Best wok to buy & a guide on how to choose one [Oct 2024 update]

Rex

30 October 2024 at 10:03 am·4-min read

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

Woks - Yosukata Black Carbon Steel — Credit – Amazon

Material: Carbon steel
Size: 30cm
Weight: 1.3kg
Accessories: Lid

Buy now from S$86 at Amazon

2. NutriChef 12″ Stainless Steel Wok

Woks - Cookcell Blackcube Hybrid — Credit – Amazon

Material: Stainless steel with DAKIN non-stick coating
Size: 32cm
Weight: 3.13kg with lid
Capacity: 3.5L
Accessories: Glass lid

Buy now from S$49 at Amazon

3. Joyce Chen J21-9972 Classic Series

Woks - Joyce Chen J21 9972 — Credit – Amazon

Material: Carbon steel
Size: 35cm
Weight: 1.47kg
Accessories: Lid, 12-inch bamboo spatula, recipe booklet

Buy now from S$73 at Amazon

4. DOTCLAD Hybrid 12 inch Wok pan with Lid

Woks - DOTCLAD Hybrid non stick wok — Credit – Amazon

Material: Stainless steel
Size: 30.5cm
Weight: 2.72kg
Capacity: 2.8L
Accessories: Glass lid

Buy now from S$57 at Amazon

5. Jim Beam JB0200

Material: Cast iron
Size: 30cm
Weight: 2.58kg
Capacity: 4.8L

Buy now from S$57 at Amazon

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6. Tefal C52897 Wok

Material: Aluminium with PFOA-free ceramic coating
Size: 40cm
Accessories: Stainless steel lid

Buy now from S$70 at Amazon

7. KitchenAid Induction Non-stick Wok

Woks - KitchenAid Induction Non stick Wok — Credit – Amazon

Material: Aluminium 3003 with 3-layer non-stick coating
Size: 28cm
Weight: 2.4kg
Capacity: 4.6L
Accessories: Lid

Buy now from S$274 at Amazon

8. La Gourmet Shogun Misato 28cm Marble Wok

Woks - La Gourmet Shogun Misato 28cm Non stick Stir fry Wok — Credit – Amazon

Material: Aluminium with 6-layer non-stick Tritanium Dura coating
Size: 28cm
Weight: 2.5kg
Accessories: Lid