Best Grilling Woks

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A Chinese word that means “cooking pot” the best grilling woks are used for different cooking tasks. This includes stewing, stir-frying, deep-frying, and a lot more. Woks are versatile and are most desirable for their quick-heating capability. Not just this, even heat distribution and long handles lets you use the wok without burning your hands.

We have selected some of the best grilling woks and reviewed them to make it easy to choose from the numerous options in the market. Read on to find out the best easy to use woks for an exciting experience.

Types of grilling woks 

  • Cast iron – This type of wok is most popular for its impressive heat retention capability. Although it requires time to heat, it retains heat well. Cast iron wok is a bit heavy, a factor that often makes it difficult to move it around. However, you can use a spatula to stir the food easily.
  • Stainless steel – Stainless steel woks distributes heat evenly, although it takes a while to heat. It is also easy to clean after use. Traditionalists prefer not to use the stainless steel wok because they don’t respond quickly to changes in temperatures and are heavy. However, they are gaining popularity. This is because they don’t need to be seasoned and are durable. Plus, they are dishwasher safe.
  • Carbon steel – Carbon steel wok heats up easily and evenly. It is also easy to clean and becomes non-stick with use. This type of wok requires seasoning and careful washing before use, and you can’t use it with soap or wash with a dishwasher.
  • Non-stick – This type of grill wok is easy to clean and you don’t need to season the wok. However, they don’t respond well to high temperatures. Using a non-stick wok means operation on low heat.

 

The Best Iron Cast Grilling Wok – Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok

Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok

The lodge 9-inches cast iron mini wok features two loop handles and a mini body that is seasoned for fast use. Designed for homespun favorites and exotic cuisines, the wok features cast iron material for maximum heat retention. Since pre-seasoned cookware could be all the difference you need, the wok by Lodge is pre-seasoned with no synthetic chemicals. Seasoned with soy-based vegetable oil, the seasoning gets better with usage. Made in the USA, the product is backed by more than 120 years of track record by the company. Lifetime durability, versatility, and high-quality design are few of the exciting qualities of the wok.

More than superior heat retention, the wok supports use on the grill, over the campfire, in the oven, and on the stove.  It is also great for induction cooking tops. Dual loop-style handles let you move the wok safety as it provides a secured grip when transporting. Plus, the base is flat for a comfortable fit on the grill. The small size of the wok is especially handy if you desire a light meal as it is lightweight and easy to handle.

Pros

  • Seasoned with vegetable oil
  • Made in the USA
  • Dual loop-style handles
  • Retains heat well
  • Sturdy and durable design
  • No sharp or crude edges

Cons

  • Some users wish it was a little larger and taller
  • It’s not easy to flip the food

The Best Iron Cast Grilling Wok – Cuisinart CCW-800 Pre-Seasoned Grilling, Cast Iron Wok

 

Cuisinart CCW-800 Pre-Seasoned Grilling, Cast Iron Wok

Designed by Coleman, the Cuisinart CCW-800 Pre-Seasoned Grilling, the Cuisinart CCW-800 Pre-Seasoned Grilling, Cast Iron Wok is first on our review of the best grill wok. The heavy-duty cast iron wok retains and distributes heat evenly during use for more efficiency. Pre-seasoned for flexible usage, the cast iron improves with age. This is because the oils used for the seasoning bonds with the iron for a smooth surface. As a result, you don’t need much oil for cooking. The 10-inches cast iron wok lets you fry, saute, and sear food on the grill or campfire.

There are easy-grip handles on the cast iron wok that makes it easy to handle and carry about. Since dish soaps will dissolve the seasoning fat, the wok supports easy cleaning with warm water, towel, and coarse salt. The build of the product is such that it lets you cook for at a lower temperature. By implication, it retains flavors and juices in the pan without dripping unto the grill. You can cook all of your favorite wok foods with the Cuisinart CCW-800 Pre-Seasoned Grilling, Cast Iron Wok. This includes vegetables, fish, beef, noodles, fried rice, shrimp, etc.

Pros 

  • Pre-seasoned
  • Easy to clean
  • Sturdy cast iron
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile

Cons 

  • The diameter may be too small for some users
  • The wood handle rotates a bit too much

 

Best Non-stick grill wok – Cuisinart CNW-328 11-Inch, Non-Stick Grill Wok

 

Cuisinart CNW-328 11-Inch, Non-Stick Grill Wok

Another product by Cuisinart the Cuisinart CNW-328 11-Inch, Non-Stick Grill Wok lets you cook your food without falling through the cooking grate. Excellent for grilling cubed meats, veggies, shrimp, and any other small food, the wok is perforated for cooking bite-sized wok-style foods. Designed to enhance natural flavors, the food absorbs smoky flavors as they mix. For the best result, we recommend that you start from food that takes the longest time to cook and add the ingredients on the way. This will help it to absorb more flavor as you cook.

Besides supporting use for grilling all food types, the Cuisinart CNW-328 11-Inch, Non-Stick Grill Wok is easy to use. It features two handles that let you move the grill to the prep table. The durable stainless steel body is also easy to clean and maintain. Since it has a non-stick design, your foods won’t stick to the grill surface during use. Hence, cleaning after use is easy. Plus, it works well on charcoal and gas grills.

Pros 

  • Non-stick surface
  • Perforated design
  • Two handles
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Convenient size

Cons

  • Most buyers didn’t like the enamel coating as it peels
  • Delicate surface

 

Premium Value Cast Iron Grilling Wok – Jim Beam 12” Pre Seasoned Heavy Duty Construction Cast Iron Grilling Wok

 

Jim Beam 12'' Pre Seasoned Heavy Duty Construction Cast Iron Grilling Wok

 

Sturdy build, durable and versatile use, and uniform heat distribution are some of the exciting features of the Jim Beam 12” Pre Seasoned Heavy Duty Construction Cast Iron Grilling Wok. Measuring 26.5cm in diameter and 8.5 cm in height, the wok has a large design for optimal efficiency. This makes it ideal for preparing any of your recipes. Since it is pre-seasoned, it adds flavor to your cooking. This, plus heavy-duty construction makes the product one of the best grill wok in the market. Cast-iron wok design lets the wok retain more heat and distribute the heat evenly for a more even cooking.

The Jim Beam 12” Pre Seasoned Heavy Duty Construction Cast Iron Grilling Wok features a flat bottom that allows it to sit comfortably without tipping off. It also has an attractive appearance and is lightweight. The lightweight feature of the wok qualifies it for use by seniors. Although the base is not large for fast heating, it retains heat very well once it is hot. The wok is great for frying almost anything, and it is easy to clean.

Pros 

  • Good heat distribution
  • Non-sticking
  • Pre-seasoned
  • Lightweight
  • Flat bottom

Cons 

  • Has a weird smell at first but will disappear with the first few washes
  • Bad instructions

 

Best Value Grilling Wok – Tablecraft BBQ Non-Stick Coating Round Grilling Wok

Tablecraft BBQ Non-Stick Coating Round Grilling Wok

Compact and small, the TableCraft BBQ Non-Stick Coating Round Grilling Wok lets you cook healthy stir fry on the grill. Designed for use on charcoal and gas grills, the wok is one of the most versatile grilling woks in the market. Since it supports usage on two grills, it is flexible to use. The small size design comes in handy as it lets you serve it straight from the grill. The perforated wok is evenly spaced to allow heat distribution. It also prevents charring of foods.

It is perfect for high-heat cooking and searing in flavor. You can either stir your veggies or toss them around for even cooking. What’s more, it works for large shrimps, chicken shrimps, and other small foods that would fit the wok. There are two handles on the wok that makes it easy to carry it about. The durable non-stick finish makes it easy to clean up. Plus, it is dishwasher safe.

Pros 

  • Cleanup is easy
  • Non-stick surface
  • Heat is well distributed
  • Sturdy design
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons 

  • A bit small but works well
  • Some users complained of chemical use with the first use

 

Best Stainless Steel Grill Wok – Grillaholics Stainless Steel Grill Wok

 

Grillaholics Stainless Steel Grill Wok

Coming in the last place is the Grillaholics Stainless Steel Grill Wok. The wok adds a bit of smoky grilled flavor to your stir-fry. Plus, the non-stick vegetable basket lets you recreate restaurant meals from your home. To use, you only need to season your meats and add them followed by other cooking like vegies. Premium stainless steel with welded triple-reinforced corners promises long term usage without crumbling. Another exciting design is the curved handles that eliminate the need for grasping the grill basket with tongs. Plus, the product works on all grill types. This includes a charcoal grill, gas grill, pellet of stainless steel grill, cast iron grill, and porcelain grill grates.

The metal on the Grillaholics Stainless Steel Grill Wok is one of the thickest metal and doesn’t flex easily. It is also very large, a feature that comes in handy for preparing large quantities of food. Although the handles make it easy to pick up, it does get very hot from the grill.

Pros 

  • Large size
  • Premium stainless steel
  • Curved handles
  • Welded triple-reinforced corners
  • Works on all grill types

Cons 

  • Won’t burn your hand if carried without an oven mitt
  • The wok is larger than some users need

 

 

What to Look for In A Grill Wok?

 

Material Type

The most important factor that affects your choice of a wok is the material. As we stated earlier, there are different types of woks. The most popular materials are cast iron, aluminum, non-stick, and carbon steel wok. Cast iron wok retains heat longer and lets you cook food evenly. However, it rusts easily and is not always easy to clean. Plus, we don’t recommend that you use it to cook acidic food. Aluminum woks are thin and light. Furthermore, it conducts heat but does not retain heat well. The non-stick wok is ideal for boiling, stewing, and steaming. They don’t work too well for stir-fry and deep-frying as the non-stick coating may come off into the food during high heat. The carbon steel wok, on the other hand, has a non-stick surface that heats up evenly and quickly. Remember, you get what you pay for.

 

Bottom Type

The type of bottom on your wok determines if it will fit your grill and sit comfortably. Rounded bottom woks are traditional and are the commonest. As a result, most buyers prefer this type, as heat is distributed throughout the bottom. It is also easier to use a spatula with a round bottom wok. In the battle for the crown, the flat bottom wok burns food easier. Hence, we recommend that you buy the round bottom wok.

 

Size

Since there are varieties of sizes in the market, you need to know which size you want before attempting to buy a wok. Although there is no universal rule to this, you need to choose based on your preference and need. The need is the ultimate decider of the size to buy. A large meal requires a large wok. Likewise, you should buy a small wok for a small meal. On the upside though, there is no disadvantage with having a large wok except that your food looks scanty inside. You also need to consider the type of your grill before buying the wok.

 

Handle

Handles let you carry woks and move them conveniently. Although there are different types of handles, they all serve the same function. Some of the most popular types include woks with a long wooden or metal handle, woks with two handles on either side, woks with a metal loop on one side, and a long stick on the other. We recommend that you choose a handle that you are most comfortable with.

 

Price

Like most things in the market, the price of woks ranges from cheap to expensive. Contrary to popular opinion that high-end woks are the best, the not-too-expensive ones are also handy. Be careful, though, not to buy an overly cheap wok in an attempt to save cost. Prices range from between $10-$30. However, some high-end woks run as high as hundreds of dollars. If you cannot afford the expensive ones, look for a functional wok at a lesser price.

Ease of maintenance

It is important to clean your wok before and after use. Since there are different types of woks in the market, there is no universal guideline for cleaning. We recommend that you go through the manufacturer’s instructions before use. As a rule, clean and season the wok before use to remove preservatives used to prevent rust.

 

Accessories

Although some woks come with accessories, they are usually flimsy. As a result, you may have to purchase extra accessories. They include cover, spatulas, and a chopstick.

 

 

How To Use Grill Woks?

  1. Season your wok

The first and most important step is to season your wok before use. This helps to create a non-stick surface that lets food glide around when you are cooking. However, before you do this, we recommend that you keep the area adequately ventilated. This is because seasoning a wok creates smoke. Also, make sure to keep all flammable materials away from the grill during the process.

  • Wash the wok

The first step to seasoning a wok is to wash the wok to get rid of factory coatings meant to protect the wok from rust. This process is important to wash away the oil. We recommend a dish soap, hot water, and a soft sponge to scrub the inside and outside surface. Repeat this process for every-after use storage and add a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Let it dry before moving on with the seasoning. Then place it on your grill at low heat for a couple of minutes until the water beads disappear from its surface.

  • Add fat

Use a barbecuing brush to apply a thin layer of oil to the interior surface of your wok while it is still warm. We recommend that you use an oil that won’t smoke easily at high temperatures and has a natural flavor like palm or grapeseed oil. Rotate the wok on the grill for even heating. Do this until you start to see smoke coming off the wok surface. Set it down from the burner and let it cool to room temperature. When it is completely cool, wipe the entire surface with a paper towel and soak up the excess oil. Repeat the process until the interior becomes shiny and dark. One way to tell if the wok is fully seasoned is if the paper towel doesn’t come back with black ash after you wipe it.

 

  1. Prepare your food

Since woks heat up fast and evenly, you need to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Wash, mince, chop, slice, and dry everything that you need beforehand. Measure the ingredients into a bowl, and mix the sauce ahead of time. Arrange them near the grill for easy use. As a rule, don’t put too much food into the wok at the same time. Start with the ones that take a longer period to cook and work your way to the easier to cook ingredients. Stir the food constantly to keep it from burning.

  1. Safety tip

Keeping a flammable object nearby when cooking with a wok is as bad as bad ideas come. Combining high heat and oil in a wok often results in shooting flames and flare-ups. Hence, we recommend that you keep overhands, flammables, and anything you don’t want to burn away from the grill. When it does flare-up, the flame will die down quickly. However, keep an extinguisher and a flame-proof glove close by in case it goes out of control.

 

Conclusion 

The best grilling wok is one of the most versatile pans in a kitchen. A one-time investment that won’t cost much. Ideal for most cooking tasks, woks are not a waste of money. Read through the review and choose the product that you want. Happy buying.

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