Five Tips for Buying a Cooking Wok
Material
One of the first things you need to consider when buying a cooking wok is the type of material that it’s made from. Common materials include copper, carbon steel, aluminum. One of the best materials used to make these woks is carbon steel. This type of cooking wok will heat evenly and is cheaper than other materials.
Bottom
One of the next things you need to consider when buying a cooking wok is the type of bottom that it has. You will have to choose between a round or flat bottom. If you plan on cooking with an electric range, then you should avoid using a cooking wok with a round bottom. This type of wok will reflect heat back onto the heating element and damage it. Round-bottomed woks are suitable for use with gas stoves. Woks with a flat bottom can be used on any type of stove.
Handle
You will also need to think about the type of handles the cooking wok has. Most designs have a long handle to make it easier to tilt the wok when using it to stir-fry food. You may also want to look for a cooking wok that has a smaller handle opposite the long handle. Some designs have two small metal handles instead of one long handle.
Coating
You may also want to consider buying a cooking wok that has a non-stick coating. This is especially useful if you don’t cook using a lot of fat. However, you should be aware that a carbon steel cooking wok won’t work very well with a non-stick coating. It’s best to look for an aluminum design that has this type of coating.
Size
One of the final things you need to think about when buying a cooking wok is its size. There are designs that measure a few feet, but they are mainly used to cook in restaurants. You will need to choose a cooking wok based on the type of stove or range that you have. You will also need to consider how deep you want the wok to be.
These are a few tips for buying a cooking wok. If you use an electric range, it’s best to choose a wok that has a flat bottom because round-bottomed designs will damage the heating element. If you cooking without using a lot of fat, then you should look for a cooking wok that has a non-stick coating.
