When you are out shopping for wedding gifts, it’s difficult to find something unique. How many copies of the Joy of Cooking does the typical bride receive? Several!
Think creatively in your quest. Maybe a couple imported tea pots, some nice table linens, or a home tabletop appliance.
If you have the money, an electric wok is a great idea because it works for even a beginning cook.
How does an electric wok differ from a simple electric frying pan, or an original wok for that matter? Is there anything else to it than just an added electric heating panel? Does such a device add to the electric bill? If you’ve questions like that, you probably will learn more about these appliances from this article. It’s suggested that you carry on reading.
An electric frying pan is an ordinary pan with an electric heating panel added to it, a wok is made electric in a similar fashion. The difference between the two appliances is that the former is rectangular or square shaper, while the latter comes in a bowl shape. This bowl can be nonstick stainless steel, or cast iron if it’s an older or more traditionally made piece.
Both solutions come with their ups and downs. Nonstick can be used for a great variety of things without having to worry about the cleaning process. It’s in turn more sensitive to scratches, and doesn’t take high temperature levels that well. Cast iron is closer to original woks made in China. They’re a tad harder to clean, but you don’t have to be that gentle. Rub it with sand if you’re camping or a metal scrub, you won’t do any damage to the raw material.
The cast iron is also heavier, which allows for more stored heat, thus stir-frying is going to be easier. This technique requires a rather hot wok and constant tossing of all ingredients to avoid burning them. Oil with high smoke temperature is also used, such as coconut oil.
An electric wok uses and electric heating unit instead of gas heater, which is more consistent in reaching target temperatures. It makes the wok a bit heavier as a complete unit, but you won’t have to look for a gas burner. An outlet is always easy to find.
Electric woks are available through major retailers, I’d suggest that you don’t settle with the first you find, though. Feel free to check around all the features, temperature levels and extras. A proper piece shouldn’t cost more than $70. The newlyweds will appreciate that you cared enough to purchase them an electric wok.