How to Buy a Wok

A wok is a cooking essential for anyone who loves deliciously fresh cooked vegetables. Complete your kitchen and dining collection with a versatile wok. Many choices are available when you are shopping for a wok. Woks are available with round bottoms, flat bottoms, nonstick coatings and dozens of accessories. Some have wooden handles while others have metal ring-handles on opposite sides of the wok. Buying a wok is a simple process if you first determine how it will be used in your kitchen.

Buying a Wok:

1. Choose the wok material. Carbon steel is considered the best material for a wok as it can handle high heat easily. Carbon steel and cast-iron woks are very durable, and cast-iron woks can handle high heat, too. Woks with nonstick coatings allow you to use less oil for cooking, but they are not recommended for high-heat cooking.

2. Look for a flat-bottom wok if you cook on an electric range. A round-bottom wok works better on a gas range but will need a wok ring to hold it steady. While round-bottom woks can be used successfully on gas or electric stoves, they can be unstable on an electric stove burner.

3. Determine the size you need. A 12-inch wok is fine for regular family meals while a 16-inch wok will feed a crowd. An 8-inch wok is the perfect size for one or two people.

4. Look at the accessories that come with the wok. Some woks are sold alone without accessories, such as a lid or wok ring. Other woks include the lid, ring and other accessories, such as a spatula, ladle and steaming basket.

5. Set your budget. A good wok does not have to be expensive. As a general rule, the higher the price, the more accessories will come with your wok.

Tips:

1. Woks are also available in stainless steel, aluminum and copper. While these materials are functional, they may develop hot spots while cooking or require special care.

2. A wok can also be used as a deep fryer. Deep frying in a wok takes less oil than many other methods, such as a saucepan or skillet.

3. With the addition of a bamboo steamer, the wok can cook entire meals or simply steam vegetables and meats.