The Best Electric Woks (Review) in 2020

What Is An Electric Wok And Why You Need One

Electric woks work very similarly to the traditional wok, in that they can be used for stir-fries, sautéing and so on. However, they come with added benefit of not requiring a gas stove, while still being able to maintain the high heats required for searing and steaming, without taking away from the nutritional value of your cooking.

They’re highly portable and great for taking with you when tailgating, camping or anywhere that there is a steady supply of electricity. They’re also a great way of providing healthy, nutritious meals, without the high costs that come with running a powerful stove, or two to three burners at the same time.

Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Wok

• Size and shape

Naturally, the first thing you should consider when buying any cookware, is whether the pots and pans are big enough to fit enough ingredients in to make enough servings for your household. Most electric woks will come with a diameter of around 14-inches, allowing for quick but even heat distribution. However, you’ll also need to consider the depth – and therefore the shape – of your new purchase. It will need to be deep enough to ensure that there are no spills, which can damage the electrics, while remaining shallow enough for a good level of temperature distribution.

• Materials

Materials are always important when considering your new dishes, and there are very few materials out there that are better suited to a wok than stainless steel. Try to aim for a 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel, as this will be the most durable and the most effective at working with the temperatures required for searing, steaming, roasting and so on.

• Convenience and cleanliness

One of the biggest reasons for buying your new wok is the convenience. For this reason, the best electric woks often come with a range of added features which add to the overall convenience of cooking good quality foods. Check the description to ensure that your new purchase is dishwasher safe, or at least easy to clean to a nonstick surface. You should also be able to quickly heat up your new dish, and be able to store it away easily, when not in use.

How to Use an Electric Wok

When using an electric wok, it’s important to pay attention to the recipe you’re using – but also to the abilities of your wok. Most options will come with a non-stick interior, but you should be aware that this can become damaged if you use stainless steel utensils, for example. Instead, opt for wooden utensils, preferably with longer handles so the high heat used during cooking doesn’t burn you.

In terms of oils used, avocado, peanut, coconut and sunflower oil are some of the best options, which are readily available in most supermarkets, as they can handle the high heat required in cooking stir-fries and Asian cuisine.

Finally, be mindful that cooking with a wok often means working extremely fast, so prepping your food beforehand is always the best idea. Have everything readily available to throw in, when required, so you can utilize the woks to the best of your abilities.

Best Electric Woks FAQ:

Q: What can I cook in an electric wok?

A: One of the biggest benefits of choosing electric woks, is that they have fantastic temperature control options. For this reason, any food that needs to be sautéed, simmered, deep fried or stir-fried can be cooked in your wok. Just be aware of the temperature required for your recipe, and ensure that the ingredients (particularly liquids) aren’t able to spill over the side and potentially damage the electrics.

Q: Can I use olive oil for cooking in an electric wok?

A: While there is no physical reason why you can’t use olive oil in a wok, should the recipe call for it, olive oil cannot withstand the high heat required for stir-fries. If you do need to use this oil in your recipe, be sure to keep the heat settings low enough that you don’t damage the wok itself.

Q: Is an electric wok better than a stovetop wok?

A: The answer to this is that it depends on your preference. Some cooks prefer to have the added control that comes with using a gas stove, for example, as the heat can be altered much faster than with an electric wok. For this reason, professional cooks and restaurants will often prefer to use traditional woks. Of course, in the average household, it is often very difficult to get the heat required for the best stir-fries, so using an electric wok is ideal for these needs.

Q: Can I put my electric wok in the dishwasher?

A: As with all cookware, this depends on the material and design of the woks you have purchased. While the electric element of the wok can never be placed in a dishwasher – and should not be used near water – you can often find electric woks with detachable bowls. Always follow the manufacturers guidelines as to whether these bowls can be used in a dishwasher. That said, most woks with a stainless steel body should be dishwasher safe.

Our Top Pick

The electric wok from Aroma Housewares gives a fantastic quality of cooking and heating, while look great on any countertop. Coated with a durable non-stick element, to ensure easier cooking and cleaning, this is a great choice for those new to making a good quality stir fry. Cool-touch handles ensure your safety, and make it easier to transfer food, and the consistent heating ensure there are no hotspots created during use.