Despite having a super-smooth titanium ceramic coating, the ProCook wok still requires a light seasoning before use, which should be repeated frequently if you want to retain its smooth surface. It will also help if you often put the pan in the dishwasher. Key specs – Material: Heavy duty aluminium; Handles: Stainless steel; Diameter: 28cm; Weight: 1.2kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: Yes; Dishwasher safe: Yes; Heat sources: All; Ovenproof: Safe to 260°C; Guarantee: 25 years; Extras: None The pan is an investment piece of cookware but it delivers in spades and will be one to pass on to the grandchildren, as with care it will last forever. This wok must be re-seasoned periodically though, especially when using acidic foods like tomatoes, and washed by hand (without detergent) to keep the lovely surface free from damage. For all that extra work, you’ll be rewarded with a great-looking, deeply patinated wok which, with care, will last you a lifetime. Key specs – Material: Carbon steel; Handle: Wood; Diameter: 28cm; Weight: 0.7kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: No; Dishwasher safe: No; Heat sources: All except induction; Ovenproof: No; Guarantee: 2 years; Extras: None

The durable surface, high performance and good looks of this wok made it one of our favourites on test; we just wish it had a lid too. This may have been one of the cheapest woks tested but it delivered the same performance as some of the more expensive models. This is a beautiful wok that’s been handmade in Shropshire using spun iron and comes with a smooth oak handle fixed with brass. For such a generous size, it only weighs just over a kilo, so was light and easy to use. This may not be a traditional-looking wok but its versatility makes it a useful addition to the kitchen.The shallow bowl means food is better stirred than shaken, especially as the smooth surface means food can fall over the sides easily. Our only disappointment was that after using a few sauces the pan took on a slightly yellow discolouring, which remained even after washing. However, this will look great in the kitchen and will impress keen cooks with its efficiency. Key specs – Material: Stainless steel; Handle: Stainless steel; Diameter: 34cm; Weight: 1kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: No; Dishwasher safe: No; Heat sources: Induction only; Ovenproof: No; Guarantee: Lifetime; Extras: Ring support for heating and serving Key specs – Material: Aluminium; Handle: Stainless steel; Diameter: 28cm; Weight: 1.36kg; Lid included: Yes; Seasoning required: No; Dishwasher safe: Yes; Heat sources: All; Ovenproof: Without lid, 250°C, with 175°C; Guarantee: Lifetime; Extras: Steamer and metal spatula We looked at the weight and comfort of the handle, the speed and evenness of heating, the movement of ingredients around the wok and lastly how easy cleaning was. As well as being smooth it’s also lightweight, which meant food went whizzing up the sides and allowed for some impressive chef-style moves in the kitchen.

The pan heated efficiently and evenly but it wasn’t the best at retaining the heat – deep frying and stir frying took longer than with others, but the end result was excellent. Towards the top end of the market is this two-handled forged aluminium pan with a super generous 32cm diameter, making it well-suited to families or dinner parties. The BergHOFF may be one of the largest woks on test but it’s not the heaviest. It’s easy to move around and, with the help of two integrated handles, easy to lift. The handles coupled with the well-fitting lid make this a versatile pan, as it can be used for steaming and poaching as well as stir frying and deep frying. Plus, it’s ovenproof. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ If looked after properly, a good wok can last for many years. no matter what the material. Traditional woks are made from carbon steel – it’s often inexpensive and has excellent heat conductivity. It’ll need seasoning (coating with oil) to prevent rust forming and shouldn’t be cleaned in a dishwasher, but is perfect for creating a smoky wok hei taste.

The best woks for 2023 are:

Key specs – Material: Heavy gauge, forged aluminium; Handle: Stainless steel; Diameter: 32cm; Weight: 1.7kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: No; Dishwasher safe: Yes; Heat sources: All; Ovenproof: Oven safe to 260°C; Guarantee: Lifetime; Extras: None This wok isn’t going to look shabby in the kitchen, with its traditional appearance, comfy wooden handle and handy hanging hook. It’s also extremely lightweight, making lifting when filled with food easy. Key specs – Material: Forged high density aluminium: Handle; Soft phenolic heatproof; Diameter; 26cm; Weight: 1kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: No; Dishwasher safe: Yes; Heat sources: All sources; Ovenproof: Yes, to 205°C/Gas 6; Guarantee: Lifetime; Extras: None The small size of the pan means deep frying is a no-no though, except for in small quantities. But reheating food, poaching, stir frying and shallow frying all work well. It can withstand the use of metal utensils, too.

The wok heated in a jiffy right up to the rim and we loved the way food flew around the pan with a mere shake. Deep frying was among the best of the pans tested, with even cooking, colouring and crispiness. Cleaning was no more than a rinse under the tap and a wipe round either. Mini woks, up to about 18cm, are great when cooking for one, but they won’t have enough space for all your ingredients when cooking larger meals, causing them to stew when you want them to sizzle. Most woks are between 20cm and 30cm, which is an ideal size for couples and families, and anything over 36cm swiftly becomes too cumbersome for everyday cooking. Key specs – Material: Spun iron; Handle; Wood; Diameter: 33cm; Weight: 1.1 kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: Not immediately; Dishwasher safe: No; Heat sources: All; Ovenproof: No; Guarantee: 2 years; Extras: None Deep frying produced the best chips on test – light, crisp and evenly cooked. We only half filled the wok with oil though, as it can be a little unsteady. The steel loop on the handle is also a useful addition for hanging the pan and saves on storage space. Start on a low temperature and gradually increase. This is especially important when using induction hobs.Key specs – Material: Aluminium; Handle: Wood; Diameter: 28cm; Weight: 1kg; Lid included: No; Seasoning required: No; Dishwasher safe: No; Heat sources: All; Ovenproof: No; Guarantee: 2 years; Extras: None As the pan is cast iron, it was used at lower temperatures than other woks tested and retained its heat long after being removed from the stove. Washing under the tap was easy, too. A wok’s bowl-shaped design spreads heat evenly for consistent cooking, plus if you love crispy dishes, you can cook them in a wok with less oil than a deep-fat fryer. The conductivity of the pan was impressive; it heated in seconds, including up those steep sides. Plus, there’s the useful Tefal red Thermo-Spot on the base indicating when it’s at the right temperature for cooking.