Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 Electric Wok: Full Review

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for stir frying, steaming, simmering, deep frying, braising and more. With its 1400 watt heating system and thermostat control to adjust temperature from 176°F to 446°F, this electric wok aims to provide professional results in a convenient countertop appliance.

The EGL-6101 features a non-stick coated aluminum cooking bowl with a depth of 5 inches and diameter of 13.4 inches. The ample cooking surface can accommodate family-sized portions with its 4.4 quart capacity. The electric wok comes with a tempered glass lid and stainless steel base along with helpful accessories like a spatula, cooking chopsticks and steam rack.

With cool touch handles and protective feet, the Elite Gourmet electric wok focuses on user-friendly design for safety and convenience. Before diving into a full review, this versatile cooker seems well-equipped for stir frying, deep frying, steaming and more culinary tasks.

Design & Build Quality

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok features a sleek and modern design with a durable stainless steel body and lid. The wok pan itself is made from heavy-duty die cast aluminum, allowing for even heat distribution and preventing hot spots while cooking.

The stainless steel used for the body and lid seems to be decent quality - it's fingerprint resistant and easy to clean. The brushed finish gives it an elegant look that would fit well in most kitchens.

Some users have commented that the wok feels sturdily built with no flimsy parts. The handles are made from Bakelite and stay cool to the touch while cooking. There is also a helper handle on the opposite side for support.

Overall, the materials and construction quality appear good for the price point. The wok seems durable enough for regular use and customers have been pleased with the quality.

Cooking Surface & Temperature Control

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok features a durable non-stick cooking surface that allows for easy food release and cleanup. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free to avoid potential health concerns.

This wok can reach temperatures between 176°F to 392°F, providing a wide range for various cooking methods like simmering, pan-frying, or stir-frying. There is an adjustable thermostat knob on the base that allows you to precisely control the heat level. The temperature is clearly displayed on an LED indicator for convenience.

The combination of broad temperature range and precise adjustability gives you complete control when cooking. You can fine-tune the heat to suit the dish and ingredients, whether that's gently poaching fish fillets or stir-frying veggies and meats at high heat. The non-stick surface also prevents food from sticking and burning at higher temperatures.

Size & Capacity

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok has generous dimensions, with a cooking surface measuring 14 inches in diameter. This provides ample room to stir-fry or sauté ingredients for 4-6 servings at once.

Despite the large 14-inch cooking surface, the unit itself has a compact footprint of just 15.5 x 13 x 7.5 inches. So it doesn't take up a huge amount of counter or storage space.

The 4-quart capacity bowl allows you to cook a good amount of food in one batch. You can comfortably prepare main dishes like fried rice or lo mein for a family. And the high sloped sides prevent splattering and contain ingredients well while tossing and stirring.

Overall, the size and capacity of this electric wok make it a great choice for whipping up quick weeknight meals for a family. You can cook a complete one-dish meal directly in the wok, without having to cook in multiple pots or pans.

Ease of Use

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok is designed for easy, convenient cooking and cleanup. It features an angled control panel with a power and temperature dial that allows you to precisely control the cooking temperature up to 450°F.

The glass lid fits tightly to lock in heat, moisture and flavors. It has a cool-touch knob and vent holes to allow you to monitor cooking without removing the lid. The stainless steel handle on the wok stays cool while cooking for safe maneuvering.

The non-stick surface and rounded shape of the pan allows food to be stirred and tossed effortlessly using a spatula or wok tools. The wok can be removed from the base for serving directly at the table. Overall, the design and components allow you to cook wok dishes with less oil and mess than stovetop wok cooking.

Safety Features

The Elite Gourmet electric wok has several useful safety features.

First, it has an auto shut-off function that turns the wok off automatically after 120 minutes of continuous operation. This prevents overheating or fire hazards if you accidentally leave the wok on.

Additionally, the wok has a cool-touch handle that remains cool to the touch even during extended cooking times. The handle uses a special anti-heat design to prevent burns. You can safely grip and maneuver the wok even when cooking at high temperatures for long periods.

The cord is 35 inches long which gives you flexibility in placement on your countertop without needing an extension cord.

Overall, the thoughtful safety features like auto shut-off and cool-touch handle make using this electric wok reliably safe. You don't have to worry about potential accidents that could happen if you forget to turn it off.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok is very easy to clean and maintain. The cooking pan and lid are fully immersible and dishwasher safe for quick cleaning.

To disassemble, the handles can be unscrewed from the pan. The temperature probe can also be removed. This allows all parts of the wok to be completely submerged in water for thorough cleaning.

The non-stick coating prevents food from sticking on during cooking for less mess to clean. A damp cloth can wipe away any oil or residue after cooking.

Overall, keeping the Elite Gourmet electric wok clean is quick and hassle-free thanks to the dishwasher safe parts. Just be sure to dry all parts fully before reassembling and storing to prevent any moisture damage over time.

Warranty

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok comes with a 1 year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use for 1 year from the date of original purchase.

The warranty covers the heating element and most internal electric parts. It does not cover the exterior finish, dials or knobs, misuse or abuse. The glass lid is also not covered under the warranty.

To receive service under the warranty, customers need to contact Elite Gourmet customer support with proof of purchase and details of the issue. Elite Gourmet will assess the issue and determine if it qualifies for warranty service. If approved, they will provide options to repair or replace the defective parts.

The 1 year warranty provides reassurance on the build quality. However some customers report issues emerging after the 1 year mark, so an extended warranty may be advisable for heavy usage. Overall the warranty is fairly standard for an electric wok in this price range.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large 14" x 12" cooking surface can handle family-sized portions
• Adjustable thermostat from 175°F to 425°F provides versatile cooking
• Non-stick surface allows for easy food release and quick cleanup
• Tempered glass lid traps in heat and moisture
• Cool-touch handle stays cool during cooking for safety
• Lightweight and compact for easy storing

Cons

• Short power cord may require extension cord
• No interior light or see-through lid to monitor cooking
• Large surface may be excessive for small households
• Manual temperature control less precise than digital
• Only available in black color

Conclusion

The Elite Gourmet EGL-6101 electric wok is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile cooking appliance. With its 1400 watt heating system, adjustable temperature dial, and non-stick coating, it allows you to stir-fry, sauté, braise, and more. The ample 14-inch cooking surface can accommodate family-sized portions.

The cool-touch base and handles ensure safe operation. While cleaning can be a bit tricky due to the fixed heating element, this wok is fairly easy to maintain. It comes with a 1-year warranty which is quite decent for the price.

Overall, the Elite Gourmet electric wok delivers good performance and value. If you want an inexpensive, quality wok that can handle all your stir-frying needs, this model is a recommended option. Just be prepared to get creative when cleaning around the heating element. But with its versatility and power, you’ll be cooking up delicious meals in no time.