10 Best Electric Woks
Asian cuisine is delicious, hands down. And it is much healthier than some other cuisines I could mention. And to be able to make delicious Asian recipes at home, what you need is the best electric wok, and I’ve got you covered. There’s lots to consider when looking for an electric wok like the size, the material, the heating, etc. Even so, I managed to put together a list of the 10 best woks you can find out there:
Comparison Of The Best Electric Woks In 2021
PRODUCT |
CAPACITY |
BEST FOR |
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
|
7 quarts | Best Overall |
|
|
6 quarts | Best High-end |
|
|
7 quarts | Best Large |
|
|
Around 2 quarts | Best Value |
|
1. Aroma Housewares AEW-305
Highlighted Features
- 7-quart capacity
- High-domed lid
- Adjustable temperature
- Fast, even heating
Construction: The Aroma Housewares 305 model is a whopping 7-quart wok, a feature that sets it apart from the AEW-306 model which is 5 quarts. It has a cast-metal construction, has a non-stick interior and comes with a lid that has quite a high dome. The lid, however, is opaque, unlike most of the woks discussed in this list. The base is not detachable and is shaped in the form of a stand. The heat-control is right in the middle under the main body of the wok and has multiple settings from low to high. The handles are plastic.
Function: The multiple heat settings of this top electric wok are very helpful as you can minutely monitor the heat through the thermostat. You can use the high setting to heat the wok up very high within 3 minutes or you can keep it on a lower setting in order to keep the food warm for serving. The plastic handles don’t get hot so the wok is easy to handle.
However, the opaque lid is a bit of a drawback as you have to remove it in order to see what’s going on with the food. This can cause some burning problems with the ensuing steam, so be careful as you go to remove the lid.
Cleaning & Storage: The base is not detachable so the wok cannot be immersed for cleaning. For that reason, you have to wipe the wok clean after use. It can be a bit cumbersome, as the wok is quite large. But if you do it while the wok is still warm it won’t be a problem. Being quite big with a non-detachable base means it will be a bit of an issue to store it so consider that before you buy this model.
Pros
- Cast-metal
- Non-stick
- Plastic handles
- 7-quart capacity
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Opaque lid
- Cleaning problems
2. Breville BEW600XL
Highlighted Features
- Made of aluminum
- Stainless steel base
- Butterfly heating element
- Glass lid – dishwasher safe
Construction: This high-priced item has a construction of layered aluminum and a stainless steel base. The interior has a Quantanium non-stick coating The handles, however, are not metal. The lid is Breville’s ‘Cook ‘n Look’ – that is, it is made of glass. It has a 6-quart size and a butterfly heating element. The heating can be controlled effectively, with 15 settings for you to choose from. The temperature control probe is removable as well and the cord is a bit small. The wok has a solid, wide base, also made of stainless steel. It takes 1500 W of power.
Function: Since the wok has a butterfly heating element so it heats up really quickly and uniformly, aided by the layered aluminum construction and the stainless steel base. The clear lid allows you to look inside the wok at all times without having to dodge bursts of steam and the handles let you lift the wok comfortably – without using mitts. The size of the wok is great for family-sized meals.
Cleaning & Storage: Since the wok is lined with a non-stick coating so you won’t be needing any elbow-grease to clean it. You can wash the wok by hand with gentle soaps and wipe it down. The lid, however, is completely dishwasher-safe.
When storing the wok, place a couple of paper towels in the wok and put the cable on them to prevent the non-stick coating from getting scratched.
Pros
- Aluminum and stainless steel
- Glass lid
- Cool-touch handles
- 15 heat settings
- Solid base
- Dishwasher-safe lid
Cons
- Cord a bit small
- A bit heavy
3. Presto 5900 1500-Watt
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel construction
- butterfly heating element
- Aluminum base
- Tempered glass lid
- Rubberized feet
- 7-quart capacity
Construction: The Presto 5900 electric wok is made entirely out of stainless steel, except for the bottom. The base is aluminum-clad but only on the outside. This improves the overall heating of the wok. The heating element is butterfly-shaped and so provides even heat. The handles are looped and made of stainless steel as well. The lid is constructed out of tempered glass and has a stainless steel rim and handle. The heating element, that can be controlled up to 350 F, is detachable.
This 7-quart wok has a cord of roughly 28-30 inches, which puts it a bit on the short side. You may need to connect an extension according to your needs.
Function: The large size of the wok means you can cook for the entire family in one go in this appliance without having to cook in batches. The aluminum-clad base heats up really quickly and gives you the sizzles in no time. The glass lid means you can keep an eye on your food as it cooks without having to remove the lid constantly and putting yourself in danger of getting blistered by the ensuing steam.
Cleaning & Storage: Since this big electric wok is not non-stick, you might have some trouble cleaning it as food might get stuck. However, both the wok and the lid are dishwasher-safe so Presto’s got you covered. This large-sized wok might present a bit of a challenge during storage.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Adjustable heating element
- Glass lid
- Rubberized feet
- Large size
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Cord can be a bit short
- Not non-stick
4. Aroma Housewares AEW-306
Highlighted Features
- Cast-metal construction
- Non-stick interior
- Wide base
- Tempered glass lid
- Moisture-locking lid
- Detachable base
Construction: The Aroma Housewares 306 model, as opposed to their 305 model, has a 5-quart capacity. This electric wok is made of cast-metal and retains heat really well. The handles are made of plastic and the wok rests on a wide, stable base that can be detached easily through a clip at the bottom. The heating element is butterfly-shaped. The lid is tempered glass and has a lock, in the handle, through which you can control the moisture level. The wok comes with a steam rack, a tempura rack and a pair of chopsticks.
Function: The non-stick interior of the wok facilitates you to cook hassle-free as you can use the minimum amount of oil without fearing that your food will stick. The domed, glass lid lets you keep an eye on your food as it cooks without having to take it off constantly. The even, fast heating of the wok means the food cooks well and you don’t have to wait long for the pan to heat up. The temperature can go high enough that you can sear well and the probe has settings from 1 through 10.
Cleaning & Storage: The wok is extremely easy to clean as it is dishwasher-safe. Once you detach the base through the clip at the base, you can immerse the whole thing in water order to clean it. However, since it is non-stick, you should just wipe it by hand in order to protect the coating. The detachable base also helps in easy storage.
Pros
- Cast-metal
- Non-stick
- Detachable base
- Adjustable temperature probe
- Glass lid
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Can be too large for people with storage issues
5. Presto By Supernon
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Stainless steel handles
- Detachable heat control
- Completely immersible
- Tempered glass lid
- Stable feet
Construction: The Presto electric wok by Supernon has stainless steel construction and the base is clad with aluminum. It takes 1500W and has an adjustable temperature control that can also be removed completely from the wok itself. The handles are made of stainless steel as well. The lid of the wok is made of tempered glass and it also has a handle of stainless steel. The wok has rubberized feet underneath.
Function: The Presto electric wok does not have a non-stick coating so you might need a bit more oil to cook than for a non-stick wok. The clear lid means you can look at your food as it simmers away without having to present your hand to the hot steam that will undoubtedly blow out. The Control Master heat control of the wok allows you to control the temperature according to your needs.
Cleaning & Storage: Once the heat control is removed, the wok and the lid can be fully immersed in water. That means you can also put them in the dishwasher if you so desire. This is a helpful feature since the absence of non-stick properties means you might get some food stuck on it. The wok isn’t very large so you can store it conveniently in a cabinet.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Removable heat control
- Tempered glass lid
- Stable feet
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not non-stick
6. The ROCK By Starfrit
Highlighted Features
- Made of cast-aluminum
- Extra-thick base retains heat
- Tec surface technology
- Bakelite handles
- Tempered glass lid
- Good for a small family
Construction: This wok, that works as a pot as well, is made of cast-aluminum. It has a Rock.Tec surface technology that gives it its non-stick qualities and is supposed to last longer than other non-stick coatings. The handles are made of bakelite, that remains cool to the touch, while the lid is of tempered glass. This pot is very versatile and works well for frying, stir-frying, making soups, chilies, etc. it has an extra-thick base and a large 4.8-quart capacity. The feet are anti-slip so they won’t allow your wok to skid away. It has an adjustable temperature control.
Function: This wok has sides that are quite tall while the base is a bit wider than traditional woks. That means that you need to stir the food as much as you can because the food on the sides will remain undercooked. The tempered glass lid lets you look into the pot at your food without having to remove the lid and exposing yourself to possible burns. The handles let you move the wok around comfortably as they are of bakelite and thus remain cool to the touch. The 4.8-quart capacity is sufficient for a small family.
Cleaning & Storage: Since the wok and the lid both are dishwasher-safe, cleaning is really easy. You can, of course, always wash by hand.
Since the sides of this wok are a bit on the high side, they might present some storage problems. Consider your storage options before getting this wok.
Pros
- Made of cast-aluminum
- Bakelite handles
- Takes 1500 W
- Dishwasher safe lid
- Non-slip feet
- Removable heating control
Cons
- Can be a bit too tall-storage problems
7. CucinaPro Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
- Non-traditional look
- Can be used for frying as well
- Stainless steel construction
- Non-stick lining
- Tempered glass lid
- Non-slip feet
Construction: This wok is not like traditional woks, but it works well so it’s on this list. It has a wide, flat bottom that sets it apart, in terms of design, from other woks, electric or traditional. Therefore, it looks more like a skillet than anything else. The construction is 18/10 stainless steel and the interior is lined with a non-stick coating. The handles are riveted to the wok/skillet, allowing easy lifting.
The lid is of tempered glass. The temperature probe, that can heat up to 400F, is removable. The cord is not very long, and cannot be used with an extension wire.
Function: The non-stick coating of the pan allows you to use it with minimum oil, facilitating you to make healthy choices. The riveted handles stay cool to the touch even when the pan has heated up so you are not likely to burn yourself. Speaking of burning, the glass lid makes sure that you can look at your food as it cooks without having to open yourself to the possibility of burning. The handle on the lid is also steel. The 12-inch size of the pan is ideal to saute, fry, grill, etc.
Cleaning & Storage: The pan is not dishwasher-safe. What you can do instead is hand-wash the wok or just wipe it down with a paper towel. Since it is non-stick, you won’t be needing hard scrubbing anyway. You can keep the removable heating unit within the pan when not in use.
Pros
- Non-stick
- Tempered glass lid
- Stay-cool handles
- Removable heating probe
Cons
- Extension wire cannot be used
- Not dishwasher safe
8. CucinaPro Electric Skillet
Highlighted Features
- Stainless steel construction
- Non-stick interior lining
- Stay-cool handles and base
- Tempered glass lid
- Adjustable temperature control
- KitchenFaction Rating
Construction: This electric wok by Continental is made of stainless steel and has a non-stick coating. The manufacturer is silent about whether it is PFOA-free or not but does say that it is durable. The capacity of the wok is 4.5 quarts. The wok has an adjustable temperature control. The pan is given stability by a solid, stay-cool base. The handles are also made of the same material as the base i.e. hard plastic. The lid is of tempered glass with a handle that stays cool.
Function: The Continental electric wok has a large, 4.5-quart capacity that is large enough to cook a family meal without having to cook in batches. The non-stick interior means you can use the least amount of oil in order to make delicious Asian cuisine. The temperature control has an unfortunate placement almost under the right handle so it might cause you some trouble during cooking. The handles are hard plastic and therefore won’t get hot during cooking. You can stir your veggies as vigorously as you want as the wok has a pretty stable base and won’t skid around.
Cleaning & Storage: After removing the heating probe, you can wash the wok safely. It’s not dishwasher-safe, so you can hand-wash it or just wipe it down with a couple of paper towels and you’re good to go. The medium-sized wok is quite easy to store as the walls are not that high and the dome of the lid is not very high.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Non-stick coating
- Plastic handles
- Tempered glass lid
- Solid base
- Temperature-control probe
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
9. MINGPINHUIUS 4-In-1 Multifunction
Highlighted Features
- Versatile with 4 functions
- Stainless steel interior
- Non-stick coating
- Plastic exterior
- Polypropylene handles
- Compact
- Will look cute anywhere
Construction: The MINGPINHUIUS appliance is a truly multi-functional thing. Not only does it work as a wok, it is also an electric cooker, a skillet, and a hot pot. It has two heat settings and an anti-drying function as well. The appliance comes with a US adapter and a manual as well. The exterior is plastic while the interior is stainless steel. The handles are polypropylene plastic and thus food safe. The lid is ‘explosion-proof’, according to the manufacturer.
Function: Since the pot is small and versatile, it is great for students. You can cook almost everything in it and keep your food warm as well. The two heat settings are very useful; you can cook at 1000W and once the food is done, keep the cooker at 500W so the food remains hot. The anti-drying function is a wonderful addition as it trips the circuit when the water has dried in the pot, preventing the food from burning and the appliance from getting damaged. The model is also available with a steamer as well, if you so wish.
Cleaning & Storage: The pot cannot be immersed in water so you have to hand-wash it. Depending upon your cooking, you can just wipe it clean with a paper towel or with a cloth soaked in soapy water. The pot is not very big and can be easily stored in a cabinet. However, it has a very cute exterior and you can keep it out on a counter-top as well.
Pros
- Compact
- Stainless steel interior
- Non-stick
- Cute exterior
- Polypropylene handles
Cons
- Hand-washing only
- Not for large meals
10. Deni 7-Quart
Highlighted Features
- Made of carbon steel
- Non-stick interior
- Has a huge 7-quart capacity
- Has a detachable base
- Comes with a tempura stand
Construction: The Deni electric wok is made of carbon steel, the only item on this list to be so. It has a non-stick lining and plastic handles. The lid is glass and has a plastic handle. The base is 8 inches wide and is detachable. This wok boasts a huge capacity of 7 quarts, only the second one in the 10 electric woks that I have discussed. The adjustable thermostat has settings from 0 and all the way to 5. It comes with a tempura stand and a bamboo spatula as well.
Function: The non-stick coating is good for healthy cooking as you don’t have to make your stir-fry in a lake of oil. The glass lid means you don’t have to subject your hand to hot steam every time you have to check-up on the progress of your food and the large, 7-quart capacity is great for family cooking. The wide heating base can heat up very high, but the heating is not very reliable and you might have some problems with it.
Cleaning & Storage: The Deni electric wok is quite easy to clean as the wide, heating base is detachable. Once you remove the base you can wash the wok quite comfortably in the sink but be sure to use regular dish-washing soap and not any harsh one. The detachability of this wok means it is easy to store as well.
Pros
- Carbon steel
- Non-stick
- Glass lid
- Detachable base
- Plastic handles
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Heating is a bit unreliable
Things To Look For Before Buying!
Electric woks look and work the same as regular, traditional woks. The only difference is that they are heated by electricity. Even so, working with an electric appliance and working with one on a stove is very different, and you need to know exactly what to look for in order to get the best electric wok. For example, the best electric wok for stir fry needs to be large enough to contain all the tossing that is bound to take place within.
When buying an electric wok you should consider the following things:
- Material
- Size
- Adjustability of heat settings
- Coating
- Your usage
Buying Guide
What Do You Need To Know About Electric Woks?
Before one sets out to buy something, there are lots of questions that fill one’s mind. This is understandable since every Tom, Dick, and Harry is selling stuff and everyone seems to be screaming at the top of their lungs that theirs is the best. Let’s look at some of the common things one should know about electric woks.
What Is An Electric Wok?
First things first: what really is an electric wok? An electric wok is rather like an ordinary wok. It looks the same, it works the same… the only difference is the heating source. Where the traditional wok is heated by a flame, the electric wok is heated by electricity. That’s all. Some electric woks don’t even have the shape of a traditional wok but make delicious stir-fries just the same. In fact, some woks even double as skillets and some can even be used as hot pots. It’s wonderful what a bit of technology coupled with creative thinking can do!
Why Do You Need An Electric Wok?
Electric woks have a lot of advantages, and if you find a great electric wok out there for you, you will certainly benefit from it a lot. Some of those advantages are:
Portability: An electric wok can be used anywhere. Any place that has electricity is a place good for whipping out your electric wok and making delicious Asian cuisine or whatever.
Cleaning: Electric woks are really easy to clean. Most of them have non-stick coatings so the food doesn’t get stuck to the surface. This means that you don’t have a lot of scrubbing to do after cooking. You can just wipe it down with a couple of paper towels and you’re good to go.
Storage: Electric woks are usually compactly constructed. They don’t have very long or protruding handles, generally speaking. Therefore, it is quite easy to store them as you can put them away in a cabinet. They usually are beautifully made so you can even keep them on the countertop and they’ll just add to the overall look of your kitchen.
Convenience: Another thing that electric woks are great for is the convenience that they provide during cooking. You don’t have to stand by the stove necessarily, for starters. You can bring the wok to the kitchen island and cook there while you chat with somebody, for example. During a family dinner, you can bring the wok to the table as the food is about to be done and add a little extra something. Hot food, and a unique look!
How To Use An Electric Wok?
Using an electric wok isn’t that difficult. In fact, it is not difficult at all. It is almost exactly like using a regular wok. One thing that you can care about, though, is what kind of implements you’ll be using on the wok. If your wok is non-stick like most electric woks out there, you should avoid using sharp things as they will inevitably damage the coating.
Another thing you can focus on is the type of oil you’ll be using to cook in your electric wok. You should use oils that can heat up high, like grapeseed oil, for example.
Can You Deep Fry In An Electric Wok?
If your electric wok has a high temperature range then, of course, you can deep fry in it. However, most woks have a heating element that largely focuses the heat on the base so the sides don’t get as hot. As a result, the oil might not get as hot as needed to deep fry. In that case, your deep-frying will be frustrating and will yield poor results.
When To Use A Wok Instead Of A Skillet?
This is an understandable question. When should one use a skillet, and when should one use a wok? Why can’t one just use one’s skillet for all tasks? The problem is that skillets have large, flat bottoms and shallower sides than woks. So when it comes to food involving a lot of stirring, you should go for a wok as that will prevent the food from getting out of the pan as you stir it vigorously.
How To Clean An Electric Wok?
Cleaning is the first thing that comes to mind once you are done filling your belly with delicious food, and no one wants to spend too much time on it. For that reason, you should look carefully before buying an electric wok. If it is hard to clean and you are the kind of person that’ll leave their washing up until the next day, you should only buy a wok with non-stick lining. A non-stick wok only needs a quick wipe-down and it is squeaky clean.
How To Store The Wok?
How do you store the wok once you’ve found it? You can put it away safely and comfortably in a cabinet or you can leave it out on the counter, it’s your call. If you intend to keep it out on the counter then you should buy a model that complements the rest of your kitchen. If you intend to keep it hidden away then looks are not an issue. You can just focus on other specifications.
Conclusion
So. This was a complete round-up of the 10 best electric woks that I found. Read carefully, make a decision, and make delicious stir-fry… in style!
Asian cuisine is delicious, hands down. And it is much healthier than some other cuisines I could mention. And to be able to make delicious Asian recipes at home, what you need is the best electric wok, and I’ve got you covered. There’s lots to consider when looking for an electric wok like the size, the material, the heating, etc. Even so, I managed to put together a list of the 10 best woks you can find out there:
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