Cooking is an art, however, many of us use our frying pans as our canvas while others prefer wok. In this 21st century, more people are shifting from gas stoves to an electric stove. Firstly, because you do not have to bear the heat from the fire or risk burning yourself. And secondly, if you do not have a gas connection at your place or facing problems with the gas pipeline electric stoves can come in handy.
Although, many of you may be an excellent cook, but you still feel like you need your favorite wok to deliver that exquisite restaurant-like taste. If you are worried if your wok is compatible with electric stoves or if you can use a wok on an electric stove or not check our article!
What are Woks?
Woks are cooking pans that are deep round-bottomed that have originated from China. Woks are not used as an essential cooking tool because of their ease of use, their flashy looks, and how easy it is to pick them up. You can flick its wrist, stir-fry your vegetables, and watch your ingredients fly and land safely back in its place.
Woks are also loved by cooks around the world because of its wide-brimmed shape. Their wide shape has space for you to mix all your ingredients evenly. You can also cook a large volume of meals in them.
The best feature of all woks would be that you can cook anything at extreme temperatures without burning them. Woks are available in a large number of shapes, sizes, and patterns. You will find them in many colors with different types of handles.
Can woks be used in an electric stove?
Yes, you can use woks to cook on an electric stove. They are resistant to heat, this does not only mean fire, but also the heat that is produced in an electric stove.
Types of wok to use in an electric stove
There are three types- Flat-bottom and round-bottom woks. Many people use flat-bottomed woks to cook as it receives more heat faster from electric stoves. As they have better-coiled heating materials and elements chefs prefer cooking on them for their superior stability and fast heating abilities.
However, most people vote round-bottom woks as they sit well-balanced on electric stoves. But, if compared, round-bottom woks take longer time to cook as they receive less heat conductivity from electric stoves.
Flat-bottomed woks needs to be cleaned daily, as they can leave stain marks in the glass top of your electric stove. You cannot also move your flat-bottomed wok around too much, it can leave scratches on your stove.
Photo credit- eHow.com
How do you determine the best wok?
All wok are designed the same way, however, the perfect wok depends on the type of surface you will be cooking in. Try cooking on an electric stove with your favorite wok and see how it feels.
Types of Electric Stoves
There are 2 types of electric stoves: One with glass or ceramic top and the other with electric coils.
Electric coiled:
These stoves are highly compatible with both flat-bottomed and round-bottomed woks. The woks can be placed on top of the heating coils. The coil then heats up and distributes heat evenly though out the wok.
Woks made of carbon steel heat like a charm with electric coiled stove. In contrast, round-bottom woks are not compatible with these kind of stove, as they tend to lose balance.
Glass-ceramic Stove:
Round-bottom stoves pair well with glass-ceramic stoves. They help to keep the wok steady while cooking and you will not have to hold and stir the whole time. Glass-ceramic stoves are heat-resistant as they are made of durable materials. These stoves can handle high temperatures without cracking or breaking apart. However, if you place a hard object on top, then it may not be able to resist its weight. As a result, carbon steel woks cannot be placed on top of glass-ceramic stoves
How to Use a Wok on an Electric Stove
If you have never used a wok on an electric stove make sure to follow this section. We have listed down all the steps in detail for you.
1 – Buy a wok that is of the same size as your electric stove
The first most important thing is buying the right sized wok. Your wok should not be too small or too big. It should be of the same size and fit your stove.
2- Put your wok on the electric stove before turning it on.
First of all, you need to put your wok on top of your electric stove. If you are using a flat-bottom one, do not change its location too much. Gently place it on top of your electric burner.
If you are using a round-bottom wok then you need to put a wok ring on top of your electric stove first. This will make sure your wok sits perfectly and securely on the stove. The ring should lift the wok at a distance of roughly half to 1 inches away from the electric stove.
3- Preheat the wok slowly on your stove.
Turn on your electric stove and allow your wok to preheat for at least 5 minutes before you add your cooking oil. Make sure your wok is smoking slightly. It is important to preheat your wok whether you are using cast-iron woks and carbon steel woks, as most woks need time to heat up as they are poor conductors of heat.
4 – Add your cooking oil and other ingredients
Add your cooking oil, then slowly add your vegetables, tofu, and all other ingredients as you continue to stir-fry.
Bottom Line
You can use a wok on an electric stove, but watch out for the types. Now that you have read this article, you know the dos and don’ts of how to use a wok on an electric stove. Cook your favorite dishes and enjoy them with your family.
You may also like to read: Best Cookware for Electric Coil Stove
