Fried food items are not healthy, we know that – or at least we have heard that. However, nothing should stop you from indulging in French fries or doughnuts occasionally because life is to be enjoyed right?
Now that we have that settled, we want to let you know that a wok provides an excellent choice for preparing deep-fried meals compared to deep or pan fryers.
For one, it comes with a tapered and curved base that creates extra depth for deep frying and uses less oil in the process.
With that information, we believe you are now ready to begin shopping for the best wok for deep frying no? This review is designed to help you with that so you may want to keep it here.
High Quality Deep Frying Woks: Comparison Table
We have a comparison table for you. You know why? Simply because we know that not everyone will be able to read everything in this review.
The table analyzes our top options so that you can make a quick choice.
| SL | Product Name | Weight | Check Price |
| #1 | Craft Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok | 4.39 pounds | Check Price |
| #2 | MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Nonstick Woks | 4.96 pounds | Check Price |
| #3 | Cooks Standard 13″ Clad Wok | 8 pounds | Check Price |
| #4 | Timoneylove Carbon Steel Wok | 4.25 pounds | Check Price |
| #5 | Helen’s Asian Kitchen 97004 Wok | 3.94 pounds | Check Price |
| #6 | Homeries Cast Iron Wok | 1.85 pounds | Check Price |
The wok marketplace is saturated with options and this may leave you overwhelmed and confused. Not to worry though because we have reviewed some of the best-selling options available.
The best wok for deep frying Reviews
1. Craft Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok
The wok originates from China so when we tell you that this piece is hand-hammered by Chinese artisans in Guangzhou, you know you are getting the best deal.
What We Liked About It
This carbon steel wok comes with an auxiliary handle that will not transmit heat even when cooking over extremely high temperatures.
However, what we love most is that this handle comes with a non-slip surface that facilitates secure gripping.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this wok tends to corrode. We feel that the manufacturer should have pre-seasoned it or used quality coating to avoid this.
Pros
- Distributes heat evenly
- Solid construction
- Heat resistant handle
Cons
- Tends to rust
2. MICHELANGELO 5 Quart Nonstick Woks
With this nonstick wok set, you can bake, boil, roast, sauté, and deep fry your food. We call that versatility. It also comes with lids to allow for steaming and simmering.
What We Liked About It
The interior of this product is made from a blend of ceramic and titanium to deliver nonstick performance and a scratch-resistant surface. This means that food slides smoothly out of the pans and that they are easy to lean.
We love that the woks heat up fast as well and distribute heat evenly to give you uniformly cooked food all the time.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that their orders arrived with scratches. We feel the manufacturer could have done a better job with the packaging.
Pros
- Great at heat distribution
- Heats up fast
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Inadequate packaging
3. Cooks Standard 13″ Clad Wok
13-inches in diameter is enough for you to prepare meals for your average-sized family and that is exactly what you get with this wok.
What We Liked About It
Another thing about the wok is that it comes with a secure-fitting lid that traps in heat and moisture so that your food can steam and simmer properly.
This wok is also dishwasher safe and we love that about it because it makes the cleanup process much easier.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that this unit is prone to scratching. We feel that the manufacturer should have used a better-quality interior coating to avoid this.
Pros
- Comes with a lid
- Oven-safe
- Stay-cool handles
Cons
- Prone to scratching
4. Timoneylove Carbon Steel Wok
If you are looking for a high-quality wok for deep frying, you have to consider this particular one from Timoneylove. It comes pre-seasoned to save you the trouble and time.
What We Liked About It
You get to enjoy uniformly cooked food by using this wok simply because it evenly distributes heat and retains it.
What we found most appealing about it nonetheless, is that it comes with a chemical-free interior coating making it food safe.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, this product does not come with instructions as reported by some users. The manufacturer should simply have included the same for e seamless user experience.
Pros
- Highly functional
- We liked how it distributes heat
- Produces less smoke
Cons
- Doesn’t come with instructions
5. Helen’s Asian Kitchen 97004 Wok
The best wok to buy has to be versatile, wouldn’t you agree? It should be able to sauté, fry, and steam your food and that is what this one offers.
What We Liked About It
An ergonomic handle is invaluable when it comes to woks. This one from Helen’s Asian Kitchen comes with a heat-resistant one with a riveted handle that also facilitates storage. We believe you will appreciate that.
Moving on swiftly, this unit distributes heat evenly for uniformly cooked food but what we loved most is that it comes with a flat base that easily sits securely when placed on any stovetop.
What Could Have Been Better
As per some users, this wok’s handle is not as sturdy and came off after a while of using. We feel that the manufacturer should have reinforced the handle better to avoid the same.
Pros
- Forms a natural nonstick surface over time
- Comes with an auxiliary handle
- Easy to store
Cons
- Questionable quality
6. Homeries Cast Iron Wok
You get to experience the authenticity of wok cooking with this cast iron cooking wok that promises to bring out the flavors in your food.
What We Liked About It
This has to be arguably the best pan for deep-frying. How so? It comes pre-seasoned to save you the time and effort as well as prevent it from rusting.
Moreover, it features a flat base that will sit securely in place on most stovetops and we love that about it.
What Could Have Been Better
Even though the product description claims that this unit comes pre-seasoned, it does have some black powder on the interior surface that some users have complained is hard to clean.
The manufacturer should have checked on this before launching the product.
Pros
- Flat base for easy cooking
- Comes pre-seasoned
- Durable
Cons
- Difficult to clean
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Wok for Deep Frying
The best wok for money has to come with several crucial features. Let us look at some of them.
The Correct Size
Woks come in different sizes. Small, medium, and large. Now, you want to get one based on how many people you will be cooking for.
If you live alone, a small wok will suffice. A medium-sized one will work best if you have an average-sized family. You should only go for a large one if you will be cooking commercially. The last thing you want is a pan that will be hard to maneuver and store away.
The Right Shape
Traditional woks come with round bottoms and we understand if you prefer getting this kind for that authentic wok experience.
However, since the world is continually evolving, most modern stovetops will not accommodate the round bottom.
In that regard, you want to go for a flat-bottomed wok that will stay intact on most modern induction cooktops.
Wok Performance
By performance, we mean how long your wok of choice is likely to last and whether or not it will deliver properly cooked food.
You want a wok to be made from superior material that will stand the test of time. It also needs to distribute heat evenly so that you enjoy uniformly cooked food all the time.
Tips for Deep Frying in a Wok
Deep-frying is an art that you need to master especially if you intend to use a wok for it. Here are some tips to help you with the same.
Pick the Right Oil
You probably think that any oil will work just fine for deep-frying your food but nothing could be further from the truth.
Most people go for flavorful oils like olive or sesame oil but such kinds contain certain compounds that make them smoke way below the ideal frying temperature.
You, therefore, want to opt for oils like sunflower, canola, or peanut. Clean animal fat such as suck or lard fat also makes good frying oils because they are highly saturated hence delivering crispier results.
Clean your Oil
The more you use your oil, the less effective it becomes when it comes to frying. Of course, this is caused by the moisture in your food and small particles that affect its breakdown.
In that regard, you want to want to keep your oil clean all the time to extend its life. You can always use a skimmer to fish out any food particles in your oil during or after deep frying.
Dry your Food and Season Immediately
Have you ever stopped to think that deep-frying dehydrates your food? Hot oil rapidly transforms the water in your food into steam which ultimately forms the crust that you see on deep-fried foods.
It, therefore, makes sense that the drier your food is when dipping it into the hot oil, the more beautifully it will fry.
As far as seasoning, you need to keep in mind that salt and spices dissolve faster on hot surfaces. Therefore, you want to season your food right after taking it out of the wok for a better taste.
Move your Food Around
Contrary to what most people believe, moving your food around in the pan is advisable. This is because by doing so, you constantly expose the food to fresh, hot oil.
In the end, you will get evenly cooked and crispier food. Invest in a pair of long chopsticks or a metal skimmer for this job.
Reuse Your Oil
Finally, we understand that you may want to make the most out of your oil. Nonetheless, if you utilize the tips we have given you, it should be possible to reuse your oil for frying severally before it breaks down.
To be able to reuse your oil, allow it to cool in the wok and then pour it back into its original bottle or any other clean bottle (preferably a glass one).
Seal the bottle and store it in the fridge until the next time you want to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we have some commonly asked questions about the best-selling deep frying woks. This should give you a clearer understanding of the same.
What is the best oil for deep frying?
That would be canola oil. It has a neutral flavor that will not impart any foreign taste to your food. It is also healthier and affordable.
Which is the best metal for deep frying?
First, any deep-frying piece of cookware should be deep enough to immerse food in oil. That said; the best metal for deep-frying would be cast iron because it retains heat well.
However, if you want a lower-maintenance or lighter option, stainless steel and carbon steel perform quite well.
Can you deep-fry in a nonstick wok?
Yes, you can. Dutch ovens have been used in the past for deep frying but it has recently been discovered that woks can deliver great deep-frying results as well.
Our Top Pick
We have analyzed all the products on this list and settled on the Craft Wok Traditional Carbon Steel Wok as our top pick.
The first thing we noticed about this piece is that it is crafted by Chinese artisans and being that the wok originates from China, we believe you will be getting value by purchasing this wok.
We feel that this is one of the best deep frying carbon steel woks you can ever get your hands on. It comes with an auxiliary handle that is cool to touch even when cooking over extremely high heat. Another great thing about it is that it works to distribute heat evenly and what that does is to give you uniformly cooked food all the time.
We love that it features solid construction that guarantees its longevity.
Conclusion
A wok makes a great addition to any kitchen – no doubt about that. However, you cannot use just any wok for your deep-frying.
We have put together this guide to help you in the decision-making process so make the most out of it.