Nesco ES-08 Electric Wok: Full Review

The NESCO ES-08 Electric Wok is one of the finest skillets on the market in its affordable price range. NESCO has been making small kitchen appliances like slow cookers, roasters, steamers and electric skillets for decades and has earned a reputation for producing quality, durable products that are designed for excellent cooking performance.

The ES-08 Electric Wok is one of their top-selling pieces. It is a versatile, easy to use skillet that allows you to stir-fry, deep fry, simmer sauces, steam and more. Its 1200 watt heating element and tempered glass lid quickly bring foods to a boil or high heat for proper searing and stir-frying. The generous 8-quart nonstick surface gives you ample room for cooking larger meals. Read on for an in-depth review of the features, performance, pros and cons of the NESCO ES-08 Electric Wok.

Design & Build Quality

The Nesco ES-08 electric wok has an attractive and durable stainless steel exterior housing with black accents and easy to grip side handles. The pan itself is made from heavy-gauge cast aluminum, ensuring even heat distribution and retention.

At 11.5 x 20 x 11.5 inches and weighing just under 10 pounds, the wok has a large surface area yet a relatively compact footprint for easy storage. The single integrated handle stays cool while cooking. The heavy materials make this a sturdy and stable wok that should hold up well over time.

The nonstick interior surface provides easy food release and simplifies cleanup. The exterior and handles have a fingerprint resistant coating. Overall, the materials and construction quality of this electric wok are very good for the price point.

In comparison, the Proctor Silex 38526PS offers great versatility for a variety of cooking tasks. Its 1500 watts of power ensures quick heating, making it ideal for stir-frying, steaming, and even deep-frying. The Proctor Silex model also features a nonstick surface for easy food release and cleanup, similar to the Nesco. While it has a slightly smaller cooking surface, it compensates with an ergonomic design that provides comfortable handling during cooking.

Temperature Control & Cooking

The Nesco ES-08 electric wok features excellent temperature control for versatile cooking. It has a wide temperature range from 200°F to 400°F, adjustable in 50°F increments. This allows you to fine-tune the heat for everything from simmering sauces to searing meats.

The wok is equipped with a powerful 1500W heating element that quickly reaches temperature and recovers heat. This high wattage ensures efficient cooking performance to sear, stir fry, and saute a variety of ingredients. The aluminum body also distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface.

In testing, the ES-08 performed very well cooking foods that require high heat like meats and vegetables. It can easily brown and crisp ingredients for chili, fajitas, or stir fry. The wide temperature range also makes it suitable for cooking rice, steaming vegetables, simmering stews, and preparing dips or fondues. Its versatility supports cooking an array of Asian, Indian or other ethnic recipes that rely on a round wok pan.

Another impressive option is the GreenPan CC005092-001, which features a ceramic non-stick coating that allows for healthier cooking with less oil. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, while the sleek design makes it attractive for any kitchen. With a dishwasher-safe design, clean-up is as easy as cooking itself. The GreenPan is perfect for those who prioritize eco-friendly kitchen tools without sacrificing quality and performance.

Ease of Use

The Nesco ES-08 electric wok features an intuitive control panel with adjustable temperature settings from 200°F to 400°F. There are no preset modes, allowing you full manual control to perfectly cook various ingredients.

The non-stick surface and removable skillet make cleanup a breeze. Simply wipe out any excess oil or food debris after cooking. The skillet detaches from the heating base, so you can wash it by hand or in the dishwasher.

This is a lightweight wok weighing just under 7 pounds. The plastic handles stay cool while cooking for safe maneuvering. A lid is included for storage between uses. The compact size takes up minimal counterspace. You can easily transport the wok to gatherings or potlucks thanks to the detachable power cord.

Safety Features

The Nesco ES-08 electric wok has several important safety features to help prevent accidents while cooking.

One key safety mechanism is the automatic shut-off function. If the wok is left on without being used for an extended period of time, it will automatically power down. This prevents the heating element from remaining on indefinitely if the wok is accidentally left on.

The cool-touch handles are another useful safety feature. The handles stay relatively cool to the touch, even when the wok itself gets piping hot. This allows you to move the wok around without risking a hand burn. The handles have an ergonomic shape and stay cool enough to grip comfortably when wearing oven mitts.

Finally, the tempered glass lid has built-in steam vents. As food cooks, steam is released through the vents in a controlled way. This prevents a dangerous build-up of pressure inside the wok that could lead to an accident. The vents help maintain an optimal cooking environment while also enhancing safety.

Overall, the multiple built-in safety mechanisms give peace of mind when cooking with the powerful 1500W Nesco electric wok. You can have confidence that the wok will automatically shut off if forgotten, the handles stay cool while in use, and steam vents prevent excess pressure build-up. These thoughtful safety features complement the versatile cooking performance.

Accessories

The NESCO ES-08 electric wok comes with a tempered glass lid and a steaming tray that can rest on the rim of the wok. The tempered glass lid allows you to trap heat and moisture while cooking. It has an easy to grip knob on top so you can safely remove the lid to check your food.

The included steaming tray is a handy accessory that lets you steam vegetables, seafood, or dumplings using the moist heat from the wok. Simply place the tray on the top rim and pour water into the wok below. As the water boils, the steam will rise up through the holes in the tray and surround your food.

NESCO also offers some optional accessories for the ES-08 that you can purchase separately:

• Wok spatula with wooden handle - Helps toss and stir food easily in the wok. The angled head is designed to reach into the sloped sides.

• Tempura rack - Lets you fry foods like tempura, fish, or chicken without overcrowding. The rack suspends foods above the oil for even frying.

• Wok brush - For easy cleaning, a wok brush can help scrub off any stuck on foods. The bristles are safe for non-stick surfaces.

So the included steaming tray expands your cooking options, while NESCO provides some useful add-ons you may want like a wok spatula or tempura rack. The accessories help you get the most versatility from the electric wok.

Pros

• Versatile and convenient - The Nesco ES-08 electric wok can be used for stir frying, deep frying, braising, simmering, and steaming. It's convenient for cooking meals for 1-4 people. The tempered glass lid traps heat and moisture.

• Even heating - The full submersible aluminum heating element distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface. Food cooks uniformly without hot or cold spots.

• Simple temperature controls - There are 5 heat settings from warm through 400°F. A heat indicator light shows when the wok is preheated. Temperature is easy to adjust during cooking.

• Large cooking capacity - The 8-inch bowl offers 4 quarts of cooking space, enough for family meals. The bowl is nonstick for easy food release. The exterior stays cool while cooking.

Cons

• Temperature regulation could be more precise - The thermostat only has low, medium, and high settings without specific temperature control. This can make it tricky to maintain an exact temperature.

• Nonstick coating quality not the best - Some users report the nonstick coating on the inner bowl wearing down after a year or so of regular use. This requires more oil or nonstick spray when cooking.

• Small capacity - With an 8-quart capacity, this model can't cook large batches of food. It's best for 1-3 people. Larger families may want a bigger model.

• No tempered glass lid - The lid is stainless steel rather than tempered glass. A glass lid makes it easier to monitor cooking progress without lifting the lid and releasing heat.

Comparable Models

The NESCO ES-08 electric wok competes with other similar electric wok models like the Aroma Housewares AEW-306 and the Breville BEW600XL Hot Wok.

The Aroma Housewares model is more budget-friendly but doesn't heat up as quickly or evenly as the NESCO. The temperature probe and control knob of the ES-08 allow more precise temperature adjustment than the basic on/off switch of the Aroma model.

The Breville is comparable in price and quality to the NESCO but lacks some convenience features like the temp probe and steam vent hole. The non-stick surface may also not be quite as durable over time.

Overall, the ES-08 hits a nice sweet spot between affordability and functionality. It heats swiftly and evenly for consistent stir frying, offers helpful extras like the temp probe and steam vent, and has proven durable non-stick coating. For an electric wok that balances performance and price, the NESCO ES-08 is a leading choice.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The NESCO ES-08 electric wok is a versatile and convenient cooking appliance that performs well for a variety of culinary tasks. Its oval shape and generous 14" cooking surface provide ample room for cooking family-sized portions. The powerful 1500W heating element delivers fast, even heating up to 400°F, allowing you to stir-fry, simmer, deep fry, and more.

The integrated temperate control with 12 heat settings makes it easy to adjust the temperature as needed for different recipes. The nonstick surface ensures effortless food release, and the detachable thermostat probe helps monitor oil temperature for frying. Safety features like the stay-cool handles and tempered glass lid add peace of mind.

While the lack of a steaming tray is a downside, the wok comes with useful accessories like a deep fry basket and chopsticks. Overall, the NESCO ES-08 is an excellent electric wok that will handle the majority of your stir-frying, deep frying, steaming, and braising needs. Its thoughtful design and versatile performance make it a worthwhile investment for any home chef looking to add more variety to their repertoire.