About Best Wok Australia

Passionate wok enthusiasts helping Australians cook better since 2019

Our Story

Best Wok Australia was born from a simple frustration that many Australian home cooks can relate to: the overwhelming confusion of choosing the right wok. Back in 2019, our founder James Chen spent weeks researching woks for his new kitchen, reading countless reviews, watching YouTube videos, and still feeling uncertain about which wok would actually work best for his gas cooktop and cooking style.

After finally purchasing a hand-hammered carbon steel wok and going through the seasoning process, James experienced what many wok enthusiasts describe as a revelation. The sizzle of vegetables hitting hot metal, the aromatic char of perfectly cooked fried rice, and the unmistakable taste of proper wok hei—it was transformative. That moment sparked a passion that would eventually become Best Wok Australia.

Our Mission

We believe that every Australian home cook deserves access to the same quality of wok cooking that you'd find in the best Chinese restaurants. Our mission is to demystify wok cooking, helping you choose the right equipment and master the techniques that make Asian cuisine so spectacular. We're not just here to sell you a wok—we're here to help you become a better cook.

What Sets Us Apart

Unlike generic review sites, we actually use every wok we recommend. Our team has collectively seasoned over 50 woks, burned through litres of cooking oil, and cooked hundreds of kilos of stir-fry to bring you honest, experience-based recommendations.

Our Team of Wok Enthusiasts

Today, Best Wok Australia is run by a small but dedicated team of cooking enthusiasts based across Australia. Our contributors include home cooks, professional chefs, and food writers who share a common passion for wok cooking. We come from diverse backgrounds—from Melbourne's bustling food scene to Perth's growing Asian culinary community—but we're united by our love of that distinctive wok-charred flavour.

Our team includes members with formal culinary training who understand the science behind high-heat cooking, as well as self-taught home cooks who've learned through years of experimentation. This blend of expertise means we can speak to both the technical aspects of wok selection and the practical realities of cooking dinner for a family on a Tuesday night.

How We Test and Review

We take our testing process seriously. When evaluating a wok, we consider multiple factors that matter to real Australian cooks:

  • Heat Response: How quickly does the wok heat up, and how well does it maintain temperature during cooking? We test on gas, electric, and induction cooktops commonly found in Australian homes.
  • Weight and Balance: Is the wok comfortable to toss and flip? Can you use it one-handed for proper stir-fry technique?
  • Seasoning Potential: For carbon steel and cast iron woks, how well does the surface develop a natural non-stick patina over time?
  • Durability: We use our test woks regularly over several months to assess how they hold up to real-world use.
  • Value for Money: Does the quality justify the price, especially considering Australian retail prices and shipping costs?

Our Commitment to You

We're committed to providing honest, unbiased recommendations. While we do earn a small commission when you purchase through our Amazon affiliate links, this never influences our reviews. We recommend products based solely on their merit, and we're just as likely to steer you away from overhyped products as we are to champion hidden gems.

We also believe in continuous learning. Wok cooking is an ancient art with endless depth, and we're always discovering new techniques, recipes, and products to share with our readers. Whether you're just starting your wok cooking journey or you're looking to refine your skills, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Join Our Community

Have questions about wok cooking? Want to share your own experiences? We love hearing from our readers. Reach out through our contact page or explore our extensive blog for guides, tips, and techniques.

Meet Our Contributors

The passionate people behind Best Wok Australia

JC

James Chen

Founder & Lead Reviewer

Melbourne-based food enthusiast with 15+ years of wok cooking experience. James founded Best Wok Australia to share his passion for Asian cooking with fellow Australians.

SW

Sarah Williams

Senior Food Writer

Culinary school graduate and former restaurant chef. Sarah brings professional kitchen expertise to our product testing and cooking technique guides.

MT

Michael Tran

Equipment Specialist

Sydney-based home cook with an engineering background. Michael focuses on the technical aspects of wok design and performance testing.

EK

Emma Kowalski

Recipe Developer

Perth-based food blogger and recipe developer. Emma creates accessible wok recipes and beginner-friendly cooking guides for our audience.