The best woks for tasty stir-fries: tried and tested by Mumsnet users

With the right tools, cooking up a Chinese or Thai banquet should be simple and fun. The colourful veg should be crunchy, the duck or chicken juicy and full of flavour, and the noodles soft and savoury. To help you achieve this, you need the perfect pan for this energetic cooking style. 

The best wok for your stir-frying needs might be robust and compact, with a non-stick coating that makes cleaning easy. Or it could be an authentic carbon steel wok that a professional chef would choose.

Like the best knife sharpeners and frying pans, a high-performing wok will become an essential part of your kitchen kit. They can add that unique smoky ‘wok-hei’ flavour to food and should make cooking a mouth-watering chicken in black bean sauce or fluffy egg-foo-young, amongst many other dishes, an utter joy. For the best experience, woks should have ergonomic stay-cool handles, heat up fast and won't have annoying hotspots that will burn your food.

To help you choose a suitable wok for your hob, we’ve extensively researched the views of our trusty and discerning Mumsnet users – the biggest online network of parents in the UK – to get their views on the pans they have tried, tested and loved. Then, we carefully analysed the opinions of food industry experts and verified consumer reviewers. We thought carefully about each product, the variety of heat sources it will work on, and any extra features, such as a helper handle or a thermo-indicator, to ensure we're only bringing you the very best products, whatever your budget. 

Best woks 2024: at a glance

• Best overall: KitchenAid Classic Non-Stick Wok, £75

• Best budget: IKEA 365+ Wok, £29

• Best for an induction hob: Circulon Infinite Wok Non-Stick, £119

• Best with a lid: Stellar 7000 Stainless Steel Wok, £70

• Best non-stick: Scoville Neverstick Performance Wok, £24

• Best carbon steel: Yokusata Carbon Steel Wok, £60

• Best for noodles: Tefal Comfort Max Stainless Steel Wok, £30

• Best stainless steel: KUHN RIKON Oven-Safe Induction Wok, £76

• Best ceramic: GreenPan Venice Pro Hard Anodised Wok, £68

• Best for style: Smeg CKFW3001CRM Wok, £105

1. Best overall wok: KitchenAid Classic Non-Stick Wok

Price on writing: £75 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Stainless steel and alumimium | Coating: Non-stick | Size: 30cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: All hobs including induction

What we like

• Cool-grip handles 

• Oven safe up to 220°C

• Three-layer non-stick 

What we don’t like

• Not cheap 

What Mumsnet users say

“I recommend the KitchenAid woks (which are good for induction). Obviously they're more expensive, but we use it very, very often and recommend it.” (Tried and tested by myrtleWilson) 

Our verdict 

A clear winner for the top spot, the KitchenAid Classic Non-Stick Wok is the perfect option for anyone new to wok cooking. It has an impressive non-stick coating and a robust build that will also delight more experienced home cooks. The smooth surface and lack of seams make it easy to clean in warm water with a soft cloth, and it can even go in the dishwasher occasionally. 

Crafted from heavy-duty aluminium, this fantastic wok quickly reaches the optimum cooking temperature, and the heat is spread evenly around the pan. Reviewers felt that this wok would last them for years, but do warn against using metal utensils as they may scratch, so you’ll probably want to stick to a silicone spatula.  

The handle feels sturdy, is short enough to give lots of control and is made from ‘stay-cool’ stainless steel. The flat-bottomed design means you can use this versatile wok on all hob types, and it is oven safe up to 220°C, too. 

Related: These excellent kitchen scales will accurately weigh ingredients ready for your wok

2. Best budget wok: IKEA 365+ Stainless Steel Wok

Price on writing: £29 | Buy now from IKEA

Key specs 

Material: Stainless steel | Coating: Non-stick platinum Teflon | Size: 32cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: No | Suitable heat sources: All hobs including induction

What we like 

• Second handle for easy handling

• Hanging hook

• Affordable 

What we don’t like

• The non-stick works better with a tiny bit of oil

• Not dishwasher safe

What Mumsnet users say

“I have the IKEA 365 one which is 32cm and very good.” (Recommended by BretonBlue)

Our verdict 

From their saucepans to their chopping boards, you can always rely on good old IKEA for cheap kitchen essentials, and the 365+ stainless steel pan is our best affordable wok. It heats up fast, and as stainless steel retains heat, it's possible to cook at low, more energy-efficient temperatures, which can save you money in the long run. 

This is a large wok with lots of capacity, so we like that it has a helper handle, which gives extra support as you carry a pan full of delicious veggies across the kitchen. The non-stick interior of this wok is effective; however, reviewers found that a tiny smidge of oil gave the best results. 

We love the elegant look of this wok; the exterior resists rust and will retain its sheen. The price is brilliant for a durable wok that feels balanced, will cook enough food for a large family and works on all types of hob. 

3. Best wok for an induction hob: Circulon Infinite Non-Stick Wok

Price on writing: £119 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium and stainless steel | Coating: Non-stick | Size: 36cm | Lid included?: Yes | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: All hobs including induction

What we like 

• Oven safe to 240°C

• Cool-grip handle 

• Even heat distribution 

• Lifetime guarantee

What we don’t like

• Expensive 

What Mumsnet users say

“I have this one - not cheap but it’s amazing. I have had it for at least eight years, using it once a week, and it looks brand new. I do look after it - only use a wooden spoon and wash gently.” (Recommended by Notcontent)

Our verdict 

The Circulon Infinite Non-Stick Wok delivers exceptional heat distribution, and the wide, flat stainless steel base is ideal for use on an induction or electric hob, especially if it has a flexi zone. We also love the sophisticated look of this wok; it would be great as a serving dish at a dinner party. 

This beautifully crafted wok is excellent quality; it feels sturdy, is well-balanced and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Reviewers found this wok heavy; however, the ergonomically-shaped double handles make it easy to move around the kitchen, even when it’s full of delicious food. 

The Circulon Infinite Wok has a premium price point, but its stylish design, thoughtful features and superior cooking performance make it worth the extra investment. It’s also versatile, as it is oven safe, and the lid means you can steam, braise, simmer and stir-fry. 

4. Best wok with a lid: Stellar 7000 Stainless Steel Wok

Price on writing: £70 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Polished stainless steel | Coating: Teflon Pro-Platinum non-stick | Size: 30cm | Lid included?: Yes | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: All hobs including induction

What we like 

• Attractive design 

• 10-year non-stick guarantee 

• Impressive non-stick efficiency

What we don’t like

• Straight sides means it doesn’t hold as much

• Pricey

What Mumsnet users say

“I use a Stellar 7000 Stainless Steel Wok - it's only 30cm (from memory), but it works well on an induction hob - I cook mostly one-pot dishes using it - curries, pasta sauces, chilli, as well as the usual stir-fries.” (Recommended by stuffnthings)

Our verdict 

Mumsnetters rave about their Stellar pans, and their 7000 Stainless Steel Wok is no exception. We love that it has an attractive, highly polished exterior that would look marvellous hanging from a hook in a modern kitchen. The interior also has a non-stick coating that delivers excellent cooking performance and is easy to clean. 

Reviewers found the high sides reduced the capacity expected from a 30cm wok. However, they retain heat and are advantageous when using the lid for different cooking styles, such as simmering a pasta sauce. 

Stainless steel retains heat, so you can turn down the temperature and cook a stir-fry in minutes while saving energy and money, making this is a great sustainable option. This hard-working wok can be used on all hob types; the smooth flat base is perfect for induction. 

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5. Best non-stick wok: Scoville Neverstick Performance Wok

Price on writing: £24 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium with stainless steel handle | Coating: Non-stick | Size: 28cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: Suitable for all hob types including induction

What we like 

• Impressive non-stick performance 

• Oven safe 

• Even heat distribution

• Great price

What we don’t like

• The metal handle gets hot

• Smaller capacity than some

What Mumsnet users say

“I have this Scoville Neverstick Performance Wok and it is brilliant. I also have the casserole dish and frying pan in this range.” (Recommended by Ginfordinner) 

Our verdict 

If you’re searching for a reliable non-stick stir-fry pan, the Scoville Neverstick Performance Wok is a brilliant choice. It’s resilient against peeling and flaking and will help you create nutritious meals without sticking or burning food. 

Crafted from rugged aluminium that will withstand daily use and a stainless steel base that heats fast and evenly, this wok will become a trusted kitchen companion. Reviewers love the solid feel of the wok, but found that the handle gets very hot, so invest in a good oven glove. 

Unlike traditional woks that need seasoning and can be tricky to clean, the Neverstick can be thrown in the dishwasher or hand washed. In addition, this great-looking wok is oven safe and will work well on all types of hob. 

6. Best carbon steel wok: Yokusata Carbon Steel Wok

Price on writing: £60 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Carbon steel | Coating: No | Size: 34cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: No | Suitable heat sources: Gas, BBQ, and induction hob compatible

What we like 

• Pre-seasoned, so is non-stick from the start

• Can be used at high temperatures 

• Two handles for easy manoeuvring

What we don’t like

• Not suitable for flat surface hobs

What Mumsnet users say

“For really high temperature stir-frying, I use my carbon steel wok which I have seasoned.” (Material recommended by Ginfordinner) 

Our verdict 

Thanks to its traditional round bottom, the Yosukata Carbon Steel is our best authentic Chinese wok. This feature means intense heat is concentrated in one place, leading to a quick cook and locked-in flavour. 

Made from heavy-duty black carbon steel, this is a highly durable and versatile piece of kitchen kit. It’s excellent at stir-frying but can also pan-fry, braise and deep-fry. Care must be taken when cleaning; it needs to be wiped with kitchen paper before it completely cools. 

This fantastic wok is pre-seasoned, so you can cook in it without fear of burning from the first use. However, it must be seasoned with an extra layer of oil after every use so the non-stick and distinctive smoky wok-hei flavour gets better with age. 

Related: The best cutlery sets according to Mumsnetters

7. Best wok for noodles: Tefal Comfort Max Stainless Steel Wok

Price on writing: £30 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Stainless steel | Coating: Non-stick | Size: 28cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: All types of hob including induction

What we like 

• Stay-cool handle 

• Impressive heat retention so it can be used at low temperatures 

• Oven safe 

• Good value

What we don’t like

• Heavy

• May be too small for a large family

Our verdict 

The Tefal Comfort Max Stainless Steel Wok is an excellent everyday pan. It is affordable and is a size that is perfect for medium-sized families. It also has an effective non-stick PFOA-free coating. 

Reviewers were thrilled with how fast this wok heats, its sturdy yet balanced feel and how easy it is to clean. We like that it has Thermo-Signal technology, too, which lets novice chefs know when to add the ingredients. 

The ergonomic stay-cool handle is practical and makes cooking without an awkward oven glove much more manageable. In addition, you receive a 10-year guarantee upon purchase and can match your new wok with the rest of the Tefal Comfort Max range. 

8. Best stainless steel wok: KUHN RIKON Oven-Safe Induction Wok

Price on writing: £76 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Stainless steel | Coating: Non-stick | Sizes: 28cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: No | Suitable heat sources): All types of hob including induction 

What we like

• Oven safe 

• Stay-cool handle 

• Scratch resistant  

What we don’t like

• High sides mean it doesn’t hold as much 

• Pricey

Our verdict 

This Kuhn Rikon Wok is made from superior quality stainless steel that is rust resistant, reaches the optimum temperature quickly and retains heat so you can switch to a lower hob setting. 

This brilliant wok can be used on all styles of hob, plus you can pop it in the oven. The non-stick coating is fantastic too; it is titanium enriched, so it’s hard-wearing and scratch resistant. 

We like the high sides as they mean you won’t lose ingredients as you cook. However, the combination of this with a small base means the overall capacity is reduced. The ergonomic stay-cool handle is valuable as you can easily cook and serve with it. 

It’s not the cheapest kitchen brand out there, but the quality is worth it. Mumsnetters love Kuhn Rikon products, and you can also find them featured on our best salt and pepper grinders round-up.

9. Best ceramic wok: GreenPan Venice Pro Hard Anodised Wok

Price on writing: £68 | Buy now from Harts of Stur

Key specs 

Material: Hard anodised ceramic | Coating: Non-stick | Size: 30cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: All hob types including induction

What we like 

• Teflon-free 

• Can be used at higher temperatures

• Helper handle 

• Stylish design

What we don’t like

• Pricey

• Heavy

Our verdict 

If you want a non-stick coating but don’t like the idea of Teflon, or the faff of endless seasoning, the GreenPan Venice Pro Wok is the best choice for cooking noodles and other Asian dishes. 

Made from hard-wearing ceramic, this pan is 100% toxin-free, so you can cook at high temperatures and accidentally scratch the surface without worrying. In addition, the smooth surface is easy to clean, even when food debris has dried. 

At 30cm, this large wok will quickly cook yummy meals for large families. It is pretty heavy, but with the combination of a short and sturdy main handle and a helper handle, it shouldn’t be a chore to carry to the dinner table.

Related: Discover the best baking trays, as tried and tested by Mumsnetters

10. Best stylish wok: Smeg CKFW3001CRM Wok

Price on writing: £105 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs 

Material: Aluminium | Coating: Non-stick | Size: 30cm | Lid included?: No | Dishwasher safe?: Yes | Suitable heat sources: All hob types including induction

What we like 

• Stylish 

• Impressive heat distribution 

• Easy to clean 

What we don’t like

• Expensive

Our verdict 

If elegance is a key consideration, and everything in your kitchen from your egg poachers to your cake tins has to be stylish, you’ll love the Smeg CKFW3001CRM Wok for its gorgeous retro look. It has curves, a geometric handle, a glossy black interior, and a classic cream exterior; hanging it from a hook in a country kitchen would look fab. 

Happily, this wok works well, too. It has a reliable non-stick coating that makes cooking without burning food and cleaning up after very easy. It is dishwasher safe, but we recommend only doing this occasionally. 

As with most Smeg products, this wok is on the pricey side. However, it will be worth the extra spend if you already have Smeg appliances to match it to and love the brand.  

What’s the difference between a frying pan and a wok?

A wok is designed to cook food fast and with only a tiny amount of oil. The bowl shape and thin material mean an even, high temperature can be reached in minutes. Vegetables will be cooked through but still crispy, and meat will have a light sear and retain its juices. 

Because of the high heat, food should be swirled quickly around the bowl so it doesn’t stay in one place and then stick and burn. The high sides of a wok complement this cooking method as they won’t allow the ingredients to jump out of the pan. 

Stir-frying in a wok is a healthy way to cook as your food will retain its nutrients, and you’re not adding many extra calories in cooking oils. 

Some woks have a flat bottom which can be used effectively on flat hobs such as induction or electric. A traditional wok has a small curved base for lots of heat in a small area of the pan and is better suited to gas hobs. Your food will also be more authentically Chinese or Thai with this type of pan.  

A frying pan has a flat bottom and is made from thicker material, so they don’t heat up as quickly, and if you are preparing a stir-fry for a large family, the veggies are likely to fall out of the pan. 

How to choose the best wok for your kitchen

• Coating: Traditional wok cooking requires the high temperatures that should be avoided with a non-stick coating. For this, a carbon steel or cast iron wok which can be seasoned with oil are the best options. However, for a lot of home-cooked meals, temperatures that Teflon non-stick can cope with will suffice. Non-stick also means minimal oil is required, and you can wash your wok quickly and easily without fear of damaging hard-won layers of seasoning. 

• Handle: A short handle is easy to manoeuvre if the wok is heavy. It will get hot, however. Alternatively, as wok cooking needs lots of movement, a long handle can help with this.

• Shape: High sides mean your ingredients will remain in the pan as you toss and cook them. A traditional wok will have a round bottom, which means that the intense heat is focused in one small space; that’s why keeping the ingredients moving as you stir-fry is essential. Balance will also be tricky, and it won’t work on flat hobs. If you have a snazzy top-of-the-range induction hob, you’ll need a new style flat-bottomed wok. 

• Size: If you have a big family to feed, a wok with a diameter of over 32cm will be the perfect size. Couples and people who don’t have much storage space may find that a smaller wok will suit them better. 

• Lids: You don’t need a wok with a lid to stir-fry. However, if you want a versatile pan, one with a cover will allow you to steam veg, simmer pasta sauce or braise meat.

What’s the best material for a wok?

The material your wok is made from will significantly impact the taste and texture of your favourite Asian dishes; it will also determine how easy it is to care for and how long it will last. 

Carbon steel

If you aim to produce authentic Chinese dishes or world-class Pad Thai, a traditional lightweight carbon steel wok with high sides and a round bottom is a must as they can reach searing temperatures in minutes. Professional chefs also love the evenness of the heat across the surface and the impressive natural non-stick quality that can be built up over time. 

They need a lot of TLC though; carbon steel should only be hand washed with warm water and light pressure.

Aluminium

A wok made from aluminium will likely have a Teflon-based non-stick coating, which means that very little oil is needed, but very high temperatures should be avoided. 

Aluminium conducts heat well, so your food will cook evenly. Some aluminium woks can be washed in the dishwasher; others should be hand washed only. Metal utensils and harsh scrubbing can easily damage any wok with a non-stick coating, so caution is required. 

Stainless steel

Stainless steel woks are hard-wearing, rust resistant and will build up a reliable non-stick coating if seasoned. If you need cooking tools that can be chucked in a dishwasher and will resist scratching, stainless steel is an excellent option. 

Stainless steel takes a little while to heat up, but it retains heat well. Stainless steel woks sometimes have hotspots, however, so burning food is easier if you don’t keep it moving. 

Cast iron

Cast iron is another material that is used in Asian cooking. It will add a powerful punch of heat to your cooking, and, like carbon steel, it delivers wok hei flavour to your food. Be warned though, as with the best cast iron skillets, it's often heavy, which doesn’t go well with the energy required for stir-frying. 

For non-stick capability, cast iron needs seasoning, a process that requires a regular coating of oil such as grapeseed or flaxseed and the application of heat; this also prevents rusting. For this coating to perform well, you need to be careful when washing cast iron. 

How to clean a wok

If your wok has been seasoned, scrubbing pads, strong cleaning products and hot water can damage it. Warm water, gentle detergent and a soft cloth should be the only method of cleaning. 

A Teflon-based non-stick coating will be more robust and easier to clean. Some can even be washed in the dishwasher, though we recommend only doing this occasionally. 

In addition, it is essential to let your wok cool before placing it in water. However, before any food debris dries that will require soaking, grab a handful of kitchen towels and gently remove as much as you can when the pan has cooled enough to do so. 

How we chose our recommendations 

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users 

Mumsnet users love cooking for their families and friends and have lots of opinions on the best tools for the job. So, the first stop on our journey to find the best woks was our forums. 

We sought out Mumsnetters' honest and independent recommendations and took note of the products they felt weren't up to the task. 

Expert opinions

Next up, we scrutinised reviews from trusted food industry experts. We want to be entirely sure that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we focused on award-winning woks and those that are well thought of by professional chefs and food writers.

Authentic consumer reviews

Finally, we investigated verified customer reviews on retailer websites to ensure every product on our shortlist is top-notch, and also to bring you a balanced round-up that features the merits and disadvantages of each product.

About the author

Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer for Mumsnet with a specialism in lifestyle product round-ups.

With many years of experience as a copywriter, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance. 

Finding the products that will make the lives of parents easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists, and has written extensively on the best kitchen staples and appliances to add to your home. 

Gemma is a mum of two grown-up children, and has two dogs and a tortoise. Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us, and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our users recommend to their friends and family.

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