Woks may not replace the conventional pans entirely, but most individuals and restaurants are upgrading to this fast and efficient cookware. Cooking with woks is a Chinese tradition from over 2000 years ago and some of the fanciest hand-hammered woks are of East-Asian origin.
Indeed, woks are taking over most of the regions of the world – western countries included. And yes, professional chefs recommend them over the ordinary pots.
If you like cooking as a hobby or career, you may want to try the best hand hammered wok in the market. There are endless suggestions out there. However, only a few may be durable and of high standards tailored for your kitchen needs. We have a few suggestions for you.
Top Quality Hand Hammered Woks: Comparison table
If reading chunks of text is not your thing, don’t worry. We have a comparison list that breaks down the features and prices of the best hand-crafted woks for diverse recipes and cooking styles. Have a look!
| SL | Product Name | Weight | Check Price |
| #1 | Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok | 4.39 pounds | Check Price |
| #2 | Timoneylove Carbon Steel Pow Wok | 3.89 pounds | Check Price |
| #3 | Mammafong Round Bottom 14-Inch Traditional Carbon Steel Wok | 3.3 pounds | Check Price |
| #4 | Mammafong Authentic Hand Hammered Flat Bottom Wok | 3.36 pounds | Check Price |
| #5 | Carbon Steel Pow Wok | 5.94 pounds | Check Price |
Woks can be flat or round bottom. They are smoothened and curved by skilled Indian, Chinese and Japanese craftsmen. And you’ll find them in various shapes and sizes. So you can make the best stock, meats, fries, vegetables, soups if you buy the right set.
Woks can be hand or machine crafted. You can choose depending on your style and preference. The hand-hammered woks borrow some features from traditional pow woks.
Now, which of these cookware sets solves your kitchen puzzle? Let’s dive in.
5 Hand Hammered Woks Review
1. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok
First, you’ll appreciate the heavy 1.8 mm carbon steel wok with a 14-inch diameter which is of high quality. The round bottom and large diameter make it suitable for a family of 4-6. The bottom is heavy and sturdy enough not to burn the food or create hotspots.
On the other hand, the steel helper handle and the long wooden handles provide a firm grip, so that you don’t fumble because of scalding. You also don’t need extra material to hold the wok as you stir-fry.
We like that the item is an original creation of Chinese professionals and all you have to do is borrow and try some of their great recipes. It also has a proven record of best service, if you follow all the seasoning and care instructions.
And don’t forget that soap and dishwasher are not recommended. It’s purely hand wash. This is a must-have especially if cooking runs deep in your veins.
Pros
- Rustic and original
- Even and uniform heating
- Heavy and sturdy
- Very durable
- Simple user instructions
Cons
- Does not come with wok ring
- Not suitable for electric and induction stoves
2. Timoneylove Carbon Steel Pow Wok
If you don’t want the extra work of seasoning, then this is an excellent piece for you. It comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. However, you need to use it constantly to maintain the seasoning (patina).
This pow carbon steel wok undergoes a double baking exercise in an industrial oven that makes it very strong, durable, and nonstick for the longest period. And most importantly, note that the nonstick property is not chemically sprayed. It’s the result of infused natural oils during the baking process.
We like its round bottom which makes it versatile for various stovetops. Besides, the 14-inch diameter evenly distributes heat so that you don’t fuse about slow heating. Lastly, the wooden handle is strong and non-slip, it’s perfect during tossing.
Pros
- Strong wooden handle
- Pre-seasoned
- Non-stick and great for stir-frying
- Heavy and sturdy round bottom
- Good for various stovetops.
Cons
- Factory seasoning doesn’t last
- The blue color fades off soon
3. Mammafong Round Bottom 14-Inch Traditional Carbon Steel Wok
Whether you prefer round or flat-bottom woks, this is an excellent quality wok highly recommended by professional chefs. It’s made of heavy gauge carbon steel, which makes it strong and durable. It comes pre-seasoned, but as you cook with it, it strengthens and maintains the patina.
It’s smoothened and curved into 14-inch round bottom diameter, which evenly distributes heat. Also, the walls slope wonderfully; you’ll enjoy tossing your stir-fries. Apart from that, the long handle and helper handle give it a firm and non-slip grip.
We like that it’s nonstick, so you can manage your healthy cooking with a little fat. You should however remember that cleaning should be according to the care and maintenance manual. Otherwise, it’s a souvenir worth having.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- Heavy gauge carbon steel
- Comfortable non-slip handles
- Faster delivery
- Original and Chinese traditional model
Cons
- Not suitable for induction stoves
- You need to buy a wok ring separately
4. Mammafong Authentic Hand Hammered Flat Bottom Wok
This is meant for all the great cooks who value quality cookware in their cooking endeavors. It’s hand-hammered by traditional Chinese craftsmen, while the flat bottom is machine-pressed.
The flat bottom is relevant to gas and open-fire cooking and heats up fast enough so that you can produce crunchy stir-fries at very high temperatures. The wooden handle is also handy and enhances grip as you toss your ingredients.
Like all other carbon steel woks, you need to properly season your wok, to achieve maximum performance and durability. Besides that, don’t worry about the blue coating fading to black, it is no cause for alarm. The black coating is the patina that forms over time and makes your wok nonstick.
Pros
- Wooden handle for a non-slip grip
- Durable
- Well-crafted
- Heavy-duty for commercial kitchens
- Premium carbon steel gauge
Cons
- Produces a strong metallic taste if not properly seasoned
- Heats slowly without a wok ring
5. Carbon Steel Pow Wok
A happy customer is satisfied and pleased with a valuable acquired at a fair and reasonable fee. This carbon steel wok with a ring is an excellent premium gauge steel wok that makes your cooking experience worth reliving.
It heats up super fast, since the wok ring holds it squarely on your stovetop, and its quality is rated to be finer compared to cast iron wok and carbon steel skillet pans.
On the other hand, the long wooden and loop metal handles make it easy to hold firmly without fear of overheating or burning. You have endless benefits using this cookware: easy to clean, very durable, real nonstick properties and it is extremely versatile.
You’ll appreciate the skilled smiths’ creativity imparted into this piece from their Chinese wok traditions. However, you must maintain it with the right care and user instructions for seasoning and usability.
Pros
- High quality
- Heats up superbly fast
- Very heavy and sturdy wall and bottom
- Accompanied with wok ring at purchase
- Non-stick and very efficient
Cons
- If not properly seasoned tends to rust
Important Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Hand Hammered Wok
Woks can do a better job compared to the conventional `frying pans`. However, you should weigh out the INS and OUT of the particular unit before putting down your money.
Woks vary in bottom diameters, bottom types, thickness, and even the wok material. But there’s more. You have to do a simple analysis of the best brand and its eminent features. So, having these tips in mind, let’s quickly check out what else you should look for, right?
* Wok bottom
You can have round or flat-bottom woks. Round bottom woks should have a wok ring to snugly fit on the stovetop. On the other hand, flat-bottom woks are perfect for any stovetop provided the wok material has excellent heat conductivity.
* Type of heating stove
Heat conductivity is not the same for different stove types. That’s why heavy and sturdy woks recommend gas and open fires, instead of electric and induction stoves. However, light carbon steel woks tend to heat up faster on most stove types.
* Seasoned or not seasoned
If you have to maintain your wok in the best working shape, you should follow the seasoning instructions strictly. On the contrary, some carbon steel woks are pre-seasoned and all you have to do is use it constantly to maintain the nonstick and patina properties.
* Budget implications
Whether you prefer hand or machine crafted woks, you should consider the value against cost. Some hand-made woks work better and are heavy duty compared to machine-crafted woks. Hand-made woks tend to be budget-friendly and the price is within an affordable range.
* Cleaning and seasoning method
The cleaning method may determine how long you’ll be able to maintain the nonstick coating and durability. Here’s a simple method you can use to care for and maintain your wok:
Step 1: Clean your wok with hot water and soap. Then hang it somewhere to dry.
Step 2: Then heat it on the stove to a particular temperature and spray it with oil.
Step 3: Lastly, wipe the oil with a dry towel or cloth. You may repeat this procedure occasionally to maintain the seasoning.
However, remember that some woks are better with simple hand wash, since soap may reduce the nonstick properties. It depends on the manufacturer’s specification.
* Handle types
Some woks have a single long handle, wooden or stainless steel. The handle properties determine whether your wok can be used in the oven or not.
However, some have the long handle and helper handle, perfect for stir-frying. The handle should be firm and non-slip.
* Bottom thickness
Heavy and sturdy carbon steel bottoms make them heat fast and at very high temperatures. This may not be the case with nonstick woks. And that explains why carbon steel is the best for deep frying.
A lightweight wok however may not withstand high heat as it may warp. On the contrary, this kind is best for electric range heating.
Commonly Asked Questions on Hand-Hammered Woks
In this section, we respond to common questions asked about the best hand-hammered wok and special features. We also provide relevant information to help you make an informed buying decision. Let’s explore together.
Q: Are hand-hammered woks better?
A: Hand-hammered woks are smoothened and specially crafted by blacksmiths. They are given special attention and you will find that most hand-made woks are the excellent quality and fair-priced.
Q: Which wok is best for deep frying?
A: Deep-frying requires high temperatures above 500o F. Carbon steel woks can heat up beyond that which makes them very appropriate for high heat cooking.
Q: What kind of wok do Chinese chefs use?
A: Chinese chefs prefer a traditional hand hammered heavy gauge carbon steel wok. The woks produce a unique smoky flavor taste due to cooking at super high temperatures.
Q: Which is better flat or round bottom wok?
A: flat bottom wok is versatile and can be used on various stovetops.
A round bottom wok is amazing with wok ring which supports it to fit properly on the stovetop.
However, a wok heats too slowly on induction stoves which are the only exception.
Q: What size of wok should I buy?
A: All you need to know is that 11-inch is a small size. 12-14 inch is a medium size and above 14” is considered a large size.
Now, a medium size is the most appropriate since it works not just for an individual, but you can also prepare a family meal with it.
Which is Best?
All our products are excellent and the best selection for your kitchen needs. However, Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok is our top pick. It is a 1.8 mm heavy gauge carbon steel with proven quality since 2014.
Apart from the ease of heating, it is also nonstick and perfect for stir-frying. With its 14-inch base diameter, it’s large enough and suitable for busy commercial purposes. That’s why it’s a favorite for Chinese professional chefs for `wok hei’.
Wrap Up
Apart from Chinese kitchens, woks are now common cookware in western and Asian families, and you don’t have to worry about availability. Though to lay your hand on the best hand hammered wok around, you need certified dealers like Mammafong manufacturers.
They have the perfect kinds of wok for your needs, very durable and great recipes. Just click the right order buttons for a unique selection of your own. Otherwise, enjoy the delicious and crunchy dishes as you glam your kitchens.