There are many different types of woks on the market today - from cast iron to aluminum. In general, nothing beats a carbon steel wok for stir-frying. However, heavy gauge or hard anodized aluminum woks with a nonstick surface are also becoming popular. For cooking on an electric stove, a flat bottom wok is the best choice, although a round bottom wok with a wok ring can also be used.
From the cookware line designed by famous Boston restaurateur Joyce Chen, this heavy gauge carbon steel wok has a flat bottom which works better on western electric stoves than the traditional round wok bottom. It has a single long wooden handle with a small "helper" handle on the opposite side (my own preference). The wok set includes a lid for steaming.
Need a replacement wok but don't need a lid or other accessories? This is Joyce Chen's basic 14-inch diameter flat-bottomed wok made of carbon steel. It has a single long wooden handle with a small helper handle on the opposite side.
For the person who cooks with a gas stove - a round bottom wok. Made of carbon steel, it has looped handles on the side for easy lifting. (Does not come with a lid or accessories, but is available for under $15).
One of my readers swears by Calphalon's hard anodized aluminum flat bottom woks for cooking on an electric stove, and if you want a nonstick coating, aluminum is a better choice than carbon steel. This 12-inch diameter wok features an arch-vent handle designed to pull the heat through and keep the handle cool.
This wok set features a 14-inch carbon steel wok and lid with numerous accessories, including a wok turner, brass skimmer, and tempura deep-fry rack. It is available for both electric and gas stoves and comes with a choice of handles and lid types.
Another 14-inch carbon steel wok, with several utensils. The wok does not come with a lid.