If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Food & Cooking The 7 Best Woks to Buy Now for Stir Frying, Braising, and Even Boiling You'll use this versatile pan all the time. By Bridget Shirvell Bridget Shirvell Bridget is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on August 4, 2023 03:51PM EDT Photo: Courtesy of Amazon, Walmart From making pad Thai to steaming vegetables and braising tofu, a wok is a versatile kitchen pan every home cook should have in their tool kit. If you don't currently own one—or your current option is a little worse for wear—it's time to get shopping. "Its unique concave shape and heat-conducting materials work harmoniously to enhance the flavors and textures of your dishes," says Nisha Melvani, a plant-based registered dietitian with a master's in nutrition, a culinary school graduate, and a cookbook author. With the best wok in your kitchen, you'll use it for stir-fries and steaming, braising, boiling, and cooking for big gatherings. But which one should you buy? How to Clean, Season, and Maintain a Wok, According to an Expert What to Consider When Buying a Wok To select the best wok, you'll want to consider shape, material, size, and price. Shape: Flat-bottomed woks will work on various stovetops and provide greater stability. In contrast, the more traditional round-bottomed works tend to only work on gas stoves but allow for a higher heat threshold.Material: Many woks are made out of carbon steel, which, while lightweight, does require seasoning.Size: You'll want to consider both the dimension of your stovetop and how many people you'll be feeding. For large family gatherings or meal prepping, 14 inches or more is ideal, but if you're typically cooking for a couple of people, you'll be fine with a smaller wok.Price: Expect to pay, on average, between $30 to $150. Below, discover several woks that fit the bill—and deserve a place in your kitchen. 01 of 07 Joyce Chen Classic Series 14-Inch Round Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Courtesy of Walmart One of the benefits of a carbon steel wok, like this one from Joyce Chen, is that they are lightweight. "I want it to be light because it is easier to lift and toss if I want to," says Uyen Luu, a cookbook author and the host of a Vietnamese supper club in East London, Conn. However, carbon steel woks do require some seasoning. We love that Joyce Chen's classic iteration is large enough to steam or fry vegetables for large gatherings all at once. Price at time of publish: $32 Buy on Walmart To season any carbon-steel wok, Luu recommends wiping a light layer of vegetable oil on it after every wash; this will also prevent rusting. 02 of 07 Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Courtesy of Amazon The Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok is Melvani's pick for a mid-level wok that won't break the bank. Keep in mind that like many woks, it is hand-wash only—but it's also designed to work on gas, electric, ceramic, and induction stoves, which is a total plus. Price at time of publish: $27 Buy on Amazon 03 of 07 The Wok Shop Carbon Steel Wok With Metal Side Handle Courtesy of WokShop Based in San Francisco, The Wok Shop has a carbon steel wok for you, no matter the type of stove you have or the size you're looking for. Their lightweight woks are available in flat or round bottoms, sized from 12 to 16 inches, and are moderately priced. Each option is easy to maneuver on a stovetop, heats up quickly, and retains heat well. They do need to be seasoned. Price at time of publish: $35 Buy on Wokshop.com 04 of 07 HexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Wok Courtesy of Amazon HexClad is known for high-quality cookware that is easy to clean—and that includes their woks. "Their tri-ply design and aluminum core ensure heat distribution that chefs absolutely love," says Melvani. HexClad's woks come in sizes from 10 to 14 inches, are dishwasher- and oven-safe, and work on gas, induction, ceramic, and electric stovetops. Price at time of publish: $140 Buy on Amazon 05 of 07 YOSUKATA Blue Round Bottom Wok Pan Courtesy of Amazon If you prefer a round bottom wok, which many do for their high heat threshold, the pre-seasoned YOSUKATA Blue Round Work is a beautifully designed option you'll want to leave out on your stove. Keep in mind, though, that round woks, like this one, only work on gas stovetops (YOSUKATA have flat-bottomed options as well for electric and gas stovetops). Also note that at nearly 5 pounds, it is quite heavy. Still, reviewers love its quality craftsmanship and report that's it's very durable. Price at time of publish: $90 Buy on Amazon 06 of 07 Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen Flat Bottom Wok Courtesy of Amazon Helen Chen's Asian Kitchen is a brand beloved for consistently delivering quality carbon steel woks that won't break the bank. We especially like that the 13.5-inch wok comes with a lid—not all woks do. It does need to be seasoned, but it seems to season quicker than some of the other options on the market. A flat bottom that works on all types of stoves and high sides for flipping food without a splattered mess is another reason this is an excellent option. Price at time of publish: $49 Buy on Amazon 07 of 07 Smithey Carbon Steel Wok Courtesy of Smithey This is a splurge for sure, but the design, high quality, and the brand's commitment to artisans make Smithey's Carbon Steel wok worthy of consideration. The flat bottom works on gas, induction, and electric stovetops. At 3 pounds, it's easy to maneuver, comes pre-seasoned, and its hammered design is simply beautiful. Plus, you can't beat the lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $325 Buy on Smithey.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Good Things Shop Martha's Way Day Deals on Wayfair—More Than 70% Off Furniture, Home Décor, and More 10 Bulbs to Plant in the Spring for Late Summer Blooms How to Make a Flower Crown to Wear at Your Next Special Celebration