Electric Woks

An electric wok is a versatile bowl-shaped cooking vessel that is heated by electricity rather than over a stove burner. Electric woks have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and ability to bring authentic stir-frying and Asian cooking into the home kitchen.

Unlike traditional woks that must be used over a high-BTU gas burner, electric woks contain a heating element in the base that allows them to reach high temperatures quickly. Many models also have temperature controls and non-stick coatings for ease of use.

In this article, we'll cover the benefits of cooking with an electric wok, key features to look for when shopping, top brands and models, how to choose the right size, tips for use and care, safety considerations, and how electric woks compare to their stove top counterparts. Whether you enjoy cooking Asian cuisine or are simply looking for a fast, healthy cooking option for your home, an electric wok is a versatile appliance worth considering.

Benefits of Electric Woks

Electric woks provide several advantages over traditional stove top woks. One key benefit is even heating across the entire cooking surface. Electric woks contain heating elements that wrap around the sides, allowing the wok to maintain an even temperature throughout. This prevents hot or cold spots and ensures food cooks evenly.

Another major benefit is precise temperature control. Electric woks allow you to adjust the temperature to the optimal level for different cooking methods. Turn it up high for stir frying or down lower for simmering soups and stews. This level of control is difficult on a stove top wok.

In addition to stir frying, electric woks offer great versatility for other cooking techniques like steaming, braising, searing and deep frying. Their design makes them more versatile than a traditional round-bottom wok.

Finally, electric woks provide a convenient cooking option. They can be used indoors or outdoors with an extension cord. Their self-contained heating system allows them to be used anywhere with an electrical outlet, without needing a stove or cooktop. This makes them a convenient appliance for dorms, small kitchens, or outdoor entertaining.

Key Features to Look for in an Electric Wok

When shopping for an electric wok, there are several key features to consider that will impact your cooking experience and results.

Heating Element Wattage

One of the most important factors is the wattage of the heating element. Electric woks typically range from 1200 to 1500 watts. The higher the watts, the faster the wok will heat up and recover heat when food is added. Look for a minimum of 1400 watts for efficient frying, stir-frying, and searing.

Temperature Settings and Range

Quality electric woks allow you to precisely control the temperature. Look for an adjustable thermostat with a wide temperature range, from warm up to 425°F or higher. This allows you to cook a variety of ingredients properly at different heats.

Nonstick Coating

A good nonstick coating ensures food slides off easily for stir-frying and prevents sticking and burning. The best electric woks have a PFOA-free nonstick coating applied evenly across the inner cooking surface. This makes cleanup much easier as well.

Size and Shape

Electric woks come in round and square shapes, ranging from 10 to over 16 inches in diameter. Consider the amount of food you typically cook. Larger families may want 14-inch or bigger, while smaller households can use a 10 or 12-inch wok. Also check that any lid fits snugly onto the wok.

Top Models and Brands

Electric woks come in a variety of models from different brands. Here are some of the top options to consider:

Aroma Housewares Electric Wok

Aroma Housewares makes a versatile 14-inch electric wok with an aluminum body and nonstick coating. It heats up quickly and evenly to provide fast stir frying and steaming. The tempered glass lid locks in heat and moisture. This wok has cool touch handles and can be used on the included stand or detachable for tabletop cooking.

Breville Hot Wok

For high heat wok cooking, the Breville Hot Wok has a 1500W heating system. The nonstick wok pan is made from die cast aluminum and has a 6.5 quart capacity. It comes with a bamboo spatula and steam rack. The adjustable thermostat goes up to 425°F.

Presto Electric Wok

Presto makes a popular electric wok with a heavy cast aluminum pan that heats quickly and evenly. It has a tempered glass cover and heat resistant handles. The wok can be detached from the heat control for serving. There are one-touch temperature settings for stir-frying, deep frying, steaming, and stewing.

Oster Electric Wok

Oster's CKSTWF2000 electric wok has a durable nonstick coated pan and adjustable steam vented glass lid. The pan detaches from the heating base for tabletop serving. It comes with a spatula and features an adjustable temperature control with settings for stir fry, sauté, steam, stew, deep fry, and warm.

How to Choose the Right Size Electric Wok

When selecting an electric wok, it's important to consider the right size for your needs. The main factors to think about are:

• Household Size: Consider how many people you normally cook for. In general, a 14-inch wok is suitable for 1-2 people, while an 18-inch wok accommodates cooking for 3-4 people. Larger families may prefer a 20-inch wok.

• Storage: Make sure you have adequate space to store the wok. Smaller electric woks take up less room.

• Cooking Surface Area: The cooking surface should be large enough to stir-fry ingredients without overcrowding, but not so large that small amounts of food cook unevenly. For reference, a 14-inch wok provides about 154 square inches of cooking surface, an 18-inch wok has 254 square inches, and a 20-inch wok has 314 square inches.

The optimal size allows you to stir-fry comfortably while maximizing the usable cooking surface area. Consider which wok dimensions make the most sense for your typical cooking needs and kitchen storage space.

Using and Cooking with an Electric Wok

An electric wok opens up many possibilities in the kitchen for quick and easy meals. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your electric wok:

Seasoning the Wok

Before first use, season your new electric wok to create a non-stick surface. Coat the entire interior with a thin layer of oil. Heat the wok on high for 5 minutes, then allow to cool and repeat 2-3 times. After initial seasoning, avoid abrasive cleaners which can damage the seasoning.

Heating Tips

An electric wok heats up quickly, so monitor temperature closely. Begin by preheating on high for 2-3 minutes until smoking lightly. Add oil and swirl to coat sides. Reduce heat to medium-high once ingredients are added. Keep ingredients moving for even cooking.

Stir Frying Techniques

Use a wooden spatula or long handled metal spoon to keep ingredients in constant motion. Stir fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook meats first, remove, then vegetables. Return meats at the end to quickly reheat. Add sauces just before serving.

Steaming and Deep Frying

Electric woks can be used for steaming with a steaming tray accessory. Fill the wok with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. Place food in tray, cover, and steam until cooked through. Woks are also great for deep frying foods like wontons or eggrolls. Use oil depth of at least 3 inches and maintain temperature around 350°F.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Properly caring for your electric wok is essential to ensure it cooks well and lasts a long time. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintenance:

Cleaning After Each Use

• Allow the wok to cool completely before cleaning. Never immerse a hot wok in water as this can warp the metal.

• Remove any food debris by wiping the wok with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive scouring pads as they can damage the seasoning.

• Wash the wok with hot water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth or sponge. Make sure to rinse away all soap residue.

• Dry the wok thoroughly with a dish towel. Allowing water spots to air dry can lead to rust.

Proper Storage

• Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the wok before storage. This prevents rusting.

• Hang the wok or place it on a stable flat surface. Avoid putting heavy items on top of it.

• Store in a dry place. Moisture promotes rust.

Re-Seasoning the Wok

• Over time, the seasoning on the wok may wear out. Re-seasoning restores the non-stick patina.

• Scrub the wok with a steel wool pad to remove any flakes in the seasoning layer.

• Wash the wok with hot soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

• Apply a thin coat of cooking oil over the entire surface.

• Place the wok upside down in a cold oven. Set the temperature to 450°F and heat for an hour. Turn off oven and allow wok to cool completely.

• Repeat oiling and heating process 2-3 times to build up seasoning layers. The wok is now ready to use.

Proper cleaning and maintenance keeps an electric wok in great cooking condition for years. Be sure to clean after every use, store correctly, and re-season when needed.

Safety Tips

Using an electric wok can be safe and enjoyable with proper precautions. Here are some tips for staying safe:

Use the Lid Properly

• The lid for your electric wok can get very hot. Use oven mitts or potholders when handling a hot lid.

• Avoid leaving the lid sitting on the counter, as it can damage surfaces.

• Do not cover the wok when oil is hot, as trapped steam can cause splattering.

Avoid Burns

• Keep children away from the wok when cooking to prevent accidental burns.

• Allow the wok to cool fully before cleaning.

• Use long cooking utensils to avoid reaching over hot oil.

• Wear short sleeves or roll up long sleeves while cooking.

Practice Cord Safety

• Make sure the power cord is out of the way of foot traffic to prevent tripping.

• Do not let the cord dangle over the edge of the counter.

• Unplug the wok after each use.

• Check that the cord is free of cracks or frays before use.

• Avoid using an extension cord, which can overheat.

Following basic safety precautions will allow you to use your electric wok worry-free for many delicious meals.

Electric Wok vs Stove Top Wok

When deciding between an electric wok and a traditional stove top wok, there are some key differences to consider:

Temperature Control

Electric woks allow for more precise temperature control. Models come with adjustable heat settings, allowing you to maintain an ideal cooking temperature. Stove top woks rely on controlling the stovetop burner, which can lead to temperature fluctuations.

Heating Efficiency

Electric woks are extremely efficient at heating evenly across the entire pan surface. The heating element wraps around the sides and bottom. Stove top woks can suffer from hot and cold spots, as the heat is coming from below. This makes electric woks ideal for stir-frying and cooking evenly.

Ease of Use

Electric woks provide convenience, as you don't have to stand over a hot stove during cooking. Just place it on a countertop, plug it in, and adjust the temperature setting as needed. They also eliminate the need for a wok stand. However, stove top woks allow tossing and flipping food easier with the open wok handles.

Overall, electric woks are easier to control and provide consistent results. But traditional woks offer more active cooking flexibility. Consider your cooking style and needs when deciding between the two options. Electric woks excel at evenly cooked dishes, while stove top woks provide more hands-on wok hei flavor.

Conclusion

An electric wok is an excellent kitchen appliance for those looking to cook Asian-inspired stir fries, curries, and other one-pot meals. Compared to traditional stove top woks, electric woks offer more consistent heat, are safer and easier to use, and allow you to prepare restaurant-quality dishes from the convenience of your home kitchen.

The main benefits of electric woks include their built-in temperature controls, non-stick coatings, and variety of sizes to suit different households. Electric woks heat up quickly and can reach very high temperatures needed for proper searing and frying. Their domed shape also facilitates tossing and continuous movement of ingredients for even cooking.

Many modern electric woks have adjustable heat settings, letting you fine-tune the temperature as needed during cooking. This level of control isn't possible on a conventional gas or electric stove top. Electric woks are also safer, avoiding the need for open flames and reducing the risk of burns from touching hot metal surfaces.

For those seeking an all-in-one countertop appliance capable of preparing authentic Asian cuisine, an electric wok is highly recommended. The convenience, versatility, and performance of electric woks make them a smart addition to any home cook's arsenal. Investing in a good quality electric wok from a reputable brand will provide many years of delicious meals your family and friends will love.