I have reviewed the best affordable electric wok on the market. Also, these 7 cheap electric woks are handpicked with great expertise so that your budget does not affect the quality of your precious cooking tool.
An electric wok is one of the most useful cooking tools to have in your kitchen and is a necessity if you love Asian cuisine. They come at different sizes and prices, and choosing the best affordable electric wok out of them could be difficult when you haven’t used one before.
Modern woks come with a lot of handy features, such as full-range temperature control, premium non-stick coating, detachable pan, etc. All these features come at a price, and to make a good purchase decision, it is important to understand what we actually need.
The first thing you have to decide is the size.
An average electric wok ranges between 4.5 and 7 quarts in size, and your choice should be based on how much you plan to cook, the number of members in the family, etc. 7 quarts is enough for serving 4-5 people.
Apart from the size, you have to determine your budget and quality.
Obviously, there are many cheap choices, but to select the best from them is a serious matter of experience.
Hence, with my 30 years of experience in the cooking industry, I have put together an incredible list of 7 best affordable electric wok of this year where budget and quality do not have an inverted relation.
Note: I am not saying these inexpensive woks are as good as the high-end ones, but if you are low on budget then these are just enough to get you started to experience authentic Asian cuisine at home.
For the best electric woks in the market read this article.
Best Affordable Electric Wok – TOP 7 PICKS of 2023
SL. | Feature | Electric Wok | |
1. | Best Overall Cheapest Electric Wok in the Market | Aroma Houseware Electric Wok | Click To Read Review |
2. | Best Kit – Affordable Electric Wok | Presto 5900 Stainless-Steel Electric Wok | Click To Read Review |
3. | Best Features in the market yet Cheap Electric wok (have a stunning look) | Sonya Shabu Hot Pot Electric W/DIVIDER | Click To Read Review |
4. | Best Accessorized Cheap Electric Wok | Aroma 5-Quart Electric Wok | Click To Read Review |
5. | Best Multi-Use Cheap Electric Wok | The Starfrit Electric Pot | Click To Read Review |
6. | Best Adjustable Cheap Electric Wok | VonShef 7.4Qt Electric Wok | Click To Read Review |
7. | Highly Popular & Rated Cheap Electric Skillet Cum Wok | Presto Electric Foldaway Skillet | Click To Read Review |
1. Best Affordable Electric Wok: Aroma Housewares AEW-305
Pros | Con |
7 Quarts capacity | The lid is not transparent |
Full-range temperature control | No indicator when the desired temperature is reached. |
Cool-touch handles and base | |
Non-stick | |
One-year warranty |
With a capacity of 7 quarts and handy features such as full-range temperature control, cool-touch handles, and base, etc. the Aroma Housewares AEW-305 is the best price electric wok on the market.
The most preferred feature of this electric wok by the buyers is its capacity. It is big enough for a family of 5 dinners and crafty enough to use as a serving dish while keeping your food warm.
It can heat up rapidly and consistently retain temperature, reducing the energy requirements, and keeping your food fresh and warm for a long time.
The cool-touch handles and base efficiently avoid the possibilities of accidental burns, and the durable non-stick coating allows effortless cooking and cleaning.
You can stir-fry, braise, or steam in this wok without any fuss, and the one-year warranty ensures safety for your investment.
Usually to get so many features in an electric wok and that too under $40 dollar is a lot to ask. That’s why this particular wok tops our list.
2. Best Affordable Wok Kit: Presto Stainless-Steel Electric Wok
Pros | Con |
Dishwasher safe | Handles are not cool-touch |
Stainless steel engineering | The bottom heats up a little more than the sides |
Wooden spatula included | |
1500 watt unit | |
Aluminum base | |
Highly durable hence value for money |
The second best affordable electric wok is from Presto, the Presto 5900. While it is not as cheap as the Aroma AEW-305 above, it is well justified by a number of additional features.
The rust-proof stainless-steel body promises durability, cleaning and storing ease. The body and the lid are dishwasher safe, making this product very appealing considering the price. The tempered glass lid also has a stainless steel rim and handle.
The package also contains a long-handled wooden spatula for your cooking needs. The 1500 watt heating unit, along with a base made of aluminum-clad ensures fast, even heating. If you are looking for the best inexpensive electric wok that lasts, heats up rapidly, and is dishwasher safe, the Presto 5900 is a great choice indeed.
3. Best Affordable Features: Sonya Shabu Hot Pot Electric Mongolian Pot W/DIVIDER
Pros | Con |
Faster heating with large power: 120V/60Hz, 1500W | The cord is short |
Stainless Steel durable body | It is a bit loud |
Four Temperature Control Settings | |
UL Approved for safety | |
Ideal size: Diameter: 30 cm, 5.3 Quarts capacity | |
Internal divider to cook two dishes simultaneously | |
Anti-skid feet | |
Removable from the heating element |
The reason why this appliance is on the list of the best affordable electric woks is that it comes with an impressive feature that will come in handy at times. This 1500W electric wok has an internal divider with a welding finish that lets you cook two dishes at the same time if you choose to.
The Sonya Shabu electric hot pot has a capacity of 5.3 quarts that is enough to satisfy most family needs. The cooking pot is removable, making it a lot easier to handle this appliance.
It also has an anti-skid foot that ensures the pot sits evenly without sliding when stirring. Overall, this electric wok has many features that make cooking very convenient and effortless.
4. Best Accessorized Cheap Electric Wok: Aroma Housewares AEW-306 5-Quart Electric Wok
Pros | Con |
Full-range precision temperature control | It does not have a heat indicator. |
Cool-touch handles | |
Includes chopsticks, steaming rack, tempura rack | |
Durable nonstick coating | |
detachable base | |
dome lid | |
Cast metal construction | |
Dishwasher safe |
The Aroma AEW-306 is the professional version of the Aroma AEW-305 that was ranked earlier in this buying guide. The features are mostly the same – full range temperature control, cool-touch handles, and base, durable non-stick coating, low energy requirements, and it heats up rapidly.
But what makes it different from the Aroma AEW-305 is the reduced capacity and the extra accessories you get with this product. The size of 5 quarts is ideal for small families, and long, wooden chopsticks for deep fry, racks for tempura, and steaming also comes in the box.
5. Best Multi-Use Cheap Electric Wok: The ROCK by Starfrit Electric Multi-Use Pot with Bakelite Handles
Pros | Con |
Versatile Pot | Thermo-regulator is set too wide |
Nonstick coating that is three times better and safer | Heat distribution is not even |
Dishwasher safe | |
A capacity of 4.8 quarts |
The ROCK is another affordable electric wok with a bunch of appealing features. To start with, it has undergone patented surface treatment, which makes its nonstick coating three times better than the traditional nonstick cookware. That means lesser cleaning efforts, long-lasting coating, and safer food.
The base of this wok is extra thick, providing an even heat distribution and keeping the food warm for a long time. The cast aluminum body increases durability, and the capacity of 4.8 quarts is ideal for small family needs.
This pot is dishwasher safe, has a tempered glass lid, and cool-touch handles, making it more appealing.
6. Best Adjustable Cheap Electric Wok: VonShef 7.4Qt Electric Wok
Pros | Con |
Sturdy Aluminum built | Not dishwasher safe |
Safe non-stick coating | Doesn’t have full range temperature control |
14 inch or 7.4 qt capacity is enough for 4-5 servings | |
Adjustable temperature control (4 heat settings) | |
Cool-touch handles and tempered glass lid |
The 7.4 quarts, VonShef electric wok is made of sturdy aluminum. This 14-inch non-stick electric wok is perfect for a family with 4-5 members. Although it does not have full-range temperature controls like the Aroma AEW-305, there are four heat settings from which you can select your cooking temperature.
The rotary dial will help you to select from the following 4 temperature controls.
- Warm (176°F),
- Low (302°F),
- Medium (374°F)
- High (446°F)
The tempered glass lid, as well as the aluminum pan, features cool-touch, heat-resistant, silicone handles for ease of use. The wok is detachable from the power cord for convenient serving.
7. Skillet Can be used as a Wok: Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet
Pros | Con |
16-inch surface | Heating is not that fast |
Dishwasher safe | The cord has medium length |
Non-stick body inside and outside | |
Built-in spout for pouring liquids from skillet | |
Master heat control | |
Cool-touch handles | |
Cast aluminum body |
I know a skillet is much different than a wok. But this particular electric skillet is very high in demand between buyers and my aunt uses this to make her stir fry meals. And trust me, this skillet works wonder in making delicious and smoky flavored stir fry.
I have both tasted a stir fry cooked in a Presto electric wok and in this electric skillet. You cannot spot any difference.
With around 3000 positive reviews on Amazon and even more satisfied buyers, you know you won’t regret it if you choose this electric skillet from Presto.
It is big enough to serve a family of six or seven, measuring 16 inches and having high sidewalls. You can use this skillet as a wok without any fuss, and that is why it has landed on this list of the best affordable electric woks.
The cast aluminum body and base feature a deluxe nonstick surface both inside and outside, and both the pan and lid are dishwasher safe, but you have to remove the heat control first.
It heats up reasonably fast and is energy efficient than an oven or range burner. Considering the size of 20 x 12.5 x 8 inches, other features like cool-touch handles, master heat control, and tempered glass cover, it is a steal deal at such a low price.
Things to keep in mind while buying an affordable Electric Wok:
What is an electric wok?
When it comes to adapting to newer trends, the cookware industry is never lagging behind. One of the finest examples of such is electric wok.
As the name suggests, it is a wok but in an advanced form. Electric Woks are portable cooking devices that run on electricity. The averaged priced electric woks come in at least 4 heat settings to choose from. With the help of a rotary dial, you can set your electric wok to any temperature of your need. Generally, one of the most common sizes for an electric wok is 14”.
Electric Wok Vs Electric Skillet:
If Asian cuisine is your favorite, your kitchen must have a wok. Asian cuisine tastes better when prepared in a wok, but skillets also do a great job.
The main difference between an electric skillet and an electric wok is that skillet usually does not sit on legs even though it has a rounded base. Electric woks have a more rounded bottom, offering even heating and does not need seasoning as much as traditional woks.
Why to buy an electric wok?
One of the biggest USP of electric woks is their portability. It provides its users with just the right opportunity to almost cook anywhere in the world. Another great benefit of an electric wok is its ability to control the temperature with high precision. The only downside to it, is the electric wok can become hot at a much faster rate and if you are a beginner to make yourself comfortable with the wok will take a while.
When it comes to maintenance, electric woks are very easy to deal with. Once you are done cooking on the wok, all you need to do is just use a cotton dishcloth to wipe the interior surface of the wok. As the entire cleaning process is done, while the wok is still lukewarm, it can actually provide adequate sterilization.
Features to consider when purchasing the best inexpensive electric wok:
Size
Electric woks are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4 quarts to 8 quarts. In this article alone, we have seen 4.5 quarts woks as well as 7 quarts woks.
When buying an electric wok, factors such as how often will you be cooking, how many people are you cooking for, how much storage space you have, etc. determine the size of the wok. Larger families will need large woks.
Surface
Non-stick surfaces are the best since they are easy to clean, and they prevent food from sticking to the wok bottom. But it also limits the type of utensils and stirrers you can use with the wok. Most of the non-stick surfaces can get scratched easily, and you may have to purchase wooden utensils also.
Non-stick coatings on branded woks usually last longer than cheaper ones, but you can use the wok even when the non-stick coating is gone.
Quality
You should consider the quality of the handles when buying a wok. As time passes, the handles and the legs may wiggle apart due to the intense heat, and so it is good to check them before buying the wok. There is nothing much to do here, except making sure that the handles and the legs do not wiggle apart easily.
Budget
There are woks costing only $30, and there are woks that cost as much as $350. It is not a wise idea to go for the most expensive ones if you are not going to use them regularly. Consider how often you are going to use it, and how much can you afford. If you have a higher budget, prefer quality material and premium nonstick coating over a bunch of functionalities. Those two can make your appliance last longer.
Bottom Line:
Electric woks are one time investment. We chefs don’t use an electric wok in restaurants because an electric wok is not built for enduring extreme wear and tear. Whereas for the home cooks an electric wok will be a great cooking tool given its suitability, versatility, and easy cleaning ability. If you can spend more, I will always suggest you have a high-end wok, to experience an all-round cooking convenience. Since budget is a constraint the above list of best affordable electric woks will serve you just fine to meet the goals.