Are you trying to find the best stir fry pan for an electric stove? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve researched and compiled everything you need to know along with the top options on the market.
Let’s get started…
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
Best Stir Fry Pans for Electric Stoves
Flat Bottom Wok by Souped Up Recipes
Souped Up Recipes has created a great option for the at-home cook looking to create stir fry on an electric stovetop.
Aside from slicing all veggies and additional components evenly, the most important factor in getting a great stir fry result is cooking quickly at very high heat. This pan is made out of carbon steel which is fast becoming the most common material for modern wok pans.
Carbon steel is lightweight and also heats up extremely fast. It is considered to be great cast iron and stainless steel alternative. With this pan, you get the benefits of both materials without the stress of cleaning cast iron.
This wok pan measures 12.5 inches in diameter, providing lots of surface area for quick stir fry cooking. It also has a flat bottom that is suitable for the electric stovetop.
A unique feature of this pan is its printed hammered texture making this a gorgeous addition to any kitchen display.
For additional perks, this pan comes with a wooden lid and stainless steel spatula. When you purchase this wok pan, you will also receive a link to a YouTube video that will walk you through cleaning, seasoning, and caring for this pan.
Pros
- Wide, flat bottom is perfect for the heat of an electric stovetop.
- Made of carbon steel that heats quickly.
- Is a good alternative to stainless steel and cast iron.
- 12.2-inch diameter.
- Gorgeous hammered steel pattern.
- Comes with a wooden lid and a stainless steel spatula.
- YouTube video to walk you through exactly how to season, clean, and care for this wok pan.
Cons
- This stir fry wok does need to be seasoned similar to a cast iron pan, however specific instructions come with the purchase.
- Not dishwasher friendly.
Related Article: Best Vegetable Peeler for Butternut Squash (Top 5 Options)
Michelangelo 5 Quart Nonstick Wok
This is an all-in-one cook set that includes four pieces; nonstick wok, tempered glass lid, deep frying basket, and roasting and steaming rack.
Electric stovetops stay very hot when they are at temperature and this pan will help you take advantage of that. Its 11-inch nonstick cooking surface ensures that stir-fries are cooked evenly and quickly.
Constructed of ceramic and professional grade aluminum alloy, this wok conducts heat evenly and efficiently. All materials are nontoxic and induction compatible making this a healthy and green choice for a wok.
Another great feature is its tempered glass lid. This lid is designed to seal in nutrients and flavor for healthier and better-tasting food. The long stainless steel handle and smaller “helper” handle are both made out of stainless steel. This ensures they both stay cool to the touch for easy gripping, assistance in cooking, and balance when lifting to pour.
This wok is oven and dishwasher safe.
If you choose to use this pan for additional cooking, its two other features will come in handy. First, the deep-frying basket allows for safe and easy placement of food in the wok pan and quick and splatter-free removal. The roasting rack is easily popped on top for steaming broccoli and other vegetables to compliment your meal.
Pros
- All-in-one cook set that includes four pieces: wok, lid, fry basket, and roasting rack.
- 11-inch cooking surface
- Made out of ceramic and professional grade aluminum alloy for efficient heat conduction.
- Nontoxic
- Oven friendly
- Includes two handles that stay cool to the touch.
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Some users voiced a desire for a better nonstick surface.
You Might Also Like: Best Spice Grinder for Indian Spices (Top 5 Options)
Chef’s Classic Stainless Stir Fry Pan by Cuisinart
Cuisinart has created this stir fry pan with a large 14-inch cooking surface for an incredible range of heat distribution. It is so important that all elements of stir fry are cooked quickly and evenly and this large surface will ensure just that.
This pan is perfect for an electric stovetop as it is constructed with an encapsulated aluminum core that can withstand the high heat of an electric burner and distribute it evenly. Designed with a “stay cool” handle and helper handle, this pan will be easy to maneuver while in action on the electric stovetop.
For more versatility in the kitchen, this pan can be used on the stovetop and in the oven. Even better, it is completely dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Large14 inch cooking surface for even cooking.
- Made with an encapsulated aluminum core for withstanding high heat and distributing it evenly.
- Stay cool handle and helper handle make this stir fry pan safe to maneuver while in use.
- Oven safe up to 550 degrees.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- The stainless steel surface can be hard to clean.
- This is not a nonstick stir fry wok.
Joyce Chen Pro Chef Excalibur Wok Set
Go big or go home with this stir fry wok set by Joyce Chen. It is loaded with everything you need to perfect stir fry on an electric stovetop.
This set includes a 14-inch wok, lid, tempura rack, bamboo spatula, bamboo cooking chopsticks, six pairs of bamboo table chopsticks, steaming rack, bamboo tongs, bamboo rice paddle, and a recipe booklet.
The wok itself is made out of heavy gauge 2.0 carbon steel which is ideal for making stir fry on an electric stove. It can handle the high, and sometimes uneven heat of electric burners, and distribute it evenly for thorough cooking.
It is coated with a nonstick material that is safe to use with metal utensils, as well as the included bamboo.
Pros
- A full set that includes ten components.
- Wok constructed of heavy gauge 2.0 carbon steel.
- Nonstick coating.
- Compatible with metal utensils.
- Comes with a 25 year warranty
Cons
- The wok is not dishwasher safe.
Recommended Article: 5 Best Strainer For Quinoa Reviews
Preseasoned Cast Iron Wok by Bruntmor
We wouldn’t close out this list without a cast-iron option. Cast iron is known for its ability to hold incredibly high heat, which is necessary for a top-notch stir fry.
The cast iron of this wok comes preseasoned, so you can start cooking as soon as it arrives. Its cast-iron construction allows this wok to be used in the oven as well.
This wok features a sturdy, flat base that will keep the wok even on your electric stovetop. Its large handles make it easy to maneuver, even when full of food.
Pros
- Cast iron is perfect for handling the high heat necessary for making stir fry.
- Large 14 in diameter
- Flat base distributes heat evenly throughout cooking and keeps the wok steady.
- Loop handles make aid in maneuvering.
- The cast iron is preseason and ready to be used immediately.
Cons
- Cast iron cannot go in the dishwasher. It needs to be seasoned in a specific way. This wok requires careful attention.
- This wok weighs a hefty 11 pounds.
Anolon Advanced Bronze Wok
Constructed from hard-anodized materials, this wok heats quickly and provides even heat distribution that helps make stir-fries their best. It is coated in premium quality nonstick material that is long-lasting and metal utensil compatible.
Its wide 14-inch diameter makes this wok ideal for cooking and tossing stir fry with ample room.
The special SureGrip handles are designed with comfort in mind. They are also double riveted to provide extra strength and security. The included lid is shatter resistant and securely seals heat inside.
Need a pan for more than stir fry? This bronze wok is able to go into the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Hard-anodized materials help distribute heat evenly from electric stovetops.
- Coated with a premium-quality nonstick material that is compatible with metal utensils.
- The large 14-inch wide diameter gives ample room for tossing stir fry.
- SureGrip handles are easy on the hands.
- The handles are double riveted which makes the whole wok sturdier.
- Able to go in the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- This wok is not safe to put in the dishwasher.
Further Reading: Best Tortilla Maker For Roti
What to Consider When Buying an Electric Stove Stir Fry Pan
Cooking on an electric stove top is an art in itself. The burners are slow to heat up, they get exceptionally hot, and they are slow to cool down. The good news is, to cook a great stir fry you need to use high heat so an electric stove can be to your advantage if you find the right stir fry pan.
Here are the factors that you should be considering…
Material
When considering purchasing a wok for your electric stovetop, that material is an important factor. Your wok needs to be able to handle high heat and distribute that heat evenly. The best materials for this are stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel – which is considered to be a great combination of cast iron and stainless steel.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel tends to be scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe. However, find one coated in nonstick material or else you will be stuck at the sink scrubbing for a long while.
Cast iron is a traditional favorite that is beloved for its unique flavor contribution and ability to take extremely high heat. However, cast iron needs specific care, or seasoning, to keep its structural integrity.
Finally, carbon steel has the advantage of stainless steel in that it can be coated in nonstick material and the advantage of cast iron in distributing high heat evenly. However, carbon steel is not dishwasher friendly and needs to be seasoned similarly to cast iron.
Surface Area
Generally, the larger the surface area of a wok, the more successful the stir fry. The goal is to flash cook all components evenly. The more food that is touching the hot surface of the wok at a time, the faster your overall dish will cook.
As a fun bonus, a wide wok diameter will allow you to toss your stir fry like a pro without spilling when you feel confident enough.
Cleaning
As with any great kitchen utensil, one needs to consider safe and effective cleaning. Generally, the dishwasher gets hot and soapy enough to kill the bad bacteria and gives you a break from standing at the sink. Opt for a dishwasher-friendly wok for the easiest clean.
However, there are many wok models that are made out of cast iron and carbon steel. These works cannot go in the dishwasher and require specific cleaning and seasoning. If you are willing to put in the extra care for these materials, they will turn out great stir-fries time after time.
Bottom
You will notice that woks either come with a flat bottom or a round bottom. Why the difference? Round bottom woks are the traditional Asian choice. It browns food better and is easier to cook food easily with the gradually rising sides.
But most modern stoves are flat making the round bottom a challenge for the novice cook. A flat bottom has evolved to give more stability and safety for those cooking at home.
Wrap Up
Nothing brings versatility to the kitchen as much as a stir fry. With countless varieties of vegetables, sauces, and sides, you can create a unique recipe for every day of the week. You just need the right tools to master this classic Asian dish.
But, wait. Are you a home cook that feels limited by your electric stovetop? You are not alone there. The burners take forever to heat up and cool down. And when they are finally ready they can get scorching hot, even on low settings. It does take some practice to get it right, but the high heat of an electric stovetop will work to your advantage when cooking a stir fry.
The tricks to a great stir fry are very high heat and a large, even cooking surface. You already have one of those requirements with your electric stovetop. Just add a specifically designed stir fry pan, or wok, to the mix and you will be cooking with gas- oh, wait…
When choosing your wok it is important to consider the diameter of the cooking surface. Generally larger is better for stir fry. Seek out one that is made of a great heat distributing material such as stainless steel. And of course, keep cleaning in mind. Some top-of-the-line models cannot go in the dishwasher.
Our favorite of the bunch is Michelangelo 5 Quart Nonstick Wok for its versatility in cooking many dishes in the kitchen and its ability to go straight into the dishwasher.
Related Article: Best Tortilla Press For Thin Tortillas Out Top 7 Picks
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
