What's the best electric wok?

We walk you through the wok features and brand names to look for

First of all, if you're shopping for an electric wok, you've already made a great choice. Electric woks are helpful kitchen appliances, versatile, fast, convenient, and relatively inexpensive. Deciding which is the best electric wok for you is first and foremost a matter of knowing which wok features to look for. Electric wok brand names can come later.

Electric wok features

Woks have been used for many years in Asian cooking, and their unique shape is what sets them apart from other cooking appliances. An electric wok has rounded and sloped sides that make for better heat distribution.

A common design debate among wok aficionados is flat bottom versus round bottom. Woks are traditionally made with round bottoms, but flat bottom woks are easier to use on the typical American stove. The consensus among wok experts tends to be that round bottom woks are best, but by using electric woks, you can sidestep the debate altogether since you don't have to use your stovetop.

One feature unique to electric woks is wattage. Electric woks generally operate between 1000 watts and 1600 watts. The higher the wattage, the more heat an electric wok produces. If you're not sure which wattage is best, an electric wok around 1400 watts would probably work well for you.

Contemporary shoppers tend to look for kitchen appliances that are stainless steel or Teflon. With electric woks, try to avoid that tendency. For best cooking results, we recommend getting a carbon steel electric wok and oiling the surface before cooking.

Other electric wok features you should look for are heat-resistant handles and a longer removable heating element. If the temperature control is removable and your electric wok is dishwasher-safe, cleanup will be a lot easier.

The best electric woks

Now that you know your electric wok features, it's time to compare brand names. These are the electric wok brands we recommend.

Cuisinart

For Cuisinart electric woks, we recommend the Cuisinart WOK-730 electric wok. It is stainless steel and nonstick, but it also boasts a smoking 1800 watts of cooking power and 7.3 quart cooking capacity. This Cuisinart electric wok also features a removable temperature probe for easy dishwasher cleanup.

Other benefits include a 3-year limited warranty, and the inclusion of a steamer rack, tempura rack, 2 wooden spatulas, and a domed lid.

Rival

A smaller and inexpensive alternative (about half the cost of the Cuisinart) would be a Rival electric wok, particularly the Rival WS60T 6-Liter electric wok. This is not an especially complicated electric wok and would work best with simple dishes.

Circulon

As a high quality electric wok, the Circulon 14-Inch Nonstick 48785 electric wok rates well. At 1300 watts, its cooking power is less than the Cuisinart electric wok, but it does boast a highly durable anodized nonstick finish. This Circulon electric wok is not dishwasher safe, but it can be immersed in water and cleans up quickly.

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