Best Woks for Glass Top Stoves - Top Models for 2023
Cooking with a wok on a glass top stove can be tricky. The delicate glass surface requires specific cookware designed to prevent scratching and warping. We compare materials, examine design features, and reveal the top-rated models for stir frying success!
When cooking with a wok on a smooth glass cooktop, it's essential to find one with a perfectly flat base. The flat bottom maximizes contact area for efficient heat transfer. Rounded wok bottoms can create hot spots that damage the stove. Weight and thickness also matter - thicker woks with some heft prevent the glass from cracking under intense heat. Special coatings like nonstick or porcelain enamel make cleanup a breeze. And sturdy, securely attached handles are a must for safe tossing and tossing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wok for a Glass Stove
Base Material
The material used for the wok base greatly impacts heating performance. Here are some top options:
- Cast iron conducts heat evenly and retains it well. It's durable and develops a natural nonstick surface when seasoned. But it's quite heavy.
- Carbon steel heats up rapidly for quick cooking. It's lighter than cast iron but requires seasoning. Prone to rusting.
- Stainless steel is scratch resistant and compatible with acidic foods. But it doesn't conduct heat efficiently and can potentially damage the glass top over time.
Base Flatness
A flat base allows maximum contact between the wok and the stove top. This enables efficient heat transfer for evenly distributed cooking.
Round bottom woks should be avoided, as the curved shape creates hot spots on glass surfaces. The edges can also scratch and chip the delicate glass over time.
Weight and Thickness
Heavier woks made of cast iron or carbon steel retain heat better than lightweight options. The thickness of the base also matters - thicker bases prevent warping and cracks by evenly distributing intense stir-frying heat.
As a general rule, opt for the thickest wok your budget allows. Thickness ranges from 1.5mm on the low end to over 5mm for high-quality professional models.
Special Coatings
While not strictly necessary, special coatings offer advantages for glass top woks:
- Nonstick coating - Reduces sticking and allows cooking with less oil. Also makes cleanup much easier.
- Porcelain enamel - A glass coating that prevents rusting and provides a smooth nonstick surface.
Handle Sturdiness
When tossing ingredients in a hot wok, the last thing you want is for the handle to fail. Ensure the handle is solidly riveted or welded to the wok and does not wobble.
Avoid plastic handles that can melt under high heat. Look for stay-cool metal or wood handles that provide a secure grip.
Size and Diameter
For home use, a 14-16 inch wok is ideal. Professional restaurant woks can be 18-20 inches, but those are too large for the average stovetop burner. Match the wok's curvature to the diameter of your burner for optimal contact.
In general, flat-bottomed woks between 3-5mm thick and 14-16 inches wide work best for glass top stoves. Now let's look at some top-rated options on the market.
Top 5 Woks for Glass Top Stoves
#1: Lodge Cast Iron Wok
Lodge makes our top pick due to the excellent heating properties of cast iron. It retains heat effectively for consistent frying temps and develops a natural nonstick surface when seasoned properly over time.
The heavy, 5mm thick bottom prevents hot spots and ensures even heating. The rough surface also helps the seasoning adhere tightly. Two loop handles provide a secure grip.
As a bonus, this wok can be used on induction cooktops as well as gas and electric stoves. Just be aware that cast iron is rather heavy.
#2: Calphalon Carbon Steel Wok
For a lighter but still high performing option, we recommend this calphalon carbon steel wok. At just over 4 lbs, it's significantly lighter than cast iron but still offers great heat conductivity and tossability.
The flat bottom prevents damaging the glass top. It comes pre-seasoned so it develops a natural release finish after initial use. The long stay-cool handle facilitates easy tossing.
#3: All-Clad Stainless Steel Wok
All-Clad is renowned for its innovative bonded construction. This wok features a scratch-resistant stainless exterior wrapped around an aluminum core for excellent heating properties.
The flat base is optimal for glass tops and induction cooktops. We like the loop and helper handle combo that provides control when tossing ingredients in the pan.
Just keep in mind that stainless steel alone does not conduct heat well. But with the aluminum core, heat transfer is vastly improved.
#4: Cuisinart Ceramic Wok
Cuisinart's ceramic wok is a great option for nonstick cooking and easy cleanup. The smooth ceramic coating prevents sticking without the use of oil or fats.
It's reinforced with a heavy aluminum base encapsulated between the exterior stainless and interior ceramic layers. The riveted cool grip handles provide a safe, secure grip.
A bonus is the glass lid, which seals in heat and moisture for steaming and braising. The wok is also oven safe up to 350degF.
#5: Cooks Standard Nonstick Wok
Rounding out our picks is this budget-friendly nonstick wok from Cooks Standard. It's made of hard anodized aluminum for excellent heat distribution and retention.
The flat base maximizes contact with the stove top. It can be used on induction cooktops as well. The nonstick interior prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
We like the dual riveted handles that stay cool on the stovetop. A tempered glass lid is also included. Overall, a great value wok for glass tops.
While the right wok makes cooking on a glass top stove possible, technique is also important. Follow these tips for safe stir frying:
- Let the empty wok preheat on low heat for 5-10 minutes before adding any oil or food. This prevents sticking and burning.
- Keep ingredients moving constantly using a metal spatula or tossing motion. Don't leave food sitting in one spot.
- Control the heat level throughout cooking. Temperature changes cause glass tops to expand and contract.
- Don't overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches if needed to allow proper searing and reduction of liquids.
- Always let the wok cool completely before cleaning or placing in water. Rapid temperature changes can warp the metal.
We hope our recommendations help you find the perfect glass top wok.