7 Best Woks to Buy Right Now

Composite of Best Woks — Photo:
Courtesy of Amazon, Walmart

Versatile and sturdy, the best wok can handle everything from making pad thai to steaming vegetables and braising tofu—and so much more. If you don't currently own one—or your current option is a little worse for wear—it's time to get shopping. Woks are available for every budget, from super affordable to splurge-worthy. Many are lightweight, allowing for cooking ease, while others are crafted from materials that almost tip the scales. Whichever type you buy, we promise that your new wok will soon become your go-to pan for weeknight dinners and entertaining big groups.

Uyen Luu, author of several cookbooks, including Recipes From My Vietnamese Kitchen, and the host of a Vietnamese supper club in East London
Nisha Melvani, author of Practically Vegan, a plant-based registered dietitian with a master's in nutrition, and a culinary school graduate

What to Consider When Buying a Wok

To select the best wok, you'll want to consider shape, material, size, and price. "Its unique concave shape and heat-conducting materials work harmoniously to enhance the flavors and textures of your dishes," explains Nisha Melvani, author of several cookbooks, including Practically Vegan, and a plant-based registered dietitian.

Shape: Flat-bottomed woks will work on various stovetops and provide greater stability. In contrast, the more traditional round-bottomed works tend to only work on gas stoves but allow for a higher heat threshold.
Material: Many woks are made out of carbon steel, which, while lightweight, does require seasoning.
Size: You'll want to consider both the dimensions of your stovetop and how many people you'll be feeding. For big family get-togethers or meal prepping, 14 inches or more is ideal, but if you're typically cooking for a couple of people, you'll be fine with a smaller wok.
Price: Expect to pay, on average, between $30 to $150.

Below, discover several woks that fit the bill—and deserve a place in your kitchen.

01 of 07

Joyce Chen Classic Series 14-Inch Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok

Joyce Chen Round Wok — Courtesy of Walmart

One of the benefits of a carbon steel wok like this one is that they are lightweight. "I want it to be light because it is easier to lift and toss if I want to," says Uyen Luu, a cookbook author and the host of a Vietnamese supper club in East London. However, carbon steel woks do require some seasoning.

We love that Joyce Chen's classic iteration is large enough to steam or fry vegetables for large gatherings all at once.

$32 at Walmart

To season any carbon-steel wok, Luu recommends wiping a light layer of vegetable oil on it after every wash; this will also prevent rusting.

02 of 07

Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok

Kenmore Hammond Wok — Courtesy of Amazon

The Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok is Melvani's pick for a mid-level wok that won't break the bank. Remember that, like many woks, it is hand-wash only—but it's also designed to work on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stoves, which is a total plus.

$30 at Amazon

03 of 07

The Wok Shop Carbon Steel Wok With Metal Side Handle

Based in San Francisco, The Wok Shop has a carbon steel wok to fit your needs, no matter the type of stove you have or the size you're looking for. Their lightweight woks are available in flat or round bottoms, sized from 12 to 16 inches, and are moderately priced. Each option is easy to maneuver on a stovetop, heats up quickly, and retains heat well. They do need to be seasoned.

$35 at Wokshop.com

04 of 07

HexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Nonstick Wok

HexClad Stainless Steel Wok — Courtesy of Amazon

HexClad is known for high-quality cookware that is easy to clean—and that includes their woks. "Their tri-ply design and aluminum core ensures heat distribution that chefs absolutely love," says Melvani. HexClad's woks come in sizes from 10 to 14 inches, are nonstick, dishwasher- and oven-safe, and work on gas, ceramic, induction, and electric stovetops.

$140 at Amazon

05 of 07

YOSUKATA Blue Round Bottom Wok Pan

If you prefer a round bottom wok, which many do for their high heat threshold, the pre-seasoned YOSUKATA Blue Round Work is a beautifully designed option you'll want to leave out on your stove. Round woks, like this one, only work on gas stovetops (YOSUKATA offers flat-bottomed options as well for electric and gas stovetops). Also note that at nearly 5 pounds, it is quite heavy—but its quality craftsmanship and durability make it worth the heft.

$90 at Amazon

06 of 07

Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok

Helen's Asian Kitchen Flat-bottom-Wok — Courtesy of Amazon

Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen is a brand beloved for consistently delivering quality carbon steel woks that won't break the bank. We especially like that the 13.5-inch wok comes with a lid—not all woks do. It does need to be seasoned, but it seems to season quicker than some of the other options on the market. A flat bottom that works on all types of stoves and high sides for flipping food without a splattered mess is another reason this is an excellent option.

$37 at Amazon

07 of 07

Smithey Carbon Steel Wok

This is an extravagance, for sure, but the design, high quality, and the brand's commitment to artisans make Smithey's Carbon Steel wok worthy of consideration. The flat bottom works on gas, induction, and electric stovetops. At 3 pounds, it's easy to maneuver, comes pre-seasoned, and its hammered design is simply beautiful. Plus, you can't beat the lifetime warranty.

$325 at Smithey.com

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