Can You Use a Wok on an Electric Stove?

At a certain point in life, people who are fond of cooking at home start thinking about the possible acquisition of a wok. This kitchen utility possesses a number of benefits, while the majority of contemporary recipes foresee that cookers will place their woks on electric stoves. But is it okay to cook with this utensil on an electric stove? Won’t it be a waste of money? The Yosukata experts receive this question quite often from the buyers. Therefore, we have decided to reply to the query and provide you with a response if you can use a wok on an electric stove. More so, we will guide you through the process of choosing a wok, seasoning it, and using a wok ring on an electric stove. Get all of your questions answered in this blog post.

Why Use a Wok in the First Place?

We are not going to dive deep into the matter of wok’s advantages but will list the most essential ones so that you understand that it is not just trendy cookware you are going to waste your money on. Here are the main benefits:

High-speed heat treatment: Cooking has never been so fast. The versatility of dishes cooked with a wok: You will be able to prepare the absolute majority of meals according to most recipes. The quality of cooked food since a maximum of useful substances, vitamins, and useful microelements is preserved in it. Possibility to cook rare Asian dishes. Maximum ease of use. Dishes cooked in a wok are dietary since there is no need to use too much oil.

As you can see, a wok is not just a regular frying pan. The original version of this utensil dates back to ancient times. The typical feature of woks is that they have a rounded bottom and high walls that become wider to the top. Obviously, such a form of a bottom makes it impossible to fix a wok not only on an electric stove but also on a regular gas stove. Is there any solution?

Before you have completely set aside the idea of cooking with a wok on an electric stove, we would like to assure you that the modern market has a solution for contemporary stovetops. Since no one uses fire for cooking anymore, while only professional chefs and not so many home cooks can handle the round-bottom version of a wok, cookware manufacturers offer flat-bottom woks. Hence, if you would like to enjoy the benefits of cooking in a wok and do not want to refuse the convenience of an electric stove, you just need to select a wok that has a flat bottom. This type of wok allows you to cook on both electric and ceramic stoves.

It is the easiest solution to the question, however, not the only one. And we would like to provide you with the maximum amount of information so that you can select a suitable wok not only based on the kind of stove you have installed in the kitchen but also on the final results of dishes you expect to get.

Flat vs. Round Bottom

While a contemporary form of a wok makes it perfect to be used on induction electric and ceramic stoves, it is worth remembering that initially, this cookware had a round bottom. And this form has a number of undeniable advantages for those who cook with it:

- Quick heating of the surface to high temperatures makes it possible to cook faster and healthier;

- The taste and smell of Asian dishes will be better preserved if prepared in the utensil of the right, i.e., original form.

While the benefits of the round form may convince you to choose this form of a wok, it is also necessary to take into account that choosing such a utensil, it will be necessary to get used to cooking in it. Preparing dishes in a wok requires constant stirring, while the maintenance of such cookware can be also tricky. It cannot be washed in a dishwasher, while an owner needs to master the art of seasoning a wok.

Choosing between the two options, we would like to assume that there is nothing to worry about if you want to try a round-bottom wok since there are plenty of useful accessories that come with it or can be acquired additionally. In terms of seasoning, this process is needed for both round- and flat-bottom woks. Besides, it will require you to devote some time to it. However, having created this special patina over the surface of a wok, you will cook dishes that will definitely have a different, more Asian taste. Besides, there are plenty of guides on the Internet on how to season a wok, in particular, there are useful posts in the Knowledge Base and even a video guide on the Yosukata site.

So, those who have still opted for a flat-bottom wok may have absolutely no worries since this modification is perfectly suitable for cooking on electric and ceramic stoves. Those who have decided to go for a round-bottom option should keep on reading. We will tell you more about using a wok on an electric stove.

How to Use a Wok on an Electric Stove: Step-by-step Instructions

So, being sure that an electric stove is not a hindrance to acquiring a wok for cooking, it is worth starting with defining which kind of stove you have got.

Types of Electric Stoves

Traditional electric stoves have been the most popular until recently. Such devices are equipped with round burners or tubular heating elements. They are distinguished by high reliability and relatively long cooking times, as well as high electricity consumption. Therefore, nowadays, these stoves are no longer popular and used. This is why we are not going to dwell on the use of a wok on this kind of stove. More so, the accessories you will need are not compatible with tubular heating elements.

In recent years, glass-ceramic stoves tend to come out on top in popularity. Special spiral or tape heating elements are used to heat food. The cooking speed is comparable to gas stoves, and the operational safety is much higher. One of the varieties of glass-ceramic stove tops is a halogen stove. Electric current passing through spiral tubes filled with halogen vapors, integrated into the surface, causes infrared radiation, which heats the dishes with food. At the same time, the temperature of the electric stove rises almost instantly and cools down just as quickly when the current is cut off. The principle of operation of induction cookers is based on heating dishes by eddy currents induced by a magnetic field. At the same time, the temperature of the burner of the electric stove does not change, but the metal body of the cookware heats up.

These are the electric stoves that are most often used in contemporary kitchens, and these are the stoves contemporary cookers use for preparing meals. So, let’s move on to the steps you need to take to be able to cook with a wok on an electric stove.

Stage 1 - Choose a Proper Wok

Even though some web resources may state that round-bottom woks can be used on electric stoves, it is better not to listen to this misguiding recommendation. For an electric stove of any type, choose a wok with a flat bottom.

Stage 2 - Preheating

The next stage foresees the preheating of your wok. Remember that originally this cookware was used on the fire, therefore, to ensure the advantages of cooking with a wok, you need to pre-heat it. On average, it may take around 10-15 minutes to ensure the necessary temperature of the wok bottom. However, the time may vary depending on the technical features of your stove. So, wait until a wok emits smoke. Only after that should you add oil.

Useful recommendations on preheating

Cooking with a wok foresees treatment with high temperatures. However, while heating a wok on an electric stove, it is recommended not to switch the stovetop to the maximum temperature initially. It is better to heat a wok slowly and increase the temperature gradually. To reach the maximum temperature, turn your stove to the power of 3,000 Watt or even more. This depends on the output temperature.

Otherwise, there is a risk of warping caused by too fast heating. It is a specific feature of electric stoves since they can heat up quite quickly. Mind this specific recommendation to make sure that your wok will serve you for a long time.

Stage 3 - Adding oil

Pour a sufficient amount of cold oil on the wok and distribute it evenly on the bottom and sidewalls of the utensil. You need to make sure that all the surfaces are evenly coated with oil before adding food ingredients.

All in all, that is all the specifics of using a wok on an electric stove. As you can see, it is not too complicated. Here are extra recommendations to follow:
- If you are buying a wok for using on an electric stove, it is better to inform the vendor about the type of your stove. In this way, the representative of the store will be able to assist you in the process of choosing a proper work so that you could cook on an electric stovetop.

- Remember that electric stoves heat faster. Therefore, the process of heating should be gradual.

Using a Wok on a Glass Stovetop

It is one of the types of electric stoves that are widely used nowadays. Therefore, it is logical that the owners of glass stovetops are wondering if they can buy a wok to use it. On the Internet, there is information that it is possible to acquire a ring for a round wok to install it on a glass stovetop. However, this is not recommended. The ring can be used only to place a wok when you are not cooking. You might consider getting a flat-bottomed one. However, keep in mind that it may scratch the glass surface of your stovetop.

What About an Electric Coil Stove?

Even though this kind of stove is no longer popular, there are still searches on the Internet related to the use of a wok on a stove with electric coils. If you are an owner of this stovetop, we recommend you to opt for a flat-bottomed wok since this cookware will be stable while cooking. The heating of the bottom and sidewalls will be even, while the food will not stick.

Why not a round bottom?

Yes, the advantages of round-bottomed woks are obvious. However, let’s face it - the stove with electric coils is not suitable for cooking with this kind of cookware.

Hence, if you have got a stove with electric coils and do not plan to replace it at the nearest time, then your surefire way to cook with a wok is to choose the one with a flat bottom. Do not complicate your life with a round-bottomed option.

Seasoning a Wok on an Electric Stove

If you are going to acquire a brand-new wok, it is inevitable that you will need to learn how to season it. Indeed, some of the stores may sell woks that are already seasoned. They call them ready-to-use. However, here are a few considerations:
- Receiving a wok from a store, you will definitely want to thoroughly clean it. The process of cleaning will inevitably ruin the patina created as a result of seasoning. So, you will eventually need to re-season a wok. It means that you will also need to remove the remaining oil from a wok.
- Besides, in the process of using a wok, the layer of seasoning oil will be destroyed. It is normal for woks, and it will be necessary to renew the seasoning layer.

As you can see, seasoning is an inevitable part of cooking with a wok. If you have decided to acquire this utensil, be ready for this. Failing to properly season it will lead to its rusting and damage. And you risk spoiling a wok. If you are not ready for seasoning, probably a wok is not the best choice for you. However, do not be discouraged since seasoning a wok is not rocket science. As a vendor of woks and skillets, Yosukata provides step-by-step guides on seasoning woks. There are basic, advanced, and professional methods. There are video guides and useful articles in the Knowledge Base so take your time to view and read them before you proceed to season a wok.

Seasoning a wok on an electric stove: Steps to take

So, we hope we have persuaded you that seasoning is a must, however, it is not at all a complicated process. Here are the steps you need to take:

1.It is essential to carefully check the state of cookware you have received before seasoning. If there are any scratches, dents, or damages on the surface, make sure to contact the vendor immediately. You will not be able to replace it after seasoning. 2.If everything is okay, proceed to properly clean a wok. Some stores even apply a special chemical coating to the surface of woks. In this way, they ensure that the metal will not rust while woks are stored in the warehouse, as well as in the process of shipment. If you are not sure - check the manual that would be delivered together with a wok. If it is unavailable - get in touch with the vendor to receive recommendations for removing the coating. 3.After washing the wok, place it on the stove and let it dry with high heat. It is essential that you do not place the wok on the stove heating to the maximum temperature. As we have already mentioned, such a temperature difference may damage cookware. Therefore, heat the stove to about half of its maximum temperature, then place the wok. Increase the temperature gradually. 4.Wait for the black spots to appear at the bottom of the wok. Check if it has turned gunmetal grey. If yes, this means that your wok is heated enough. 5.Take it off the stove and leave it for some time to cool down. 6.Then, add some heated oil to the wok to create a non-stick coating on it. 7.After this, heat the wok again (taking into account the recommendation on gradual heating) and add 2 tablespoons of the same oil. Spread it all around the surface of the wok. Make sure you have evenly covered the whole wok from the inside. 8.Further, add some chopped ginger. You will need to stir fry it for about 15-20 minutes. Thanks to this, you will get rid of the metallic smell from the wok, while the aroma of the oil will remain. The layer that will appear on the surface of the wok, the so-called patina, will protect it from rusting in the future. 9.Remove ginger with the remaining oil from the wok and take the utensil from the stove. Leave it to cool down.

When a wok is not too hot, wash it gently with a sponge without using any detergents. Then you need to carefully examine the surface of the wok making sure that the layer of oil is even and covers the whole inside surface. It may turn out that you will need to repeat the above steps again to make sure to create a sufficient and even patina all over the wok.

Seasoning and electric stoves: Specifics

As you can see, seasoning a wok on an electric stove is not different from seasoning it using a regular gas stove. The most essential is to choose the right oil for this purpose. You need to take into consideration:

- The smell and taste of the oil for seasoning a wok,

- The smoke point should be high enough so that no harmful substances are emitted from it in the process of heating.

There is already a guide on choosing the best seasoning oil in the Yosukata blog. So, be sure to make the right choice and have no worries about seasoning a wok if you have an electric stove. The manufacturers take into consideration contemporary equipment in the kitchen.

Choosing a Wok for an Electric Stovetop: Things to Consider

As you can see, there is nothing too complicated about using and seasoning a wok if you have an electric stove. Buying this cookware from a professional vendor, you will unlikely need to know the specifics of these utensils. However, we would like to provide you with essential points you will need to take into account when purchasing a wok in an online store on your own. So, if you have an electric stove, either ceramic or glass, here are the most essential things to consider:

Material of a wok

Nowadays, the variety of materials is really impressive. When it comes to woks, the most popular options are cast iron and carbon steel. If you are choosing cookware for an electric stove, it is recommended to select a wok manufactured of carbon steel. The main reason for this is that this material transfers the heat better and faster. Besides, it will not react severely to the change in the temperature. So, compared to cast iron woks, carbon steel is your better choice for electric stovetops. Keep in mind, however, that this material may require you to carry out the seasoning treatment more than once. This is what we have mentioned above. Proper seasoning is essential to protect the carbon steel wok from rust and to enhance its lifespan.

Size of a wok

When it comes to the size of a wok, you are going to choose, it is essential to find a balance between your preferences and expectations from this cookware, as well as the diameter of burners on the stovetop.

The most popular diameters of woks are 11.8”, 13.5”, and 14”. Undeniably, it is necessary to consider the number of people for whom you are going to cook. The more people - the bigger the diameter. But to ensure the effective use of electricity, take into account the diameter of the burners on the stovetop. It is essential to pay attention to this since cooking in a wok on an electric stove will require using it at maximum power. Hence, this will definitely affect your electricity bills.

Shape of a wok

We have already dwelled on the matter of the shape of a wok. The market nowadays offers a wide variety of woks in terms of their shapes. In the first place, take into consideration the type of electric stove you have got. If you have a stove with coils, the use of a round-bottomed wok is impossible, while the stove with a glass top allows for the use of a flat-bottomed wok, but the latter can scratch the surface. A flat-bottomed one will scratch the surface, which should be avoided.

Wok treatment & seasoning

As we have already explained, the best option is to acquire a pre-seasoned wok rather than a ready-made utensil. As an owner of a wok, you will not avoid the necessity to season it. Besides, from the hygienic considerations, it is still better to thoroughly wash cookware after receiving it from the store and season it on your own.

To avoid doing more work, do not acquire seasoned woks. A pre-seasoned one is the best option. While the Internet, the Yosukata blog, in particular, has a lot of information on seasoning a wok, regardless of the stove you have got. Seasoning it on an electric stove imposes no additional troubles.

Wok handle

For the convenience of cooking, woks usually come with handles. One of them is a metal loop handle, while the second one is wooden. These are the most convenient options for cookers, as well as professional chefs. In this way, you will be able to lift a wok without burning your hands, while the metal loop will help you conveniently place it on the ring.

However, keep in mind that different manufacturers offer different handles together with woks. Check the available options and select a type of handle that will suit your needs.

So, woks have recently become increasingly popular among people who love cooking at home, especially Asian dishes. Besides, a wok can replace the majority of pots and cookware in the kitchen. Therefore, this acquisition will become a good investment of your money. And if you have a modern electric stove, it is not a reason to refuse the convenience and advantages of cooking with a wok.

Hopefully, we have provided you with sufficient information on the specifics of using a wok on an electric stove, the peculiarities of choosing it, as well as seasoning. When it comes to cooking, let us dwell on the matter further in the post.

How to Cook with a Wok on an Electric Stove

As you have already understood, there is no problem with using a wok on an electric stove. We have intended to provide you with a full guide on using this cookware on different kinds of stoves. Therefore, we will finalize this post with more useful tips on cooking with a wok on electric stovetops.

The most essential recommendation we are going to reiterate is that you definitely need to contact a store where you are going to order a wok and discuss with them the fact that you plan to use a wok on an electric stove. Be ready to provide the store representative with the technical specs of a stove you have. In this way, the specialist will help you to correctly select a wok (diameter, material, handles, accessories, etc.). If a representative of a store fails to provide you with recommendations, it is better to look for another shop. Luckily, there are plenty of them on the Internet.

Heating and cooling down

We have already stressed out the importance of gradual heating of a wok if you use an electric stove. However, it is also essential to remember that the heating elements of electric stoves need more time to cool down. Therefore, after you finish cooking, it is necessary to take your wok off the burner immediately so that to avoid overcooking and even spoiling the dish.

With this in mind, be sure that a selected size of a wok will have the weight you will be able to move around. Aside from the matter of weight, it is also important to take into consideration how secure the handles are. Some woks come with detachable handles. If the cookware is quite heavy, it is necessary to make sure that handles are strong and reliable enough.

Cooking time

Before you have decided to acquire a wok, you might have read that preparing meals in this cookware is considerably faster compared to regular frying pans. However, if you are going to use it with an electric stove, it is essential to remember that heating of a wok should be gradual.

Therefore, it will take longer to heat the cookware before you will add oil and start cooking. While 15 minutes are inconsiderable for someone, those who are constantly pressed for time will need to keep this information in mind.

Wok vs frying pan

Well, some of the readers might think that there are too many complications with woks and electric stoves. Well, if you think so, then probably buying a wok is not the best idea for you. After all, it is a specific utensil with some specific requirements for servicing and storing. If you are still hesitating, then pay attention to the most essential differences between a wok and a frying pan (to the advantages of woks over regular skillets, in other words):

- If you have properly seasoned a wok, as well as used an appropriate kind of oil for this purpose, you will not require a lot of oil for cooking in a wok. As a result, the dishes cooked in a wok are dietetic and are suitable for those who follow a healthy lifestyle.

- Thanks to the rounded edges of woks, excess oil can be easily strained while you take the food from cookware.

- Thanks to the rounded edges again, the heat is evenly distributed. Therefore, there is no risk of the food sticking to the surface in one particular place.

- Chefs can easily control the temperature of cooking by means of moving food in the direction of or away from the wok’s hot center

Final wok cooking tips

Well, if you have managed to read the post till this section, you are highly likely interested in acquiring a wok and are ready to properly use it. That is why we have decided to finalize the post with a few recommendations from experts on cooking with a wok:

When you cut the ingredients, make sure that they are uniformly sized pieces, in this way they will be cooked more evenly. Every time you finish cooking with your wok, season the surface with some oil. Otherwise, high heat can weaken the layer of seasoning over time, which will lead to rusting. Don't double the recipe when you need to cook for more people. An overfilled wok won't allow the ingredients to hit the hot surface directly. Therefore, the dish will not be evenly cooked. Pick cooking oils with a high smoke point. This can be grapeseed oil, for instance. While virgin olive oil, which is commonly considered a good option for cooking, has a low smoke point, hence, it burns at high temperatures and releases harmful substances. To easily reach the bottom of the wok and stir the ingredients, you will need to acquire a long-handled ladle, spatula, brush, and slotted spoon. So, you will not get a hand burnt by hot vegetables and oil. Start with cooking your hardest veggies and wait before adding softer ones. In this way, all the ingredients will be fully and evenly cooked but not overdone.

Woks, Electric Stoves, and Final Words

Hopefully, we have covered all of the questions you might have had in relation to using a wok on an electric stove. Yes, there are plenty of considerations to keep in mind. However, be sure that the final result will be mouth-watering for you and all the guests you are going to treat with the dishes you cook in your wok will be pleased.