Best wok to buy & a guide on how to choose one
A wok is one of the most important tools in your kitchen. If you love to cook and enjoy experimenting with different cuisines, a good quality wok is essential.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, investing in a good wok can take your stir-frying game to the next level. In this listicle, we’ll be discussing the best models on the market based on their material, size, shape, handle, weight, and price, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect wok for your kitchen.
Material
The general consensus is that the best material for a wok is carbon steel. Keep in mind, though, that quality may vary widely across brands and the price range. The main advantages of carbon steel are:
good heat conduction
chemical-free composition
longevity
low price
The main disadvantage is poor heat retention; carbon steel loses heat relatively quickly to the surrounding air and surfaces.
Aluminium woks are a popular choice because of their:
low weight
low price
good heat conduction
Aluminium is light and soft, which also makes it prone to damage and warping; they have to be replaced more quickly than woks made of other materials.
Stainless steel woks are generally not the best for stir frying but still hold their own because they are:
acid-resistant
rust-resistant
light
easy to clean
Stainless steel does not conduct heat as well as carbon steel and iron, which can slow your cooking.
Cast iron woks are also regarded highly. The main advantages of cast iron are:
good heat conduction
chemical-free composition
durability
versatility
A cast iron wok is heavier than its counterparts, though, and may not be suitable for all cooks.
Size
There are 2 main factors to consider when you consider the size of a wok:
How much you cook at a time
The weight of the wok
Most home chefs will be comfortable with a wok that is between 20 cm (8 in) and 30 cm (12 in). You may consider a smaller or larger one if it will be better suited to your needs.
Shape
Woks traditionally have a round bottom that makes it easy to toss ingredients together when stir frying. Some newer designs may also incorporate a flat base for use on an induction or electric stove.
Handle
A wok with two handles makes for easy lifting and tossing of ingredients. Wooden or bamboo handles are good options as they do not conduct heat.
Weight
A wok should be lightweight enough to toss and stir-fry ingredients easily.
Price
Woks can cost less than S$50 while some can cost many hundreds of dollars. While it is generally true that the most expensive models are of better quality, consider whether using a cheaper everyday brand and model will really affect the quality of the food you cook.
We took into account value for money and practical use when we compiled our list.
Here are the 10 best woks in Singapore
1. Yosukata Black Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok
Material: Carbon steel
Size: 30cm
Weight: 1.3kg
Accessories: Lid
Buy now from S$336 at Lazada
2. COOKCELL Blackcube Hybrid Wok with Non-Stick Blue Diamond Coating
Material: Stainless steel with PFOA-free coating
Size: 32cm
Weight: 1.39kg (2.14kg with lid)
Accessories: Glass lid
Buy now from S$144 at Lazada Shopee
3. Joyce Chen J21-9972 Classic Series
Material: Carbon steel
Size: 35cm
Weight: 1.47kg
Accessories: Lid, 12-inch bamboo spatula, recipe booklet
Buy now from S$343 at Lazada
4. La Gourmet Shogun Ikawa Marble Wok LGSN368034
Material: Marble
Size: 28cm
Weight: 1kg (1.85kg with lid)
Capacity: 4.2L
Accessories: Glass lid
Buy now from S$60 at Lazada Shopee
5. Jim Beam JB0200
Material: Cast iron
Size: 30cm
Weight: 2.58kg
Capacity: 4.8L
Buy now from S$58 at Lazada
6. Tefal C52896 Wok
Material: Aluminium with PFOA-free ceramic coating
Size: 36cm
Accessories: Stainless steel lid
Buy now from S$67 at Lazada Shopee
7. KitchenAid Induction Non-stick Wok GPKA647737
Material: Aluminum 3003 with 3-layer PFOA-free Teflon
Size: 36cm
Weight: 3.78kg
Capacity: 8.3L
Accessories: Lid
Buy now from S$159 at Lazada Shopee
8. La Gourmet Shogun Misato 32cm Marble Wok LGSM368003
Material: Aluminium with 6-layer non-stick Tritanium Dura coating
Size: 32cm
Weight: 2.3kg
Capacity: 5.8L
Buy now from S$69 at Lazada Shopee
9. Todlabe Nonstick Carbon Steel Wok
Material: Carbon steel
Size: 33cm
Weight: 1.43kg (2.0kg with lid)
Accessories: Vertical lid, stainless steel spatula
Buy now from S$227 at Lazada
10. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Wok
Material: Stainless steel with encapsulated aluminium core
Size: 35.6cm
Accessories: Glass lid
Buy now from S$130 at Lazada
The post Best wok to buy & a guide on how to choose one appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
