Top Electric Woks Reviewed: Which One Cooks Best?
Electric woks provide a convenient, easy way to stir-fry, simmer, deep fry, and cook a variety of dishes, right on your countertop. Unlike traditional woks used on a stove, electric woks have built-in heating elements that allow you to adjust temperature precisely. They heat up quickly, cook evenly, and many models have helpful features like a removable probe and non-stick surfaces.
Compared to cooking with a traditional wok on a stove top, electric woks offer more consistent, controllable heat. The built-in heating element eliminates hot and cold spots. Electric woks also provide safety features like cool touch handles and lids to prevent burns. Their self-contained design contains splatters and doesn't produce as much ambient heat. For those without access to a powerful stove top burner, electric woks are an excellent alternative for achieving the trademark searing heat of wok cooking.
Top Electric Wok Models
Electric woks provide a convenient way to stir-fry, steam, simmer, and deep fry at home. Here are some of the top-rated electric wok models on the market:
Aroma Housewares AEW-306 5-Quart Electric Wok - With a nonstick coating and tempered glass lid, this is one of the best electric woks for under $50. It heats up quickly and evenly.
Breville BEW600XL Hot Wok - This lightweight aluminum wok has a 4,000-watt heating element for fast cooking. It comes with a bamboo spatula and lid.
Oster CKSTWF2000 Electric Wok - At 14-inches, this is a good mid-sized electric wok. The nonstick surface makes it easy to cook and clean. It has adjustable temperature settings up to 400°F.
Presto 5900 Electric Wok - This stainless steel wok is durable and heats up fast. The heat control removes for washing and neatly wraps up inside for storage.
Aroma Housewares ASP-137 3-Quart Electric Wok - For smaller households, this 3-quart wok is the perfect size. It's affordable, easy to use, and comes with a tempered glass lid.
If you are looking for an electric wok that combines affordability with performance, consider the Aroma Housewares AEW-306. This model stands out for its quick heating capability and even cooking performance, thanks to its advanced heating element and nonstick surface. It's designed for easy operation and cleaning, featuring a nonstick coating that ensures food releases easily and a removable base that allows for thorough cleaning. Ideal for a variety of cooking styles, from stir-frying and braising to steaming and frying, the AEW-306 offers versatility and convenience for any home cook.
Wok Construction
Woks can be made from different materials, with the most common options being aluminum and carbon steel. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Aluminum woks are lightweight, inexpensive, and heat up quickly. However, they don't retain heat as well as other materials. Aluminum can also react with acidic foods, so these woks may require special seasoning.
Carbon steel woks are excellent at retaining and conducting heat at high temperatures. This allows them to sear and stir-fry ingredients properly. Carbon steel is also very durable. The downside is these woks must be seasoned before use and require more maintenance to prevent rusting.
When selecting an electric wok, the material impacts how evenly and efficiently the wok heats up. This affects cooking performance. Consider your needs and cooking style when deciding between aluminum vs. carbon steel. Those wanting fast heating and easy care may prefer aluminum, while carbon steel is ideal for high-heat cooking.
Temperature Regulation
Electric woks are designed to maintain consistent cooking temperatures for optimal results. The heating element and thermostat allow you to precisely control the temperature, unlike stovetop woks which fluctuate in heat.
The thermostat enables adjusting the temperature to suit different cooking needs, from simmering sauces to stir-frying. Some models have multiple heat settings for low, medium, and high temperature cooking. Advanced electric woks may even have a temperature probe to precisely calibrate the internal temperature.
Electric woks heat up and recover temperature quickly if ingredients are added. The heating element runs along the sides and base of the wok providing even heat distribution. This allows ingredients to cook evenly without hot or cold spots.
Many electric woks also have a keep warm function to hold food at an ideal serving temperature. This prevents overcooking once ingredients are done. Temperature regulation gives more control compared to stove top woks for consistent results.
For those seeking a state-of-the-art electric wok with superior temperature control, the Crux 14620 is an excellent choice. This model features advanced temperature regulation technology that allows for precise heat adjustments. Whether you're searing meat at high temperatures or gently simmering vegetables, the Crux 14620 ensures consistent heat for perfect results every time. It also includes a temperature probe for more accurate cooking and a keep warm function to maintain your food at the right temperature without further cooking, making it ideal for both novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Ease of Use
Electric woks are known for being user-friendly, especially for beginner cooks. Their plug-and-play design makes them incredibly easy to use right out of the box. Simply plug it in, select your temperature, and you're ready to start stir-frying and steaming.
Some key benefits of electric woks for easing new users into Asian cooking include:
Intuitive temperature controls - Electric woks allow you to precisely control the cooking temperature. Many have preset options for common cooking tasks like stir-frying, steaming, simmering, etc. This takes the guesswork out of determining the right heat levels.
Even heating - Electric woks have embedded heating elements that evenly distribute heat across the entire pan surface. This prevents hot or cold spots that can lead to unevenly cooked food.
No open flame to manage - Unlike stovetop woks, electric models don't require managing a stove burner. The controlled electric heat source is safer and less intimidating for beginners.
Portability - Their countertop design and cord allow electric woks to be moved around easily. This gives flexibility in placement and storage.
Cool-touch handles - Handles stay cooler compared to stovetop woks, reducing the risk of burns for those new to tossing and stirring foods.
For those seeking an accessible entry point into Asian cooking, electric woks eliminate much of the learning curve. Their simple controls, even heating, and portability make it easy for anyone to start preparing delicious stir-fried dishes.
Size and Capacity
Electric woks come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 10 inches up to 18 inches in diameter. The size you choose depends on how much food you plan to cook at one time.
Smaller 10-14 inch woks are great for 1-2 people. The compact size makes them easy to store and you can quickly cook a stir fry or saute veggies for a couple people. However, the smaller cooking surface limits how much food you can cook at once.
Larger 16-18 inch woks are ideal for cooking for a family or large gatherings. The spacious interior allows you to cook a full meal with protein, veggies, and rice all at once. You'll be able to prepare several servings or a variety of dishes simultaneously. The only downside is larger woks take up more storage space.
Consider how many people you typically cook for and the types of meals you make most often. For basic stir fries and sautes for just yourself or one other person, a 10-14 inch wok should meet your needs. If you regularly cook for a family or make large batches for meal prepping, go for a 16-18 inch wok. The extra room makes cooking and prepping easier.
Safety Features
When cooking with any electrical appliance, safety should be a top concern. Electric woks have some useful built-in safety features to protect you in the kitchen.
One of the most important is overheat protection. If the temperature gets too high, the overheat protection will automatically shut off the wok to prevent fires or damage. Models with multiple temperature sensors provide even better overheat protection.
Cool touch handles are another necessity for an electric wok. The main handle and any side handles should stay cool enough to comfortably grip, even when cooking. This prevents burns from accidental touching of hot metal.
A long power cord is also useful, as it allows you to move the wok around without worrying about the cord length. Short cords can create a tripping hazard.
Non-slip feet on the base help keep the wok stable during cooking and mixing. Models with a locking lid provide extra safety when transporting hot food.
Choosing an electric wok with ample safety features gives you peace of mind that your appliance has your back. Overheat protection, cool touch handles, and a stable base are signs of a well-designed electric wok.
Care and Cleaning
Electric woks require proper care and cleaning to keep them in optimal condition. Here are some tips:
Unplug the wok and allow it to fully cool before cleaning. Never submerge a hot wok in water as this can damage the heating element.
Wipe the interior cooking surface clean after each use. Avoid abrasive scouring pads as these can scratch the non-stick surface over time.
For stuck-on food, fill the wok with warm soapy water and let it soak before scrubbing gently with a soft sponge or cloth.
Some electric wok models have a removable inner pan. This makes cleaning easier as you can fully submerge just the pan.
Avoid getting the exterior housing and controls wet. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth. Check that ventilation holes are clear of food debris.
Do not place electric woks in the dishwasher as exposure to high heat and harsh detergents can damage the non-stick coating and electrical components.
For thorough cleaning, use a non-abrasive wok cleaner formulated for non-stick. Apply to the surface, let sit, then rinse thoroughly.
After washing, thoroughly dry all surfaces to prevent rusting. Heat the wok for a few minutes to ensure it's fully dry.
Store the electric wok with the lid off. This allows air circulation to prevent odor buildup.
Proper cleaning and care will keep an electric wok looking like new and performing at its best for many years. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any specific maintenance tips.
Versatility
One of the best things about electric woks is how versatile they are in the kitchen. While they are ideal for stir-frying, an electric wok can be used for many different cooking applications.
Stir-Frying
Electric woks are designed for stir-frying with their round bottom shape and large cooking surface. The heating element allows the wok to get very hot and maintain an even temperature for quick cooking. You can make all kinds of stir-fry dishes in an electric wok with meat, seafood, vegetables, rice, noodles, etc. The sloped sides make it easy to toss and stir food.
Steaming
The domed lid on most electric woks converts them into an electric steamer. You can place a steaming rack inside and steam vegetables, dumplings, fish and more. The heating element brings water to a boil quickly for fast steam. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves nutrients.
Deep Frying
While not ideal for large batch deep frying, electric woks work well for smaller deep frying tasks. You can cook fried foods like tempura, fritters or wontons by filling the wok with oil. The thermostat maintains the oil temperature for consistent frying. Just be sure not to overfill.
So an electric wok allows you to stir-fry, steam and deep fry all in one vessel. It's a versatile cooker perfect for Asian cuisine or any meal.
Conclusion
After reviewing the top electric woks on the market, a few models stand out for their superior performance and ease of use. The Aroma Housewares AEW-306 stands as the top pick for its large cooking capacity, powerful heating element, and useful temperature probe. For those wanting a compact model, the Breville BEW600XL comes highly rated for its versatile one-touch functions and durable non-stick coating. And the Presto 5900 1500-watt stainless steel electric wok provides excellent heat distribution and control in a traditional wok shape.
When choosing an electric wok, key factors include the wattage, cooking surface, temperature controls, and any extra features that add convenience. Stainless steel and non-stick coatings have their pros and cons depending on cooking needs. And a model with a domed lid and deep sides works best for stir frying.
In summary, electric woks provide a versatile and convenient way to cook Asian dishes at home. The top models heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly, and allow easy temperature control. With the right electric wok, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.