Whipping up a perfect, professional-like stir-fry dish will be considerably easier with these best carbon steel woks. Thanks to their design and materials, the products recommended in my review will all have excellent heat distribution, thus making sure that your food is all evenly cooked.
You might think that you can achieve the same results with a typical frying pan, even the finest stir fry pan. However, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised to see how well a carbon steel wok can perform when it comes to preparing stir-fry dishes.
In my article for the best carbon steel woks, I’ve tried to be as inclusive and thorough as possible. Therefore, whether you’re looking for a wok for a gas range, an electric or ceramic stovetop, I’ve got precisely what you need. So let’s head to the main section of my reviews.
Flat Bottom Woks Vs. Round Bottom Woks
When buying woks, you will need to decide whether you want a wok with a flat bottom or a round bottom. If you mainly cook on gas stovetops, a traditional round-bottom wok is recommended.
However, if you prefer to cook on electric stoves, you should go for flat bottom woks as their round bottom counterparts will simply not work on electric stovetops.
Woks Vs. Frying Pans
In case you’re not sure whether you need a wok or a frying pan, I will briefly explain the key differences between the two cookware to help you decide what you need.
While a typical frying pan boasts better heat retention, a wok is superior when it comes to heat distribution. Thanks to its concave shape and its perfect sloping sides, a wok will have fewer hot/cold spots. A frying pan also has sloped sides, but is not as shallow as a wok.
Speaking of shallow design, this is also an easy way to differentiate frying pans and skillets, as skillets aren’t as shallow as regular frying pans.
Furthermore, the sloping sides of a wok will make it a lot easier to toss food. Therefore, if you want to stir fry food, a wok is the perfect choice.
Nevertheless, woks are prone to rust, and they need to be seasoned periodically. On the other hand, frying pans do not require any seasoning, and they are less vulnerable to the oxidation process.
Frying pans are also more suitable for cooking soft foods such as tofu or tender veggies.
What’s The Advantage Of Carbon Steel Woks?
There are many materials used for making cookwares, such as carbon steel, aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. However, the most popular material for making woks is still carbon steel. So, what is it about carbon steel that makes it such an ideal choice for producing woks?
First of all, carbon steel is quite thin and lightweight, thus making cookware manufactured from this material easier to maneuver. Moreover, the manageable weight of carbon steel woks does not come at the expense of sturdiness and durability.
Furthermore, if seasoned properly, carbon steel woks will have an excellent non-stick surface. Thanks to this, they can be used to cook various dishes, and therefore, prove to be of excellent versatility.
And if you are a huge lover of traditional Chinese foods, you might have seen many dishes that are cooked in a wok by Chinese people.
Another reason that makes carbon steel a popular choice for woks is due to its affordability. Because the average price for carbon steel is relatively cheap, virtually anyone can afford to get a wok made from this material.
Reputable Carbon Steel Wok Brands
Since there are numerous carbon steel wok brands on the market, you might find it hard to pick the right one. In this section, let’s go through some popular cookware companies that offer high-quality woks.
Craft Wok
As the name implies, this brand’s main product is carbon steel wok. Although Craft Wok belongs to Red Cat Limited Company, a company based in New York, it’s dedicated to delivering the most authentic Chinese-style woks.
Joyce Chen
Joyce Chen was a famous Chinese-American chef in the 1900s. The Joyce Chen cookware brand is now owned by Honey-Can-Do. Regardless, the company offers excellent woks of all shapes and sizes to help home cooks make tasty Chinese dishes.
Yosukata
Yosukata specializes in making health-oriented cooking utensils. The company was founded by a group of professional chefs with the goal of making culinary masterpieces. Besides carbon steel woks, you can also find carbon steel skillets and kitchen accessories under this brand.
What Are The Best Carbon Steel Woks?
The best carbon steel woks are the Craft Wok and the KYTD, both of which boast excellent heat distribution and an impressively quick heat up time. Furthermore, they’re easy to season and maintain. These two carbon steel woks all come with ergonomic handles for better maneuverability.
- Best Overall – Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok
“Non-slip wooden handle, hand-hammered in Guangzhou, helper handle included, sturdy and durable, easy to season.” - Best for Budget – Kenmore Hammond Carbon Steel Wok
“Ideal for stir fry, deep fry, and steam, PTFE-free and PFOA-free, non-stick interior, compatible with all stovetops, high heat resistant.” - Best With Lid – KYTD Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok
“Beautiful glass lid, ideal for heavy-duty use, riveted handle, resistant to oxidation, unique fish scale shape to prevent food from sticking.” - Best for Electric Stoves – Joyce Chen Classic Series Carbon Steel Wok
“Steel dome lid included, fast and even heat distribution, helper handle included, ideal for both gas and electric stoves.” - Best for Induction – Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok
“Compatible with virtually all heat sources, comes with a wooden lid and a stainless steel spatula, printed hammered textured.” - Best With Two Handles – Helen’s Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel Wok
“Riveted bamboo handles, even heat distribution, flat bottom design, compatible with any stovetops, can collect a natural patina over time.” - Best Pre-Seasoned – Yosukata Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Wok
“Thorough heat distribution, pre-seasoned, made from heavy-duty material, fast heat-up time, lightweight and easy to maneuver, excellent heat distribution.” - Best for Beginners – BK Black Carbon Steel Wok
“Pre-seasoned, lightweight, responsive to heat, oven-safe, stronger than conventional carbon steel, resistant to stain and corrosion.” - Best for Deep Frying – Chef’s Medal Carbon Steel Wok
“Perfect curvature, hand-hammered, ergonomic bamboo handle, no chemical coating, excellent thickness and durability.” - Best Non-Stick – Ecolution Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok
“PFOA-free, non-stick coating, even heat distribution, ideal for various kinds of stoves, easy to cook and clean, ergonomic riveted handle, heavy-duty gauge carbon steel.”
Carbon Steel Woks Comparison Table 2023
For a quick preview of what products I will be recommending, you can check out the comparison chart below for the best carbon steel woks. This chart should also be helpful in letting you quickly identify which cookware you might want to check out more carefully.
Top 10 Best Carbon Steel Wok Reviews in 2023
It’s time to get into the main part of my reviews for the best carbon steel woks. I will list out all the product specifications, pros, and cons of each recommended product so that you can have an in-depth knowledge of all the available options.
1. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok
(Best Overall)
Don’t be fooled by this wok’s unassuming look; it’s arguably one of the best carbon steel woks there is. And don’t be concerned about whether carbon steel kitchenware is safe to use, this one is a good choice.
Made from commercial-grade carbon steel, this wok boasts outstanding durability. Hand-hammered by professionals in China, the product can guarantee restaurant-grade quality.
Furthermore, this carbon steel wok from Craft Wok also boasts an ergonomic wooden handle that can provide you with a secure and non-slip grip. The helper handle that comes with the wok is designed not to burn even when exposed to high heat.
What’s more, the product’s round bottom makes it the best choice for gas stoves, cooktops, and burners. The healthy materials used for producing the wok will also ensure that no harmful chemicals will leach into your food during cooking.
Key Features:
- Non-slip wooden handle
- Hand hammered in Guangzhou, China
- Round bottom
- Helper handle included
Pros
- The wok is highly sturdy and durable
- The product’s surface is completely non-stick
- It’s easy to season this wok
- The wok boasts outstanding heat distribution
Cons
- You need to make sure that the pan is completely dry after cleaning it, or else it will be prone to rust
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 22.52 x 14.02 x 5.98 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.39 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Round |
| Wok’s Diameter | 14 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | Yes |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | Craft Wok |
For more information regarding this carbon steel wok, you can look at the video below:
2. Kenmore Hammond Carbon Steel Wok
(Best for Budget)
For an economical carbon steel wok, you can go for this product from Kenmore. Made from heavy-gauge 1.8-millimeter carbon steel, the Kenmore carbon steel wok is capable of retaining and distributing heat exceptionally evenly.
Equipped with a double-riveted acacia wood handle, this steel wok will provide you with an ergonomic and heat-resistant grip. As a result, you will find frying large volumes of food on high heat quite easy and effortless.
Furthermore, this cookware from Kenmore is made from non-toxic material. Entirely free of PTFE and PFOA, the wok boasts a non-stick interior, which enables you to cook with little oil and little fat for a healthier meal.
Key Features:
- Ideal for stir fry, deep fry, and steam
- PTFE-free and PFOA-free
- Non-stick interior
Pros
- The wok’s flat bottom makes it compatible with all stovetops, including induction ones
- The wok is resistant to heat as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- This cookware can guarantee quick heating
Cons
- You can’t use metal utensils on the wok or the non-stick coating will chip away easily
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 23 x 17 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.89 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 14 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | Yes |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | Kenmore |
3. KYTD Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok
(Best With Lid)
If you’re searching for a carbon steel wok with a lid, you can consider getting this product from KYTD. Arriving with a glass lid to make it easier for you to monitor the cooking process, the KYTD carbon steel wok will ensure that you can cook without getting burnt from boiling water and oil.
Boasting a detailed design, this high-quality carbon steel wok boasts a heavy and sturdy body, ensuring that the cookware can last with time and heavy-duty use. Furthermore, it comes with a securely riveted handle, which is designed to provide a comfortable and non-slip grip.
That’s not all; this cookware is guaranteed to be free of toxic substances. Additionally, it will not oxidize with time and use. You will notice that this iron pan will barely experience any dissolution during the process of cooking.
Key Features:
- Glass lid
- Suitable for heavy-duty use
- Riveted handle
- Will not oxidize
Pros
- The wok’s interior has a unique fish scale shape, which can prevent food from sticking to the pan
- The flat bottom of the wok is designed to distribute heat more evenly and, thus, save more energy
- The handle boasts a unique design that can stay cool even after being exposed directly to heat
- The pan’s non-stick surface makes it quite easy to clean
Cons
- The bottom of the wok might bend slightly downward when exposed to extreme heat
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 14.8 x 13.4 x 5.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.39 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 12.5 inches (Also available in 14 inches) |
| Needs Seasoning? | No |
| Helper Handle Available? | No |
| Brand | KYTD |
4. Joyce Chen Classic Series Carbon Steel Wok
(Best for Electric Stoves)
Another fantastic carbon steel wok that comes with a lid, this cookware from Joyce Chen boasts a sturdy flat bottom, which makes it compatible with virtually all-electric stoves. Thanks to its 1.5-millimeter gauge carbon steel, this pan boasts surprisingly fast and even heating.
Equipped with a birch-wood stay-cool handle, this carbon steel wok will ensure that you can effortlessly maneuver the pan while you’re cooking and serving food. In case you find the pan too heavy, the wooden helper handle will make it easier for you to get a firm and secure grip on the pan.
Furthermore, this cookware also comes with a non-stick steel dome lid, which will trap the heat, moisture, and nutrients inside the pans. Like the handles, the wooden knobs can stay relatively cool after exposure to heat so that you safely remove the lid to monitor the cooking process.
Key Features:
- Steel dome lid included
- Fast and even heat distribution
- Helper handle included
- Ideal for both gas and electric stoves
Pros
- The wok’s wide top and narrow bottom design can enable you to fry food with as little oil as possible
- The wok also comes with a wooden spatula pan
- This product offers great value for money
Cons
- The pan’s handle can be somewhat loose
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 23.5 x 14 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.59 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 14 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | Yes |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | Joyce Chen |
5. Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok
(Best for Induction)
If you need a carbon steel wok compatible with both induction and gas stoves, I’ve got just the right product for you. With its flat bottom, the Soup Up carbon steel wok can work on induction stoves, electric stoves, gas ranges, and many other heat sources.
Implemented with a printed hammered texture, this carbon steel wok is not only gorgeous but also highly practical. As long as you season this pan right, it will boast amazing non-stick ability, thus making it much easier to cook and clean with this fantastic wok.
Furthermore, the Souped Up carbon steel wok also comes with a wooden lid as well as a stainless steel spatula. The high-quality carbon steel material of this cookware can also ensure a quick and even heat distribution.
Key Features:
- Compatible with virtually all heat sources
- Comes with a wooden lid and a stainless steel spatula
- Printed hammered texture
Pros
- The wok boasts outstanding durability and sturdiness
- The wok is lightweight enough that you can easily maneuver it
- This pan comes at a reasonable price
Cons
- The wooden lid might develop an odor if not cleaned and dried properly
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 15.780 x 13.66 x 4.96 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.41 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 12.5 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | Yes |
| Helper Handle Available? | No |
| Brand | Souped Up |
6. Helen’s Asian Kitchen Carbon Steel Wok
(Best With Two Handles)
Do you usually cook a large volume of food at a time? Do you need a wok with two strong handles so that you can easily maneuver the wok as you cook and serve food? If that is the case, I think you should consider getting the Helen’s Asian Kitchen carbon steel wok.
Made from 1.8-millimeter carbon steel, this wok from Helen Asian Kitchen is ideal for various cooking methods such as stir-frying, steaming, braising, sautéing, frying, and deep-frying. Preparing your favorite Asian recipes will be a breeze with this fantastic pan.
Equipped with two securely riveted, heat-resistant bamboo handles, this carbon steel wok will ensure that you can effortlessly carry it, even when it’s full of food. Furthermore, its flat bottom design allows the wok to sit securely on virtually all surfaces.
Key Features:
- Riveted bamboo handles
- Even heat distribution
- Flat bottom design
- Compatible with any stovetops
Pros
- The pan’s interior can collect a natural patina during the course of time for non-stick cooking
- The wok can be seasoned with ease
- Thanks to its non-stick surface, the pan can be cleaned easily
Cons
- The wok’s bottom cannot withstand extreme heat
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 16.75 x 13.88 x 5.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.94 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 14 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | Yes |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | Helen’s Asian Kitchen |
You can check out how non-stick the wok’s surface will be once it’s properly seasoned in this following video:
7. Yosukata Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Wok
(Best Pre-Seasoned)
If you prefer a wok with a metal side handle, I’ve got your back. This amazing carbon steel wok from Yosukata is the perfect start to master recreating the rich and authentic flavors of Asian cuisines right within the comforts of your own home.
I’m sure that you will appreciate the fact that the Yosukata carbon steel wok has been pre-seasoned at high temperatures with professional and special techniques. Therefore, you will not need to go through the hassle of seasoning your wok before cooking for a non-stick surface again.
What’s more, this wok is made from heavy-duty carbon steel, thus promising better quality and durability. The welded handle base can also make sure that the handle will not fall apart from the pan, even when it’s carrying heavy loads of food.
Key Features:
- Thorough heat distribution
- Pre-seasoned
- Made from heavy-duty material
Pros
- The pan can heat up at a fast speed
- The wok is relatively lightweight, making it easier for you to handle it
- The product can deliver outstanding heat distribution
Cons
- Using metal cooking utensils on the wok will risk scratching it
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 22 x 14.5 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.99 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Round |
| Wok’s Diameter | 14 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | No |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | Yousukata |
8. BK Black Carbon Steel Wok
(Best for Beginners)
Are you new to cooking? Do you need a user-friendly carbon steel wok to make it easier for you to prepare dishes in the kitchen? If that is the case, you might want to check out the B.K. black carbon steel wok, which is quite lightweight and easy to handle.
Made from pre-seasoned carbon steel, this wok will eliminate the need for the hassle of manually seasoning the pan yourself. Therefore, there will be no need to fear that you will accidentally ruin the wok by incorrect seasoning the pan.
Furthermore, the B.K. carbon steel is incredibly responsive to heat. Additionally, it’s capable of withstanding heats of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, you can put this pan into the oven for a quick and effortless meal.
Key Features:
- Pre-seasoned
- Lightweight
- Responsive to heat
- Oven-safe
Pros
- The pan is made to be stronger than conventional carbon steel
- This wok is resistant to stain and corrosion
- This product will let you cook and clean with ease
Cons
- The pan’s handle can be a bit weak
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 23 x 12 x 3 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.29 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 12 inches |
| Needs Seasoning? | No |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | BK Black |
9. Chef’s Medal Carbon Steel Wok
(Best for Deep Frying)
If you’re a fan of deep-fried food, you should check out the Chef’s medal carbon steel wok, which is an exceptional choice for deep-frying. With its round bottom, which boasts perfect curvature, the wok will be of great help in creating professional-like dishes.
Made from 1.8-millimeter carbon steel, this wok from Chef’s Medal is hand-hammered by experts in Guangdong, China. Therefore, this product is of exceptional quality, promising to deliver the most unforgettable cooking experience in the kitchen.
Furthermore, this wok is also equipped with an ergonomic bamboo handle so that you can get a good grip on the wok while preparing food. Additionally, this wok does not have any chemical coating, meaning it’s perfectly healthy and safe to use.
Key Features:
- Perfect curvature
- Hand-hammered
- Ergonomic bamboo handle
- No chemical coating
Pros
- The wok has impressive sturdiness, thickness, and durability
- The product’s heat distribution is exceptional
- Despite its high quality, the pan is affordable
Cons
- The pan needs to be properly cleaned to prevent rusting
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 22.5 x 14 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.59 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Round |
| Wok’s Diameter | 14 inches |
| Needs seasoning? | Yes |
| Helper Handle Available? | Yes |
| Brand | Chef’s Medal |
10. Ecolution Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok
(Best Non-Stick)
Tired of sticky wok that makes it almost impossible to clean and cook, no matter how many times you’ve tried to season it? Why not have a look at this fantastic non-stick pan from Ecolution? Thanks to its non-stick PFOA-free coating, cooking and cleaning will be quite a breeze.
Thanks to its flat bottom, the Ecolution carbon steel wok can sit securely on various kinds of stovetops, thus giving you more options when it comes to cooking. Furthermore, this product is ideal for several cooking methods, including deep-frying, steaming, as well as stir-frying.
Key Features:
- PFOA-free
- Non-stick coating
- Even heat distribution
- Ideal for various kinds of stoves
Pros
- The wok lets you cook and clean with ease
- The riveted handle of the product will give you an excellent grip on it
- The heavy-duty gauge carbon steel promises fantastic durability and sturdiness
Cons
- Using metal utensils on this wok might cause its non-stick coating to chip
Product Specifications:
| Product Dimensions | 15 x 8.5 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Bottom Type | Flat |
| Wok’s Diameter | 8 inches |
| Needs seasoning? | No |
| Helper Handle Available? | No |
| Brand | Evolution |
Buying Guide
With so many options available, I suppose you might be a little confused as to what carbon steel wok to get. Therefore, the following buying guide should be able to help you narrow down your choices so that you can get the best product.
Type Of Wok
As I’ve already explained at the beginning of my article, you need to consider whether you want a flat bottom or a round bottom wok. If you want to cook on an electric range, you should choose a flat bottom.
Handle
A handle is essential in a carbon steel wok as it can decide how easily you can maneuver the cookware when you’re preparing food. Therefore, make sure to choose a product with an ergonomic handle which can stay cool after direct exposure to high heat.
Furthermore, if you think that you might not be able to carry a heavy load of food, you should go for a wok with a helper handle.
Size
Another thing you need to take into consideration is the wok’s diameter, which determines how much food you can prepare in one go and how easy it will be to store the wok away.
If you typically need to prepare a large serving of food, you should go for the largest size available, which is one with a 14-inch diameter. However, if you only need to prepare food for one or two people, a wok with an 8-inch diameter might suffice.
Lid
There are quite a lot of dishes that require simmering for a few minutes, which means that you’ll need to cover the wok when you prepare the food. If you think that you’ll be preparing dishes that need to be simmered, you should go for a word with a lid.
Ease Of Maintenance
One of the most crucial things you need to do with a carbon steel wok is to season it properly. When you season your wok, you will remove the layer of preservative oil used to prevent rust in the cookware and replace it with a thin coating of cooking oil.
However, some woks are already pre-seasoned, which will eliminate the need to do so in the first place. If you think that you might encounter difficulties in seasoning woks, you might want to go for pre-seasoned cookware.
Furthermore, some woks are more vulnerable to oxidation than others. Therefore, if you don’t have enough time to properly clean and care for your wok, you should choose a wok made from premium-quality carbon steel to reduce the risk of it rusting.
FAQs
The key to buying the perfect carbon steel woks is to understand them as thoroughly as possible. Therefore, I’ve included this section to shed some light on these products.
My Top Pick
When it comes to carbon steel woks, my top pick is always the Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Wok, which has arguably the best heat distribution, a fast heat-up time, and excellent maneuverability.
Of course, to truly determine whether the carbon steel wok will work, you’ll need to test it out yourself. Therefore, don’t be hesitant to grab the wok you like best out of my list of recommendations and give it a try.
