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Up your game in the kitchen with one of these pans.

Woks have been around since ancient times—and for good reason. These workhorse pans have signature sloped sides and a narrow base, with plenty of room to move lots of food around. The best woks cook evenly, heat up and cool down quickly, and the traditional versions are naturally nonstick, too. It's no wonder they were typically the only cooking utensil lugged around by tribes in ancient China!

The first thing to consider when purchasing one of these seriously useful pans is whether you want a flat-bottomed or round-bottomed wok. Traditional woks are round-bottomed, as they once sat over open flames and the curved shape was more conducive to tossing and stir-frying foods. However, this type won’t sit up properly on electric ranges, and it may wobble on some gas ranges—and let's not even discuss the induction cooktop! (If your heart’s sold on tradition and your kitchen operates with a gas range, though, wok rings are easy to find and are an inexpensive purchase for modifying your cooktop.)

Beyond the great debate of flat or round, most other wok details come down to personal preference—as is the case with the best ceramic cookware sets. Some woks may be treated with a nonstick surface (easy cleanup for the win!), but most carbon steel woks are naturally nonstick, similar to cast-iron pans—the surface just needs to be seasoned and maintained. Most woks have a long handle, too, making it easier to toss ingredients as you cook, but some have half-moon handles on both sides of the pan, making it easier to lift the pan. The choice is yours!

You may think woks will only come in handy for stir-fry dishes, but remember: This is no one-trick pony! Woks are incredibly versatile, even more so than your favorite frying pan. You can use them for deep-frying, stewing, searing, steaming, and more.

Read on for our favorite wok picks!

This sturdy, hand-hammered wok works on any cooktop—yes, even induction!—and its half-moon-shaped "helper handle" is designed to stay cool during the cooking process. We'd say it's a solid choice!

A lightweight carbon steel wok like this is hard to beat—particularly at this price point. This one also offers even heat distribution and a nonstick interior.

Looking for a traditional round-bottomed wok? This is the pan for you. It's beautifully designed and even hand-hammered, and it comes from a family-owned company that seasons their woks using vegetable oil (no synthetic or chemical compounds here!).

This is a great pick for beginners. It's dishwasher- and oven-safe, not to mention totally nonstick. No seasoning required!

Sturdy and pre-seasoned, this cast-iron wok is easily one of the most durable on our list. It's also budget-friendly. Oh, and here's a bonus: You can take it outside and use it on your grill!

A lid is the next frontier in wok cookery, as it allows you to boil, stew, and steam right in the same pot. Magic! This well-made set features heat-resistant bakelite handles, and it's also suitable for induction ranges.

Ready for the ultimate wok cooking experience? This 10-piece set is your best bet. It includes a wok ring, a steaming rack, a tempura rack, cooking utensils, and a lid. Here's to all the bells and whistles!