Top Outdoor Wok Burners for 2024: Our Picks for the Best Wok Burners on the Market

If you love stir-fries and other dishes cooked in a wok, you’ll want to make sure you have a reliable and efficient burner to use. 

In this guide, we’ll be showcasing our top picks for the best outdoor wok burners on the market, along with some key things to consider when shopping for one. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro at wok cooking or just starting out, we’ve got you covered with our expert recommendations. So read on to find the perfect outdoor wok burner for your needs!

We highly recommend the GasOne outdoor wok burner as our top pick for an outdoor wok burner. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Eastman Outdoors Burner Portable Kahuna Wok Burner is also a great choice.

What is a Wok Burner?

A wok burner is a specialized stove burner designed specifically for use with a wok, a type of round-bottomed cooking pan often used in Asian cuisines. 

Wok burners are characterized by their high heat output and large, flat cooking surface, which allows for rapid and even heating of the wok. They are often used for stir-frying, sautéing, and other high-heat cooking techniques, and are popular both in professional kitchens and for outdoor cooking. 

Some wok burners are designed to be used outdoors, while others are designed for indoor use. It is important to consider the size and BTU output of the wok burner, as these factors can affect its heating performance and overall cooking ability.

It is also important to choose a wok burner that is powered by propane, as this fuel can provide an immediate flame and burn cleanly. Keep in mind that it is important to properly fit the wok burner to the wok in order to ensure that it provides sufficient heat for cooking.

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Best Outdoor Wok Burners

Here are my top recommendations:

Most Portable Outdoor Wok Burner: Eastman Outdoors Burner Portable Kahuna Wok Burner

The Eastman Outdoors portable kahuna burner is a more expensive option, costing over $200. However, it comes with a 22-inch carbon steel wok, spoon, and spatula, making it ready to use straight out of the box.

One of the standout features of this outdoor cooker is its telescoping legs, which can be adjusted to two cooking heights and provide added stability. The reversible wok grate is also a useful feature, with one side providing grooves for a variety of wok sizes and the other side being flat for use with standard pots.

Its design concentrates heat at the center of the wok, providing cooking results similar to burners with higher heat outputs. Overall, the Eastman Outdoors Burner is a well-designed option, although its high price may be a consideration for some.

Most High-End Outdoor Wok Burner: GasOne B-3600 Adjustable Burner

The GasOne outdoor wok burner is a powerful and durable option for cooking with a wok. The burner is made of cast iron and has a metal windscreen, making it resistant to wind.

The unit is set on a metal frame that can be adjusted to be 15 or 30 inches high, allowing for comfortable use and added stability when using a large wok. The burner has a built-in rack for most woks, but adding a wok ring can improve stability during cooking.

With a impressive 200,000 BTUs of power, this burner is suitable for restaurant-quality cooking and can be easily fueled with a standard 20-pound propane tank.

Most Affordable Outdoor Wok Burner: Bayou Classic High Pressure Cooker

The Bayou Classic outdoor cooker is a well-built option with a three-leg construction that provides stability. It is also a budget-friendly and lightweight choice, but it does have lower cooking power than some other options at 59,000 BTUs.

The burner has a short and wide stance that is stable and includes a built-in windscreen to protect the fire in windy conditions. However, it does not have adjustable legs and is set at a fixed height of 13 inches, which may be uncomfortable for extended use. The burner includes a support grate that can hold most woks, but adding a wok ring can improve stability.

Overall, the Bayou Classic is a good option for occasional use at a budget price, but those who plan on using it regularly may want to consider a burner with a more comfortable height.

Best Outdoor Wok Burner for deep Frying: King Kooker Portable Outdoor Cooker with Wok

The King Kooker 24WC 12″ Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker is an excellent choice for camping and hiking. It is portable and easy to set up, with a strong and sturdy bolt-together frame.

The burner has a recessed top ring that can securely hold an 18-inch steel wok, allowing you to cook large amounts at a time. It has a cooking power of 54,000 BTUs and is CSA-certified.

The burner also has a wind guard to protect the flame in adverse weather and a deep-fry thermometer to help ensure even heat distribution and prevent food from burning.

Best Larger Outdoor Wok Burner: ARC Propane Burner Outdoor Stove Burner

The ARC 615BS is an outstanding choice for those who need to cook large quantities of food at one time. Its nine-inch cooking area allows you to easily cater to a crowd, while its large pot capability makes it perfect for cooking a variety of dishes.

This wok burner is user-friendly and highly portable thanks to its removable wheel design. The legs of the stand can be detached, making it easy to store, you can even take it with you while camping or tailgating, and it can easily fit in an RV.

Built to withstand the elements, this outdoor wok burner features a 360-degree windscreen that offers protection during windy conditions. It also has a high-pressure system that provides 200,000 BTU/h, making it suitable for cooking or frying. And an adjustable 0-20 PSI “CSA” certificate regulator.

The burner is constructed from durable cast iron, which helps to ensure it will last for years to come. This burner is one of the best options for outdoor cooking.

The criteria: What We look for in a great Wok Burner

Construction and Material

When using a wok over flames, it is important to consider the durability and heat resistance of the burner. Cast iron burners are highly durable and can withstand extremely high temperatures, but they are heavier than other materials.

If weight is a concern, a burner made of cast aluminum, such as the Bayou Classic, may be a good alternative. While it may not be able to reach as high temperatures, it is still a durable choice and is lighter in weight.

Size

To ensure comfort and ease of use, it is important to choose an ergonomic and stable wok burner. A burner with four solid legs is a good overall option, and upgrading to a tripod-based burner with larger, stronger legs can allow for even heavier loads.

It is important to choose a burner that is large enough to accommodate the size of your wok, particularly if you are using a carbon steel wok for heating. Outdoor cooking pot burners are often able to hold larger pots and woks than those used for indoor cooking.

Portability

When choosing a wok burner for camping or tailgating, it is important to consider the weight of the unit. The best overall option may be lightweight at 14kg, but it can be difficult to dismantle for transport.

The best upgrade option, on the other hand, is larger at 20 pounds and can be fully folded for easy transport in almost any car.

Fuel Source

Many outdoor burners use 20 liter propane tanks, which are widely available and can also be used with outdoor propane grills. This makes it easy to fuel the burner no matter where you live.

Safety

It is important to exercise caution when cooking on a strong and powerful outdoor burner, as they may be more powerful than a typical kitchen stove.

It is important to remember that the burner and handles may get very hot, and it is necessary to use restraint when working with high BTUs.

It is also important to ensure that the burner has a strong and stable base, as this will help prevent accidents while cooking. A four-legged stand is a good option for cooking on flat ground, while a three-leg base may be better for cooking on slanted terrain.

Accessories

To ensure efficient and effective cooking with a wok burner, it is important to have a good ladle and spatula on hand. Adding a wok ring can also help improve stability while cooking.

Wok cooking is typically done quickly, so having everything within reach can help you create the best stir-fries. If you do not have access to an oven or kitchen counter, a foldable dish may be a useful tool for organizing ingredients while cooking.

How can I cook on a Wok Burner?

• To cook on a wok burner, you will first need to set up the burner according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure it is stable.
• Next, place the wok on the burner and adjust the flame to the desired heat.
• Add oil or other cooking oil to the wok, and allow it to heat up before adding any ingredients.
• Stir-fry your ingredients in the wok, using a spatula or ladle to toss and turn them. You may need to adjust the heat as you cook to ensure that the food is cooked evenly.
• When the food is finished cooking, turn off the burner and carefully remove the wok from the heat. Remember to use caution when handling the wok and burner, as they may be hot.

How to Clean Your Wok Burner

Problems with maintaining a wok burner often occur due to a lack of knowledge about properly cleaning the jets. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it is important to follow a few simple steps for cleaning the burner.

First, remove any debris from the jets by carefully turning them over into a can. It may also be helpful to remove any additional parts, such as wok rings or legs, and clean them with warm water and a gentle soap.

These simple steps can help keep your wok burner functioning properly.

Are Wok Burners a good choice for Wok Cooking?

It is generally a good idea to invest in a wok burner even if it produces less heat than a gas stove, as they can accommodate larger woks and are often used outside of the home.

Most wok burners are made of cast steel, which provides durability and a long lifespan, although some are made of stainless steel. All burners should also have a special grip to protect them.

How powerful should an outdoor wok burner be?

The power of an outdoor wok burner is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). As a general rule, a burner with at least 50,000 BTUs is sufficient for most home cooking needs.

However, if you plan on using the burner for large-scale cooking or for restaurant-style cooking, you may want to consider a burner with a higher BTU output, such as 100,000 or more. It is also important to consider the size and material of the wok you will be using, as this can affect the amount of heat needed.

Conclusion

After thorough testing, we found that the GasOne Outdoors wok burner is the best choice for wok cooking. It provides the most efficient performance, the most flavorful results, and the best overall features of any wok burner we tested. If you want a top-performing wok burner that won’t disappoint in the kitchen.

However, if you’re in need of a more budget-friendly or portable option, the Eastman Outdoor wok burner is also solid choices that offer reliable performance and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wok burners any good?

Wok burners can be a great choice for those who enjoy cooking with a wok or who need a burner with a high heat output. Because wok burners are designed to reach very high temperatures, they are well-suited for stir-frying and other high-heat cooking techniques.

They are also generally more powerful than traditional kitchen stovetops, making them a good option for outdoor cooking or for those who need to cook large amounts of food quickly.

What kind of burner do I need for a wok?

Wok burners are propane stoves specifically designed for heating a wok for cooking. They function similarly to a traditional cooking stove, with the main difference being the ability to accommodate a wok.

When choosing a wok burner, there are two main factors to consider: size and BTUs (British Thermal Units). The size of the burner will determine the size of the wok it can accommodate, while the BTUs will determine the heat output of the burner.

What is a wok burner called?

There are a few other regional names for wok burners, including Koia, Kakanabe, and Guosi. Some western manufacturers of woks also offer flat-bottom products that can be used on a stovetop or wok burner.

Wok burners are particularly well-suited for stir-frying due to their high rim and large size, which allow for easy movement and tossing of the food.

Can you use a wok on a normal burner?

No matter what type of stovetop your household has, there is a universal wok that can be used effectively on electric, gas, or glass stovetops.