To make this list possible, we have reviewed lots of cast iron 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 cast iron wok products in the same category, and everyone is claiming that their product is the best deal.
The truth is the cheapest cast iron 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 cast iron wok as well as some with a higher price.
Best cast iron wok – Reviews
Sale1. Lodge BOLD 14 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Wok; Design-Forward Cookware
Sale2. Lodge Manufacturing Company L9MW Mini Wok Cast Iron, 9", Black
Sale3. Jim Beam 12'' Pre Seasoned Heavy Duty Construction Cast Iron Grilling Wok, Griddle and Stir Fry Pan
Sale4. WANGYUANJI Cast Iron Wok Pan 12 inch Flat Bottom with Wooden Handle and Lid, Large Wok Stir Fry Pan...
5. Lodge Cast Iron 14" Wok
6. WUWEOT 14" Cast Iron Wok with Handles and Wooden Lid, Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Iron Deep Frying Pan for...
Sale7. Wok, Stir Fry Pan, Wooden Handle, 11 Inch, Lightweight Cast Iron, chef’s pan, pre-seasoned...
8. Bruntmor 14 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Wok/ Pot. 14" Nonstick Enamel Skillet Pan With Large Loop...
9. Homeries Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Wok with 2 Handled and Wooden Lid (14 Inches) Nonstick Iron Deep...
Sale10. Cuisinart CCW-800, Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Wok, 10"
cast iron wok Buying Guide
In this article, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of a cast iron wok and how to season it. We will also discuss the price of a cast iron wok. Before purchasing a cast iron wok, make sure to read the following articles on how to season a wok. You should understand the pros and cons of cooking with a cast iron wok before you purchase one. You can also read about the different types of cast iron woks available.
Disadvantages of a cast iron wok
The cast iron wok is heavy and requires special care. Cleaning with a regular brush can lead to food particles becoming stuck in the deep grooves. In addition, you should always cover it when not in use. Alternatively, you can use a thick pad-like brush to clean it. However, this will leave lint on the wok. It is also more difficult to scrub it thoroughly.
The wok can be quite heavy, so you may have to lift it by hand. But that’s a plus! It’s also dishwasher-safe and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The shallow depth also makes it easy to steam and boil. Depending on the size, it can also be used for deep frying. As long as you have a suitable pan, a cast iron wok may be a perfect choice.
Carbon steel is a good conductor of heat. But it takes longer for cast iron to heat up, and once it’s hot, it holds onto heat better. Carbon steel woks tend to retain heat better at the bottom and will therefore be faster to heat up. Therefore, carbon steel woks are preferable for restaurants or home use. There are also some disadvantages with carbon steel woks.
One disadvantage of cast iron is that it imparts iron to food. The food may end up tasting tainted because of the release of iron from the pan. Luckily, a properly cared-for cast iron wok will last for many years. In fact, some families will even pass it on to future generations. Some people believe that vintage cast iron is better than modern cookware. Some high-quality pieces have even sold for thousands of dollars at auction.
Cost of a cast iron wok
A good cast iron wok will cost from $30 to more than $100, depending on the size and quality. The average price of a mid-range wok is $50 to $75, but the higher-end models will run you $100 to $200. Consumers usually look at price first when choosing a new piece of cookware. After all, most of us don’t want to spend more than we need to, but there is some truth to the saying, you get what you pay for.
While it is tempting to opt for the lowest price, don’t let that deter you from spending a little extra. While you may save money on staples and paper, woks are a long-term investment that will last you a long time. So, if you’re planning to use your wok a lot, you’ll want to get a high-quality one. A good wok should last for at least three or four sets of conventional cookware.
When choosing a cast iron wok, consider how often you use it. If you frequently cook, investing in a high-quality cast iron wok will be well worth the cost. Look for a wok that can serve many purposes, such as an oven and a grill. Choose a wok that is durable and does not require seasoning or special handling. Don’t forget that cast iron woks are heavy, so consider buying one with wooden handles.
If you’re worried about the price, there are some cheaper options available. One of these is the Lodge Cast Iron Mini Wok. The lodge is known for making high-quality and affordable kitchen appliances, so the Homeries wok is a great choice for those on a budget. The nutrichef wok comes pre-seasoned with a non-stick coating, making it compatible with most stovetops. It also retains heat evenly, making it an excellent choice for stir-frying, deep-frying, and searing.
While both cast iron and carbon steel perform well when compared to the other two materials, the latter is more expensive and requires more maintenance. Carbon steel performs better under high heat than cast iron. Carbon steel is also more durable, and many woks are passed down through the family as heirlooms. They’re great for outdoor use, and a heavy cast iron wok is worth the investment. A well-made cast iron wok will last a lifetime, so it’s worth the investment.
A cheap cast iron wok is available at the end of the price spectrum. While they’re not cheap, this wok is made to provide the most benefits for the money. The price you pay is more than likely justified. A high-quality cast iron wok is designed to withstand extreme heat. If you care for it properly, it will last you decades. You’ll be happy you bought it! When considering the cost of a cast iron wok, consider all of the advantages it provides.
Seasoning a cast iron wok
When using a cast iron wok, you can season it to ensure the maximum longevity of the cookware. You should not wash it in the dishwasher or put it in the microwave; if it is cast iron, you must dry it by rubbing vegetable oil on it. Canola oil can be used too, and it helps maintain the patina. Dry it thoroughly before storing it. To do this, you can use a towel or place it on the cooktop over medium-high heat.
Once the wok is dry, you can place it over medium heat and wipe the excess oil off. You should leave it over medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes and then use a paper towel to wipe away the excess oil. Then, place it over a medium flame and allow it to dry completely. This step will protect the wok’s finish from future stains. Once dry, it is safe to use the wok again.
The process of seasoning a cast iron wok can take a couple of days. In addition to adding the desired amount of seasoning to the wok, you should also clean the wok regularly with mild soap and water to prevent rust from forming. During this time, you should avoid washing the wok with abrasive or chemical cleaner as this can damage the surface. Once you have cleaned it, you should reheat it over medium heat for several minutes.
Then, add the shredded vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and ham. Continue to stir the ingredients until the vegetables are slightly charred. Finally, add the rice and seasonings. Stir-fry the rice until it is thoroughly combined. Once the rice is cooked, stir it together with the vegetables. Stir-fry the noodles until the seasonings are incorporated into the rice.
When cooking in a cast iron wok, you’ll need to season the wok with salt and pepper. Salt and pepper both contribute to the flavor of the finished dish, but salt and pepper will also enhance the overall texture. And you can even add shrimp to your dish for an extra boost of flavor. You’ll thank yourself for this later on. And, remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cooking in your wok.
cast iron 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 cast iron wok product and aim for more satisfied customers.
Storing and maintenance: Storing and maintenance of the cast iron 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 cast iron wok if they don’t.
Brand recognition: Buy from a reputable brand. It will increase the chance that the cast iron wok is made of quality.
Need or want: Decide if you need the cast iron 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 cast iron 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 cast iron 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 cast iron 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.