Best Outdoor Cooking Wok Reviews

When you’re camping, there’s really only one way to stir fry vegetables, pork, fish, beef and chicken, and that’s with the use of an outdoor cooking wok. Finding the best outdoor cooking wok means combing through hundreds of online reviews, brand websites, and product descriptions for the highest quality.

This outdoor cooking wok review is your perfect guide to the world of outdoor wok burners as well as outdoor cooking woks. Our home and outdoor experts at Fire Food Chef were able to rank five of the best of each so you can quickly find one that’s right for you. 

In a Hurry? These are our Winners:

Editor's Pick Badge
Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok with Wooden and Steel Helper Handle Review

Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok with Wooden and Steel Helper Handle

Why is it better?

  • Thick carbon steel
  • Versatile - used for any food from your grill
  • Safe design with blunt tips

98/100
our score


Editor's Pick Badge
GasOne Portable Propane 100, 000-BTU High Pressure Single Burner Camp Stove & Steel Braided Regulator with Adjustable Legs Review

GasOne Portable Propane 100, 000-BTU High Pressure Single Burner Camp Stove & Steel Braided Regulator with Adjustable Legs

Why is it better?

  • Single burner produces 100,000 BTU's
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Sturdy frame can be used outside throughout the year

95/100
our score


researched sources

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reviews considered

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Last Updated: January 3, 2024

By William Clay: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding outdoor cooking wok and burners available for those who are interested in improving their outdoor cooking experience. The best 5 available for each have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best outdoor cooking wok and burner currently available on the market.

Best Outdoor Cooking Wok Review - Top 5 Picks Of 2024

Looking for an outdoor wok burner as well? Compliment your zen garden or backyard patio with a sturdy, high-pressure wok burner. Some of our top picks below also include a wok. The six picks below are all portable, propane gas burners suited for outdoor use only.

Best Outdoor Wok Burner - Top 5 Picks Of 2024

2024 Top Picks...

Pros

  • Hammered carbon steel is highly durable 15 gauge steel (heavy duty)
  • Distributes heat evenly
  • Wooden handle stays cool while cooking, with hygroscopic non- slip surface

Cons

  • Wooden handle may come loose
  • 100% carbon steel adds weight, makes it more difficult to handle

Pros

  • High pressure single burner produces 100,000 BTU’s
  • 2 sets of detachable legs for adjusting the height and reducing back pains
  • Cast iron welding and a sturdy body frame

Cons

  • When you crank up the heat, sometimes the pressure blows itself out.
  • Does not come with a heat shield plate to protect the drain valve.
  • Not suitable for smaller woks

PART ONE: Best Outdoor Cooking Wok Reviews (Full)

Spicy stir fry mussels, crispy broccoli and cauliflower lightly oiled and fried, eggs, rice, beef - even popcorn and maple syrup prep can all be done in a quality outdoor cooking wok. Our home and outdoor experts at Fire Food Chef searched hundreds of online reviews and product descriptions to find the best options in terms of durability, price, and heat distribution.

These are the top four woks on the market currently.

Fire Food Chef Rating: A+

Features

  • Dimensions: 22.5 x 14 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 4.39 pounds
  • 14” Inch Diameter with Rounded Bottom
  • Commercial-Grade Carbon Steel 15-gauge (1.8mm)
  • Wooden Handle

Best Suited For

  • High heat cooking, Stir Frying, Maple Syrup Prep
  • Kitchen, Outdoor Camp Stove
  • Commercial or Home Use

REVIEW

If durability is your top priority and you’re already comfortable using cast iron or carbon steel cooking ware, the CraftWok Pow Wok is probably your best option. This is a commercial-grade wok, which means it’s built for high usage. Even with daily use, this 15-gauge carbon steel wok can endure years of high use and high cooking temperatures.

Hand crafted and hammered in the province of Guangzhou by professional wok masters, the
CraftWok Pow Wok is about as authentic as you can get in the US. The carbon steel is 1.8mm thick, making it extremely heat resistant. At 14 inches in diameter, you can easily cook enough for a family of 5 at one time, which makes it perfect for large families or households.

Over an open flame or on an electric stovetop, carbon steel doesn’t heat as rapidly as copper or aluminum, so your oil won’t burn after only a few seconds on the wok. Your cooking oil will also smoke clean as it coats the inside of the CraftWok Pow Wok. The rounded bottom also allows heat to distribute more evenly and consistently from the center out for more evenly cooked results.

The one drawback noted by users is the hygroscopic wooden handle The non slip handle is a single piece of wood attached to the wok by a single screw but appears to be loose. In some cases the handle detached completely. Considering the relatively low price and high durability, however, the CraftWok Pow Wok is still a great value and deserves recognition in any review.

Be sure to wash and season the wok before using it for cooking.

Pros

  • Authentic wok design is sturdy and highly durable
  • Thick carbon steel construction ideal for high heat cooking or frying outdoors or indoor
  • 14” inch diameter suitable for serving a family of 5

Cons

  • Heavy duty cookware weighs more than aluminum or copper wok
  • Non slip Wooden handle may come loose

Features

  • Dimensions: 18.06 x 14.56 x 4.44 in
  • 100% Cast Iron
  • Flattened Bottom

Review

With over 120 years of experience, you can always expect quality from Lodge products. Made entirely in the US, the Lodge P14W3 is a quality indoor or outdoor cooking wok. Seasoned without chemicals or synthetic coatings, this cast iron wok imparts flavor and character to your stir fry recipes, but it can also be used for beer brewing, sautes, syrups, stews and more.

Contemporary in style, the Lodge P14W3 features a flattened bottom, unlike a traditional wok. This means you can use it either on a flat stovetop or an outdoor wok burner. You can even use this wok on your charcoal or gas grill. At 14 inches in diameter, you’ll have a large enough cooking surface to prepare meals for as many as 8 people at a time or more.

The Lodge P14W3 is pre seasoned by the manufacturer with cooking oil to provide a patina layering prior to your first use. A simple handwash is all you need to do before your initial use, but seasoning it further in vegetable oil or peanut oil is also highly recommended to enhance the patina further.

Thanks to its durable cast iron construction, this outdoor cooking wok retains heat for a long time, allowing you to stir fry or cook your food evenly over a longer period of time without excessive smoking. There are two loop handles for lifting and transferring the wok, but you’ll need oven mitts or reliable BBQ gloves to handle the wok safely over high temperatures.

Overall, the Lodge P14W3 offers the best value for the price,but it can be a bit wieldy to maneuver.

Pros

  • Authentic wok design is sturdy and highly durable
  • Thick carbon steel construction ideal for high heat cooking or frying outdoors or indoor
  • 14” inch diameter suitable for serving a family of 5

Cons

  • Heavy duty cookware weighs more than aluminum or copper wok
  • Non slip Wooden handle may come loose

Fire Food Chef Rating: A -

Features:

  • Dimensions: 17.2 x 14.7 x 4.2 inches
  • Weight: 8.51 pounds
  • Heavy Duty Cast Iron
  • Pre Seasoned

Best Suited For:

  • High heat cooking, Stir Frying, Maple Syrup Prep
  • Kitchen, Outdoor Camp Stove
  • Commercial or Home Use

REVIEW

Thoroughly pre-baked with penetrating vegetable oil, the AmazonBasics Cast Iron Wok Pan comes already pre-seasoned with a beautiful black patina for easier food release. This large wok is 100% cast iron, which also makes it very heavy (8 lbs). It won’t fit in your dishwasher so don’t try, and it needs to be washed by hand so be sure you have a large sink that can accommodate it.

The AmazonBasics Cast Iron Wok is even larger than the CraftWok, which means you can easily cook for a family of six. We’ve chosen this outdoor wok as runner up in our review because it’s not quite as easy to handle as the CraftWok, but it’s still highly durable. Since it costs less than the top pick, the shortcomings are understandable.

To begin with, you’ll notice that there is no wooden handle. This is designed more like a large deep dish with a rounded bottom, rather than an authentic Chinese style wok. The handles on either side are cast iron, so you’ll absolutely need a quality pair of BBQ gloves if you plan to use this wok outdoors at your campsite or in your backyard.

Give yourself extra preheating time when you use this wok. Cast iron is a better heat conductor than carbon steel, but it still takes longer to heat than aluminum, stainless steel or copper. If you’re used to woks that rapidly heat and start to smoke after only a few minutes, that won’t be the case with this cast iron wok.

Even though it’s already pre-seasoned with a beautiful black patina, you should wash and rinse the wok before your first use - but don’t use soap. You can further season the wok with flaxseed oil or peanut oil for a deeper, more nuanced patina that enhances flavoring as well.

Pros

  • Large cooking surface can easily cook for a family of 6
  • Heavy duty cast iron construction is highly durable
  • Pre seasoned with vegetable oil

Cons

  • Wieldy and heavy to handle, must be washed by hand
  • Large size needs special storage considerations
  • Metal handles require gloves

Fire Food Chef Rating: B+

Features:

  • Dimensions: 17.72 x 6.3 x 17.72 inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • 17" Steel Wok
  • Wooden Cooking Utensils Included

Best Suited For:

  • Wok and Stir-fry Cooking
  • Outdoor Wok Burner

Review

Priced even lower than the AmazonBasics Cast Iron Wok, the 18” inch King Kooker is another large sized wok suited for outdoor cooking, camping, or stovetop. Designed in the Cantonese style, the rounded bottom is over 6 inches in diameter, allowing for a larger cooking surface than most handheld outdoor cooking woks.

Due to the rounded bottom this type of wok won’t sit evenly on a regular electric stove top in your kitchen. Used with an outdoor wok burner, you can easily and comfortably cook for up to ten people at a time. You’ll need a quality pair of kitchen gloves or oven mitts to handle the wok, however, because the handles are riveted steel as well.

The King Kooker Steel Wok doesn’t have a non-stick surface, but with proper seasoning it will develop a rich patina for frying food at high temperatures. It comes already coated in a pretty thick layer of rust-preventive cosmoline oil, but additional pre seasoning is necessary to further develop the patina.

While it may not be the highest quality steel construction, the King Kooker is very affordable and sturdy enough to last at least two years of daily use. The metal is rather thin, so it conducts heat faster than a carbon steel or cast iron wok. Wipe down the wok with mineral spirits to get the oil off, or wash and rinse thoroughly before your first use.

Pros

  • Extra large 18” diameter suitable for serving 10 or more guests at a time
  • Steel construction is thin but durable
  • Lighter than carbon steel or cast iron
  • Coated in oil to prevent rust

Cons

  • Difficult to handle, store, and wash due to the extra large size
  • Riveted steel handles get hot to the touch

Fire Food Chef Rating: B

Features:

  • Dimensions: 16.7 x 4 x 13.4 inches
  • Weight: 4.9 pounds
  • Porcelain-enameled
  • Cast Iron

Best Suited For:

  • Outdoor Camp Stove
  • Indoor Stove top
  • Stir Fry Recipes
  • Fits the Weber Gourmet BBQ System

Review
Weber is practically a household name in the grilling world, but they also make some amazing quality cooking ware. The Weber 7425 Gourmet BBQ System Wok isn’t a traditional cantonese or Chinese style wok, but it can still stir fry a wide range of food, among other things.

Due to its cast iron construction , the Weber 7425 provides you with professional high heat grilling for stir-fry, or lower heat for soups and stews. At 13 inches in diameter, the Weber 7425 is unusually sized, but it’s the right size for serving between 5 - 8 people comfortably.

The cast iron is sturdy and treated for rust resistance, but it’s also surprisingly lightweight. With its flattened bottom, you can use this outdoor wok on either a camp stove or kitchen stove. Of course, the size and elongated shape means you won’t be able to find a lid that fits. Washing should be done by hand in an oversized sink. Since the handles are riveted steel, you should always wear gloves.

Although the Weber 7425 wok is advertised as porcelain coated, many reviewers have noted this is not the case. You’ll need to wash and season the Weber 7425 before your first use, but this is not a non-stick surface as stated in the company’s marketing. After the initial seasoning, however, the cooking surface will be easier to cook on, with less sticking. You’ll be able to rapidly cook or stir fry vegetables or meat and retain the natural juices.

Using wooden or bamboo utensils will help preserve the enamel coating of the wok.

Pros

  • Unusual 13” inch diameter can comfortably serve large groups (5 -8)
  • Durable cast iron retains heat a long time
  • Flattened bottom is useful for stovetop or outdoor camp stove

Cons

  • Can be difficult to wash by hand due to its size
  • Must wear gloves when using

PART 2: Best Outdoor Wok Burner Reviews (Full)

Ready to find the outdoor camp stove that’s right for your next camping excursion? These portable outdoor wok burners are perfectly suited for large woks, and a few include one as part of the package.

Read on to find out which of these top five picks is the best deal!

Features:

  • Dimensions: 6.2 x 6.2 x 11.2 inches
  • Weight: 17.9 Pounds
  • 100,000 BTU Output
  • 1 Single High Pressure Cast Iron Gas Burner
  • Adjustable Air Control Regulator
  • Metal Frame
  • Adjustable Height
  • Detachable Legs

Best Suited For: Brewing, Boiling, Stir Fry, Sap & Maple Syrup Prep

Review
Whether you want to turkey fry, stir fry, prep maple syrup or brew beer, this portable outdoor wok burner by GasOne is the ideal companion. The sturdy metal frame is durable and weather resistant so you can use it in the outdoors throughout the year. For maximum convenience while cooking, you can simply adjust the legs to your desired height, up to 30 inches.

With its single high pressure burner made of cast iron, the GasOne Portable Propane Camp Stove can generate a whopping 100,000 BTU’s of heat, more than most gas BBQ grills. Assembly is relatively straightforward if you follow the user manual.

At almost 18 pounds, this outdoor wok burner is fairly lightweight, and the detachable legs make it very portable and easy to load. Now you can enjoy charcoal grilling and stir fried meals without having to choose one over the other at your remote camping ground, resort or ranch.

Suited for any standard 5 gallon propane tank, a regulator is included but you’ll need to purchase a wok separately. (Propane also sold separately)

Pros

  • Durable metal frame
  • Adjustable legs and height up to 30 inches
  • High pressure cast iron burner generates 100,000BTU of clear blue flame
  • Large enough for 10 gallon kettle

Cons

  • Wok not included
  • High pressure burner can blow out occasionally

Features:

  • 54,000BTU Output
  • Flame Protective Wind Guard
  • LP Hose And Regulator
  • 18” inch Steel Wok Included

Best Suited For:

  • Outdoor Cooking, Camping and Hiking
  • Requires 5 Gallon Propane Tank (not included)

Review
The King Kooker Heavy Duty 24” Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker is an excellent gift for someone who truly loves outdoor cooking. Less costly than the top pick in this review, this portable outdoor wok burner is also less powerful, but still a great value for the price.

Included with the outdoor cooker is a steel 18” inch wok, which is extremely large.The wok is sturdy with loop handles that require gloves to handle safely. Used with wooden utensils, you’ll have plenty of room to flip, stir, fry or saute enough food for 12 or more people easily.

Rigorous cleaning and seasoning is highly recommended, however before you begin using the wok. Several users have noted that the factory resin coating does not come off with soap and water alone. Mixing vegetable oil with the soap and water seems to do the trick, then season it to prevent rust.

At 54,000BTU’s, it’s heat output is a little more than half of what you get with the GasOne Portable Camp Stove, but it’s still more powerful than your kitchen stovetop. The frame is not as sturdy as you might like, but at the current price point, you get what you pay for.

Pros

  • Extra large 18” inch Steel Wok included
  • More powerful than a kitchen stovetop burner for achieving high cooking temperatures
  • Deep fry thermometer included
  • Priced lower than the top pick but includes more accessories

Cons

  • Height is not adjustable 
  • Can be difficult to store or transport since the legs do not detach
  • Requires flat surface for maximum stability

Features:

  • Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 36 inches
  • Weight: 25 pounds
  • 65,000 BTU burner Big Kahuna propane burner
  • Steel Frame With adjustable legs ( up to 26” inches)
    propane gas regulator and hose
  • 12-Inch AccuZone thermometer
  • 22-Inch deep dish carbon steel wok
    stainless steel wok spoon and spatula

Best Suited For:
Outdoor Cooking and Camping

Review
Stir fry, boil, or deep fry, the Eastman Outdoor Gourmet Carbon Steel Wok Kit is a complete kit. The heart of this handy package is a powerful 65,000BTU burner that’s easy to adjust. The Big Kahuna burner delivers a clear, steady blue flame so your propane lasts longer and burns clean.

Although you can’t set the temperature by degrees, you can easily adjust the intensity with the turn of a knob. A long 22 inch thermometer is also included so you can accurately test your oil, beer, stew, syrup or any other recipe for readiness.

The legs are adjustable as well to a maximum height of 26 inches. This allows for a more comfortable experience when cooking on your feet. Since it comes with a very large, 22 inch deep dish wok, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, but it is extremely large! Storing it won’t be easy, and cleaning will require ample sink space.

There is a protective coating on the carbon steel wok that must be removed before any cooking on the wok. You should start by heating the wok to a very high temperature, then let it cool. While it’s still warm, wash with a steel pad using water, soap and vegetable oil. You may need to wash it a few times before the coating is completely off, then season the wok with your choice of oil.

One thing you’ll really appreciate is the sturdiness of its design. The Eastman Outdoor Gourmet Kit is probably the sturdiest outdoor wok burner in this review thanks to its tripod design.

Pros

  • 70,000BTU Burner is clean and efficient
  • Stable Tripod design is sturdier than other models with four legs
  • Stainless steel utensils included
  • Adjustable height adds convenience

Cons

  • Legs do not detach for easy transport
  • Removing the protective coating is difficult

Features:

  • Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 28 inches
  • 200,000BTU Output
  • Aluminum Alloy Burner
  • Heavy-Duty Propane Gas Cooker
  • Adjustable Legs
  • CSA Listed Regulator

Best Suited For:

  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Home Brewing, Turkey Frying, Roasting, Griddles, etc

Review
Powerful and sturdy, the Camplux JK SL21 was made for camping enthusiasts who love cooking in the great outdoors in style. The wind proof frame is cast iron, with adjustable legs so you can cook safely on uneven terrain or flat ground.

At the center, the highly efficient aluminum alloy burner can produce 200,000BTU’s of heat, which is twice the amount of the top pick, the GasOne Portable Camp Stove. Whether you want to deep fry, boil, brew, roast or even smoke your food, this burner can get it done while consuming less gas than poorer quality burners.

Designed for use with any standard 5 gallon propane tank, the Camplux Camp Stove is much more portable and compact than other brands similarly priced. It may not be a popular brand name yet, but reviewers so far wholeheartedly agree that this outdoor camp stove is one of the best deals out there. 

Pros

  • Powerful 200,000BTU aluminum alloy burner
  • Sturdy cast iron wind-proof frame includes adjustable legs
  • Compact design is relatively easy to transport

Cons

  • Wok is not included
  • No accessories

Features:

  • Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 31 inches
  • Weight: 17 pounds
  • 54,000BTU Burner
  • Solid Steel Frame
  • Brass Fuel Valves
  • Heavy Duty Hose And Regulator
  • Thermometer
  • Steel Wok
  • Wood utensils and instruction booklet included

Best Suited For:

  • Outdoor Cooking And Camping
  • Stir Fry

Review
For the most part, reviews have been mixed about the Stansport Single Burner Camp Stove with Cast Iron Burner. While it’s not as expensive as some other options, it does include a 14” inch wok, a thermometer and wooden utensils.

The frame is wind-proof and very stable, as long as you’re on flat ground. Once assembled, it’s quite a pain to disassemble, but it stands a decent 31 inches in height so you can cook in more comfort while you’re on your feet without bending over excessively.

You can easily adjust the flame for intensity to achieve the maximum 54,000BTU output, which is sufficient for most outdoor cooking needs. The brass fuel valves are certainly a nice touch and they do improve the efficiency of the regulator.

Gloves are required to handle the heavy duty steel wok. More importantly, you’ll need to remove the factory coating on the interior of the wok with vigorous scrubbing, water, soap and vegetable oil before your initial use. 

Pros

  • Sturdy Steel Frame is wind proof
  • Wok, thermometer and wooden utensils are included
  • 31” inch height makes cooking more comfortable

Cons

  • Moderate 54,000BTU output compared to other similar brands
  • Wok requires vigorous washing and seasoning before initial use
  • Assembly is easier with two people

How To Choose The Best Outdoor Wok Burner

What makes one outdoor cooking wok better than another? When you’re combing online reviews to find the best deal, be sure to research the features carefully as well.

The cooking ware experts here at Fire Food Chef got together and created a list of the key buying criteria you should consider when you’re comparing deals.

3 Buying Factors To Consider

1. BTU OUTPUT

Minimum of 40,000BTU’s is sufficient to generate the cooking temperatures you’ll need to stir fry vegetables, meat and rice.

2. CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
All outdoor cooking woks are made of some type of metal which, when heated, serves as a cooking surface. When food comes in contact with any metal surface, there is always the risk of absorbing high levels of unsafe chemicals that may have been used to treat the metal during the manufacturing process.

Quality construction material means metal that is durable, heat resistant and classified as food-grade safe. Whether it’s stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum, your outdoor cooking wok or outdoor burner should be free from potentially harmful chemicals. Powder coated and non stick surfaces should be seasoned by the manufacturer as well to prevent harmful chemicals leaching into your food.

While the FDA doesn’t require an approval rating for every piece of cookware or cooking utensil, manufacturers must meet requirements for the level of toxicity or harmful elements [1].

3. SIZE AND HEIGHT
Woks come in various dimensions and there is really no ideal size other than your preference. When it comes to finding the right outdoor wok burner, however, height is a key factor. If the wok burner is too short or too high, using it will be more challenging. It could also pose a potential fire hazard.

For maximum stability and airflow, your outdoor wok burner should be at least 12″ high. This way it can be mounted 


What Is The Best Type Of Outdoor Wok?

The type of metal used in the construction of your wok will have a huge impact on your cooking results. Conductivity, heat distribution and durability vary depending on the type and quality of the metal used.

Carbon, stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron woks are the most common options available. All of them are great for stir fried recipes, but they each have shortcomings as well. Ultimately, the best outdoor wok will be the one that serves your needs best.

Carbon Steel: Carbon steel may not be as attractive as stainless steel but it is the most durable kind of metal for cookware, including outdoor cooking woks. Even more durable than stainless steel, carbon steel cookware is lightweight and more versatile than cast iron. It also conducts heat faster and more evenly than any other metal cookware, including copper and non-stick coated.

Carbon steel is, however, more prone to rust than stainless steel. Be sure that any carbon steel cookware you purchase is seasoned and coated for rust protection.

Stainless Steel: Also referred to as 304 stainless steel, it’s highly durable, heat resistant and safe for cooking. Cleaned on a regular basis, stainless steel retains its luster and is highly resistant to bacterial growth, as well as rust.

The one major drawback of a stainless steel wok is that it does not distribute heat as evenly as aluminum or cast iron. Uneven heat distribution can lead to undercooked food, which can result in food poisoning for you and your guests.

Cast Iron: Extremely heat resistant and sturdy, cast iron cookware is truly heavy duty. You can always expect to pay more for cast iron utensils and cookware, including a cast iron wok, because they hold up under high temperatures and high usage without wearing or cracking [2].

To prevent rust, the best cast iron woks are seasoned and coated with a non-stick surface. The biggest drawback to cast iron is that it does not distribute heat as evenly as stainless steel or carbon.

Aluminum: Significantly better at conducting heat than stainless steel, an aluminum outdoor cooking wok is another great option for value. They distribute heat more evenly than stainless steel. Aluminum cookware is a popular choice because it’s economically priced and rapid heating.

Aluminum is lighter than stainless steel, and much lighter than carbon or cast iron, making it easy to handle and use over an open flame. Coated with a non stick surface, an aluminum wok will last you several years.


Common Wok Burner Accessories

  • Outdoor Cooking Wok: Some outdoor wok burners include a wok along with other accessories, but not all. You can read the outdoor wok review above to find one suitable for your camp stove. Choose from cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum.
  • Propane Tank: Essential for fueling your outdoor wok burner. Any standard 5 gallon tank should be adequate. Be sure that the hose and connector are free of any defects before you turn the gas on. You’ll also want to safely store your propane tank in a dry, cool area, away from flammable objects or possible heat sources. 
  • Cooking Utensils: A quality spatula, meat fork, and locking BBQ tongs will make handling, stirring, tossing, and flipping food in your wok much easier.
  • Kitchen Gloves Or Mittens: BBQ gloves made of suede or leather are a great option for protecting your fingers hands and wrists from splashing oil. Silicone rubber gloves are close fitting and may offer more dexterity.
How To Season Your Outdoor Cooking Wok

How To Season Your Outdoor Cooking Wok

Seasoning your outdoor cooking wok is crucial to remove any harmful chemical residue on the cooking surface. Even though your wok is packaged and sealed, the wok is treated with special oils from the manufacturer before it is packaged. If you cook on the surface immediately, you could be exposed to dangerous chemicals.

Why You Should Season Your Wok
By seasoning your wok properly, you’ll create a patina coating on the cooking surface that will prevent rust, corrosion, and improve the non stick properties of the metal, whether it’s cast iron, aluminum, or carbon steel.

With each use the patina layering will also develop, enhancing the flavoring of your recipes as well. You’ll see a difference in the non stick coating as it actually improves, making it easier to cook and clean your wok.

6 Seasoning Oils For Your Outdoor Wok
Refined oils with a high smoking point work best for seasoning a wok. Good seasoning oil should be able to burn at high temperatures without smoking, and should be neutral in flavor to avoid coloring your food with unwanted flavors.

Any of the following oils are great for seasoning a wok:

  • Canola oil
  • Grape seed oil
  • Lard or pork fat
  • Peanut oil
  • Shortening
  • Sunflower oil

Stovetop Seasoning Method For Your Wok

  1. After removing the wok from its packaging, wash and rinse clean with dishwashing soap and water to remove any residual factory oil.
  2. Preheat the wok over high heat. The pan will get very hot so make sure the space around your burner is clear.
  3. Perform a water test by throwing a drop of water on the pan. If it’s heated enough, it’ll evaporate within a second, and it’s ready to be seasoned.
  4. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of oil and reduce heat to medium-high.
  5. Add aromatics like chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to the pan. This helps to keep the wok from smoking.
  6. Reduce heat to medium.
  7. Spread the mixture and cover the entire surface of your wok from rim to bottom. Continue doing this for about 20 minutes over medium heat. If you notice the ingredients are becoming too dry or are starting to burn, add in more oil, a little at a time.
  8. Dump mixture out, and let the wok cool down.
  9. Rinse with hot water, and use a bamboo wok brush, sponge, or the soft side of a scrubber to remove any excess food particles.
  10. Place the wok back on your stovetop over high heat to completely dry and evaporate all water.

You can either store the wok until you’re ready to use it, or repeat this process up to 3 times for a better, thicker seasoning.

How To Salt Season Your Outdoor Wok

  1. Complete the initial pre-washing to remove any residual factory oil from the surface.
  2. Pour 1 cup of kosher salt into the wok.
  3. Place the wok, filled with salt, on a gas stovetop over high heat.
  4. Stir salt constantly for 20 minutes, pushing the salt up and around the sides of the wok.
  5. After 20 minutes, remove the wok from heat and dump the heated salt into the sink (letting it cool before you discard it).
  6. Wipe the wok clean with an oil-covered rag or paper towel, spreading a thin layer of oil onto the wok’s surface.

References

[1] FDA Coating Compliance Information (Cookware Manufacturers Association)
[2] 5 Myths Of The Cast Iron Skillet Explained (Fox News)

About the Author William Clay

William Clay is a BBQ enthusiast dedicated to sharing his grilling (and overall cooking) expertise with FireFoodChef's readers.