The best material for a wok is undoubtedly carbon steel but what about the ideal size? How big should your wok be? Small sized woks are notoriously famous for making your stir fry soggy. Buying a wok bigger than the serving size you actually need is the key to cook the perfect stir fry as the ingredients will get enough space to get that smoky flavor. In this guide we will talk about the ideal wok size and other popular wok sizes, their serving size, depth and more.

What is the best size for a wok? / How big should a wok be?

The size of the wok greatly affects the number of servings you are preparing. For starters, if you have a family of four, a 12” – 14” wok will do just fine. Anything smaller than that would be the best option for two people.

Still, in case if you are using a 14” wok, there shall be plenty of leftovers on the table. For someone living on their own, an 8” wok would be adequate enough to help them sustain.

On the contrary, if you are planning to host a party outside your house, any wok within the size of 18” is large enough. Just bear in mind that using a large wok may not always fit on your regular stove burner. 

The depth of the wok is measured in quarts. Here is a clear understanding of wok sizes and depth.

Wok Size Chart

Popular Sizes of Wok in the Market

Woks are available in various sizes in the market, ranging from small to large. The most common sizes of woks available in the market are:

1. Small wok: Typically has a diameter of 8 to 10 inches, although exact dimensions may vary by manufacturer. Small woks are suitable for single portions or smaller households and are ideal for stir-frying small amounts of food or cooking for one or two people.
2. Medium wok: Typically has a diameter of 11 to 12 inches. Medium-sized woks are versatile and suitable for cooking moderate to larger portions of food. They are commonly used for stir-frying, sautéing, and other cooking methods, and can accommodate small to medium-sized families or gatherings.
3. Large wok: Typically has a diameter of 13 to 14 inches or more. Large woks are suitable for cooking larger quantities of food, making them ideal for larger families or gatherings. They provide a larger cooking surface area and are commonly used in professional kitchens or for cooking for larger groups.

It's important to note that the diameter of the wok is measured across the top rim of the wok, which is the widest part of the pan. Woks may also come with different bottom shapes, such as round or flat, which can affect their suitability for different stovetops or cooking methods.

When choosing a wok size, consider your cooking needs, the number of people you cook for, and the type of dishes you typically prepare. Smaller woks are suitable for smaller portions or individual meals, while larger woks are ideal for cooking larger quantities of food or for larger groups. Additionally, factors such as kitchen space, stovetop size, and personal preferences should also be taken into consideration when selecting the right size wok for your needs.

8-10 inch - Small Size Woks

An 8-10 inch wok typically refers to the diameter of the wok, which is the measurement across the top rim of the wok. It is considered a small-sized wok, and it is commonly used for cooking small portions or for individuals or couples.

An 8-10 inch wok is suitable for stir-frying small amounts of food, sautéing, and shallow frying. It provides a smaller cooking surface area compared to larger woks, making it ideal for cooking for one or two people. It is also compact and easy to handle, making it suitable for small kitchens or for those with limited storage space.

Small woks are popular for their ability to quickly cook small portions of food at high heat, which is characteristic of traditional stir-frying. They are typically used for cooking single servings or small portions of vegetables, meats, or other ingredients, and are well-suited for quick and high-heat cooking methods.

12 inch Woks for 2-3 Servings

A 12-inch wok typically refers to the diameter of the wok, which is the measurement across the top rim of the wok, and it is considered a medium-sized wok. A 12-inch wok is larger than a small wok, which typically has a diameter of 8 to 10 inches, but smaller than a large wok, which can have a diameter of 14 inches or more.

A 12-inch wok is suitable for cooking moderate to larger portions of food and is commonly used for stir-frying, sautéing, searing, and shallow frying. It provides a larger cooking surface area compared to a smaller wok, allowing you to cook more food at once. It is also suitable for cooking for small to medium-sized families or gatherings.

When choosing a wok size, it's important to consider your cooking needs, kitchen space, and personal preferences. A 12-inch wok may be a good option if you cook for a moderate number of people and want a versatile wok that can handle a variety of cooking tasks. However, if you have specific requirements or preferences, you may need to adjust the size accordingly. It's also important to consider the material, shape, and other features of the wok to ensure it meets your cooking needs and fits well in your kitchen.

14 inch Wok for 4 servings or more

A 14-inch wok typically refers to the diameter of the wok, which is the measurement across the top rim of the wok. It is considered a large-sized wok, and it is commonly used for cooking larger quantities of food or for larger families, gatherings, or professional kitchens.

A 14-inch wok is suitable for stir-frying, sautéing, deep frying, and other cooking methods that require a large cooking surface area. It can accommodate larger portions of food and is ideal for cooking for larger groups of people. It is also commonly used in professional kitchens where a large volume of food needs to be prepared.

Large woks like a 14-inch wok are popular for their ability to cook large quantities of food quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for cooking for families or gatherings. They provide ample space to toss and stir-fry ingredients without overcrowding the wok, allowing for proper heat distribution and even cooking.

It's important to note that the diameter of the wok is measured across the top rim of the wok, which is the widest part of the pan. Woks may also come with different bottom shapes, such as round or flat, which can affect their suitability for different stovetops or cooking methods.

What type of wok is good for health? / What is the safest wok to use? 

The first thing you must keep in mind while buying a wok is your needs. How many servings do you want to cook in a wok, how often do you want to cook, or which stovetop you are going to use. 

14 inch is a standard size wok enough for 4 – 5 servings. Go for larger wok sizes like the 16 or 18 inch for bigger servings. 8 inches wide wok is enough for 1 – 2 people. 

If you are going to cook in a wok regularly, then you must buy an easy to clean, maintain, and durable wok. A stainless steel wok like the 13 inch Cooks Standard is the best choice to go for.

In case you want a wok for occasional stir-frying at home or extremely high heat cooking outdoor like on a burner then the hand-hammered carbon steel wok is the perfect fit.

This pre-seasoned flat bottom 14 inches carbon steel wok by Mammafong is a great choice if you want to have an authentic wok-cooked meal.

It has a long wooden handle that is absolutely perfect for tossing and fast cooking.

What is the best wok to buy? / How do I choose a wok? 

The first thing you must keep in mind while buying a wok is your needs. How many servings do you want to cook in a wok, how often do you want to cook, or which stovetop you are going to use. 

14 inch is a standard size wok enough for 4 – 5 servings. Go for larger wok sizes like the 16 or 18 inch for bigger servings. 8 inches wide wok is enough for 1 – 2 people. 

If you are going to cook in a wok regularly, then you must buy an easy to clean, maintain, and durable wok. A stainless steel wok like the 13 inch Cooks Standard is the best choice to go for.

In case you want a wok for occasional stir-frying at home or extremely high heat cooking outdoor like on a burner then the hand-hammered carbon steel wok is the perfect fit.

This pre-seasoned flat bottom 14 inches carbon steel wok by Mammafong is a great choice if you want to have an authentic wok-cooked meal.

It has a long wooden handle that is absolutely perfect for tossing and fast cooking.

The Pow Wok is suitable for wok burners too. Read the top wok reviews of this year and find the best one according to your need.

Some Crucial Points To Keep in Mind Before Buying a Wok: