Are you looking for the best indoor wok burner? Cooking Asian cuisines, especially stir-fries, can be hard, but preparing them indoors can be trickier. What makes an authentic stir-fry is the tremendous high temperature as it’s the key to keeping your ingredients palatable and crisp.
There are quite many wok burners on the market. But not all of them can produce enough heat to make authentic stir-fry. Yes, it’s completely possible to get nice stir-fries from gas, electric, and ceramic stovetops. But these heat sources may not provide the 15,000-100,000 BTUs needed for heating a wok.
Before presenting our top 5 indoor wok burner picks, let’s have a look at factors that can influence your purchasing decision.
Table Of Content
- What to Look For In the Best Indoor Wok Burner?
- How Much Are You Willing To Pay?
- Our Top pick
- 5 Best indoor wok burner In detail Review
- Indoor wok burenr FAQs
What to Look For In the Best Indoor Wok Burner
To help you pick the right indoor wok burner, we’ve made this handy buying guide. See these pointers on how to purchase the best indoor wok burner for your home or restaurant. Remember, the right kind of wok burner can make all the difference in how your meals cook and taste.
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
BTU is arguably the most important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a wok burner. BTU is simply the amount of energy you need to heat one pound of water. The more BTUs a burner has, the more heat it generates. As aforesaid, you need to cook stir-fry in a wok at a higher temperature. Choose wok burners that feature at least 10,000 BTUs. You may find wok burners that boast up to 250,000 BTUs.
Size option
Size may seem like it isn’t as much of a concern, but it’s still essential to consider it. Ensure you have enough space in your kitchen to fit the wok burner. In other words, think about how well your Wok will fit. Choosing the right size will allow your wok to fit comfortably with minimal limitations. Additionally, it’s important to consider how many people you would be cooking for.
How Much Are You Willing To Pay?
Are you willing to spend less to get fewer features than you want? As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. Quality wok burners can cost an arm and a leg. However, if you spend lots of time cooking indoors, it is well worth investing in one that will last for as long as possible.
Durability
A work burner is a long-term investment. You would like to get a burner that would last for years. For this reason, make sure you invest in a durable indoor wok burner. Look for sturdy materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. Also, price is another crucial factor that normally determines the quality of a product. If you pay a premium for a burner, not getting the most out of it is ridiculous.
Interface and Controls
You don’t want to spend hours learning how to use your new wok burner. Avoid models with feature-heavy interfaces. Instead, go for one with simple controls and a user interface. Additionally, choose a model with variable heat controls that allow you to adjust the heat.
Check for the Warranty
Avoid wok burners that do not come with the warranty information. A warranty will save you a lot of money in the long run. The product warranty usually covers the costs of burner repairs and even replacements. If you’re not covered under warranty, you will have to use money from your pocket on repairs.
Now you know what to keep in mind when buying a wok burner that meets your needs. Check out our list of the top 5 indoor work burners below.
Our Top pick
We know your time is valuable, and you don’t have hours to spend doing research. So we’ve picked Iwatani 35FW Butane Stove as the best overall option. Its unparalleled safety system, double windbreakers, excellent BTUs, and other features justify its higher price.
This model weighs just 4.4 pounds for easy transportation and is relatively easy to use. It also has a fairly appealing design and is durable.
However, if you are working with a tighter budget, you may prefer the Chef-Master 90235 Brass Burner. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a wok burner that offers such a great value with excellent safety features.
5 Best indoor wok burner In Detail Review
1. Techef butane stove
Specs
- Brand: TECHEF
- Model: Agni
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 14 x 6 x 14 inches
- Weight: 7.6 Pounds
Techef is one of the world’s most renowned cookware brands. So it’s not a surprise that this portable gas stove burner is highly rated among consumers.
The TECHEF Portable Gas Burner is known for its unique swirled channel design. The design allows the oil to drain gradually for a flavorful and healthy meal. It’s also fitted with piezo-electric ignition and an automatic safety system.
That said, if you want a lot of heat for making stir-fries, this isn’t the model for you. It only features 11,500 BTUs. Overall, customers agree the burner is lightweight, easy to clean, and distributes heat well.
Pros
- Nonstick, so cleaning is a breeze
- It doesn’t produce lots of smoke
- Heats quickly and evenly
Cons
- The nonstick coating is vulnerable to wear
2. Chef-Master 90235 Brass Burner
View on Amazon
Specs
- Brand: Chef Master
- Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Material: Brass
- Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 4 inches
- Weight: 4.14 pounds
If you’re searching for an inexpensive brass burner, then this excellent model from Chef Master will suffice. For fewer than 50 quid, you get a 12,000-BTUs burner for stir-frying, simmering, boiling, and sautéing.
Unlike most butane stoves, this model comes with plenty of safety features. It can sense when the temperature is getting too high and shut off automatically for your safety.
With just 4 pounds, this is the lightest and most portable wok burner here. You can stuff its carrying case that it comes with as a package. It has a built-in piezo-ignition system. So lighters and match sticks should be the last thing you should worry about.
Overall, if you are looking for average heat output, excellent safety features, and a portable burner, the Chef-Master 90235 Brass Burner is an excellent bang for your quid.
Pros
- Easy to adjust the heat
- Has a wind guard to protect the flame from winds
- Removable parts for easy cleaning
- Lightweight and heats quickly
Cons
- Small issues with the ignition
3. Iwatani wok burner
Specs
- Brand: Iwatani
- Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Material: Aluminum
- Power Source: Butane
- Dimensions: 13.3 x 11.9 x 3.7 inches
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
The Iwatani wok burner is Amazon’s choice for the best LPG stove under 100 bucks. It’s jam-packed with features that make wok cooking at home a breeze.
It has an aesthetically pleasing low profile design and boasts outstanding craftsmanship.
It generates up to 15,000 BTUs, enabling you to quickly prepare your meals.
The built-in windbreaker ensures the flame is protected from air-conditioning and wind.
This butane burner features a compact size and design (13.3 x 11.9 x 3.7 inches). It weighs four pounds, meaning it’s extremely portable. It’s ideal for camping, yacht cooking, RV travel, BBQ, and more.
Pros
- Rust-resistant aluminum burner
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Outstanding safety features
Cons
- The gas tank slightly overheats
4. Chef Master 90019 Butane Stove
Specs
- Brand: Chef Master
- Power Source: Gas & Corded Electric
- Fuel Type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Dimensions: 11.2 X 13.2 X 4.5
Chef Master has an excellent reputation for churning out high-quality cookware, and this Chef Master 90019 is a classic example why.
This single-burner butane stove provides an outstanding cooking experience without breaking the bank. Offering 15,000 BTUs of power, this Chef Master includes Piezo-electric ignition. So expect it to be easy to start.
Not only does it look beautiful and rugged for outdoor cooking, but it packs plenty of safety features, as well. The In-Line Regulator, for instance, will cut off flow whenever pressure rises to unsafe levels.
It also comes with a carrying case, making it an ideal choice for outdoor cooking too.
Overall, it’s an excellent product that costs a little less than other wok burners. But with its top-notch features and long-term durability, it’s definitely worth every penny.
Pros
- Detachable parts for easy cleaning
- Wind guard protects the flame from wind
- It packs great safety features
- Produces maximum heat
Cons
- Some customers experience ignition issues with the burner
5. Gas ONE Portable Dual Fuel Butane Stove
The Gas One GS3900P is built from durable aluminum, and the burner itself is built from brass. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, to be honest – just a pocket-friendly and super reliable wok burner. Gas One GS3900P puts out 15,000 BTUs from its single burner.
More importantly, it’s compatible with both an 8-oz butane cartridge and a 16.4-oz propane cylinder. What we really like about it is that it comes equipped with a propane adaptor hose.
It has a wind blocker. You don’t have to worry whether it would work in windy conditions.
This stove burner might not have all the fancy stuff of high-end models in the market. But it’s definitely the most bang for your money out of all wok burners in the list.
Pros
- It comes with a carrying case for easy transport
- Equipped with automatic safety shut off system
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
Lack of standard butane nozzle
Indoor Wok burner maintenance
Check your propane source for leaks before using it with your wok burner.
If you smell gas, shut off the propane source immediately and do not use it until the leak is fixed.
Make sure your wok burner is turned off and cooled down completely before attempting to do any maintenance on it.
Clean your wok burner regularly to prevent any build-up of grease or other materials.
Inspect your wok burner for any damage, and replace it if there are any damaged parts.
Keep the burner clean. Wipe it down after each use with a damp cloth. You can use a mild cleaning solution if there are any tough stains.
When not in use, store your wok burner in a dry, cool place.
Indoor wok Burenr FAQs
Let’s look at a few questions you are likely to ask, including the difference between butane and propane burners.
1. What Is A Wok Burner?
A wok burner is cooking equipped built for woks because they produce a high output of up to 100K BTUs. Normally, they utilize LPG cylinders or bottles that can be moved from one point to another. Apart from stir-frying, a wok burner can also be used for smoking, boiling, steaming, deep-frying, and searing.
2. How to use an indoor wok burner safely?
Make sure your wok is properly positioned on the burner. It should be centered over the flame and not too close to the edge of the burner.
Pace the indoor wok burner on a stable and secured surface. An unstable wok can easily tip over, causing a dangerous spill.
Never leave the wok unattended while it’s on. Stay close to keep an eye on things, and turn off the burner as soon as you’re done cooking.
Keep the area around the wok clear. Check whether any flammable materials are nearby, and ensure there’s nothing that could get in the way if the wok tips over. Keep a fire extinguisher close by in case of any accidental fires.
When using your wok burner, always have good ventilation. Propane is a highly flammable gas, so it is important to have good ventilation to avoid any accidents.
3. Butane vs. Propane Wok Burner – Which Is Better?
Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs. With that in mind, propane is the most widely used stove fuel, especially in camps. It is capable of withstanding harsh conditions in cold weather and at high altitudes. That makes propane fuel an ideal solution for outdoor enthusiasts. In terms of weight, propane is almost 1.5 times heavier than butane.
Butane fuel is more economical and lighter than propane. However, it is not ideal for campers. It doesn’t work well in high altitudes or in cold temperatures. Therefore, for indoor wok cooking, you’ll definitely want to go for butane.
4. How Much Should I Spend On A Wok Burner?
Our best indoor wok burner review features burners under $100. Spend more than 50 bucks, and you’ll get a better choice of features like higher BTU, excellent durability, and outstanding safety features.
5. What’s The Ideal BTU for Wok Cooking?
Stir-fries need at least 15,000 BTUs to be scrumptious. Anything lower than 15K BTUs is not going to make your stir-fries as delicious as those at Asian restaurants.
6. What Material Has Been Used To Make The Wok Burner?
Aluminum and brass are the most common materials used for burners. Aluminum burners are inexpensive, absorb heat fast, and are a little safer since they cool off quickly. But one caveat is that aluminum has a low melting point making it prone to warping.
Brass is a little more expensive than aluminum but boasts several advantages. It retains heat well and heats more uniformly than aluminum. As well, it is durable, making it a perfect candidate for outdoor wok burners. Note that brass is costly and usually comes with high-end models. But considering its many advantages, it’s worth every extra penny.
Some burners are made with cast iron. Although cast iron is an inexpensive material, it has a higher melting point than aluminum and brass. It’s an excellent material for wok burners but can rust when put in a moist environment. So you may need to avoid it.
Conclusion
We know it is not easy to shop for anything online. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision. We hope this review of the best indoor wok burner has helped you figure out which one meets your needs.