Woks have become quite common in recent years. Woks are traditional Chinese cooking equipment that have recently gained popularity all around the world. They distribute heat more uniformly and use less oil than a normal frying pan. Woks are adaptable, able to deep-fry, steam, and smoke foods. But can woks be baked in an oven?
Woks may be placed in the oven, and most of today’s good works are built to endure high temperatures. A well-made wok will not be damaged by a temperature of 500°F. However, if the wok is composed of wood, rubber, or plastic components, the heat from the oven will harm it.
Let’s have a detailed discussion about woks and whether they’re okay to use in the oven. We’ll also go through how to season a wok in the oven, as well as recommend some of the woks that can be used in the oven and others that cannot. So please continue reading to discover more. This will undoubtedly be an interesting read.
What is a Wok made of?
When it comes to choosing between woks from various manufacturers, there is a significant gap in opinion. The most frequent types of hikes you’ll come across on the market are as follows: Carbon steel, Cast iron, Nonstick Teflon, Aluminum.
There has been a tug-of-war between which Woks are superior, and the two most frequently purchased Woks are carbon steel and cast iron.
Why is it safe to put a Wok in the oven?
Today, woks have become so popular that you can practically find them anywhere in an Asian grocery. This is due to their extreme flexibility. You may deep fry, steam, and even smoke food with them. Woks can be made of a variety of materials, however all types of Woks operate at different ranges of temperatures. Is it okay to put a Wok in the oven?
Unfortunately, it depends on the type of Wok that you own. Generally speaking, the metal body of a Wok is usually capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures in the oven, even up to 500°F. However, if the Wok is layered with a nonstick film or the handlebar is not made of a heat-resistant material, then you will not be able to cook with it in the oven. That extra material may burn and potentially cause a fire; at best your meal would be ruined .
Wood, plastic, and rubber are the materials you should be concerned about when buying a Wok. These substances may be utilized in your handlebar. These substances aren’t heat-resistant and shouldn’t be baked in an oven. Wood will melt whereas plastic or rubber will melt.
If you want to be cautious, try removing any of these materials. Most of the time, if you can take off the plastic, rubber, or wooden handle, there will be a metal handle below it.
Grab it and set is far away from the oven as possible; then you should be able to place your wok in the oven without any issues.
Woks can be constructed of a variety of materials, but if you have one made of carbon steel or cast iron, you shouldn’t use it in the oven. Woks can be manufactured from a variety of materials, with carbon steel and cast iron being the most common.
These materials are very sturdy and can easily endure high temperatures (over 500°F). If used and taken care of correctly, there will be no damage to the Wok, any fires that may start, or release any harmful substances.
I’d also recommend you invest in a Wok from a reputable manufacturer. Don’t just get one on sale; you may end up regretting it. Cheaper Woks can be constructed with inferior materials and are more prone to breakage.
What types of Woks CAN go in the oven?
Carbon steel Woks
As you might expect, the most common material used for woks today is carbon steel. Carbon steel is a unique type of steel that contains a high amount of carbon. This makes the steel stronger than other types of metals.
Although carbon steel isn’t unbreakable, it is less prone to fracture or crack under stress than other forms of steel.
Carbon steel was utilized by Japanese blade smiths many centuries ago to make swords.
Today, carbon steel can be found in a variety of materials used for tough applications such as construction tools, automobiles, and more.
Carbon steel melts at a temperature of 1425°C, which qualifies it as heat resistant.
Cast Iron Woks
Woks made out of cast iron are also one of the world’s most durable materials. They can endure exceedingly high temperatures and tolerate considerable abuse without breaking down.
Cast iron is particularly useful for reheating. It can store and transmit heat for longer than any other material, which is what makes it so entertaining. Once cast iron has been heated, it maintains its temperature for a long time, making it an excellent choice for keeping food warm for extended periods of time.
Blast furnaces refine iron ore into pig iron, an alloy of mostly elemental iron and carbon.
Iron is melted in huge blast furnaces where METALS such as manganese, sulfur, phosphorus are added 1985q (dl), resulting in cast iron.
Cast irons solidify at around 1204°C (2200°F).
Stainless steel Woks
Stainless steel kitchenware is usually quite long-lasting. It’s one of the most sanitary materials available, and it doesn’t nurture bacteria or other pathogens. It’s also simple to maintain.
The most noteworthy feature of this metal is that it is corrosion, rust, and stain-resistant.
Stainless steel melts at a temperature of 1375°C (2500°F).
Ceramic Woks
A metal pot with a ceramic covering is known as ceramic cookware. The slick ceramic coating allows your food to not adhere to the surface.
Woks made of nonstick material do have a few drawbacks. One of them is that heat isn’t held as long as the other Woks. It’s also less durable than the ones composed of stainless steel or cast iron.
After news stories started circulating about the toxicity of PFOA-rich Teflon, people began to lean toward ceramic kitchenware as a safer option.
So the verdict is still out.
What types of Woks CANNOT go in the oven?
Non-stick Woks
Non-stick Woks are generally coated with Teflon on the outside. It’s a very popular material that’s used in a variety of applications.
The problem with Teflon is that it isn’t as heat resistant as the other materials discussed.
It has a melting point of 620°F, which is just above the danger threshold for putting inside an oven.
It’s our recommendation that you avoid using these nonstick Woks in your oven. If the temperatures reached this level, it might be hazardous. Teflon can permeate through food.
Plastic handle Woks
This should go without saying. Plastic easily melts in high heat. The plastic on the handlebars, or anywhere else it may be found on the Wok, should melt in an oven with the temperature raised to more than enough.
Rubber handle Woks
Rubber can melt easily at high temperatures, making it unsafe to use in an oven.
Wooden handle Woks
Although wooden handles do not melt, they may burn. Place no Wok with a wooden handle on it in order to avoid smoke and fire. If the wood is left in for an extended period of time, it will eventually burn and turn into ashes.
Final Thoughts
It’s critical that we know the material of the Wok. As a result, we may make better decisions about whether or not it can be used in an oven. Carbon steel and cast iron are the best choices for Woks in the oven because they are heat-resistant but not the only two heat-resistant materials on the list.
Others Related Articles:
How Long Does It Take An Oven To Cool Down?
Can You Put A Metal Bowl In The Microwave?
Is Stainless Steel Microwave Safe?
How Do You Microwave Pyrex Safely?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Woks go in the oven?
It depends on the type of Wok. Carbon steel and cast iron are the best choices for Woks in the oven because they are heat-resistant. Stainless steel, ceramic, and aluminum are also good choices.
What is the highest temperature a Wok can withstand?
The highest temperature a Wok can withstand depends on the type of Wok. Carbon steel and cast iron can withstand up to 1200°C (2192°F), while stainless steel can withstand up to 1375°C (2500°F).
What is the difference between carbon steel and cast iron?
Carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, while cast iron is iron that has been melted and poured into a mold. Carbon steel is more heat-resistant than cast iron.
