Joyce Chen Pro Chef 14-Inch Flat Bottom Wok uncoated Carbon Steelsuper

A few years ago I tried stir frying and liked it, except that I used a Joyce Chen nonstick wok that peeled after two uses. After that I got a Lodge cast iron wok that was way too heavy and got discouraged and gave it away. Then I tried I a no-name carbon steel wok but was very ignorant about how to season it and could not understand why it kept rusting. Recently I have had the urge to try stir frying again and this time did my homework. I chose this wok because it was carbon steel, and this time learned ahead of time how to season it properly. This wok is also very sturdily made; you cannot easily bend the wok if you push on it; the handles are not loose; it is 2 mm thick; it has phenolic plastic handles that stay cool.

I have properly seasoned and been using the wok with no rust or stickiness. Learning how to season and clean made all the difference. A good education and a well-made wok are an unbeatable combination!!

See some of ther other wok posts... Read more

I bought one of these over a year ago and have been very pleased with it. I had a tough time seasoning it. Only the bottom of the wok was turning dark, probably because my wimpy electric stove was unable to produce enough heat. I finally took the advice of a friend and turned it upside down over the burner, and that got the sides hot enough. (Be sure to turn on the fan and open windows when you do this; I set off the smoke alarm, not realizing how much peanut oil smokes when it gets that hot.) I'm not crazy about the plastic handles -- I think wood looks much better -- but they function fine. 14" is a great size, allowing you to cook enough food for 4-5 people, but still fitting well on a typical burner. The flat bottom of this wok ensures good contact with an electric burner, allowing the wok to actually get hot enough for stir-frying. This is the wok I'd recommend to friends, although I'd look harder for wooden handles next time.

I bought this in August 2006 and have given it a pretty good workout. So far it has performed very well - much better than I expected given the price paid for it.

As with any carbon steel wok seasoning is critical. A well-seasoned pan is as stick-free as teflon, but you don't need to worry about the coating peeling off due to the high heat, or have to use plastic/nylon tools so you don't scratch it. Seasoning is not tough to do - there are clear instructions provided with the wok, and you can find tips galore on the web.

Keeping it seasoned is also important. Don't use soap to wash the wok - just use plain water and a scrub brush, and clean it when the wok is still fairly hot. Once clean, put it back on the stove and fire it up until all the water has evaporated. Every once in a while swab the hot wok with an oiled paper towel.

The handles are strong - no wobbles whatsoever as of yet, and I tend to be a bit spirited when it comes to stir-frying... Read more