The 5 Best Electric Woks
Though once used only in Chinese cooking, in modern times woks have made their way into kitchens around the world for their renowned ability to retain heat and necessity in making amazing stir-fry anything. However, without a good gas stove and plenty of room to use the pan (which can be large), it can be extremely difficult to make such amazing dishes. If you can’t get the right amount of heat, things won’t cook properly, so your wok might be put out of commision in your kitchen. This can be especially true for kitchens where the stovetop is electric. Luckily, modern technology has combined with this traditional cookware to create a product perfect for on-the-go or tableside deliciousness.
What is an Electric Wok?
Like its traditional counterparts, electric woks hold the same shape: circular and wide. However, unlike regular woks, electric woks don’t require a stovetop to provide their heat source as they have built-in burners that can be activated after being plugged into an outlet. This makes electric woks more convenient for cooking right at the table or when camping (provided there are outlets on the site).
Electric woks are also usually made with non-stick material, which can be extremely helpful if you’re not a fan of constantly scrubbing burned-on food off of your pans. Be aware that these electric options are not able to get as hot as a traditional wok because electric appliance must be capped at a certain heat, so some have claimed that they aren’t the best for making things that need exceptionally high temperatures like stir fry. Still, people who have tried the electric woks on this list have claimed they produce food just as good as any traditional wok, so rest assured that these options will fit right in with any dinner plans you’ve got.
Top 5 Electric Woks
Breville BEW600XL Hot Wok
The Breville BEW600XL Hot Wok is what many have called the best electric wok option because of its amazing ability to cook food the same way a non-electric wok can. Instead of the usual complaint that accompanies these appliances that claim they just can’t compete with the amount of heat that traditional woks use to cook their food, many customers claim that the Breville is capable of getting that perfect temperature for making great stir-fry.
The bowl can detach from the base, but not when it’s holding food (because it has to be turned upside down to remove the bowl). This wok is a sizable 14” in diameter and holds six quarts, so make sure you’ve got room to store it. It’s dishwasher safe, and the only complaint seems to be that the non-stick surface is subject to scratching. If you’re looking for something large, durable, and able to replace a traditional wok, the Breville BEW600XL Hot Wok is definitely worth serious consideration.
Presto 1500 Watt Stainless Steel Electric Wok
The best-selling electric wok on Amazon, the Presto 5900 1500 Watt Stainless Steel Electric Wok earned its way to the top by being such a quality option for electric wok seekers. Its aluminium base combines with its 1500 watt heating element to provide even cooking throughout the bowl. It measures in at 17”x 14” x 10”, so it’s pretty large, but still boasts a portable nature. Seven quarts is about how much you can expect this product to hold comfortably, so its great for big meals.
It also comes with a wooden spatula as a bonus to help get your kitchen ready for the delicious dishes you’ll be cooking in the Presto 5900. Both the lid and the bowl are dishwasher safe to make cleaning a breeze. The control cord is a little short, but other than that, the Presto 5900 is a versatile product with stellar reviews, and might be the perfect wok for you to bring home if you’re looking for an excellent electric wok without non-stick coating.
Aroma 5-Quart Electric Wok
If the models mentioned up to now have seemed a little too large for your needs, then the Aroma AEW-306 5-Quart Electric Wok might be more up your alley. At a five quart volume and 14” x 15.5” x 8”, it’s smaller than the last two woks, but still has the capacity to feed small groups. This product also comes with some cooking chopsticks, a steam rack, and a tempura rack, expanding its usage beyond your average wok. Its cast-metal base and non-stick coating make for a killer combination of fast, even heating and easy cleaning. It’s dishwasher safe, but a few customers have said that the non-stick coating starts chipping very early.
The temperature knob on the side doesn’t increase by specific temperatures, but by regular numbers, but customers have reported this is easy enough to decipher. The glass lid also comes with an adjustable vent that controls how much steam you want to let out depending on the dish. Overall, a great multi-purpose wok with excellent value for families of 2-4 people.
West Bend 6-Quart Capacity Electric Wok
With dimensions of 18.5” x 14” x 6.5” and the ability to hold six quarts, the West Bend 70586 is one of the biggest models on this list, perfect for big groups that are looking to chow down on some delectable stir fry. A great non-stick coating, perfect for cleaning, and a solid metal base make for even cooking. The knob for temperature control is slightly hidden under the bowl, which can make changing the temperature a little difficult, but not impossible.
On top of that, this wok also comes with a support ledge which is perfect for keeping food that is done cooking warm while not having to stop anything else from cooking that needs to. This feature can be essential when cooking complicated dishes, and combining it with the longevity reported for this product makes the West Bend 79586 one of the best electric woks on the market, especially when considering what you get for the price.
Oster 4.5 Quart DuraCeramic Wok
If one of your biggest concerns about having any kind of non-stick cookware is the eventual flaking of its coating, then the Oster 4.5 Quart DuraCeramic Wok might be perfect for you. The ceramic coating is much stronger than the average non-stick surface, and is PTFE-free, as well as PFOA-free. It’s smaller than the other electric wok options on this list, but it can still hold its own and make delicious meals for more than one person at a time.
The one complaint about this particular wok seems to be that the temperature knob is located under the handle, making it extremely difficult to read. Other than that, the extreme ease of cleaning and durability of the non-stick surface ensures that the Oster 4.5 Quart DuraCeramic Wok is a great option for anyone looking for something smaller than the other woks mentioned thus far, and for easy maintenance.
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Amazon had this Oster electric wok at about $38 at 11 AM when my computer lost its connection to the internet (maybe too many people using it). I wanted to purchase it but I thought I would come back to it in the afternoon. I did and it wasn't there any longer; it now had gone up to $79 and $89. You say it is available for $47 on Amazon. Where?