JOYCE CHEN Classic Series 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Birch Handles

Curated from 55 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 17, 2025

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JOYCE CHEN Classic Series 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Birch Handles

Brand: JOYCE CHEN
Price: $19
Snoop Score:
6.0
Sentiment
6.2
Popularity
5.7
Technical
6.2
Buy on Amazon for $19See All Woks & Stir Fry Pans Reviews
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Snoop's Take

The JOYCE CHEN Classic Series 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Birch Handles is a lightweight, high-performing wok designed for reliable and versatile cooking. It features a 1.5mm carbon steel construction paired with a flat bottom for easy use on any stovetop and is intended to bring authentic stir‐fry and traditional Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Consumer sentiment runs the gamut, with users lauding its lightweight design and affordability, as one review quipped, “Heavy woks are bad. Woks should be lighter than most pans.” While many appreciate its reliable performance over the years and stable flat bottom design, some detractors have raised concerns about its thin gauge and handle durability. The debates among users make it clear that every design choice comes with both staunch advocates and detractors. In conclusion, for budget-conscious home cooks seeking a starter wok that marries style with performance, the JOYCE CHEN 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok is recommended—with the caveat that those needing extra durability in handle construction might consider alternatives.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Woks & Stir Fry Pans

Get the lighter one don't obsessed with heavy Wok if your wife can't uplifting/uncomfortable with heavy Wok, it's useless for her.

Positive Feedback

It’s still a great tool but I’d recommend the 1.8mm version which is currently $37 on Amazon.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.0
JOYCE CHEN Classic Series 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Birch Handles
Buy on Amazon for $19
Quick Stir-Fry Meals
3 / 10
Family-Style Cooking
5 / 10
Traditional Asian Cuisine
3 / 10
Versatile Cooking Techniques
3 / 10
See how this compares to all Woks & Stir Fry Pans

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Lightweight 1.5mm carbon steel design ideal for stir‐frying
“Get the lighter one don't obsessed with heavy Wok if your wife can't uplifting/uncomfortable with heavy Wok, it's useless for her.”➕
“Heavy woks are bad. Woks should be lighter than most pans.”➕
Affordable price with strong reviews
“get the cheapest one. the joyce chen seems to be well reviewed.”➕
“There is literally no reason to spend more than that.”➕
Reliable performance and durability as a starter wok
“It has been and continues to be a great experience.”➕
“6 years and still kicking!”➕
Flat bottom design provides stable use on stoves
“Kenji recommends flat-bottomed as they don't need a wok ring to balance them.”➕
“apparently stir frying in smaller batches is the trick.”➕
“the wok book has been the best cookbook I’ve bought in a very long time.”➕
Attractive design with distinctive handle and tall sides for easier cleaning
“I like the burnt look of the handle.”➕
“the tall sides make cleaning up way easier.”➕
Reliable performance as a starter wok
“Good starter wok that’ll last years. The Joyce Chen wok is a nice introduction to woks and might be all you ever need.”➕
Stable flat bottom design with attractive wood handles
“It is delightful. I would not buy a version with plastic handles because I have melted them before by being an idiot.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Thin gauge construction may not suit users preferring a thicker build
“It’s still a great tool but I’d recommend the 1.8mm version which is currently $37 on Amazon.”➕
Awkward long handle design
“the worst long handles I have ever seen on a wok, pan or pot.”➕
Plastic handles limit oven seasoning
“It does have plastic handles so you can't season it in the oven, but it's the same with wooden handles.”➕
Thin gauge construction may feel flimsy
“I think it feels pretty sturdy. I mean i see people say its thin and I can feel that a bit.”➕
“it is a bit flimsy but it's super light.”➕
Handle durability issues with riveted attachment
“Handle finally broke, thankfully while I was washing it and not while cooking.”➕
“Never buy a wok with rivets again.”➕
“me i remove rivets and put bolts.”➕
“Somebody might be thrilled that they can just rivet the handle back on and get a 'free' wok.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
GreenPan Carbon Steel Wok 14” Flat BottomGreenPan Carbon Steel Wok 14” Flat Bottom$49
9.0
DetailsBuy
SNOWCLAD 13 Inch Hybrid WokSNOWCLAD 13 Inch Hybrid Wok$79
8.4
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FGJ 13 Inch Carbon Steel WokFGJ 13 Inch Carbon Steel Wok$39
7.7
DetailsBuy
Babish Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok and Stir Fry PanBabish Carbon Steel Flat Bottom Wok and Stir Fry Pan$49
6.9
DetailsBuy
JOYCE CHEN Classic Series 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Birch HandlesJOYCE CHEN Classic Series 14-Inch Carbon Steel Wok with Birch Handles$19
6.0
DetailsBuy
WANGYUANJI Iron Wok, 13.4" Chinese Craft WokWANGYUANJI Iron Wok, 13.4" Chinese Craft Wok$79
5.9
DetailsBuy
ANEDER Frying Pan with Lid 10 Inch Carbon Steel WokANEDER Frying Pan with Lid 10 Inch Carbon Steel Wok$36
5.2
DetailsBuy
Leidawn 12.8" Carbon Steel WokLeidawn 12.8" Carbon Steel Wok$42
3.8
DetailsBuy
BrBrGo Carbon Steel Wok Pan, 5 Piece SetBrBrGo Carbon Steel Wok Pan, 5 Piece Set$37
2.6
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Debate over the importance of seasoning and achieving wok hei
“Control your temp and enjoy cooking.”➕
“Tell me more about this *wok hei*.”➕
Debate on handle detachability
“Most Asian woks are detachable (unscrew the metal hook at the end on the handle)”➕
“Maybe I had to pull on the handle with more force or also twist it.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
General cooking and stovetop compatibility advice
“The local Chinatown better not be Chinatown SF and the place better not be The Wok Shop, cause I’ll die from envy that you have access.”➕
“What matters is dependant on your range.”➕
“Although I is better in my opinion to use a carbon steel fry pan whose bottom is the same size as the burner.”➕
“Carbon steel frying pan is my recommendation for anyone who doesn’t have a huge output gas burner.”➕
Cooking stove compatibility tips
“Lifelong wok user here.”➕
“Carbon steel all the way for a wok.”➕
“Carbon steel is the best, but only if you have a gas stove.”➕
Apartment stove placement challenges
“But the base of the wok isn't big and it still works on the small elements just as well.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Personal wok journey and early learning experiences
“It was my first wok and I learned a lot of processes on it - how to blue, season, cook… even how to restore it after neglect of it.”➕
Confusing initial seasoning instructions leading to safety concerns
“I’m a complete noob.”➕

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