What’s a Wok Burner?

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The wok is a popular Chinese cooking utensil that has gained prominence in other parts of the world. It typically consists of a steel or iron pan with a round bottom and a long handle. A number of cooking methods can be used with a wok, ranging from stir-frying to stewing. The term “wok burner” can sometimes refer to the wok itself or an electric version of a traditional wok. It can also refer to a stove or other separate device that provides heat for the wok.

Different regions have come up with different types of woks, but most have the common features mentioned above. For example, Indian cooks use both a cheena chatti and a karahi. Cheena chatti possesses a wide diameter and karahi possesses a deep and narrow diameter. Other regional monikers for wok burners include kuali, chakanabe and guozi. Some western wok manufacturers offer products with flat bottoms, so that the wok or wok burner can more easily be used on top of the oven.

The characteristic roundness of most woks is due to traditional Chinese cooking methods. Stir-fried vegetables – where various meats, vegetables and sauces are cooked together – is popular in Asian cooking. These dishes are easier to prepare when the rounded spatulas used to toss the food can easily access all the contents of the pan. The depth of the wok pan also allows for the inclusion of more ingredients.

Even the handles for the wok burners are designed for optimal cooking. They are typically made from strong metal and many possess a ring on the end which makes it easier to hold the handle with a towel and subsequent tossing actions. Additionally, the long handle length helps prevent most cases of accidental burning.

Wok burner could describe special stoves on which woks also perform their cooking functions. These stoves often contain recessed pits, into which the round bottom of the wok can be placed. High levels of heat can therefore reach the wok directly. This particular partnership between cookers and hobs is beneficial because little fuel needs to be used for the food to receive intense heat.

People may want to use woks away from the kitchen. In these cases, portable products known as wok burners are also available. Propane or gas generally powers these metal ring devices. They can be placed on a burner stand, with the wok itself placed on top of the burner, where it will receive large amounts of heat. However, users should be aware of the flammability potential of gas burners.

An electric wok burner offers another option for using the wok without a hob. This type has much the same structure as a classic wok, but these varieties don’t require stovetop cooking. Rather, the pan has built-in heating components that work via electrical charges. Adjustable heat settings and lids are often available on these electric products.

Many other types of cooking besides frying can be accomplished with a wok burner. Larger woks can be useful for frying methods. Other liquid-based dishes can be boiled, braised or stewed. In combination with other cooking utensils such as grills and steamer baskets, wok burners can also be used to smoke or steam ingredients.

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