Cooking on an outdoor wok burner has been an Asian street food staple for centuries. Not only does the food taste great, but the high heat and unique wok shape allows for delicious Asian inspired dishes that are cooked to perfection. Whether you’re making mouthwatering stir-fry or batch of homemade fried rice, the sky is truly the limit.
During our quest to find the best outdoor wok burner, we’ve researched, compared and analyzed a ton of different models and brands. Our goal is to ensure you get the best quality wok that has superior performance, durable materials and makes an incredible stir-fry.
Best Overall Outdoor Wok Burner – King Kooker 24WC Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker
As our number one best overall outdoor wok burner, you can expect great results from the King Kooker 24WC. With 54,000 BTU’s of power and an included 18″ wok you’ll have everything you need to make delicious Asian cuisine. Plus, with an easy 15 minutes assembly time you’ll be cooking in the backyard before you know it. It also comes with an extremely stable 23″ tall frame, adjustable regulator and very reasonable price tag. When combined, it’s easy to see why we recommend this propane wok as our top pick.
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Best High End Outdoor Wok Burner – Eastman Outdoors Gourmet Wok Kit
When it comes to semi-professional models, none are better than the Eastman Outdoors Gourmet Wok Kit. It can blast out an impressive 65,000 BTU’s of heat for that perfect wok experience. Even better, it comes with a massive 22″ wok and cooking utensil set that’s perfect for large gatherings and summer outings. While this isn’t the cheapest option out there, it is made from high end materials and has the features and accessories to justify the price. If you want a wok burner that’ll last you a lifetime and can be used by professionals and beginners alike, this would make for an excellent choice.
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Best Budget Outdoor Wok Burner – Stansport Single Burner Camp Stove
While the Stansport Single Burner Camp Stove won’t have the greatest build quality or the most durable wok, it’ll get the job done at only a fraction of the price. Perfect for beginners or chefs looking to explore outdoor cooking, this is a great budget buy that has the power and features for a true Asian stir-fry. It comes standard with an adjustable regulator, 18″ wok, cooking utensil set as well as a handy thermometer for checking oil temperatures. When you just want to save a bit of money and enjoy some Asian street food at home, this would make for a wonderful backyard kitchen accessory.
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Tip: With a wok burner you’ll want to use peanut oil while cooking as it can resist the immense heat and has a very high smoke point. If you can, avoid using olive oil and butter as they can easily burn and ruin your dish.
Table of Contents
Benefits of an Outdoor Wok Burner
Before we get into the detailed reviews, it’s probably best to truly understand the benefits an outdoor wok burner provides. After all, what good is a new gadget if you don’t know what it’s good for?
The main function of a wok burner is to output a ton of heat for ultra quick stir-frying and searing. While your typical stove can get hot, it’s nowhere near as powerful as a dedicated propane wok. An outdoor unit can reach screaming temperatures in a matter of minutes and is built to withstand the intense heat.
This high heat is concentrated on the bottom of the wok and transitions to cooler temperatures as you move up the sidewalls. These dramatically different cooking zone are what help set an outdoor wok apart from their inside relatives.
With a rounded bottom and gentle flared edges, woks are quite unwieldy and if used on a regular stove are very prone to tipping. A well designed wok burner makes using a wok much safer and far more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll find outdoor woks to be much larger and have great sized cooking surfaces, especially when compared to vertical sided western pans. It’s also possible to use a regular propane burner as a makeshift wok cooker, though it won’t quite be the right tool for the job.
Lastly, due to their location, an outdoor wok burner won’t smoke up your house and splatter oil all over your kitchen. I can’t tell you how many time’s I’ve had to clean the floors, walls, stove and even the ceiling after using an indoor wok. Sometimes, cooking in your backyard has some great advantages.
Overall, an outdoor wok burner is a great piece of equipment to own and will go a long way to helping you create a delicious Asian inspired dish for your next backyard cookout.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Wok Burner
While understanding the benefits of an outdoor wok burner is important, choosing the best one is a bit more of a challenge.
First and foremost, you’ll want to get a unit that can output a high amount of heat. In general, we’d recommend you select a wok burner that can generate at least 40,000 BTU’s for the high temperature necessary for cooking. This will prevent oily, mushy food and will give you that crisp Asian texture.
Another factor to consider is the materials of construction. Typically you’ll see burners and woks made from carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum. All of these make for great choices as they are extremely durable and very resistant to heat damage. If you’re opting for a carbon steel wok burner, make sure it’s fully coated in paint to prevent rusting and degradation.
The size and height are also key areas to focus on when selecting your outdoor wok. A unit that is too short or too tall will make cooking a pain and can easily lead to accidental spills. A good wok burner should be at least 12″ high to maintain stability, provide airflow and increase cooking comfort.
Also pay attention to any included accessories. While most of the propane woks on our list come with a wok, some also have thermometers, spatulas and spoons for added convenience. After all, anything that is included is just one less thing you have to buy later. While some accessories may not be as high quality as a separate purchase, you’ll be able to see what you like and don’t like prior to purchasing an upgrade.
Choosing the right outdoor wok burner is actually a pretty fun task. Being able to compare units side by side and having the information in one place make it a heck of a lot easier too. Just remember, BTU’s, size and accessories are all necessary factors when considering which is best for you. After all, you want something that will last a lifetime and provide meal after meal of delicious food.
Related: Check out our article on how to Season a Wok. Not only is it necessary, but it’ll enhance flavors and reduce cleanup time.
Outdoor Wok Burner Reviews
Now that you’ve got a general idea of what to look for and how to choose an outdoor wok burner, let’s take an in depth look at our top choice as well as a few great alternatives. Keep in mind that not all wok burners are alike. They will vary in BTU rating, recommended wok sizes as well as included extras. You can refer back to the above section for our general recommendations.
#1: King Kooker 24WC Heavy-Duty Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker
BTUs: 54,000
Wok Size: 18″
Extras: Two Wooden Cooking Utensils
The King Kooker 24WC Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker is the perfect blend of power, size, and price. As such, we’ve rated it as our number one overall best outdoor wok burner on the market.
This unit stands at 24″ tall, and only requires around 15 minutes to fully assemble. It comes standard with a built in wind guard and a recessed wok ring. These make holding the flame much easier outside and prevent the wok from accidentally tipping over.
The King Kooker 24WC also has an incredible 54,000 BTU burner that produces a beautifully concentrated flame. At 3″, wide it generates excellent heat, perfect for quick stir-fry’s and Asian dishes. You’ll find that at 18″ wide and 1.8 mm thick, the included wok is sturdy enough to stand up to the high temperatures and large enough for even massive appetites.
The wok comes coated in a protective resin to prevent rusting during shipment. This needs to be washed off prior to use. We’d recommend you wash it in a mix of 1 part dish soap and 2 parts vegetable oil. With a bit of elbow grease and dedication, the resin should come off fairly quickly.
As is typical for an outdoor wok burner, this unit uses propane as its main source of fuel. It ships with a built in regulator and gas flow adjustment knob for quick installation and temperature adjustments. You will however need to grab an external lighter as it doesn’t have one built in.
Overall, the King Kooker 24WC Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker is a great unit for the price and an excellent outdoor wok burner. While we would have like the included wok to be a bit thicker, it has no trouble getting the job done. If you’re looking for a superb mid ranged unit, we have no problem 100% recommending it.
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#2: Eastman Outdoors 37212 Outdoor Gourmet 22 Inch Carbon Steel Wok Kit
BTUs: 65,000
Wok Size: 22″
Extras: AccuZone Thermometer, Stainless Steel Spoon and Spatula
The Eastman Outdoors Carbon Steel Wok Kit is a feature packed, high end wok burner with incredible build quality and the accessories to match. If you’re willing to spend a bit more this is by far the best wok burner on the market and is catered toward skilled hobbyists and professionals alike.
Whether you’re stir-frying, deep frying or boiling, the 22″ wide carbon steel wok and the included stainless steel spoon and spatula are the perfect tools for the job. They are all extremely durable and perfect for outdoor cooking. The burner base has three adjustable legs that easily allow for quick height changes and cooking on any surface.
Furthermore, the extra wide wok keeps oil from splattering on your hands and arms for a bit of extra safety. It’ll also hold a stunning amount of food. You can easily cook over 5 pounds of noodles, enough to feed between 15-20 people, in the included wok. However, the large size does make it a bit hard to clean in a regular sink. We’d recommend you just wash it off using hose water and a light scrub brush with some soap.
You’ll also find that the propane hose and regulator are of very high quality. The regular makes it easy to adjust the level of flame and temperature of the Eastman Outdoor Wok Kit. This is great for those applications when you simply don’t need a roaring heat and instead, are after a slow simmer. An extra clip on thermometer is thrown in as well for a bit of added value and versatility.
The propane burner itself is also quite impressive. It is extremely efficient and burns much hotter and cleaner than some others. Plus, with the ability to quickly output 65,000 BTUs of heat, it is one of the hottest wok burners on our list. Even more, it’s got multi tier angled flame tips for directed, even heat coverage.
We also want to touch on the great portability of this unit. At only 25 pounds it is effortless to move and carry around. Plus, the adjustable legs make sticking it in a trunk or backseat and easy proposition. If you’re looking for something to take to parties and campground, this would make for an excellent choice.
Overall, the Eastman Outdoors Carbon Steel Wok Kit is a stunning high end outdoor wok burner. It’s easy to assembly, produces a ton of heat and is made from superior materials. While it isn’t a $1,000 top of the line professional kitchen wok burner, it is a superb consumer model that is more than adequate for any homeowner.
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#3: Eastman Outdoors Portable Kahuna Burner
BTUs: 65,000
Wok Size: Not Included
Extras: None
The Portable Kahuna Burner has the power and quality of the Eastman Outdoors Wok Kit but lets you choose your own wok and cooking utensils. This not only means a cheaper price, but is a great way to customize your outdoor cooking accessories as well.
Similar to the wok kit this portable wok burner outputs a blazing hot 65,000 BTUs. As we’ve stated in the above buyers guide, the more heat, the better. Particularly if you want to avoid messy, greasy food and enjoy that nice crisp crunch typical of Asian cuisine.
You’ll find that the adjustable legs of this wok burner are great for uneven surfaces and the outdoors. Plus, they can stretch out to an incredible 26″ tall for an comfortable ergonomic cooking height. The angled legs also provide a super stable surface so you won’t need to worry about woks tipping or oil spillage.
Also included with the Kahuna Wok Burner are an included hose and adjustable regulator. As with our other models, the regulator allows for quick, hassle-free flame adjustment. Plus, both of these components are quite high quality and built to resist the elements.
Weight wise, this wok burner comes in at 12.5 pounds making it one of the lightest options on our list. This makes it ideal for backyards, RV’s, camping trips and more. Even better, after you’re done cooking, it’s simple to break down and store in a garage or kitchen. You won’t find many options that have this level of portability and power.
In summary, the Eastman Outdoors Portable Kahuna Burner can easily reach a blistering 500 degrees for that perfect stir-fry. When it comes to outdoor wok burners, this is near the top of our list for a good reason. You won’t be disappointed with it’s power or size. Plus, being able to pick your own wok and accessories is not something to be underrated.
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#4: Stansport Single Burner Camp Stove with Cast Iron Burner
BTUs: 54,000
Wok Size: 18″
Extras: Wooden Spoon and Spatula, Thermometer
The Stansport Single Burner Camp Stove makes for an excellent budget propane wok. With a high heat burner, solid steel frame and an included wok it’s got everything you’ll need for an Asian cookout.
You’ll immediately notice just how tall this wok burner is. Standing at just over 31″ in height it is the tallest option on our list. This is great for chef’s who don’t like bending over of having to reach at odd angles. Plus, it helps to elevate the burner head from your table to prevent charring and accidental fires.
The Stansport outdoor wok burner connects to a standard propane tank using the included hose and regulator. When outputting at maximum heat of approximately 54,000 BTU’s, it’s able to last about 15 hours on a single tank. Because it heats up as fast and the fact that typical wok dishes cook in a matter of minutes, a single propane tank should last you for 20+ cooks.
For a budget option there are still a ton of features packed into this unit. One of the more important ones is the fuel and air level. This lets you quickly and easily adjust the fuel to air ratio for higher or lower temperatures a desired. A great thing about high temperature cooking is the lack of jumping oil and the quick cooking times.
From the ground up, the Stansport Single Burner Camp Stove is built like a tank. Its solid steel frame is durable enough for even the largest of pots. Meanwhile, the included steel wind guard keeps your flame directed upwards and prevents it from being blown out. If you’re worried about taking care of your equipment or just want something you can throw in the back of a truck, this’ll do the job.
Overall, this is a decent quality budget outdoor wok burner that won’t break the bank. While it won’t outlast or be quite as hot as our higher quality options, it is a great entry level cooker. It’s got high quality brass fuel valves and an ergonomic height for easy, stress free cooking. Plus, it even includes a thermometer for getting your oil up to the perfect temperature.
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#5: Laguna Grills D-001 Disco Disk Cooker
BTUs: 24,000
Wok Size: 24″
Extras: None
While technically a disco disk cooker, the Laguna Grills D-001 also doubles as an excellent outdoor wok burner. This heavy duty unit is made from top quality steel and is extremely easy to assemble. From box to backyard, it should only take around 30 minutes. Plus, you can cook tacos and stir-fry on the same pan!
When it comes to thick and durable materials, none do it better than the Laguna Grill D-001. The included disco/wok is made from 3/16″ thick steel for a lifetime of cooking. The disco is also 5″ deep making for a nice cooking surface that won’t slosh around. If your looking for a traditional wok to go with the disco, go ahead and pick up the Town Food Service 22″ Steel Wok. This will give you the full traditional temperature zones.
The Disco Disk Cooker stands at just over 26″ tall and is a perfect table top unit. From cooking up some breakfast tacos to making a bit of fried rice, you’re back and wallet will be thanking you. Plus, this propane wok comes with a 17″ support ring for larger pots and added stability. Make sure you don’t get something smaller though as it’ll just fall though and ruin your day.
One of the great things we love about this unit is the complete full coverage burner. This helps to evenly distribute heat and provides for a superior cooking surface. Even better, the included pan is so thick and well made that it doesn’t warp or buckle in even intense heat.
We do want to mention that this outdoor wok burner is a little lower in power than the rest of our choices. With only 24,000 BTU’s of heat you won’t quite get that perfect sear, but you can get pretty darn close. Furthermore the Laguna Grills D-001 is light enough to take hunting, camping and fishing for a great portable cooking unit.
Overall, this is an excellent disco and wok burner combo that’s strong, well made and clearly built to withstand the outdoor elements. While we would have preferred a bit stronger burner, it gets the job done and is much more versatile than some of our other top picks.
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#6: PowerFlamer Outdoor Wok Burner
BTUs: 160,000 (Yes, that’s right)
Wok Size: Not Included
Extras: None
The PowerFlamer Outdoor Wok Burner is the ultimate in high heat technology. It’s boasts an absurd 160,000 BTU’s for a screamingly hot wok and ultra quick cook times. You’ll also find that it is made from high end materials for a true commercial wok burner.
It comes standard with a great stainless steel braided hose. These are far superior to traditional rubber hoses and are even resistant to UV damage. Plus, they are easily able to handle the excessive heat from this unit without breaking down. The included regulator is fully adjustable and fits onto a standard 20 pound propane tank for convenience.
On the highest heat setting you can expect a standard propane take to last between 3 and 4 hours. Considering a typical dish takes about 10-10 minutes from start to finish, that’ll give you at least 16 huge meals from a single tank. During normal operation however, it’ll be significantly less hot and should last for around 2-3 months with regular meals.
We were quite impressed with the cast burner design as it was excellent at directing the heat. A wok needs to have that blazing hot center and the flame profile is phenomenal, especially for a mid ranged option. Covering the burner unit is a spider mesh guard for some added wind protection. The guard also help to direct the heat upwards and prevents it from escaping.
The PowerFlamer Outdoor Wok Burner comes standard with a 13″ wok adapter ring. This allows you to use a 13″-18″ wok of your choice for added customization. Assembly wise, this unit is quite simple to put together and only has three screws to attach the base to the burner assembly.
Overall, the PowerFlamer Outdoor Wok Burner is a true, no frills, commercial quality unit. It won’t have fancy paint jobs or a lot of included extras, but for a wok burner it’s got the power, price and reliability for years of outdoor cooking.
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#7 Twok Grill The Original Texas Wok Disc Cooker
BTUs: 55,000
Wok Size: 22″
Extras: None
The Original Texas Wok Disc Cooker is a heavy-duty, portable outdoor wok burner that while expensive, is pack with features and built to last. Even better this propane wok is made in the USA for top notch quality and a sense of American pride.
Due to the unique portable design, this wok burner is extremely easy to use and very versatile. You’ll also notice that it is a wok/disco combo that can add bit of both Latin and Asian flair to your cookouts. Whether it’s fajitas or stir-fry, you can do it all with this stellar unit.
The entire frame of the Twok Grill is made from durable powder coated steel that is not only structurally sound, but very resistant to the elements. You don’t have to worry about tip toeing around this beast as it can more than take the heat. Plus, at 32″ tall it’s ergonomically designed so you don’t have to bend over and risk having an accident.
A handy labeled temperature control knob lets you easily adjust the flame to your desired height, this is great for when you want to boil, stew or fry as each require different heat levels. Plus, this outdoor wok burner has a fully adjustable dual ring commercial type burner for enhanced efficiency and hotter flames.
You’ll also find a very nice 22″ diameter steel wok/disco combo that is perfectly sized for large dishes. Over time it’ll naturally season itself for a great non-stick cooking surface that is highly heat resistant. Even more, when paired with the burner it has 3 unique temperature zones for warmer, low temperature cooking and high temperature searing.
What really defines this unit however it its sheer portability. The propane tank, and burner are all located on a single wheeled burner frame. This allows you to quickly and easily roll it out of the way after cooking and the rubber casters are able to lock it into position anywhere. You should expect to spend only a few minutes on assembly as it only requires 6 easy to install bolts.
Overall, The Original Texas Wok Disc Cooker is a high powered, portable wok burner with an upscale price tag. You’ll be getting a burner designed for extended use and with a 5 year warranty you know the company stands behind its product. If you can swing the price, this would make for a wonderful choice that’ll bring you many happy memories.
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#8: Kajun Kitch Wok Kit
BTUs: 58,000
Wok Size: 18″
Extras: Wooden Spoon and Spatula, 5″ Thermometer
Last up on our list is the low cost Kajun Kitch Wok Kit. This is an extra stable outdoor wok burner that is just as good at making stir-fry as it is an old fashion craw fish boil.
It features a large support ring that is perfect for supporting the included 18″ wok and just as easily can fit a large pot for turkey frying or seafood boils. We were quite impressed with the included stand as well. It’s very stable and has a host of extra feet that help to balance it and stop it from tipping over.
The solid cast iron burner is a high quality product that is clearly built to last. Although, we’d recommend you take this unit inside after use as the burner can rust quite quickly if left outside in the elements.
An included propane hose and pressure regulator help with flame and temperature adjustments and gives you enough reach to keep the burner away from the propane tank. One feature that we think should have been included was a wind guard. With such an open design a large gust of wind could easily kill the flame. As such, you’ll want to use this wok burner in a fairly sheltered area.
The include 18″ wok, while a bit thin, works perfectly for the job. It has two integrated handles so you can easily lift the wok and bring to a table or sink with ease. Plus, it’s large enough that you can cook for bigger groups, but not too large so that it’s unwieldy.
Overall, the Kajun Kitch Wok Kit is a fairly low cost outdoor wok burner that has standard features and a run of the mill wok. While it isn’t a bad choice, we’d recommend a few of out top options as much better alternatives. Plus, when it comes to delicious Asian food, you’ll want the right tool for the job that is built to last.
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Wok Burner Accessories
An outdoor wok burner is only as good as the wok and accessories that go along with it. In this section we’ll cover a few nice to have accessories that’ll take you wok burner to the next level. Plus, some items can be used for more than one piece of outdoor equipment for a truly versatile product.
Propane Tank
While you can use those pre-filled tanks at your local grocery store, a good propane tank can save you a ton of money. Once you get past the minimal upfront cost, using your own propane tank is quite easy and overtime will more than make up the cost. Plus, you know the tank is in good condition and that it’ll be topped off with the right amount of gas. Often times a store bought tank will be under filled and there is nothing you can do about it. If you want a great all-around propane tank, we’d recommend the Worthington 303955. It’s got the certifications, strength and durability for a long lasting investment.
Outdoor Wok
The classic outdoor wok is available in a ton of materials, sizes and shapes for a truly unique cooking experience. However, many outdoor wok burners come with either a sub-par wok or don’t include one at all. A nice cold forged steel wok is basically the key to success for Asian street food cooking. If we had to choose one, we’d go with the Town Food Service 20 Inch Steel Cantonese Style Wok as it provides a great sized cooking surface, classic materials and easy to grip handles for that true Chinese experience. Plus, it has excellent metal thickness and isn’t prone to warping, cracking or buckling. Overall, it’s just a great wok that’s built to last and produces a mean stir-fry.
Wok Utensils
Up last on our list of nice to have wok accessories is a good set of wok utensils. When cooking an Asian dish over an outdoor wok burner a good spatula and spoon are both invaluable. And we aren’t talking about the dinky things you have in your kitchen drawer. I’m talking about a long, durable and heat resistant set such as the Laketian Home Use Stainless Hand-Tooled Chuan & Hoak (Spatula & Ladle) Set . Not only will these allow you to keep a safe distance for your burning hot wok, they have the perfect shape to shift, flip and move food as your cooking. If you’ve already got a wok, this would be a great complimentary accessory.
Summary
In summary, if you’re looking for the best outdoor wok on the market, we’d recommend picking up the King Kooker 24WC Portable Propane Outdoor Cooker. It’s got a great price to feature ratio, has an incredible heat output and is very well reviewed by customers and chefs alike. Plus, you can use it to cook a lot of other meals by simply swapping out the wok for another pot or pan. After all, a great wok burner can do way more than just cook a delicious stir-fry.
If instead you’re thinking that a regular propane burner might be more what your after, be sure to check out our article on those as well. We’d also recommend taking a look at a grill gazebo to keep you cool during the summer and dry in the rain. It really helps to improve the outdoor cooking experience for everyone involved. Plus, you don’t have to worry about soot or smoke damage by placing grills under a patio roof.
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