Craft WokTraditional Hand Hammered Chinese Carbon Steel Wok with Wooden and Steel Helper Handle (14 Inch, Round Bottom Pow Wok Pan) / 731W88

I recently purchased the Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Carbon Steel Pow Wok and wanted to share my thoughts on this high-quality kitchen essential. Before seasoning, it’s important to blue the wok, a process I found straightforward. To ensure even bluing, I removed the wooden handle, which was a simple adjustment that allowed for a uniform treatment of the entire wok.The quality of the carbon steel is immediately noticeable—this wok has heft, indicating durability and robustness. It’s heavy in a good way, indicating its quality, yet not too cumbersome, allowing for easy tossing during cooking. The hand-hammered design is not just for looks; it contributes to the wok’s excellent performance. Heat distribution is proportional, though somewhat dependent on the burner used. While I have yet to try it on my outdoor wok burner, the round bottom was a perfect fit for my Bluestar Platinum stove, which has removable grates specifically designed for a wok.Many reviewers complain about the weight of the wok and how cooking and tossing with it feel awkward. However, these criticisms often stem from a misunderstanding of traditional Asian wok cooking techniques. Unlike Western-style cookware, where tossing and stirring are done with lighter pans, an Asian wok is designed to handle high-heat, stir-fry cooking. The weight of the wok plays a crucial role in maintaining even heat distribution, which is essential for achieving the perfect stir-fry texture and flavor. Instead of tossing ingredients by shaking the pan, you use a spatula or similar tool to stir and move the food quickly across the wok’s hot surface. Additionally, you can rest a portion of the rear of the wok on the stove to help push up and toss the food. This method ensures that each ingredient is cooked evenly and retains its unique texture and flavor. I recommend looking up videos on how to toss with Chinese woks for a visual guide. Practice with rice or uncooked pasta to get the hang of it.The handles feel good in the hand—sturdy and comfortable to use, enhancing the overall cooking experience. I found the wok easy to season and clean, a testament to its thoughtful design aimed at frequent use. As my first real wok, replacing a flat bottom, thin, non-stick wok that I was not happy with due to uneven heat zones, this wok has been a revelation.Value for money is exceptional with this wok. It’s the best for what you get, offering high quality, excellent performance, and ease of maintenance at a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend this wok to anyone looking for an authentic cooking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to wok cooking, this tool will elevate your culinary creations.

First, thank you to Lance Owen, Nathan, and all the other reviewers with tips and instructions. I was totally intimidated by this process and I've never cooked with a wok before. Over the last two days I've found myself walking into the kitchen just to admire it - the color is amazing.1. do the research and follow the directions and advice. the negative reviews are by people who did not2. the heating/curing process worked on the only 1200BTU burner on my ministove. the only hitch was getting the inside of the wok around the three handle rivets. I got creative and a little dangerous. but it turned out ok without serious injury (pictured above)3. this is a truly non-stick surface if used correctly. season the wok. before cooking, preheat the wok to smoking, then apply oil (or other fats) for cooking, then you food. anything that has kind of stuck or burned on so far has been easily removed by light scrubbing.4. have patience and use oil or another fat to cook. I first attempted cooking an egg without any butter/oil - it did not go well. second attempt, I added butter, and I was flipping the thing around all over the place (pictured above). same with the sweet italian sausage patties.5. the cast iron support ring (pictured above). I got the cheap model - there are complaints that it breaks. I suggest handling it with care. It fits on the cheapo ministove that came with my studio apartment. I love it. It's sitting on my 1200BTU burner and I can leave it on with my primary pot and some other cookware.6. cleaning. I have a cast iron pan - which I have kept free of water for several years now. the videos showing people cleaning woks at the sink made me... uncomfortable. but it works beautifully - spray&brush (lightly). I make sure to wipe dry with paper towel, heat to smoking, then re-season with peanut oil.7. fried rice. i've wanted to make fried rice since I was a kid 30 years ago. pictured above is my first and (as yet) only attempt. it was near perfect. again, I watched a lot of videos and followed direction. also deep fried some chicken wings in the style of my local New England Chinese restaurants. I think i'll make some more for lunch!8. the handle. it is loose and expected to be loose - from drying out the wood. this happened when I superheated the metal to cure it. not a big deal to unscrew, tap/hammer in, and rescrew. I'm looking forward to staining and finishing the wood like another reviewer - a cherry stain sounds lovely9. I didn't expect to use the wok that much. i'm so in love with it now it's going to remain on my primary burner semi-permanently. again, I was very intimidated. especially after reading the reviews. it's too easy to use once prepared and cared for properly. LOVE IT!final word - this is an authentic (!) piece of Chinese cookware. it is solid and sturdy and I expect it to last longer than I will, if well cared for.