Of Asian origin, the wok is a kitchen utensil that is used to cook all types of dishes. It is a kind of large conical pan with high rims, and the base of which is generally round. While classic and traditional models require a separate heat source, the electric wok has electric support that allows it to operate independently. The presence of an adjustable thermostat on most models thus offers you the possibility of carrying out different preparations.
Cook rice and noodles, simmer soups, sear meat, steam vegetables, roast poultry, grill seafood, fry, or even stew. It is a very versatile and user-friendly tool since it can be positioned in the middle of the table for meals with several people. There are many models on the market and most offer different functions, so to buy one, you need a reference point, and there couldn’t be a better than the consumer reports best electric wok with reviews of 5 best electric woks followed by an in-depth buying guide.
Reviews Of 5 Best Electric Woks
1. Aroma Housewares AEW-305 Electric Wok
Get this electric wok and start cooking like a pro. This wok features a classic dome-shaped lid, which allows you to saute, stir-fry, and simmer. The wide curve of the wok allows the heat to circulate excellently to ensure faster and even cooking of meals. This wok can also be used as a stir fry pan, thus letting you prepare dishes that need to be stir-fried. The use of heavy-duty cast aluminum coupled with non-stick coating allows this wok to work for years. Just how easy it is to cook meals in this wok is, cleaning it is also easy.
The wok comes with a 7-quart capacity that gives you enough space to cook anything you have in mind. The wok quickly heats up and handles high temperatures to deliver you perfectly cooked meals. The company has included a cool-to-touch base and handles that allow you to touch the wok and control it while it is still on the stove. When you are done cooking, you can disassemble the wok, detach it from the base, and clean it in a dishwasher.
2. Breville BEW600XL Hot Wok
Have a look at this powerful wok from Breville, which comes with a 1500 watts motor to get you perfectly cooked meals in the quickest of times. The wok has a 6-qt capacity, which is sufficient to cook any meal you have in your mind. With 15 precise heat settings, the 14-inch wok can reach up to a temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit in a moment of seconds.
The wok features aluminum walls, which help maintain the heat necessary to cook authentic Asian-style cuisines. The wok heats up quickly and maintains it in its walls, which makes it ideal for steaming, stir-frying, shallow frying, and braising with less oil. The wok features a butterfly-heating element that distributes the heat evenly just like in gas cooking.
3. Oster 2124087 DiamondForce Electric Wok
What makes this electric wok from Oster better than its competitors is its highly efficient cooking surface, which is infused with diamond particles that create a strong structure. As a result, you get a stronger coating on the wok for better non-stick performance for years to come. The electric wok pan comes with a tempered glass lid, which is equipped with a cool-touch knob for checking the food while it is being cooked. The tempered glass lid is dishwasher safe, but make sure to keep it on the top rack.
You will also like the inclusion of cool-touch handles on the side of the wok, which makes it easier for you to carry it around from the kitchen to the dining table. The wok comes with a 4.7-qt capacity, which is good enough to create a variety of meals, from mussels to stir-fries and burgers, etc. You can use the temperature probe to measure the cooking temperature to make adjustments accordingly. When you are done cooking the meals, you can easily clean the electric wok, thanks to its non-stick, PFOA-free surface.
4. Presto 5900 1500-Watt Stainless-Steel Electric Wok
Presto brings to you an extremely powerful electric wok that is made of stainless steel for quick and even cooking. The wok is equipped with a 1500-watt motor that helps prepare a variety of meals in less amount of time. You can stir fry the meals in this wok where the ingredients are seared in a small amount that consumes less oil to preserve more nutrients, fresh flavors, colors, and textures.
The stainless steel body of the wok adds to its durability. Then, there is a tempered glass cover, which comes with a stainless steel rim and handles. The base of the wok includes aluminum that offers fast and even temperatures for cooking meals perfectly. You will get a long-handled wooden spatula in the package that conforms to the shape of the wok. You can easily clean the wok, as it is dishwasher safe, but make sure to remove the base first. Once cleaned, you can keep it in your best kitchen cabinet to avoid cluttering in your kitchen.
5. VonShef 7.4Qt Electric Wok With Lid 9000200
Ending my list with VonShef electric wok, which has a large 7.4-qt capacity to let you prepare a wide range of meals in large quantities. The wok has a 14-inch diameter, which is covered with a non-stick coating, thus giving you a wide space to cook meals with very little oil. The wok comes with adjustable temperature control, so you can easily select the right heat settings using the rotary dial.
The 4 heat settings of the electric wok include low (302 Degrees Fahrenheit), Medium (374 Degrees Fahrenheit), High (446 Degrees Fahrenheit), and Warm (176 Degrees Fahrenheit). The wok comes with cool-to-touch handles on the tempered glass lid as well as an aluminum pan that allows you to touch and control the wok while the food is being cooked in it.
How To Choose A Quality Electric Wok?
According to its capacity
The woks are all generally large enough so that one can prepare a meal for several people. As a result, they have an average diameter of 35 cm for a capacity of 5 to 6 liters, which corresponds to a sufficient capacity of food for 6 people.
However, such a capacity will allow you to cook dishes for a smaller number without problem, whether there are two or three of you. Moreover, it would be much better to have a large electric wok at home even if you are few because it will always help you out when you receive guests.
And, if in being a big family, you are also used to having dinner regularly with relatives, we advise you to opt for an electric wok for 8 people. Remember that the main advantage of having a bulky utensil is above all to be able to cook food correctly without fear that it will spill out or that the oil splashes during frying. Also, make sure the edges are high.
According to its power
The power of a multifunction electric cooker can range from 750 to 2000 watts. Your choice will be directed in particular towards a greater or lesser power according to the use, which you will make with your utensil.
If you plan to use it very rarely and with foods that cook very quickly, such as sautéed vegetables or fish, there is no need to bet on too much power. The power of 1000 watts will be more than enough.
On the other hand, for more varied cooking and more regular use of your wok, we advise you to choose a more efficient model of 1200 watts and more. However, the speed and efficiency of cooking on some dishes depend on fairly high power. This is why the ideal would be to favor a professional electric wok of 2000 watts if you are in the restaurant business and you have to carry out all kinds of culinary preparations. Such power will undoubtedly allow you to chain preparations very quickly and all day long without the device flinching.
Depending on its versatility and accessories
A wok allows you to sauté vegetables, sear meat and cook rice, but if you love to cook and you want to do all kinds of cooking tempts you, our site recommends that you opt for a multifunction model.
For this, the first thing to check is the presence of an adjustable thermostat on your future stainless steel electric wok. This function will allow you to lower or increase the heating temperature depending on the type of food to be cooked and the cooking mode to be carried out. For all kinds of preparations, know that electric woks can be used for steaming, making fondue, or even grilling.
The main thing will be to favor a model offering various accessories that meet your needs, namely a fondue pot equipped with forks and fork holder for an electric wok and fondue. The wok will have to be removable so that you can change utensils to another depending on the dishes to be cooked. Also opt for a model with a glass lid allowing you to cook over low heat or stew, as well as a removable grill or basket for steaming food. Other accessories can also be useful to you, such as food tongs for frying, the wooden spatula to preserve the non-stick coating, and the half-moon grid for draining as well as the sauces cups.
Depending on its options and design
To make your machine as convenient as possible for you and give you comfortable use, you should consider some options.
For example, consider a multifunction cooker equipped with handles or an insulating sleeve to make it easier to handle. The presence of indicator lights also allows you to make better use of your utensil.
A green light could indicate to you of its starting and another will indicate to you the good moment for the addition of the ingredients. It is important to know when your stove is preheated to the ideal temperature.
In addition, it would also be safer if you opt for a model with an on and off button to prevent the device from heating up directly when you plug it into the mains.
Moreover, make sure that the latter's power cable is long enough so that you can enjoy a good hot cheese fondue at the table. And to embellish your table or even wow your guests, don't forget to choose a model with an elegant design.
A pretty electric wok in sober black and grey tones will match any theme of your interior. Otherwise, many other colors will certainly appeal to lovers of modern and colorful objects, especially the bright red that is very fashionable now. Finally, pay attention while choosing the base or tripod that offers the best stability to your device.
Why Buy A Good Electric Wok?
To enjoy an all-in-one device
A wok can be used to prepare different types of dishes, but also different cooking methods. Indeed, an electric wok has the advantage of offering multiple functions, which is not at all the case with a non-electric wok.
Thanks to its adjustable thermostat and its concave shape with a high wall, you can concoct all kinds of dishes while obtaining perfectly uniform cooking. You can even string together the cooking of various ingredients in a single wok to keep the flavors and mix the aromas of each. This will allow you to taste relatively delicious dishes, without forgetting the healthy side. Because the food will not only be cooked with very little oil but also very quickly than in a casserole dish. You'll even enjoy steaming your vegetables while the poultry simmers gently underneath.
For its ease of use and practicality
Everyone will know how to handle it perfectly from the first try, especially since it has been designed to make life easier for its users. Equipped with its own mains-powered base, it is completely independent and does not require any other heat source. This will not bother you while cooking other ingredients on your gas stove.
Its non-stick coating will also allow you to cook your dishes without them sticking to the bottom, an additional advantage that offers great ease of cleaning. Not to mention that most models are now dishwasher safe. And, for some multifunctional utensils, all the useful accessories for cooking and tasting are supplied with them, namely the fondue pot and its set of forks, as well as the sauce cups.
Final Verdict
An electric wok can be an important part of your kitchen’s cooking fleet, as this single appliance allows you to stir fry, shallow fry, steam, sear, and more. All branded electric woks are made using a top-quality piece of stainless steel with an aluminum base to heat up quickly and maintain that heat throughout the cooking process. The products you have read in the consumer reports best electric wok list tick marks all the conditions for the most efficient and reliable electric woks, so you can add one of the products in your cart and place an order.