Spec me a wok

[Burnsy2023]

So my sister has asked for a new wok for Christmas. Budget is around £60-£80 (ish).

What's the best "bang for buck" in that price range?

Edit: This is my current choice: http://www.johnlewis.com/greenpan-venice-30cm-wok/p231631800

 

[robj20]

Chinese supermarket. Get a proper one about £20 tops.

 

[tom_e]

Chinese supermarket. Get a proper one about £20 tops.

This, a straight steel wok that needs seasoning is the way forward.
Had mine for nearly ten years and it's still spot on, not bad for £15.

 

[Maccapacca]

All good if she's happy to season and keep a wok that way and not use any tomato products in it.

 

[Burnsy2023]

Chinese supermarket. Get a proper one about £20 tops.

Any suggestions online?

 

[tom_e]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Swift-Spice...UTF8&qid=1418041805&sr=8-1&keywords=steel+wok That looks just like the one I've had for years.

 

[Maccapacca]

http://www.wingyipstore.co.uk/c-46-woks-accessories.aspx

 

[joey1211]

All good if she's happy to season and keep a wok that way and not use any tomato products in it.

What does the tomato do to it?

 

[tom_e]

What does the tomato do to it?

The acidity can break down the seasoning but I've never found it too much of an issue every now and again.

 

[Maccapacca]

My wife made a spag bol in mine and it stripped it right back, had to start all over again

 

[PapaLazaru]

I've got a cheapish Judge wok which I like. Actually this one - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_331001972603_-1

Now I have never used a cheap one so cannot make comment, but I can tell you that I have a few Green Pans and they are excellent.

 

[Flying_Hellfish]

+1 for carbon steel

 

[Burnsy2023]

Turns out it needs to be non-stick. So with that in mind, any updated recommendations?

 

[FrenchTart]

In what way does it need to be non-stick? Once you season a wok it's pretty much non-stick.

There are different kinds of non-stick so I guess describing exactly what you plan to use it for would help us advise you.

 

[joey1211]

Doesn't a non-stick pan, I'm thinking teflon, react badly to the high temperatures a wok is exposed to thus flaking off into the food?

 

[Burnsy2023]

In what way does it need to be non-stick? Once you season a wok it's pretty much non-stick.

There are different kinds of non-stick so I guess describing exactly what you plan to use it for would help us advise you.

I wish I could tell you more, but my sis (who the present if for) says she doesn't want to season it and it needs to be non-stick, which is about the sum of what I have to go on.

 

[FrenchTart]

Any idea what kind of hob she has? Given the price range and the non-stick requirement I'd be tempted by something that is quite heavy duty and enamelled rather than a standard wok.

 

[Burnsy2023]

Any idea what kind of hob she has? Given the price range and the non-stick requirement I'd be tempted by something that is quite heavy duty and enamelled rather than a standard wok.

It's gas.

 

[Sunbed]

Doesn't a non-stick pan, I'm thinking teflon, react badly to the high temperatures a wok is exposed to thus flaking off into the food?

I imagine a typical home type wok would if you used it on a proper wok gas cooker, like the ones you get in eastern fast food places. Those get to insane temperatures, which is how woks are supposed to be used. Gas cookers in the home probably don't get to those temps, and most people probably prefer the convenience of non-stick teflon.

If I had a gas cooker and space, I'd go all the way and get a proper steel wok and cast iron skillet.

 

[Merlin5]

New Wok! From Ikea, the 365+ series. Now it matches my 365+ frying pan.
Quite a bit lighter than the frying pan but same interior finish. I can throw away my rubbish tesco wok now. Sorry about the dirty hob, need to give it a good clean.