To make this list possible, we have reviewed lots of 14-inch wok and compared them by ratings and reviews. Our buying guide should help you decide what kind of product you are looking for. It’s always ideal to purchase products from the best brands because, in the end, you get a more quality product for your money’s worth. The reality is you have hundreds if not thousands of 14-inch wok products in the same category, and everyone is claiming that their product is the best deal.
The truth is the cheapest 14-inch wok is sometimes better than the most expensive one. The top companies spend lots of money on their advertisement and promotion. That way, the product is as much appealing as possible to you. That’s why following a buyer’s guide is a wise choice. In our list, we made sure we included budget 14-inch wok as well as some with a higher price.
Best 14-inch wok – Reviews
Sale1. HexClad 14 Inch Hybrid Stainless Steel Wok Pan with...
Sale2. Kenmore Hammond Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok, 14-Inch, Black
3. T-fal, Ultimate Hard Anodized, Nonstick 14 in. Wok, Black,...
4. Babish Carbon Steel Wok, 14-Inch
5. Carbon Steel Wok Pan with Ring, Chinese Woks and Stir Fry...
6. Hestan - NanoBond Collection - Stainless Steel Titanium Wok,...
7. 14" Green Earth Wok by Ozeri, with Smooth Ceramic Non-Stick...
Sale8. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok...
9. Cuisinart 726-38H Chef's Classic Stainless 14-Inch Stir-Fry...
Sale10. Mammafong Flat Bottom Carbon Steel Wok Pan - Authentic Hand...
14-inch wok Buying Guide
Joyce Chen’s fourteen-inch wok was recently featured on Chowhound’s “Most Amazing Cookware” list. This wok features a rounded bottom and sloped sides for easy flipping of vegetables or meat. Its high-heat resistance means food is repeatedly flung into the pan to sear it and create a flavorful char. A wooden handle is comfortable to grip, and the rounded bottom prevents hot spots that can cause burns. To care for your wok properly, be sure to wash it by hand with soapy water and avoid putting it in the dishwasher.
Nonstick woks develop a nonstick patina
After a few uses, nonstick 14-inch woks develop ‘patina’ on the inside of the pan. Patina helps a wok’s nonstick properties and enhances the flavor of the foods cooked in it. It becomes thicker over time and prevents rusting. In addition, a new wok is shipped with factory oil to prevent rusting. To maintain a healthy patina, it’s best to season the wok frequently with a scouring pad.
To develop a nonstick patina on your nonstick 14-inch wok, you should reheat it several times after use. This helps remove any trace moisture and seasons the pan. After each use, wipe down the wok and re-oil it with oil. This process will prevent rust and maintain a nonstick surface. Nonstick 14-inch woks can be placed in the dishwasher, but they should be hand-washed only.
Seasoning a nonstick 14-inch wok is an easy process that can help prevent a ‘burnt’ look. Just make sure that you use the correct technique. Use a metal spatula to press the mixture along the interior of the wok’s interior surface. This step will open up the pores, sealing the surface and forming a protective coating.
Generally, a pre-seasoned wok is easier to use than a seasoned one. But what does “pre-seasoned” mean? Does it mean that a wok has a genuinely nonstick surface or a basic carbon steel wok? A pre-seasoned wok should be seasoned after each use and will develop a nonstick patina over time.
Carbon steel woks sear ingredients
When you buy a carbon steel 14-inch wok, the first thing you should do is season it. These cooking pots usually come with an anti-rust coating from the factory. To get the best results, you should season your wok outside the house, away from any fumes or sunlight. Once you have seasoned your wok, you should use it frequently to keep it seasoned.
Depending on your wok, you can use either one or both sides. If you’re not sure which one is better, a carbon steel wok will likely leave behind a bit of oil and dust from the factory. To clean it properly, use warm water and a scouring pad made of green or coarse metal. Alternatively, you can use a heavy-duty wire scouring pad. Make sure you use oven mitts because carbon steel cookware can be quite hot.
As you use your carbon steel wok more often, its performance will increase. You can purchase a set that includes a few other cooking utensils, so you get more bang for your buck. Carbon steel is an excellent material to cook in, but it does require a little maintenance. As with cast iron, you should clean it with hot water to protect the patina.
A carbon steel wok will impart a distinctive char flavor to your food. The Japanese refer to their wok as chukanabe Zhong Hua Guo and the Chinese use it to sear ingredients. This process produces concentrated flavors and aromas. This means that a carbon steel wok will take less time to heat up than a standard gas burner. Likewise, it will be hotter and more durable than an electric wok.
Cantonese-style woks have two smaller handles on each side
Cantonese-style woks are different from their Chinese counterparts. Unlike their French counterparts, they have two handles on each side, while Mandarin woks have only one. They are made of carbon steel or cast iron. They are often used by professional chefs and come in a variety of sizes. The U-shaped handles make it easy to flip food.
To handle the wok, it is best to choose a wok with two handles. Some have matching short handles on each side, while others have one long handle and two shorter ones. While the latter makes it easier to hold over high heat, wooden handles are traditional and provide an excellent grip. Besides, wooden handles are typically lighter than all-steel woks, so you can carry them easily. However, steel handles aren’t a problem if you only use your wok for a few minutes every day, as long as you’re sure to use two handles.
While both wok styles are useful, you need to choose the one that suits your cooking style best. For instance, you should choose a wok with a 14-inch diameter and two handles. You can also choose a smaller one that fits in a small space. Smaller woks are best for small groups. You can also find 12-inch sizes. The main difference between these two styles is the weight. Smaller woks are more portable than their larger counterparts, but you’ll need to use them for stir-frying.
Cantonese-style woks are shaped like a U., whereas Mandarin woks are square-shaped. Cantonese woks are more shallow than Mandarin woks. You can also buy accessories to add functionality to your wok. Some accessories include a lid, a handle cover, and a spoon rest. These can expand your wok’s capabilities and ease of use.
Joyce Chen’s 14-inch wok
A heavy-weight carbon steel pan will provide superior cooking performance and durability for many years. Joyce Chen’s 14-inch Round Bottom Wok is no exception. Made from 1.8 mm carbon steel, it can be used on gas or electric burners and is generously sized. Carbon steel pans are generally more expensive, but they will provide superior cooking performance for a long time. Here are some advantages of carbon steel pans.
The uncoated carbon steel surface of a wok is the best choice for cooking because it is conducive to heat and allows quick heat transfer. It is rust-resistant and durable. Both Joyce Chen’s and Helen Chen’s woks are made from carbon steel. The benefits of carbon steel include easy cleaning and durability. The 14-inch version features an ergonomic handle and a stay-cool Phenolic surface.
The handles are another important factor to consider when purchasing a wok. It is difficult to toss food when using a short handle wok. A long handle wok makes tossing food much easier. The handles are also made of heat-resistant materials like phenolic or bamboo sticks. The handles are comfortable to grip and can be stored in an upright position when not in use. The handles also make the wok easy to move around.
The carbon steel bottom of the Joyce Chen 14-inch Wok allows for even heat distribution. The flat bottom also increases the surface area on the stove. The 1.8-mm carbon steel bottom makes the 14-inch wok practical for both gas and electric burners. Its large size and excellent depth make it a versatile cooking tool and an asset to any kitchen. It is also dishwasher-safe and free of toxic chemicals.
Alfresco’s 14-inch wok
If you love to cook Oriental food, the 14-inch Alfresco Wok is just the thing. Made of carbon steel, this wok is made for stir-frying in the same way as a professional chef would. This wok comes with a hanging loop on the handle so you can store it easily. It can be used with the Alfresco Wok Ring, so you can make your stir-frying experience as professional as possible.
Aside from the wok, the 14-inch Alfresco side burner also comes with thick stainless steel griddle plates. These are great for cooking fajitas, teppan, and pancakes. You can even use this for barbecues. There are many great uses for this versatile cookware. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. And don’t forget to get a wok ring!
14-inch wok Buying Checklist
Ingredient list: You’ve got to pay attention to the ingredient list. Some ingredients are more harmful than others.
Materials: The same goes for the material. Some are harmful, while other companies focus on a safer 14-inch wok product and aim for more satisfied customers.
Storing and maintenance: Storing and maintenance of the 14-inch wok the right way is important. Make sure to research how to store and maintain your product so the quality remains high for a long time.
Shelf life: Check the shelf life of the product. If buying appliances, make sure that the items are durable so you can use them for years.
Functionality: Get to know the functions of each product and learn how to use it. Check that there are no additional functions you don’t need because you will pay less for the 14-inch wok if they don’t.
Brand recognition: Buy from a reputable brand. It will increase the chance that the 14-inch wok is made of quality.
Need or want: Decide if you need the 14-inch wok or you just want it. In the end, the product may have no significant value to you, and it will just collect dust.
Calculate the cost: In advance, calculate the costs and think if it fits in your budget.
Can you make it yourself: If you have spare time, some products might be cheaper if you make them yourself. Buying the materials and making them yourself might even be enjoyable.
Take a break: Before making the final decision, take a 30-minute break and rethink the value the 14-inch wok will give you and how it will affect your budget.
What the effect will be: Give a thought if the product has an impact on your life in other areas. Sometimes we think we need something badly. Then we find out it negatively affected other areas of our life.
Peer pressure: It is wise not to purchase something just because your friend has it and it looks cool. It may lead to disappointment when you find out it is not as good as your friend showed you.
Train restraint: If you are on a tight budget and don’t need the product right away, wait for a couple of days and decide then.
Conclusion
We hope we helped you out and you have a better idea of which 14-inch wok is best for you. If you are on a tight budget, don’t forget to check out the products that are the least expensive. Keep in mind that they are still very usable and worth purchasing because they are highly reviewed and liked by customers.
However, if you are looking for more high-end products, we are certain that you will be satisfied with the more pricey 14-inch wok because customer satisfaction speaks for itself. We review a lot of food-related products and if you got some spare time, feel free to navigate to our main page, where you can find more top 10 best lists.