Every person has to buy a frying pan at least once in his life - for himself or for a gift. It is believed that there should be several pans in the kitchen - you need to be a virtuoso to fry a steak or cook pilaf on a thin pancake dish.
The editorial staff of the website "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" will tell you about the benefits of wok pans, what they are for, and how to choose the best model.
Content
Wok - an Asian miracle
Wok came to us from China. It is a deep, round skillet with a convex bottom. In Chinese, "wok" has 2 meanings - a frying pan and the process of frying food in it.
The pan's parameters are unique: frustoconical shape, thin walls, small and thick bottom. This allows the wok to warm up quickly and evenly, which shortens the cooking time.
What is a wok pan for?
In a wok, you can cook food in any way - stew, fry, boil or steam. You can cook with or without butter.
The most popular cooking method is to fry food over high heat. The wok is lubricated with oil, warms up. Before cooking, the food is finely chopped, and then gradually added to the heated dishes. The degree of roasting is regulated by the time of addition, as well as the intensity of mixing and shaking. It is worth knowing that the temperature in the middle of the wok is higher than at the edges. This means that the food in the center of the pan will be fried better.
The wok is suitable for deep fat lovers. Many manufacturers complete their models with grids in the form of a semicircle. It is very convenient to discard the fried slices of meat or vegetables on this wire rack so that excess oil can be glass.
It is convenient to stew meat and vegetables in a wok. Pour over lightly fried pieces with gravy or water. Then, depending on the recipe and type of product, cover or leave open to evaporate excess liquid.
Can a frying pan replace a saucepan? Can! The wok is deep enough for making soup.
An affordable replacement for a bulky steamer or multicooker - a wok too! Cooking is simple: just pour a little water on the bottom, and put a bamboo grate a little higher on the sides of the pan. We put food on it, close the lid and get healthy and wholesome food after a while.
Benefits of Chinese Frying Pans
Let's list all the significant advantages thanks to which the wok has gained popularity all over the world.
- Rapidity. This dish cooks food very quickly as the thin walls heat up to at least 220 ºC. The deep shape allows large quantities of food to be processed at one time.
- Versatility. Fans of Asian food claim that this frying pan can be used to cook any Chinese dish. And numerous experiments confirm that the same is true for European cuisine.
- The quality of the food. With a wok, you can prepare many dishes with little or no oil. This is a good option for those who follow their figure.
- Comfort.Modern models of these cookware are adapted for use on all types of stoves. Handles are most often made of non-heating materials. You can choose a frying pan for any need, wallet and even room.
Features of cooking in a wok pan
The key parameter in cooking is temperature. Cooking with a thermometer is inconvenient, but there are 2 ways to determine if the wok is already at operating temperature.
- white smoke rises from the oil;
- if you dip bamboo sticks in oil, the liquid around them boils.
In a properly heated frying pan, food preparation proceeds according to the Leidenfrost effect. Between the pieces of food and the surface of the wok, there is a thin layer of heat-insulating steam. Therefore, food does not stick to the dishes, as it constantly hovers over it.
An underheated wok is almost no different from a high-walled iron skillet. The only difference is that the food burns to it more.
Criterias of choice
Woks differ in size, finish, material. Which model is right for you depends on how you will use it.
The size
These dishes can be both small - 20 cm and large - 70 cm. For home use, it is better to take a frying pan of 25-32 cm, this will fit on the stove, in the oven and will not take up much space.
Materials
Woks are made from all kinds of materials - cast iron, aluminum, copper, steel. Often, products come with various non-stick coatings - Teflon, ceramics. Each material behaves differently. Cast iron is thick, keeps heat for a long time, but heavy. Aluminum, on the other hand, is very light, but cools down quickly. Steel pans keep warm well and are not too heavy, but not cheap. By the way, a real Chinese wok is made of carbon steel. Therefore, if you like to adhere to tradition in everything, then steel is the ideal choice.
Bottom
The bottom of the product can be flat, convex. Flat for the European version, convex for the Chinese. For cooking in a Chinese wok, a special ring is placed on the stove, into which a frying pan is inserted. This option is not suitable for electric stoves.
Pens
The product comes either with one long or two small handles. There is also a variant with one long handle and one small one. These combinations are not accidental: cooking food in a wok means constantly shaking and stirring food. Therefore, when choosing a model, you need to pay attention to how tightly the handles hold, how well they are screwed.
Oven
Most manufacturers produce universal products. But sometimes you can find models that cannot be used on induction cookers.
Accessories
It is advisable to purchase a lid complete with a frying pan. Transparent, glass will be convenient because the cooking process is visible through it. There are also covers that can be used as a second wok.
In addition, it is useful to purchase a grill for fries, a bamboo steamer.
Top manufacturers
Good, products are not an accident, but a pattern. This is a chain of suppliers of high-quality raw materials, modern equipment, highly qualified workers, sophisticated logistics, technical support. These are all signs of a manufacturer with an established reputation. Therefore, asking the question "Which company is better to give preference to?", You should not choose among one-day manufacturers.
We have collected statistics of reviews for the most popular cookware manufacturers and have compiled a list of the most reliable ones.
- AMT Gastroguss is a German manufacturer of premium aluminum cookware. The product is of high quality and durability.
- FISKARS is a Finnish company founded in 1649 known for its quality garden tools and handicraft products. Previously, she was engaged in the supply of spare parts for weapons.
- JARKO is a Russian brand that produces non-stick cookware.
- Korting is a German manufacturer of climate control equipment, small and large household appliances for the home. Factories are located in Asia and Europe. Goods are delivered to Russia from China, but under the guise of German ones.
- Rondell is a small Russian company with production in China.
- Taller is a British company specializing in the production and sale of cookware made of cast iron, cast aluminum and stainless steel.
- Tefal is an international trademark owned by Groupe SEB. Household appliances and dishes are produced by brand.
- Zepter International is an international holding company producing health and beauty products. Three factories of the company are located in Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
- Biol is a leading Ukrainian manufacturer of cast iron and aluminum cookware.
- Dream is a Russian brand from the city of Kukmor, the Republic of Tatarstan. Completely its production - from the stage of casting to packaging of goods.
Rating of quality wok pans for 2020
We offer you an overview of the most popular models of WOK pans for 2020. The rating is broken down into three categories: inexpensive pans, medium and premium. We have impartially described each model, listing all its pros and cons.
Inexpensive
Biol 0526С 26 cm with lid
The pan is made of cast hardened iron. The product is resistant to mechanical and chemical damage. The thick bottom (4 mm) ensures even heating. Compatible with all types of boards.
Average price: 1070 rubles.
Advantages:
- budget;
- durable;
- 2 monolithic handles;
- glass cover;
- can be used in the oven.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Dream Granite 28 cm
The light, durable cast aluminum wok of the Granite series is easy to use: heats up quickly, but keeps warm for a long time. The long bakelite handle on a screw mount fits well in the hand, does not slip, does not turn.
Average price: 1341 rub.
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- non-stick coating;
- thick bottom - 6 mm;
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages:
- not compatible with induction cookers;
- cannot be used in the oven.
JARKO JBL-128-30 28 cm
In the robust, damage-resistant die-cast aluminum model, you can cook any dish - meat, chips, stews. You don't need potholders anymore - the long Bakelite handle does not get hot during cooking.
Average price: 450 rubles.
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages:
- cannot be used in the oven;
- not suitable for induction hobs.
Tefal Cook Right 04166628 28 cm
A small aluminum wok from a world-renowned brand, ideal for daily cooking. Compatible with any hobs except induction. The non-removable bakelite handle does not get hot during cooking.
Average price: 1390 rubles.
Advantages:
- inexpensive;
- heating indicator;
- glass cover;
- easy to clean non-stick coating.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for induction cookers;
- according to user reviews, it quickly cracks and becomes unusable.
Average by price
Rondell Wok RDA-114 4.6 l with lid
Die-cast aluminum model with steel handles and titanium non-stick coating. Deep, voluminous wok suitable for daily cooking for a large family
Average price: 3104 rub.
Advantages:
- glass cover;
- can be used in the oven.
Disadvantages:
- handles are heated;
- the lid does not fit snugly;
- can not be washed in a dishwasher;
- not suitable for induction cookers;
- poorly washed.
Korting K 1128 28 cm
A miniature cast-iron wok pan is perfect for the first experiments with Asian cuisine. It will be an excellent acquisition for a student, a young couple.
Average price: 4590 rubles.
Advantages:
- universal - suitable for all types of plates;
- strong;
- resistant to any type of impact - chemical, mechanical;
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Taller TR-4199 30 cm with cover
The aluminum pan with a multi-layer non-stick coating is extremely resistant to mechanical damage. High scratch resistance is ensured by titanium particles in the top layer. Thanks to the thick (4 mm) the cookware heats up evenly and quickly, and the strong riveting fastening of the steel handles allows you to hold the wok firmly while cooking.
Average price: 2680 rubles.
Advantages:
- dishwasher safe;
- suitable for ovens.
Disadvantages:
- cannot be used on induction hobs.
Premium
FISKARS Hard Face 28 cm
The Finnish Hard Face aluminum model with durable Hardtec Superior finish will delight you from day one. It is easy to rearrange - the long Bakelite handle fits well in the hand. Meals are easy to prepare, because the thick base (6.5 mm) distributes heat evenly throughout the pan.
Average price: 5364 rub.
Advantages:
- universal - suitable for induction, electric, gas and glass-ceramic stoves;
- non-stick coating;
- non-heating handle;
- Can be washed in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages:
- not.
AMT Gastroguss AMT1132 32 cm
German cast aluminum wok with bakelite handles made using diamond crystal technology. Thanks to this, the pan can boast of an extraordinary coating durability, environmental friendliness, fast and even heat distribution.
Average price: 7890 rub.
Advantages:
- titanium non-stick coating;
- removable handle, so you can cook food in the oven;
- thick bottom - 9 mm.
Disadvantages:
- not compatible with induction hobs.
Zepter Masterpiece CookArt WOK Z-W2424-SC 24 cm with lid
An Italian-made product is perfect for preparing both traditional Asian dishes and Russian or European cuisine. Made of sturdy 316L steel and equipped with 2 stay cool handles.
Average price: 17,740 rubles.
Advantages:
- there is a heating indicator;
- steel cover;
- multilayer bottom;
- suitable for induction cookers;
- dishwasher safe;
- can be used in the oven.
Disadvantages:
- not.
How to care for the WOK frying pan?
It is not enough to buy a frying pan, it is also important to know how to care for it. After all, it is very offensive when a new thing quickly fails.
If you choose a wok without a non-stick coating, clean it with a soft brush and detergent before using it for the first time. This will remove all factory and shop dust. Rinse well. Then boil water in it. Drain the water, let the product dry. Wipe the pan with vegetable oil and leave for a couple of days.
Note! The role of the non-stick coating will be played by a thin oil film.
It will have to be updated from time to time.
The product must be carefully cleaned, regardless of the material, type of coating. Avoid using overly harsh cleaners or the hard side of a kitchen sponge or metal brush.
After cleaning, the wok, like any metal utensil, must be wiped dry.
Avoid sudden temperature changes to help your product last longer. Do not wash the pan immediately after cooking, let it cool down.
Conclusion
Manufacturers have skillfully managed to adapt the attribute of ancient Chinese cuisine to the needs of modern European and Russian cooking lovers. It doesn't really matter what material your model will be - cast iron, aluminum, with or without non-stick coating. Reasonable value for money and proper follow-up are important.
We hope our article helped you choose the Wok of your dreams, and the arsenal of your culinary masterpieces will be replenished with new refined dishes.
If you have already cooked on one of the woks discussed in this review, or you know a more convenient and reliable option, share your opinion in the comments below.
