TheKitchenTableByWhite.com is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Best-Carbon-Steel-Woks

Best Carbon Steel Woks, Tested and Reviewed

The key to most Asian delicacies is a carbon steel wok. For generations, it has been the key ingredient that cooks every fish and meat to the right amount. And you can also make those seasoned foods right in your home.

The best wok is a large but flexible piece of kitchenware, specifically created to deal with various cooking techniques, and the more you use it, the better it will get. But there are different kind of woks. For instance, some have flat bottoms and others have round bottoms. However, all of them are unique in their own way and the best one won’t be the ones chefs using in Chinese restaurants. 

So, you need to do some research to find the best carbon steel woks. And don’t worry because we have done the hard work for you. In fact, our researchers spent over a week testing all the woks to make a list of the best. 

All you have to do is go through the list. Trust us, this will be a good read too.

Comparison Table

Flat Bottom

Image Product Name Diameter Weight Price
backpac Lodge CRS12PLT Carbon Steel Skillet 12 Inches 3.41 pounds Check Price
backpac Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok 12.5 Inches 5.37 pounds Check Price
backpac Helen’s Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok 13.5 Inches 4.94 pounds Check Price
backpac Homeries Carbon Steel Wok Pan Stir Fry Wok Set 12.5 Inches 5.28 pounds Check Price

Round Bottom

Image Product Name Diameter Weight Price
backpac Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan 12 Inches 2.44 pounds Check Price
backpac Yosukata Carbon Steel Stir Fry Pans 14 Inches 3.8 pounds Check Price
backpac Bielmeier Hand Hammered Round Bottom Wok 14.1 Inches 4.09 pounds Check Price

Best Flat-Bottom Carbon Steel Wok

Lodge CRS12PLT Carbon Steel Skillet

4.9/5 Our Score

Meet the very first product on the list, the Lodge CRS12PLT Carbon Steel Skillet. Moreover, whether you’re a newbie or even a professional you don’t have to worry too much about the work. It comes pre-seasoned. So, you don’t have to go through the trouble of seasoning it again.

On top of this, you can use it for any kind of heat source. Thus, it is capable of both electric and gas stoves. Its compact size also makes it a great travel companion. You can take it with you out on camping trips.

If you’re someone who wants to cook the food fast, this product is a perfect match for you. But this product is a bit sensitive, it needs careful cleaning and washing. Try to dry it immediately after cleaning to retain natural seasoning. Also, rubbing it with cooking oil ensures longevity.

Takeaway

The small petite size of the carbon steel wok makes it quite lightweight so you can flip the wok at ease whilst displaying your culinary skills.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok

4.8/5 Our Score

Next up, we have the Souped Up Recipes Carbon Steel Wok which came neck to neck with our winner. While it did lose the race it still has much to offer. For instance, it saves a bit of your time because it comes pre-seasoned.

On top of this, it comes with a user manual. That too with both video and manuscript. So, if you have any problem while using this carbon steel wok you can simply have a look at the instructions.

For instance, if you see the steel wok getting rusty you can tackle that too. The instructions have that covered as well.

On top of this, the flat bottom wok can electric stoves, induction stoves, gas ranges, and other heat sources. Thus, no matter what heat source you use to cook your food the carbon steel wok will be able to work on it.

Moreover, it comes with a spatula and a lid. So, you don’t have to go out and buy the extra utensils to cook. It already comes in a set.

The other great thing about this carbon steel wok is that it heats up quite quickly. Hence, you won’t have to wait for a long time to get the wok hot enough to pour your dish into it.

Takeaway

The Souped Up Recipes’ wok comes pre-seasoned so you won’t have to go through the hassle of seasoning it on your own.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

Helen’s Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok

4.7/5 Our Score

In second place we have Helen’s Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok. Crafted from 1.6mm carbon steel it is also the best flat carbon steel wok. Moreover, it’s accompanied by durable and impressive wooden handles.

Thus, the wok becomes easy to grasp because the wooden handle doesn’t conduct heat. On top of this, it has a flat bottom. This type of wok is designed to adjust with both electric and gas stoves.

Unlike the previous product, this includes a spatula that makes your user experience even better. Plus, the manufacturer company offers a domed metal lid and recipe manual.

Moreover, it is lightweight so you can flip the wok at ease. Hence, it becomes easier to use. Plus, it comes equipped with quick conduction. So, it gets hot pretty fast. 

Thus, you can cook the meat or fish super fast or fried rice that was our first cook. You don’t have to wait a long time for the heat to distribute. Besides, the cleaning process is extremely easy and it provides decent performance.

Takeaway

The unique bamboo handle makes the carbon steel wok make sure that no heat can burn up your precious hand of yours.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

Homeries Carbon Steel Wok Pan Stir Fry Wok Set

4.5/5 Our Score

The last stop for the flat bottom train is Homeries Carbon Steel Wok Pan Stir Fry Wok Set. It might be the last product but you have to understand that compared to the rest of the works on the list this is a newer one.

It hasn’t been on the market for long but it has surely won the hearts of many. One of the many reasons for its popularity is because it comes with a wooden handle. And it’s long enough to allow people to hold it comfortably.

Plus, the wooden handle doesn’t transfer any heat. Hence, you can flip the wok to your liking when you’re cooking it.

On top of this, the carbon steel wok is compatible with any kind of stove. So, no matter if you have a gas stove or an electric one the wok will be effective.

Moreover, the surface of this work is non-sticky. Thus, you can easily stir-fry anything from fish to meat on this wok or fried rice. And rest assured because the food will be fully seasoned.

Takeaway

The wok set comes in a complete set of one wok, one lid, and two spatulas so it saves the hassle of buying extra utensils for it.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

Best Round-Bottom Carbon Steel Wok

Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan

4.8/5 Our Score

Meet the most lightweight wok in the entire list. The one and only Mammafong Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan. Although it is lightweight the main reason behind it is that it is quite small in size.

You see, it only measures 12 inches. But the size actually makes the steel wok quite easy to carry around. So, if you have any camping trip planned ahead you can carry this wok pan with you.

Moreover, the surface of this steel wok is naturally non-stick. Thus, you don’t have to use a lot of oil to cook on this carbon steel wok. Hence, you will be saving some oil through this item.

Plus, it heats up quite easily. You don’t actually have to wait for a long time to see the wok heating up. And what’s more, it is not toxic. So, whatever you cook on the wok is safe to consume every time.

Takeaway

Those of you who love to toss around food in a carbon steel wok will be a fan of this light wok. YOu see, it only weighs 2.44 pounds.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

Yosukata Carbon Steel Stir Fry Pans

4.6/5 Our Score

Moving on, we have the only black round bottom carbon steel which is the Yosukata Carbon Steel Stir Fry Pans. And yes, they are totally safe to cook on. The black look is created by using iron which won’t make the food toxic.

Furthermore, it also has a wooden handle. As wood doesn’t conduct heat the handle doesn’t get warm too quickly.

What’s more, is that it says that it comes pre-seasoned. However, it really doesn’t. So, we advise you to season it before cooking up a meal in it. That will make the food taste super yummy.

Moreover, the steel wok can withstand temperatures up to 600F. Thus, you won’t have to worry about the heat burning up your food. The carbon steel wok can tackle the heat from the stove.

Speaking of which, the round bottom does limit the wok to gas stoves. You see, they can’t be used on electric stoves of any kind. So, make sure to ensure that it is compatible with the stove that you have in your kitchen.

Takeaway

This chick black-looking carbon steel wok can steal any show with its look and adds class to the kitchen.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

Bielmeier Hand Hammered Round Bottom Wok

Ending the product with the latest release of wok in the market which is the Bielmeier Hand Hammered Round Bottom Wok. Well, it might not be brand new but this wok is still a newbie compared to the others.

But it has taken the show by a storm. You see, it comes in two sizes. One is 14 inches and the other one is 14.1 inches. The sizes might be similar but only a cook knows that one inch can accommodate more food, especially for a round bottom wok.

Coming to the structure of the wok, it has a steel handle in the front to help manage the wok. And in the back, it has a wooden handle. This allows you to hold and stir the handle when the carbon steel wok is on the stove.

However, the downside to this is that it comes as sticky at first. But with time and use it does tend to show a hint of non-sticky behavior.

Besides, it is quite durable in nature. So, don’t worry about its lifetime. You see, it will last you quite sometime before it finally calls quit on you.

Takeaway

The largest round bottom carbon steel wok is the perfect combo for a fish that demands to be cooked in whole.

Pros
  • Allows precise temperature control
  • You can spread out the batter evenly
  • Quite  versatile in nature
Cons
  • Wooden spreader’s quality is poor

What Is Carbon Steel Wok?

A carbon steel wok is nothing more than a cooking utensil that you will find in most Asian kitchens. However, what makes them special is the fact that they are made of heavy-duty carbon steel.

Because of this, the cooking appliance doesn’t expand or contract even when it’s exposed to rapid heat or cold. Plus, it heats up rather quickly and evenly distributes the heat.

Thus, whatever you cook on the wok it will be finely cooked. Moreover, the even heat distribution makes the carbon steel wok a perfect fit for stir–frying.

Types of Carbon Steel Wok

Dissecting the world of carbon steel wok you will find that they can be categorized into two parts. One has a flat bottom and the other one has a round bottom.

The mere difference in shape determines the heat source they are suitable for. So, which one is suitable for you?

Flat Bottom

The flat bottom carbon steel woks are more modern in nature. You see, with time we did shift to electric or induction stoves.

You see, with round-bottom woks, the stoves would only distribute heat to the bottom part. Thus, they can’t be used on them because they wouldn’t be able to distribute heat to the elevated parts.

Hence, the only perfect candidate for the electric stove is the flat bottom carbon stove. For them, the electric or induction stove can evenly distribute heat and ensure that you can cook items in it evenly.

Round Bottom,

On the other hand, round bottom carbon woks are traditional designs made for the open fire. They are known to attract food to the bottom part where the heat is highest. Because of this, you get to enjoy a light smoky flavor of the food.

It can also resist the warping effect even at high temperatures. However, it doesn’t work on electric or induction stoves.

How To Season A Carbon Steel Wok?

Seasoning the carbon steel wok is one of the fundamental things that you need to do. You see, seasoning the woks builds a layer of non-stick patina on top of them.

This protects the woks when you cook on them. Plus, you don’t taste that metallic taste or some bad odor from the food you cook on a seasoned wok.

Now, some of the carbon woks do come seasoned but others have to be seasoned after you buy them. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to season a brand new carbon steel wok-

Step 1- Wash the Wok

The first step is to wash the works. All you have to do is soak the wok in hot water for 5 minutes. And then use a soft sponge to thoroughly clean the wok.

Step 2- Add Cooking Oil

After that, you need to put the wok on the stone. Now, if it’s a flat bottom wok you have to use the electric stove but if it’s round bottom you can use the gas stoves.

Once the water dries up from the wok, you can add cooking oil to it. Make sure that you cook the oil at low heat. 

Step 3- Add Seasoning

Afterward, add flavorful items like chives to the oil. This will create an organic smell that will overpower the metallic taste and odor of the carbon wok. Ensure the cooking surface area is generously seasoned for meat, veggies, noodles and rice to take a full advantage of continues movement. After 5 minutes of this, you will be done with seasoning.

Can Carbon Steel Wok Rust?

Yes, the sad truth about carbon steel wok is that it can rust when exposed to air. This is because it contains a few amounts of irons that can react with oxygen in the air and create rust.

Now, if the carbon steel wok is coated with chromium it can be safe to some degree. This is because the layer of chromium forms a protective shield against rust.

However, with time even that can wear away and the carbon steel wok may rust. But not to fear, because the rust can be removed.

How Do I Keep Carbon Steel Wok From Rusting?

Well, you only have to follow 4 steps. And with that, rust will be gone from your favorite carbon steel wok. Here are the steps-

Step 1- Add salt and vegetable oil

First, you need to pour salt and vegetable oil. Make sure to add them to the center of the wok. Also, add them in equal amounts.

Step 2- Wipe the wok

The next step is to rub the mixture into the rust. Make sure to use a soft towel. However, when rubbing try to go as fast as you can to get all the rust out.

Step 3- Repeat

You have to keep on adding salt and vegetable oil and rub the wok till the rust finally comes out.

Step 4- Wash and Dry

Last but not least, you need to wash the pan with detergent and rinse well. After that, simply let it dry.

How To Buy The Best Carbon Steel Wok?

Taking a swift decision can save you time. But you might end up regretting the purchase. We know that we used to buy any wok that people suggested to us without knowing much of the detail. And boy oh boy did we regret it.

You see, we don’t want you to go through the same. And that is exactly why we have made a list of things you should be aware of before buying a carbon steel wok.

Material

Material is really important as it helps in easy lifting and comfortable movement. It’s always better to choose carbon-made ones instead of stainless steel ones. Because stainless steel-made ones are heavy. 

Also, don’t forget to check the material quality before purchasing. Because that highly affects the durability of the product. Also, it can influence product performance as well. So try to be picky here. 

Handles

The handle of the steel wok has effects on style and preference. Normally, there are two types of handles. One is northern style and the other is Cantonese style. 

The main difference between these two styles is the handle. The northern style carbon steel woks have long handles whereas the Cantonese style has two handles. Remember to choose according to your requirements

However, if you are a professional culinarian who wants to move the wok while cooking, a northern-style wok will be perfect for you.

FAQ

Is carbon steel cookware safe?

yeah, they are safe and made of non-toxic materials so you don’t need to worry about safety. Iron is a safe material for cookware and carbon has similar properties. These cookwares have no harmful coating, so using them is safe for users.

Why are some carbon steel woks black?

Some carbon steel woks can be black because they are made of carbon steel and iron. However, the color is totally natural and you can cook some yummy meals in it as well. 

What oil is best for seasoning carbon steel?

In our opinion, the perfect seasoning oil for carbon steel is grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. These can be combined together to make the right oil for seasoning.

To Sum Up

We have reached the end of the journey to find the best carbon steel woks. We surely hope that all the suggestions and advice paid up and you were able to figure out which wok is your perfect choice.

Nevertheless, don’t forget to prioritize the stove that you’re working on. Remember that tells you what type of carbon steel wok you will need. Anyway, with that, we will say our farewell here and now.

Let’s catch up on yet another blog. Till then stay safe and enjoy the delicacy you prepare on the woks.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

+ 33 = 40

Scroll to Top