Have you been thinking about whether it is a good decision to get a mini wok when there are much larger works? If you are cooking for 1 to 2 people, purchasing a mini wok can be a great idea. It lets you cook just enough food for the whole day. You can do just about anything in a mini wok that you could not do in other larger-sized woks. So if you are a student or someone who lives alone, getting a mini wok can help you enjoy your favorite Chinese foods at a fraction of what it costs outside.
I have reviewed the five best mini woks if you need a good quality mini wok. I have personally used each of these mini woks by cooking very different recipes with them, and all of the foods turned out quite good.
What can you do with a mini wok?
When I moved out of my native home of Nebraska to Maine, what my mom did was include a mini wok into my stuff. My mother was a big fan of wok hei and Chinese cuisine, as this was the only way she could make me eat vegetables. Still, I was eating mostly from takeouts for the first few weeks, so that mini wok was sitting idly. But soon, I got bored of eating out and started craving the comfort of some home-cooked meal. Only then I remember that mini wok my mother packed me. So I dialed my mother and asked her what I could do with this.
Turned out that the 9-inch mini wok she gave me can pretty much handle anything from stir-frying vegetables to deep-frying it. Woks are used in both Chinese and Indian cuisines. So with a little bit of supervision from my mother over the phone, I was soon cooking delicious stir-fried vegetables to chicken tikka masala.
How to make sure you got the best mini wok?
Size:
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a mini wok is the size. Make sure you choose a size that is appropriate for your needs. If you plan on cooking for a large group of people, a mini wok won’t do it for you.
You will need a medium to large-sized wok, anything from 16 inches to 20 inches, to cook food for 5 to 6 people.
However, if you are only cooking for one or two people, woks between 8 inches to 11 inches will be sufficient.
Material:
Another thing to consider when purchasing a mini wok is the material. Woks are typically made from either carbon steel or cast iron.
Carbon steel is the more popular option as it is lighter and easier to handle. It is also more responsive to temperature changes, ideal for cooking. However, cast iron woks are heavier and more durable. If you are looking for a wok that will last you a lifetime, cast iron is the way to go.
Aluminum woks are also quite good, but you have to make sure it is anodized aluminum rather than regular aluminum.
Nonstick coating:
Some woks come with a nonstick coating. This can be helpful if you are new to cooking with a wok to prevent the food from sticking to the surface. However, some experienced cooks prefer to cook without the nonstick coating as they feel it affects the flavor of the food. If you are unsure which way to go, you can always purchase a wok with a removable nonstick coating. That way, you can experiment and see which option you prefer. But for most beginners, mini woks with nonstick coating work best.
Flat bottom or rounded:
If you’re wondering whether to choose a flat-bottom wok or a rounded bottom wok, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what type of stove you have. If you have a gas stove, you’ll want to choose a wok with a rounded bottom to sit evenly on the burner. If you have an electric stove, you can choose either type of wok.
Another thing to consider is what type of food you’ll be cooking. If you’ll be doing a lot of stir-frying, a flat bottom wok is a good choice because it provides a large surface area for the food to cook evenly. If you’ll be doing more deep-frying or braising, a rounded bottom wok is better because it holds heat better and prevents the food from sticking.
Price:
Of course, you will also want to consider the price when purchasing a mini wok. It can range in price from a relatively cheaper wok of $10 to quite an expensive wok that costs you over $100.
But It all depends on the size and material of the wok. You can certainly find a quality wok for a reasonable price if you are on a budget. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more, you can get a great quality mini wok that will last you for years to come.
1. Cast Iron Mini Wok
Lodge mini wok
If you’re looking for a durable, versatile mini wok that can handle all your cooking needs, then the Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok is perfect. This mini wok is made from heavy-duty cast iron and features a smooth cooking surface perfect for stir-frying, sautéing, or even deep-frying.
The Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok also comes with a matching lid that fits snugly on top, allowing you to braise or steam your food.
One of the best things about the Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok is extremely easy to clean. Wipe it down with a damp cloth after use, and you’re good to go. This mini wok is also oven-safe, so you can use it for all your baking and roasting needs.
If you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and easy-to-clean mini wok, then the Lodge 9 Inch Cast Iron Mini Wok is perfect.
Pros
Comes from a century-old brand, so the quality is excellent
No chemical preseasoning
This cast iron mini wok is affordable but quite durable as well
It can be cleaned easily
The grip is very secured
Cons
It does not come with a lid
2. Mini stainless steel wok
WINCO mini stainless steel wok
This wok is made from high-quality stainless steel and has a nonstick coating that makes it easy to cook. The wok also has an aluminum core that ensures even heat distribution, perfect for stir-frying.
Many people complain about its size, but this mini wok is solely built to cook smaller meals or side dishes. This WINCO mini stainless steel wok has a flat bottom, perfect for stir-frying. The flared sides make it easy to toss and turn ingredients, ensuring even cooking.
It has a long handle that ensures that you can keep your hands safely away from the heat. The handle is also made from stainless steel and is riveted for added strength.
It’s durable, versatile, and easy to use. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much you like it.
Pros
Dishwasher safe
The stainless steel won’t catch rust
Cooks foods evenly
Costs very little
Cons
The size can be too small for cooking proper meals
3. Mini wok with handle
Ecolution Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and durable wok, the Ecolution Non-Stick Carbon Steel Wok is a great option. Made from sustainable materials, this wok is designed for even heating and superior nonstick performance. It’s also easy to clean, making it a great choice for busy cooks.
The first thing that I noticed about this wok is that it is very light. This is because it is made from carbon steel. Carbon steel is a very light material, but it is also very strong. This makes it very easy to maneuver, and it heats up very quickly.
It has a nonstick coating that is infused with minerals. The nonstick coating is also eight times stronger than traditional nonstick coatings. The wok also has a flared edge. This makes it easier to toss food while stir-frying. The flared edge also allows you to get a nice char on your food.
Pros
You can use it for stir-fries, pancakes, and even frying chicken.
It is very light, thin, and very easy to maneuver.
Very durable nonstick coating.
It has a flared edge, making it easier to toss food while stir-frying.
The handle is also very comfortable to hold.
Cons
The only downside to this wok is that it is not induction compatible
4. Mini Aluminum wok
11-Inch Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Mini Wok
The Cooks Standard mini wok is made from hard-anodized aluminum, which makes it withstand high heat. The flat bottom of the wok makes it easy to use on any stove, including gas, electric, and other cooktops. It comes with a lid, which is great for steaming or when you need to keep your food warm. The lid also has a vent hole to allow steam to escape, and it fits snugly on the wok so that your food stays hot.
The Cooks Standard wok is a great option for a durable and reliable anodized aluminum wok. The hard-anodized aluminum construction makes it durable, and the nonstick coating makes sure that your food won’t stick to the wok. The flat bottom of the wok makes it easy to use on any stove,
Pros
It is over safe
Very easy to clean it up
The lid is great for steaming or keeping your food warm.
Quite lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons
A bit costly but worth the money
5. Staub mini wok
STAUB Baby Wok
If you’re not familiar with STAUB, it is a company that makes high-quality cookware. This Baby Wok is their smallest wok, and it’s designed for cooking meals for one or two people.
You will be quite impressed with the quality of the wok. It’s made of cast iron, so it’s sturdy and durable. The enamel coating is also very thick and smooth, making it easy to clean. I also like that it comes with loop handles, making it easier to move around.
The wok heats up evenly and quickly, so it’s great for cooking quick meals. I made a stir-fry, and it turned out perfectly. The food didn’t stick to the wok, and cleanup was quite effortless as it is dishwasher safe.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the STAUB Baby Wok. It’s a great option for cooking small meals. It’s well-made, heats evenly, and is easy to clean. If you’re looking for a small wok, I highly recommend the STAUB Baby Wok.
Pros
you can easily store them in a small space
Comes with a high-quality glass lid
It can be used for stir-frying, sauteing, and even steaming as well
Made to last for years to come
Cons
Quite costly
How to clean a mini wok?
It’s quite easy to clean a mini wok! Just follow these simple steps:
- Rinse the wok with hot water.
- Add a small amount of dish soap and scrub the wok with a sponge or brush.
- Rinse the wok again with hot water.
- Dry the wok with a clean towel.
How do you stir fry in a mini wok?
The secret to getting a perfect stir fry in a mini wok is you can not put ingredients that amount to more than ⅓ of your wok size. Otherwise, you won’t be getting your desired result. Another little secret that many people do not know is to cut all the vegetables in the same size.
Gas or electric stove: which one is better for cooking with a mini wok?
1. Gas Stove:
Pros:
Heats up quickly, evenly distributed heat
Cons:
It can be expensive to install and requires ventilation
2. Electric Stove:
Pros:
More affordable, easier to install
Cons
Heats up slower, with uneven heat distribution.
So, which is better for cooking with a mini wok? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you want quick, even heat, then a gas stove is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t have the space for proper ventilation, then an electric stove might be a better option.
Final verdict
Among those five best mini wok I have reviewed here, the STAUB Baby Wok stands out the most due to its extremely durable built and enamel coating. However, it is quite costly as well. So if you can spend some bucks, go for STAUB Baby Wok. But if you can’t, you can pick any of the remaining four mini woks according to your need.
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