Are you on the lookout for the best wok for deep frying? We will highlight the most sought-after choices and talk about their distinguishing features. The main use of a wok is for rapidly frying food in oil or fat, helping to keep the inside tender. This versatile utensil can be used to prepare a wide variety of meals.
A good wok should have a large cooking surface area, high heat retention capacity, and even distribution of heat throughout its surface when in use. These features allow food to cook faster without burning or overcooking it due to unevenly cooked areas around the edges.
The best wok to use for deep frying is the carbon steel wok. It has a long handle which makes it easy to safely transport food from oil back onto a plate or cooking surface. The flat bottom helps with even heating and reduces hot spots that can burn foods. The carbon steel woks are also less expensive than stainless steel, making them more affordable for families on a budget.
If you’re in the market for a wok that will allow you to deep fry your favorite foods, then look no further. Our guide below will give you all of the information needed to make an informed decision when purchasing a new wok for deep frying or updating your current one. We’ve included some of our best recommendations and reviews from customers who have been using these products for years. Once you read through our guide, we are confident that it will help lead you towards making the right choice based on what’s important to you!
List Of 5 Best Wok For Deep Frying Reviews
1. HexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Frying Pan
We gave the HexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Frying Pan a spin, and honestly, it felt like having the best of both worlds. The stainless steel gave us that nice sear on meats while the nonstick surface made flipping eggs a breeze—no sticking, no fuss. Plus, it’s super versatile since it works on all cooktops, including induction. Cleaning it was also surprisingly easy, even after cooking messier meals. We could tell it’s built to last, which is always a bonus for kitchen gear.
That said, we couldn’t ignore the weight—it’s heavier than most pans we’ve used, which took some getting used to. Also, the price made us hesitate at first. It’s definitely an investment piece, but if you’re serious about cooking, it might be worth considering.
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Cons
2. Todlabe 13-Inch Pre-Seasoned Wok
We had a blast cooking with the Todlabe 13-Inch Pre-Seasoned Wok. Right away, we noticed how evenly it distributed heat, which made stir-frying super efficient and fun. The pre-seasoning saved us time and effort, and it gave our dishes a lovely flavor right out of the gate. It’s large enough to handle family-sized meals, so no one went hungry. This wok really feels like a workhorse for the kitchen.
However, we did find the wooden handle a bit wobbly—it didn’t feel as sturdy as we’d like, which was a slight letdown. Also, because of its size, storage was a bit of a challenge. If you have a smaller kitchen, finding a spot for it might be tricky, but it’s worth it if you love cooking big meals.
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3. Cooks Standard 12-Inch Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan
The Cooks Standard 12-Inch Hard Anodized Frying Pan made cooking so easy. It’s lightweight and feels comfortable to use, even for longer cooking sessions. The nonstick surface worked beautifully—pancakes, eggs, and even sticky sauces slid right off. We also loved that it’s oven-safe, making it perfect for recipes that go from stovetop to oven. It’s a great everyday pan that doesn’t feel like a hassle to use.
On the flip side, we noticed the nonstick coating started showing wear sooner than we’d hoped, which was a bit disappointing. And since it’s not dishwasher-safe, cleanup takes a little more effort. Still, for how easy it makes cooking, we think it’s a solid pick for quick and simple meals.
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4. Futura Non-Stick Deep-Fry Pan
If you're looking to fry food with less oil but still want that crispy finish, the Futura Non-Stick Deep-Fry Pan is a great choice. The round bottom makes it easy to toss your food around, letting you use less oil while still getting that perfect crunch. Just a heads-up, though—this pan is only for gas stovetops, so make sure your stove works with it before buying.
It has a heat-resistant plastic handle, making it easy to hold while you're frying up your favorite foods. The 2 ½-liter size is big enough for a full meal, whether you're cooking up some eggs or frying veggies. Plus, with a 3 ½ mm thick coating, this pan is tough—no worries about breaking it like your regular glass or steel pans. The non-stick surface is fantastic, letting food slide off without a mess, so cleanup is a breeze.
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5. Homeries Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok with 2 Handled and Wooden Lid
If you need a new wok, the Homeries Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok is worth checking out. It's perfect for small kitchens because it’s easy to clean, thanks to its two handles and removable wooden lid. Plus, you can use it indoors or outdoors—even in the oven! This wok gives you those authentic Asian flavors, and with less salt and fat than some other options, your dishes will turn out great.
At 14 inches, this wok is just the right size and comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil to keep it from rusting. It has a flat base, making it easy to sit on your stove, and the non-stick surface means no food sticking. Whether you're cooking indoors or camping, this wok is great for stir-fries and sauces. The wooden lid is handy for steaming ingredients and preventing condensation from dripping onto your food. If you need to cook more than two servings, you can even stack two of these pans together.
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Things to Think About Before Buying the Best Wok for Deep Frying
When it comes to choosing the best wok for deep frying, the design is super important. You want a wok that can stand on its own without tipping over, and it should work on any stovetop, whether it’s gas, electric, or induction. Think about your cooking style too—whether you’re into quick stir-fries or slow-cooking soups and stews. If you're just heating oil, you'll focus on different features than if you plan to cook and eat right after.
Before you make a decision, here are some key things to keep in mind.
Material
For deep frying, a carbon steel wok is your best bet. It’s lightweight, heats up fast, and spreads heat evenly. But it does react with acidic foods, so you’ll need to keep it seasoned and cleaned. Cast iron is a solid option if you're cooking things like chili or tomatoes, as it doesn’t react with acids. It’s heavier but super durable. Non-stick woks are great for stir-fries, but they’re not meant for deep frying because the high heat can damage the surface. Aluminum heats up quickly and evenly, making it a good choice for deep frying, but it’s lightweight, so you may need to stabilize it. Cast iron’s slow heat-up time is great for frying, but its weight can make it tough to handle.
Construction
Look for a wok that’s at least 1-2mm thick to avoid warping over time. Thin-walled woks heat up fast but can get damaged more easily, especially near the heat source. Modern woks usually have handles that are riveted on, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before buying.
Lid
A lid can be super helpful if you plan to steam or simmer, or if you’re making stews or braised dishes. It’s also handy for deep frying to keep oil from spilling over.
Handle
If you're deep frying things like doughnuts or chicken wings, you’ll want a handle that stays cool to the touch. A long wooden or stainless steel handle works best. If you need to move the wok around, a single metal handle might be more convenient than two wooden ones.
Length
For larger batches like frying a bunch of doughnuts at once, a longer wok might come in handy. Just be careful—it can be tricky to move around and stir without spilling hot oil.
Size
For cooking 2-3 people, a 16-18 inch wok is perfect. If you’re cooking for a crowd, go bigger. A smaller wok is also great for quick meals, especially if you’ve got a stovetop with multiple burners.
Warranty
Woks go through high temperatures, so it’s always a good idea to get one with at least a year-long warranty to cover any overheating damage.
Quality vs Price
If you’re not planning on making big deep-fried dishes like doughnuts, a carbon steel wok in the $30 range should do the job. But if you're cooking a lot of fried foods, you might want to invest in a cast iron or aluminum wok, especially if you want added durability and better heat retention.
Deep Frying at Home is a GREAT IDEA
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of wok is best for deep frying?
A carbon steel wok is a great choice for deep frying. It heats up quickly and holds the heat well, making it easy to fry foods like eggs or bacon without transferring too much heat to your food. It’s also a solid option for general wok cooking.
2. Can you use a wok for deep frying?
Yes, a wok is perfect for deep frying. Its shape uses less oil than other pans, and it’s spacious enough to fry more food at once. Just be sure to use a deep-fry thermometer to keep an eye on the oil temperature for safety.
3. Which metal is good for deep frying?
Cast iron is the top choice for deep frying because it holds heat really well. However, if you prefer something lighter or easier to maintain, carbon steel or stainless steel are great alternatives and still work well for deep frying.
4. Is a wok better for frying?
Yes! A wok is great for frying because of its shape. The sloping sides help contain splatter, and since you’re stirring constantly, food cooks quickly and evenly. Plus, it uses less oil than a large skillet or frying pan.
Conclusion
If you're looking for the best wok for deep frying, we've put together a list of top choices that make frying easy. Woks are versatile and great for frying, keeping food tender inside. They’re perfect for cooking all sorts of dishes, from vegetables to meats, and even breading. With so many options out there, you’ll find one that fits your needs. Whether you like a round-bottomed or flat-bottomed wok, there’s something for every cooking style. We hope this guide helps you find the right one!
