A commercial kitchen is busy, and you need the right tools to ensure your food preparation goes as smoothly as possible. One of the essential pieces of equipment in any commercial kitchen is the wok burner. Not all wok burners are created equal, so how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this article, we'll break down what to look for in a wok burner and how to find the perfect fit. With Industry Kitchens, you can explore a range of high-quality options to keep your kitchen running efficiently.
What is a wok?
A wok is a cooking equipment that is used for cooking food. It is usually made of metal and has a rounded shape. The sides of the wok are sloped, allowing food to be stirred easily. Woks are typically used for cooking meat and vegetables.
They can be used on any cooking surface, including gas and electric stoves. When cooking with a wok, it is essential to use high heat. This will help to prevent the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6 Facts to Consider in Choosing the Right Wok Burners
Now that you already know what a wok burner is let's learn how to choose the right one for your commercial kitchen. There are a few things you'll need to take into consideration, and here are the following:
1: Size Matters
The first thing you need to do is measure the diameter of your wok. Woks come in different sizes, so getting an accurate measurement is essential. Once you have the diameter of your wok, you'll need to find a burner that is sized appropriately.
Most wok burners have either a 14" or 18" ring. If you can't find one that matches your wok's diameter, choose the next size up. It's better to have a burner that is too big than one that is too small.Â
2: BTU Rating
Woks must be heated to very high temperatures—usually between 200 and 315 degrees. You'll need a burner with a high BTU rating to get the job done right. Most home stoves have BTU ratings between 10,000 and 20,000 BTUs.
Wok burners start at around 30,000 BTUs and go up from there. The higher the BTU rating, the more expensive the burner will be. However, it's worth investing in a quality burner that will last years.Â
3: Fuel Type
Next, consider what fuel you want your wok burner to run on—natural gas or propane? Both have their pros and cons. Natural gas is typically cheaper than propane; however, it requires a direct connection to your building's gas line, which can be costly to install.
Propane is more expensive per-BTU basis than natural gas; however, it doesn't require any particular installation since it comes in portable tanks that can be refilled.Â
4: Types of Wok Ranges/Burners
Usually small in size, wok ranges only have one or two burners. They frequently consist of stainless steel since they can generate a lot of heat. Aluminium wok ranges can't tolerate high heat as well as cast iron or steel ones.Â
Operators may select a range style for a specific wok type in settings where a particular dish type is frequently produced, and just one wok type is typically used.
Many ranges are constructed with a universal top that can support either model and isn't tailored for a particular wok. This type of range may be used for areas where various dishes are prepared in different types of woks since it can offer versatility regarding the food varieties being produced and the type of wok being utilised.
Some mobile wok range choices are available for portable applications such as catered events, buffets, or cooking demos. This range type is typically mounted on casters and fitted inside a cart for stability and control.
5: Wok & Wok Range Accessories
Numerous attachments are available for separate purchases to improve a wok's functionality, make it easier to use, or assist in keeping it clean. The choices discussed below are a few.
Wok tops, a replacement component used with a stockpot range to support wok cooking, are among the range of parts and accessories. These equipment pieces are often composed of cast iron or stainless steel for strength and heat resistance.
Another range top adaptor is the wok ring, which may be set on top of an electric or gas burner to stabilise a round-bottomed wok above a conventional burner. Wok rings help convert an existing range with little installation work for infrequent wok cooking.
Wok utensils are made to fit the big size and intense heat of a wok. These tools often have extended handles and rounded edges that mirror the wok's spherical shape to enable the user to access all wok sections.
Wok brushes can be used to maintain the cleanliness of the wok without causing any damage to the protective surface patina because many woks are constructed of cast iron or carbon steel. These brushes are made to remove stuck-on food residue gently without damaging the pan by scraping or scratching it.
A wok cover can keep a lid on the pan when simmering soup or stock to trap heat and lower evaporation. These pan and pot lids are frequently constructed of stainless steel or aluminium and have a large diameter to fit atop the broad wok.
Wok bases are offered to enable wok cooking at catered events. Typically, this wok accessory concentrates heat around the wok's bottom using a heat source like a gasoline canister.
6: Budget
Finally, consider your budget. There are many different price points for wok burners, so find one that fits your needs and budget.
One important thing to remember is that price is not always an accurate quality indicator. A more expensive burner may offer better performance, but it's not necessarily the best choice for every kitchen.
Conclusion:
A wok burner is essential for any commercial kitchen, but not all wok burners are created equal. When choosing a wok burner, it's critical to consider the BTUs, the size of the cooking surface, the type of fuel you will be using and a lot more. With so many factors to consider, choosing the right wok burner for your needs can be overwhelming. But with our helpful tips, you'll be able to find the perfect wok burner for your kitchen in no time! Industry Kitchens offers a range of high-quality options to help you make the right choice.
