Stellar have just launched this portable Electric Wok just in time for this Chinese New Year for me to turn it into a steamboat/hot pot. This wok is perfect for entertaining or for use in the kitchen. This allows you to be more flexible in placing the wok directly on the table or when you are out and about camping.
Setting up the wok is very straightforward. Plug in the element with detachable thermostat and you are ready to use! I do find that using an extension cable will give you more flexibility to position the wok wherever you want as the cable is not very long. It also comes with a vented glass lid that allows you to steam your food.
This is a generous and big wok measuring 35cm in diameter, which is perfect for a big family and for entertaining. It comes with five heating levels, ranging from 90 to 190 degrees. The dial sits just under the wok handle which means it is slightly obscured that you have to reposition yourself to read the dial setting. The body of the pan responds instantly to the heat selection by heating up and cooling down rapidly. I love how the wok reacts so quickly. It’s just a shame that it doesn’t have a ‘keep warm’ option to keep your food warm after it has cooked.
This electric wok is PFOA Free non-stick to ensure that cleaning up is easy and hassle free, and it has large carrying handles so you can simply detach the power cord and serve straight to the table. The wok and the base are not detachable hence you have to be quite careful not to wet the socket while washing. If you are worried about that, perhaps covering it with cling film while washing might help.
As I mentioned earlier, I can use this wok as a ‘steamboat’. A steamboat/hot pot is common in Chinese cuisine especially during Chinese New Year and family gatherings. It is a pot containing a variety of foods and ingredients in a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table. Before I bought my first proper steamboat kit, I used to improvise by using a rice cooker and slow cooker in place of a steamboat/hot pot. This wok is suitable to braise, stew and shallow frying. It is not suitable for deep fat frying.
With this wok, I am able to cook all the ingredients in one wok and serve it right on the table for all of us to share!
I enjoy using this electric wok and I do think this is a great cooking tool if you are going camping! As long as you have power point, you can use this anywhere. It is lightweight and portable. It is great to feed a family of four and to entertain family and friends. It heats up quickly and maintains its temperature well. It also comes with 2 years domestic electrical guarantee.
Disclosure: We received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however all thoughts and opinions remain our own.