Woks and steamers are the backbone of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and many other Asian kitchens, and they are useful in any kitchen that stir-fries or steams. Choosing the right wok size, material and burner, plus a steamer that fits your volume, makes a big difference in speed and flavor.
You can compare current models in our commercial cookware range.
A current example is our 13 inch propane wok range.
Wok Sizes
Woks are measured by diameter across the top.
A 13 to 14 inch wok suits home-style portions, small restaurants and single orders. A 16 inch wok handles a few portions at once and is a common size for restaurant lines. Woks 19 inches and larger are for big batches, fried rice for many plates and catering.
Match wok size to your burner. A large wok on a small burner heats unevenly.
Thunder Group IRJWC001 14″ Japanese jin ping wok
Thunder Group IRJWC002 16″ Japanese jin ping wok
Thunder Group IRWC001 19″ curved rim steel wok
Material and Shape
Carbon steel is the traditional wok material. It heats fast, responds quickly to heat changes and develops a natural non-stick patina with seasoning. Round bottom woks are used on wok ranges with ring burners. Flat bottom woks work on standard burners and induction.
Handles vary too. A long single handle lets cooks toss food. Two loop handles help with heavy batches.
Seasoning
New carbon steel woks need seasoning. Wash off the factory coating, heat the wok until the metal changes color, then rub a thin layer of high smoke point oil over the surface and heat it again. Repeat a few times. Seasoning protects against rust and builds a slick surface.
Wok Ranges and Burners
Stir-frying needs very high heat. Commercial wok ranges put a powerful burner under a ring that holds a round bottom wok. Gas wok ranges must be installed under a hood by a licensed gas fitter; confirm requirements with your local building and fire departments. Make sure the gas type, natural gas or liquid propane, matches your supply.
Cookline SP-1W 13″ natural gas wok range, 95,000 BTU
Cookline SP-1WS 13″ liquid propane wok range, 95,000 BTU
Steamers
Aluminum steamer sets stack tiers over a water base, letting you steam dumplings, buns, fish and vegetables in layers. Choose diameter by batch size and pot or burner size. Hole size matters: small holes suit delicate items and rice, larger holes let more steam through for buns and dumplings.
Thunder Group ALST001 aluminum steamer set, 11-3/8″ diameter
Thunder Group ALST010 aluminum steamer set, 17″ diameter
Cleaning and Care
Clean seasoned woks with hot water and a brush, avoiding harsh soap and steel wool that strip the seasoning. Dry over heat and wipe with a thin coat of oil. Clean aluminum steamers with warm soapy water and dry fully. Refill steamer water often so the base never boils dry.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- What batch sizes do I cook in a wok?
- Round or flat bottom for my burners?
- Do I have natural gas or propane for a wok range?
- What steamer size fits my volume?
- Is my hood and fire suppression rated for high-heat wok cooking?
Next Steps
Browse woks and steamers in our Asian cookware category and see burners in hot plates and range burners. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Thunder Group IRJWC001 14″ Diameter x 4-3/8″ Deep, Japanese Jin-Ping Wok, Extra Strength Steel with 5-1/2″ of reinforced Sandwiched w (model IRJWC001)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold individually.
- Thunder Group model IRJWC001.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Thunder Group IRJWC002 16″ Diameter x 4-3/4″ Height, Japanese Jin-Ping Wok, Extra Strength Sandwiched Steel (model IRJWC002)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold individually.
- Thunder Group model IRJWC002.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Thunder Group IRWC001 19″ Diameter x 5-3/8″ Height, Curved Rim Wok, Steel, Made in Taiwan (model IRWC001)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold individually.
- Thunder Group model IRWC001.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Cookline SP-1W Commercial 13″ Natural Gas Wok Range 95,000 BTU (model SP-1W)
- Brand: Cookline
- The Cookline SP-1W 13″ Natural Gas Wok Range delivers powerful 95,000 BTUs through a 16″ cast iron burner with 18 jets, making it ideal for high-volume stir-fry cooking.
- Built with durable stainless steel construction, a standing pilot, and an easy-clean crumb tray, it’s designed for reliable performance in busy commercial kitchens.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline SP-1WS Commercial 13″ Liquid Propane Wok Range 95,000 BTU (model SP-1WS-LP)
- Brand: Cookline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Thunder Group ALST001 Aluminum Steamer Set, 11-3/8″ Diameter x 12-1/2″ Height, Hole size: 1/8″, (Lid,Steamer & Bottom) – Set (model ALST001)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold per set.
- Thunder Group model ALST001.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Thunder Group ALST010 Aluminum Steamer Set, 17″ Diameter x 21-1/2″ Height, Hole Size: 3/8″ (Lid,Steamer & Bottom) – Set (model ALST010)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- Sold per set.
- Thunder Group model ALST010.
- Freight and liftgate delivery included to the continental United States.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.