Recommend me a good wok!

[H_Kan]

We've just had a new hob fitted that has a special wok burner attachment, so I think the time is right to get a wok.

It needs to be decent quality so it will last and also relatively large as there are 6 of us in my household so don't want to have to cook in too many batches.

[Odie]

normal wok from Chinese supermarket

[whitechief]

A carbon steel one from a Chinese supermarket. Season well before first use and don't use detergents to clean it and you'll get years of use from it.

[Ultuous]

As above - people spend their hard-earned on all kinds of crap that doesn't wok (sorry!) as the Chinese intended... Season it properly and the job's a goodun!

[H_Kan]

What does season mean? Literally rub spices into it?

Also, any idea how much I should be looking at for a carbon steel one? I pass by Hoo Hing on the A406 quite regularly so I may stop by there next time and see what they have.

[whitechief]

They are cheap, between £10-20.

A short clip on how to season before use:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SesaUVFZ-M&fea...

[H_Kan]

whitechief said:

They are cheap, between £10-20.

A short clip on how to season before use:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SesaUVFZ-M&fea...

Thanks, hopefully pick one up soon.

[Melman Giraffe]

Odie said:

normal wok from Chinese supermarket

Ditto

You must remember to oil the wok after use each use. And don't put it in the dishwasher it will go rusty.

[Ultuous]

You can/ should almost not wash it if it's seasoned properly and cooked with at the correct (high) temp... Just keep the food moving in it whilst cooking and wipe it down with a bit of kitchen towel with a dab of oil whilst still hot... I give mine a gentle scrub in hot water and re-season when it starts to look a bit manky - the heat will kill any nasties in between such washes!

[Wadeski]

I used the Chinese ones for a few years, but someone would always helpfully wash it or soak it, resulting in rust.

Last couple of years i've been using a standard teflon one and had no problems.