Flat Bottom Vs Round Bottom Wok: Which Is The Best?

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms

Do you enjoy a stir-fried, deep-fried, or smoky meal? I guess you do. A wok is a cookware that will help you make that delicious fantasy into a meal. It is found in most households, and if you don’t have one, I suppose you get it as it will make your cooking easy and enjoyable.

Woks can be stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel. There are two types of woks, flat bottom, and round bottom wok. Each wok has features that distinguish it from the other wok. Let’s dive right into this article and understand the features, advantages, and disadvantages.

The Main Differences Between Flat Bottom And Round Bottom Wok

Feature	Flat Bottom Wok	Round Bottom Wok
Shape	Flat	Round
Surface Area	Less	More
Stability	More	Less
Heat Distribution	Even	Uneven
Cooking Techniques	Stir-Frying, Braising, Pan-Frying	Stir-Frying, Deep-Frying
Material	Cast Iron, Stainless Steel, Aluminum	Carbon Steel
Compatibility	Works well on all stovetops	Works well on gas stoves, not recommended for electric stovetops
Maintenance	Requires seasoning, but easy to clean	Requires more frequent seasoning and more difficult to clean
Price	More affordable	More expensive

Flat bottom wok

The flat bottom woks are generally flat and very compatible with all stoves. Being flat, it can stay in place on the stove as you cook. You don’t have to keep holding the wok as you cook. When cooking on a ceramic and glass cooktop, a flat bottom wok is preferred because of its ability to stay in place. A flat-bottomed wok is also favorable when using electric stove burners.

Flat-bottomed woks distribute heat to the bottom of the pan evenly, allowing even cooking of food. When using a glass-topped stove, you should use a flat-bottomed wok because of the even distribution of heat.

It would be best if you considered the following things before buying a flat-bottomed wok;

• Helper handles, whether metal or wooden. Wooden handles don’t get as hot as metal handles. However, the wooden handles can break at any time.
• Size of the wok
• The material of the wok.
• Size of your burners.

Advantages of a flat-bottomed wok

• Versatile. The flat-bottomed wok can serve many purposes, cooking, stir-frying, and boiling.
• The flat-bottomed wok is compatible. They can be used on any surface and cook all types of foods.
• The flat-bottomed wok can be used on any cooking surface without bouncing back the heat, damaging the cooker.

Disadvantages of flat bottom wok

• Foods can stick easily on the flat bottom wok because of their shape. The heat gets intense on the flat bottom, causing sticking.
• There is an uneven distribution of heat. The shape makes it hard for heat to distribute into the pot sides.
• Due to the uneven distribution of heat, foods are cooked unevenly.

Round bottom wok

The round bottom wok has a curved bottom. It is highly preferred because of its unique design and easier stewing, stir-frying, and boiling. It is also non-stick as the heat is distributed evenly in the pot; hence food is evenly cooked. The oil used is relatively small in this wok.

Most homes prefer this wok because no food particles can get stuck on the surface hence easy when washing. Restaurants also prefer this wok as it feels heat quickly and cooks foods faster. A round-bottomed wok also maintains the heat even after taking off from the heat. The food, therefore, stays warm for longer periods.

You can use a spatula of any kind but should avoid a metallic spatula.

Pros of a round bottom wok

• It is non-stick and hence very easy to clean.
• Even heat distribution ensures foods are cooked evenly.
• A round bottom wok gives the chef total control when cooking. The heat temperatures can be regulated per the chef’s wish.
• The round bottom woks do not warp.

Cons of a round-bottomed wok

• When using an electric stove, the round-bottomed wok does not stay in place, demanding someone to keep holding it while cooking.
• Round-bottomed wok requires a wok ring to keep them stable

Which is better, flat or round bottom wok?

Both woks serve a specific purpose. There is no wok which can be concluded to be better than the other. However, the distinct features, advantages, and disadvantages will determine which wok suits you best.

A flat bottom wok is the best if you need a wok compatible with your cookers. They are also versatile, and can you can stir fry, boil or cook your food without the heat bouncing back to you.

If you need a wok that does not stick and is easy to clean, a round bottom wok is your best fit. A round-bottomed wok will also ensure an even distribution of heat to be sure of even cooked foods. With a round-bottomed wok, you can add vegetables while others cook and not worry about overcooking.

A round-bottomed wok is the best for restaurant owners because it cooks your food fast. However, you have to keep a close watch on the wok.

Which type of wok is best for your kitchen?

For a typical home, a flat bottom wok is the best. Experts highly recommend a flat bottom wok because of its compatibility. Most homes use glass-top electric cookers, and this is the best. It can sit on any stove, making cooking easier.

The flat bottom wok stays in place when cooking, so you don’t have to hold the handle while at it. When kids are near the kitchen, their safety is guaranteed as it can stay in place, unlike a round bottom wok which can slide, pour the food, and cause harm to your family members.

Conclusion

Woks are very popular, especially in the United States and China. As seen above, the type of wok you choose will depend on several features. When buying a wok, ensure that you get original work that best suits your kitchen. The size and the material of the wok will matter when buying a wok.

Maintaining these woks is a really simple process that almost everyone can do. Whether flat or round bottom wok, proper care and maintenance should be followed.