Aroma Housewares AEW-306 Electric Wok: Full Review

Electric woks provide a convenient way to stir-fry, simmer, deep fry, and more all in one versatile pan. They offer adjustable temperature controls and nonstick coatings to allow easy cooking of anything from vegetables to meats. The Aroma Housewares AEW-306 is a 5 quart electric wok that aims to deliver excellent cooking performance in a stylish and user-friendly design.

This Aroma Housewares wok features a sleek stainless steel exterior and a durable nonstick cooking surface. It has a wide cooking space to accommodate family-sized portions. The adjustable temperature goes up to 425°F, allowing both quick stir-frying and slower simmering. This review will take an in-depth look at the key features and performance of the AEW-306 to help you determine if it could be a useful addition to your kitchen.

Design & Appearance

The Aroma Housewares AEW-306 electric wok has a sleek and modern design. It is constructed from brushed stainless steel which gives it a nice finish and makes it easy to clean.

The wok itself has a diameter of 12 inches and depth of 3 inches which provides a 5 quart capacity. It has an oval shape that maximizes cooking surface for stir frying or steaming.

The wok sits on a tapered base that houses the heating element. The base is made from durable die-cast metal to evenly distribute heat. Rubber feet on the bottom help keep the wok stable during cooking.

At just under 7 pounds, this wok has a solid feel and good heft to it without being overly heavy. The stainless steel handles stay cool while cooking. Overall, the wok is an ideal size and weight for most home kitchens.

Another great option for an electric wok is the Crux 14620. This model features a non-stick cooking surface, making it effortless to clean and ideal for low-fat cooking. Its 6-quart capacity offers ample space for preparing family-sized meals. The Crux 14620 also incorporates adjustable temperature settings, allowing for precise control over your cooking. Durable and efficient, it makes an excellent addition to any kitchen. If you want a reliable, high-performing wok, the Crux 14620 is worth considering.

Temperature Control & Settings

The Aroma Housewares electric wok has adjustable temperature controls that allow you to cook at a wide range of heats. The temperature can be set anywhere from warm, for simmering sauces or soups, all the way up to 425°F for stir frying and searing.

There is a large rotary dial on the front of the wok that makes it easy to adjust the temperature. The dial has markings for common settings like "Simmer" and "Stir Fry", as well as numerical temperature settings. Once you set the desired temperature, the wok heats up rapidly and maintains a consistent heat.

An indicator light lets you know when the wok has reached the set temperature. This takes the guesswork out of determining when the wok is hot enough to begin cooking. The wide range of temperatures gives you flexibility to cook a variety of ingredients, from delicate proteins to crisp vegetables. You can do anything from steaming rice to creating a complex sauce in the Aroma electric wok.

Another great product to consider is the Elite Gourmet EG2212. This electric wok features a stylish and practical design with adjustable temperature settings ranging from 195°F to 450°F, making it perfect for a variety of cooking tasks. The tempered glass lid allows you to monitor your food while it cooks, and the non-stick surface ensures easy cleanup. Whether you're stir-frying, steaming, or simmering, the Elite Gourmet EG2212 delivers consistent and reliable results, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Ease of Use

The Aroma Housewares Electric Wok has a very user-friendly control panel, making it easy to set and adjust the temperature as needed. There are adjustable temperature settings ranging from warm to 425°F, allowing you to cook a variety of ingredients perfectly. The knob control is simple to turn to your desired setting.

The non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning up effortless. Food does not stick to the surface, so you can cook healthy meals with little to no oil needed. After cooking, the wok can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. There are no small crevices or uneven surfaces for food to get stuck in. The lid, spatula, and rack are also easily washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

The electric wok has cool touch handles and knobs, so you won't burn your fingers while cooking. The cord wraps neatly under the base for tidy storage. Overall, the wok's thoughtful design and user-friendly interface make cooking fast, easy and safe.

Cooking Performance

The Aroma Electric Wok performs very well for stir frying, deep frying, boiling, and steaming. The aluminum body heats up quickly and evenly. Food cooks fast, within 3-5 minutes you can have a stir fry ready. The round bottom and curved sides are designed for tossing and stirring food easily. The wok reaches high temperatures fast so you can get that nice sear on meats and veggies when stir frying. Oil gets hot enough for deep frying favorites like egg rolls or wontons.

The 5 quart capacity gives you enough room to cook a meal for 2-4 people. You can also use it for one pot meals or steaming veggies, noodles, dumplings etc. The domed lid helps trap heat and moisture when steaming. One downside is the shape and curved sides are not ideal for searing a large piece of meat. But for stir frying and deep frying, the Aroma Electric Wok delivers excellent performance. With its fast heating time and even distribution of heat, you'll be able to cook all your Asian favorites with ease.

Safety Features

The Aroma Housewares electric wok has several useful safety features.

• Auto Shutoff - The wok has an automatic shutoff function that turns the wok off after 2 hours of continuous heating. This prevents overheating and potential fire hazards if the wok is accidentally left on.

• Cool Touch Handles - The handles on either side of the wok remain cool to the touch even during cooking. This allows moving and handling the hot wok safely without risk of burns. The handle insulation is very effective.

• Stable Flat Bottom - Unlike traditional round-bottom woks, this electric wok has a flat bottom. This creates a broad, stable surface that sits securely on the countertop or cooktop without risk of tipping.

• Vented Glass Lid - The tempered glass lid has vent holes to allow steam to escape rather than accumulating condensation. The lid handle also remains cool during cooking.

• Non-Slip Feet - Rubber feet on the base prevent the wok from sliding around during stirring and tossing. This improves stability and safety when cooking at high temperatures with lots of motion.

Overall, the thoughtful safety features allow you to use the electric wok with confidence and peace of mind. The automatic shutoff, in particular, helps prevent common kitchen accidents.

Accessories Included

The Aroma Housewares Digital Electric Wok comes with some handy accessories to enhance your cooking experience.

The steaming tray is perfect for steaming vegetables, seafood, chicken or anything else you want infused with flavorful steam. Just place your ingredients in the tray and set it inside the wok with some broth or water in the bottom. The steam circulates around the food, cooking it gently while sealing in moisture and nutrients.

For making tempura or frying foods, a tempura rack is included. The rack allows you to easily lower and lift foods in and out of oil while keeping them separated and perfectly crisp.

Chopsticks are also provided, ideal for tossing and stirring fried rice, noodles, veggies and more. The long chopsticks protect your hands from splatter while giving you dexterity to mix ingredients.

With the steaming tray, tempura rack and chopsticks, you'll have the essentials for unlocking the versatility of the Aroma electric wok. From steaming to frying, these handy accessories enhance your cooking options.

Pros

• Large 5 quart capacity is ideal for cooking meals for the whole family. The spacious interior can fit a lot of ingredients, making it easy to cook stir fries, soups, and other one-pot meals.

• Simple temperature controls with adjustable thermostat from Warm to 450°F gives you a lot of flexibility. You can simmer sauces, sauté vegetables, sear meats, or deep fry foods. Settings are clearly marked for convenience.

• Secure lid locks in place to trap heat and moisture. This speeds up cooking times and leads to juicier results. The tight seal also prevents spills or splatters while cooking at higher temperatures. Less mess to clean up after meals is always a plus.

The electric wok heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly across the entire surface. This allows you to efficiently cook larger batches of food at once. The nonstick coating also makes it easy to cook with less oil and create healthier versions of stir fry favorites. With its spacious interior and adjustable temperature controls, this electric wok lets you whip up quick weekday dinners or prepare dishes for a weekend feast.

Cons

There are a few downsides to consider with this electric wok:

• The lid does not seal tightly which can lead to some steam and heat loss while cooking. Some users report needing to place a dish towel over the lid to keep in more heat and moisture.

• The skillet surface can discolor and stain over time with regular use and exposure to oil and sauces. While purely cosmetic, it may be tougher to keep the wok looking as shiny and new long-term.

• The shape of the wok, with its broad flat bottom and more vertical sides, does not allow food to be tossed and flipped as easily as a traditional round-bottom wok. The cooking motion is a bit different.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Aroma Housewares AEW-306 is a well-designed electric wok that provides strong and versatile cooking performance for a reasonable price. With adjustable temperature settings up to 425°F, a wide variety of dishes can be prepared, from stir frying and steaming to deep frying and stewing. The generous 5-quart capacity is suitable for cooking family-sized portions.

The non-stick coated pan allows for oil-free cooking and easy cleanup. Helpful accessories like a tempura rack and steam rack further expand the culinary possibilities. Safety features include cool touch handles and a lid that locks in heat and moisture. While not commercial grade, it handles most typical home cooking tasks admirably.

Overall, the Aroma Housewares AEW-306 is recommended for home cooks seeking an affordable electric wok that can handle a diversity of Asian and Western recipes equally well. The thoughtful design touches and cooking versatility make it a worthwhile addition to the modern home kitchen. For an entry-level electric wok with solid performance, the AEW-306 is a recommended choice.