaped pan is ideal for creating crispy stir-fries and tempura as well as for browning, searing, and sautéing foods, or even deglazing to make pan sauces. Made of stainless steel with an aluminum core, it is compatible with all types of utensils and ensures superior performance. The model is suitable for cooking 2-4 servings. 

detailed parameters
DIMENSIONS

12" diameter, 4" high, ~5.5" base diameter

MATERIAL

Heavy-gauge aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel

BOTTOM OR BASE

Flat-bottom

HEAT SOURCE

Gas, Electric, Halogen or Glass, Induction Stovetops, Oven and broiler safe

USABILITY

Triple-riveted stainless steel stay-cool long handle and little loop handle, Clear tempered glass lid, Safe for use with all utensils

CLEANING

Dishwasher safe

WARRANTY

Full lifetime warranty 

PROS

Despite a rather large pan size, it is very easy to maneuver, thanks to a long ergonomic handle and small loop handle with silicone cover. The handles remain cool during the process of cooking and provide comfortable non-slip grip. 

CONS

Due to a rather large bottom diameter, you might need a wok ring for better stability. 

OUR VERDICT

The T-fal Wok Pan offers top-rated quality and high-end performance at an affordable price. A large-capacity pan made of single layer aluminum stands out for fast and even heat distribution and is a perfect tool for cooking healthy and delicious family-size meals. Besides, it allows applying a variety of cooking techniques, from stir-frying to boiling. 

detailed parameters
DIMENSIONS

14" diameter, ~3.25" high, 4" base diameter

MATERIAL

Aluminum construction, PFOA-, Lead-, and Cadmium-free nonstick interior and exterior

BOTTOM OR BASE

Flat-bottom

HEAT SOURCE

Gas, Electric, Oven safe up to 350°F

USABILITY

Long, ergonomic, stay-cool handle, Small loop handle, Both with silicone cover

CLEANING

Dishwasher safe

WARRANTY

Limited lifetime warranty 

PROS

As compared to other non-stick coatings, the unique Thermolon ceramic coating requires lower temperature and less oil for healthy cooking. Combined with hard-anodized aluminum, it enables using the pan at the temperatures up to 600°F. Meanwhile, a wide base enhances overall stability.

CONS

There is no additional small handle. 

OUR VERDICT

It's an excellent choice for a small family of three. Ideal for the whole range of frying techniques, the GreenPan features dimpled surface, ensuring great oil distribution for more efficient heat transfer to the food without scorching. It works great with such delicate foods as fish and vegetables. 

detailed parameters
DIMENSIONS

11" diameter, 4.5" high, ~6.5" base diameter

MATERIAL

Hard Anodized Aluminum, Thermolon healthy ceramic non-stick coating, PFOA free

BOTTOM OR BASE

Flat-bottom

HEAT SOURCE

Ceramic, Electric, Gas, Oven safe up to 600°F

USABILITY

Riveted contoured stainless steel handle, Dimpled surface

CLEANING

Handwash recommended (although dishwasher safe)

WARRANTY

Limited lifetime warranty 

PROS

With this traditional round bottom wok, you will feel like a real Chinese chef. Carbon steel heats up fast and evenly, hand-hammered walls perfectly retain small pieces of food, allowing for quick and thorough food stirring while cooking. 

CONS

It requires seasoning before use. 

OUR VERDICT

If you are one of those cooks who prefer time-proven efficiency and reliability, this amazing Chinese wok is for you. It will come in handy for cooking both on the open fire and on the stove, always delivering outstanding cooking results. It will change the whole way you cook and let you enjoy delicious and flavorful Asian dishes whenever you want. 

detailed parameters
DIMENSIONS

14" diameter, 6" high

MATERIAL

15 gauge (1.8mm) carbon steel

BOTTOM OR BASE

Round bottom

HEAT SOURCE

Gas or open fire, Concave induction cooktop

USABILITY

Wooden long handle, Steel helper loop handle

CLEANING

Handwash

WARRANTY

30-day Amazon's returning policy

X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Woll Diamond

Diamonds Make All the Difference

The Woll Diamond Wok Pan stands out for top quality in everything, from premium materials to first-class workmanship and production technologies. This five-ply pan made of ~0.25” cast aluminum heats up in mere minutes and ensures optimal heat distribution. The extra-strong bottom prevents distortion, cracking or warping while a non-stick coating ensures excellent cooking results and makes cleaning a breeze.

Yet, the biggest advantage that sets the Woll pan apart from other models is a diamond reinforced layer. After careful grinding and micro fine trimming, diamond crystals are applied to each pan's surface, creating highly cut, abrasion and scratch resistant surface. This technology gives exceptional durability, enhances heat distribution and improves heat resistance, allowing you to use the pan even in the oven under the temperatures up to 500°F. Thanks to computerized coating application, the surface is ideally smooth with no blisters, bubbles, or peels. Hence, you will get perfect cooking results every time. Besides, a winning combo of non-stick coating and diamond technology allows using minimum oil to cook meat, veggies, seafood in a more healthy way without sacrificing their taste and flavor.

With a diameter of 12.5”, this wok will match a family of 3-5 persons. Due to a wide flat bottom, you can conveniently use it on any stovetop including electric burners. Easy to use, reliable and versatile, the Woll Diamond Wok will become your loyal and handy kitchen helper for many years to come.

Review of Woll Diamond Wok Pan

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $139.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01KTPU4Z6

 

Calphalon Triply Stainless Steel

Two-in-one Cooking Set

The Calphalon set comes packed with a versatile wok pan and a handy clear glass lid, adding versatility to the cooking techniques you can use this model for.  A three-ply structure with a strong aluminum core between two solid steel layers provides quick and even heating for excellent browning and better control over the cooking process. 

The reflective exterior surface further enhances exceptional heat distribution and will remain beautiful over time. Meanwhile, the interior surface made of brushed stainless steel adds elegance to the pan design, allowing you to serve your appetizing dishes from the oven right to the table. Yet, brushed steel might cause high-protein foods sticking when cooked at high temperatures. To avoid this, heat up the pan, add a drop of oil and thoroughly cover the cooking surface with it by rotating the pan. The oil will fill in the metal micropores and reduce the contact area between the foods and the wok surface, preventing sticking and scorching. 

The dome-shaped lid not only makes the pan design complete but also will greatly diversify your cooking techniques. With the lid on, you can simmer soups, steam veggies and fish, braise delicious stews, and make a variety of scrumptious sauces to your stir-fried chicken, shrimps, squid, beef, or mushrooms. The cover will keep the moisture inside, enabling you to monitor cooking through tempered glass. 

This model can be used on different cooking surfaces, including gas, electric, halogen, and ceramic stoves, and even energy-saving induction cooktops. In addition, it’s oven safe, further expanding your culinary options, and dishwasher safe, taking the strain out of cleaning. 

Review of Calphalon Triply Stainless Steel Wok Stir Fry Pan with Cover

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $149.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B003L0ZODE

 

T-fal A80789

Asian Inspiration

The T-fal A80789 is traditionally shaped with a narrow 4” bottom and wide top. This gently curved wok boasts extra large capacity for cooking family-size meals (for a family of 3-6 persons). Durable aluminum construction ensures fast and even heating while the non-stick coating is perfect for all types of frying, including stir-fry, deep-frying, pan-frying or searing, as well as for boiling, poaching, steaming, stewing, and making a variety of soups and sauces. Not only is it perfectly suitable for preparing such Asian-inspired meals as Oriental egg fried rice, Chinese noodles with tofu and hazelnuts or stir-fried sweet and sour chicken wings but it also works great for other dishes of your choice, be it poached eggs and steamed veggies for breakfast or some more exquisite recipes like Spanish paella, mouth-melting braised beef, salt and pepper shrimps, steamed fish, or fried seafood with a variety of creamy sauces. Sounds delicious! Actually, this model is an excellent fusion of a traditional Chinese pan and an ordinary frying pan or saute pan we are used to.

For better stability, it’s recommended using a special wok ring with the T-fal wok pan. And don’t forget to use only wooden, plastic or silicone utensils since metal ones can damage the nonstick coating. Another thing to take care of is a cooking temperature. Though the pan is oven safe, the maximum temperature shouldn’t exceed 350°F to prevent the nonstick coating cracking. The biggest advantage of the wok’s PFOA-free nonstick coating is that it requires the use of little to no oil or fat for healthier cooking, effortless food release, and quick, convenient cleanup. 

Being rather large, this model is unexpectedly lightweight that makes it ideal for stir-frying and will be highly appreciated by all cooks who have got a grip on this mixing technique. A long ergonomic stay-cool loop handle will keep your hands at a safe distance while stirring hot foods during cooking. All the above-mentioned benefits are offered at an affordable price, hence, the T-fal wok pan is an exceptional choice for any kitchen.

For maximum fast and thorough frying, braising and searing, it’s recommended cutting ingredients into similar size pieces. This is where a good food chopper will come in handy to facilitate the cooking process and add an aesthetic touch to your dishes. 

Review of T-fal A80789 Wok Pan

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $31.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B000MYI2ZO

 

GreenPan Ceramic

Healthy Approach

The GreenPan with a rather wide 6.5” base is a modern version of a traditional narrow-base wok. Just like other contemporary wok and stir-fry pans, it has high walls, wide top, and a long convenient stay-cool riveted handle ideal for easy maneuvering when cooking, while an extra durable body of hard-anodized aluminum ensures fast heating and optimal heat distribution. Yet, there are some features that set the GreenPan apart from other models.  

A ceramic non-stick coating produced using the Thermolon technology needs even less oil and fats for healthier cooking that other types of non-stick coating. Manufactured without PFOA, it contains no lead or cadmium and releases no toxic fumes, doesn’t peel or chip even when overheated. Besides, during the production of Thermolon coated cookware, the CO2 emission is 60% lower as compared to the production of other non-stick coatings. Being an excellent heat conductor, Thermolon delivers superb searing and crispy frying results even when cooking at low to medium temperatures. The coating is also highly scratch-resistant, very hard, and more resilient to thermal shocks.

Another distinguishing benefit of this model is a dimpled bottom surface, promoting good oil distribution, as the oil flows in the dimples each time you stir the food in the pan. It ensures even frying and helps avoid scorching the foods. Such surface structure is ideal for frying delicate foods like fish or seafood, each time getting an appetizing golden crust, and browning veggies, sealing all the vitamins and flavors inside. 

Though the pan is claimed to be dishwasher safe, a hand wash is preferable. Use warm water and a few drops of non-abrasive detergent to prolong service life of the pan. With the GreenPan, you will feel like a real chef no matter what your culinary skill level is. Give yourself the cookware you deserve!

All health-conscious cooks will highly appreciate a food steamer, another device that lets you cook highly nutritious yet healthy food.

Review of GreenPan Ceramic Wok Pan

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00JJGZS62

 

Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel

Tribute to Traditions

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. 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, the 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. 

All sushi fans will highly praise an affordable and convenient sushi making kit to make their favorite sushi rolls at home. 

Review of Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $59.75
Stock In stock
ASIN B00PUZT9MU

 

What is a Wok Pan?

Today, a wok pan is not an exclusively Asian utensil. It became a virtual Swiss Army Knife of pans since beyond being the best choice for stir-frying, it can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques, including steaming, pan frying, deep frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and roasting nuts. Such versatility makes a wok or stir-fry pan a helpful attribute for any kitchen.

Traditionally, a wok pan is shaped like a large bowl with a rounded narrow bottom, high walls, and wide top. Thanks to such design, the pan heats up quickly and evenly that makes it perfect for cooking on the open fire. Modern wok pans are fitted with a flat bottom, enhancing the pan stability and allowing you to use it on electric and induction stoves as well. One of the biggest benefits of a wok is that it cooks with minimum oil, creating healthy meals. Besides, cooking takes a relatively short period of time, retaining all essential vitamins and nutrients inside and saving your precious time. If you are still hesitating whether you need a wok pan, our review on top five models will dispel your doubts and help you find the best kitchen assistant for your culinary masterpieces.

Those who prefer stewing and slow cooking will definitely appreciate a dutch oven, a heavy cast iron pan designed to cook mouth-melting delicate meat and veggies or experiment with your favorite oven recipes. And if you need a complete set of pans and bowls to add to your kitchen arsenal opt for one of cookware sets.

Sources:

1. What to look for when buying Woks and Stir-Fry Pans, Kitchen Warehouse.

2. Liv Wan A Guide to Buying the Right Wok, The Spruce. May 3, 2017.

3. How to Buy a Wok, WikiHow.

4. Jessica Bruso Is Wok Cooking Healthy? LIVESTRONG. October 30, 2015.

5. Charles Freeden The Advantages of Wok Cooking, eHow.

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later

Publish Date: 2017-07-05 09:10:19