5.0 out of 5 stars Craft Wok Review: High-Quality, Easy Use & Authentic Cooking. A Culinary Game Changer!

g. · March 20, 2024

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I recently purchased the Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok and wanted to share my thoughts on this high-quality kitchen essential. Before seasoning, it’s important to blue the wok, a process I found straightforward. To ensure even bluing, I removed the wooden handle, which was a simple adjustment that allowed for a uniform treatment of the entire wok.The quality of the carbon steel is immediately noticeable—this wok has heft, indicating durability and robustness. It’s heavy in a good way, indicating its quality, yet not too cumbersome, allowing for easy tossing during cooking. The hand-hammered design is not just for looks; it contributes to the wok’s excellent performance. Heat distribution is proportional, though somewhat dependent on the burner used. While I have yet to try it on my outdoor wok burner, the round bottom was a perfect fit for my Bluestar Platinum stove, which has removable grates specifically designed for a wok.Many reviewers complain about the weight of the wok and how cooking and tossing with it feel awkward. However, these criticisms often stem from a misunderstanding of traditional Asian wok cooking techniques. Unlike Western-style cookware, where tossing and stirring are done with lighter pans, an Asian wok is designed to handle high-heat, stir-fry cooking. The weight of the wok plays a crucial role in maintaining even heat distribution, which is essential for achieving the perfect stir-fry texture and flavor. Instead of tossing ingredients by shaking the pan, you use a spatula or similar tool to stir and move the food quickly across the wok’s hot surface. Additionally, you can rest a portion of the rear of the wok on the stove to help push up and toss the food. This method ensures that each ingredient is cooked evenly and retains its unique texture and flavor. I recommend looking up videos on how to toss with Chinese woks for a visual guide. Practice with rice or uncooked pasta to get the hang of it.The handles feel good in the hand—sturdy and comfortable to use, enhancing the overall cooking experience. I found the wok easy to season and clean, a testament to its thoughtful design aimed at frequent use. As my first real wok, replacing a flat bottom, thin, non-stick wok that I was not happy with due to uneven heat zones, this wok has been a revelation.Value for money is exceptional with this wok. It’s the best for what you get, offering high quality, excellent performance, and ease of maintenance at a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend this wok to anyone looking for an authentic cooking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to wok cooking, this tool will elevate your culinary creations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Worthy Investment if you Follow the Directions

J.B. · February 24, 2024

First, thank you to Lance Owen, Nathan, and all the other reviewers with tips and instructions. I was totally intimidated by this process and I've never cooked with a wok before. Over the last two days I've found myself walking into the kitchen just to admire it - the color is amazing.1. do the research and follow the directions and advice. the negative reviews are by people who did not2. the heating/curing process worked on the only 1200BTU burner on my ministove. the only hitch was getting the inside of the wok around the three handle rivets. I got creative and a little dangerous. but it turned out ok without serious injury (pictured above)3. this is a truly non-stick surface if used correctly. season the wok. before cooking, preheat the wok to smoking, then apply oil (or other fats) for cooking, then you food. anything that has kind of stuck or burned on so far has been easily removed by light scrubbing.4. have patience and use oil or another fat to cook. I first attempted cooking an egg without any butter/oil - it did not go well. second attempt, I added butter, and I was flipping the thing around all over the place (pictured above). same with the sweet italian sausage patties.5. the cast iron support ring (pictured above). I got the cheap model - there are complaints that it breaks. I suggest handling it with care. It fits on the cheapo ministove that came with my studio apartment. I love it. It's sitting on my 1200BTU burner and I can leave it on with my primary pot and some other cookware.6. cleaning. I have a cast iron pan - which I have kept free of water for several years now. the videos showing people cleaning woks at the sink made me... uncomfortable. but it works beautifully - spray&brush (lightly). I make sure to wipe dry with paper towel, heat to smoking, then re-season with peanut oil.7. fried rice. i've wanted to make fried rice since I was a kid 30 years ago. pictured above is my first and (as yet) only attempt. it was near perfect. again, I watched a lot of videos and followed direction. also deep fried some chicken wings in the style of my local New England Chinese restaurants. I think i'll make some more for lunch!8. the handle. it is loose and expected to be loose - from drying out the wood. this happened when I superheated the metal to cure it. not a big deal to unscrew, tap/hammer in, and rescrew. I'm looking forward to staining and finishing the wood like another reviewer - a cherry stain sounds lovely9. I didn't expect to use the wok that much. i'm so in love with it now it's going to remain on my primary burner semi-permanently. again, I was very intimidated. especially after reading the reviews. it's too easy to use once prepared and cared for properly. LOVE IT!final word - this is an authentic (!) piece of Chinese cookware. it is solid and sturdy and I expect it to last longer than I will, if well cared for.

Great quality wok

W.t. · December 27, 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I especially wanted a quality wok with round bottom as I have a cheaper one with a flat bottom, but I now have a gas wok burner and a round one would be useless on my induction hob.It took Maybe an hour to prepare it. The protective oil washed off easily with hot soapy water. There were a couple of small bits of rust where the coating must have been missing so I just rubbed them off with wet & dry before heating to around 450c all round to get a nice blue sheen. It’s worth taking the handle off first as mine started to smoke when I got too close to the wood! After that 3 iterations of rapeseed oil wiped thinly all over and then heated for 5 mins before finishing with a frying of onion and ginger. It’s now a beautiful blue/ black colour all over and totally non stick. It heats evenly and has a quality feel about it. It is quite heavy but quality pans are. Totally recommend.

this is an awesome wok

D. · November 27, 2024

wow what a wok. simply great. good thick steel. blued really easily.quality product all the way. i use it almost everyday.watch the metal on the wood handle where it attaches to the wok. it gets really hot when using.i slipped a silicon cover over my handle to cover that part. making it safer to use without burning your finger. - (don't ask me how i know)

Thankful to the seller, recommendable

J. · October 16, 2024

Fast and secured arrival. It looks exactly the same as shown in the pics. It just need to be seasoned before using. Big thanks to the seller.

Un verdadero wok!

N.H. · September 26, 2024

Está más grande de lo que pensaba y para mi eso es muy bueno, buenas instrucciones para "curar", me hubiera gustado que compartieran algún pequeño recetario para tener alguna variedad para cocinar. Hasta ahora va bien, esperemos que continúe funcionando correctamente.

L'Autenticità in Cucina è Servita!

M. · May 26, 2025

Ho sempre sognato di cucinare con un wok tradizionale, quello vero, che si vede nei video di cucina asiatica, e finalmente mi sono deciso ad acquistare il Craft Wok Traditional Wok in Hand Forged Carbon Steel. Devo dire che le mie aspettative non solo sono state soddisfatte, ma addirittura superate. Questo non è un semplice strumento di cottura, è un'esperienza che trasforma il modo di cucinare.Un Wok che Racconta una Storia (e Cucina da Dio!)La prima cosa che colpisce è la sua costruzione robusta e autentica. Si sente che è un pezzo forgiato a mano: ha un peso specifico, una solidità che ispira fiducia e quella texture unica della lavorazione artigianale. Non è il solito wok antiaderente leggero, questo è il vero affare. Dopo la fase di "seasoning" iniziale (fondamentale, non saltatela!), il wok ha iniziato a sviluppare una patina scura che non solo lo rende antiaderente in modo naturale, ma ne migliora anche il sapore dei cibi.Prestazioni di Cottura IneguagliabiliLa conduzione del calore è eccezionale. Il carbon steel si scalda rapidamente e in modo uniforme, permettendo di raggiungere quelle temperature elevate necessarie per un vero "stir-fry" che solo un wok tradizionale può dare. Le verdure rimangono croccanti, la carne si sigilla perfettamente e gli ingredienti si mescolano in un tripudio di sapori. Ho notato una differenza abissale rispetto ai miei precedenti wok rivestiti. Il cibo ha un sapore più intenso, più autentico, con quella nota affumicata che in Oriente chiamano "wok hei".Curare e Amare il Tuo WokÈ importante sottolineare che questo wok richiede cura e attenzione. Non è un prodotto "prendi e usa" senza pensieri. Il processo di seasoning iniziale è cruciale e la manutenzione dopo ogni utilizzo (pulizia con acqua calda e spazzola, asciugatura immediata e leggera oliatura) è fondamentale per mantenerlo in perfette condizioni e far sì che la patina si sviluppi al meglio. Ma questa "manutenzione" è parte del piacere di possedere uno strumento di così alta qualità e non è affatto complicata una volta che ci si prende la mano.In Conclusione: Un Investimento per la Tua CucinaSe siete seriamente intenzionati a fare della cucina asiatica una parte della vostra routine o semplicemente volete elevare la vostra arte culinaria, il Craft Wok Traditional Wok in Hand Forged Carbon Steel è un investimento che vale ogni singolo centesimo. Non è solo un utensile, è un partner in cucina che vi regalerà sapori autentici e una soddisfazione immensa ogni volta che lo userete. Cinque stelle piene e meritatissime! Preparatevi a scoprire il vero "wok hei"!