A cast iron wok might sound like a contradiction, since a classic wok is meant to be thin and fast. This one works differently. It takes a while to heat up, but then it barely loses heat when the vegetables go in – and on an ordinary home hob or induction, that's often exactly what's missing for a proper sear.
Staub's wok is cast in France and enamelled in matt black inside and out. The base is flat, so it sits steady on the hob. It comes with a glass lid with a stainless steel knob and a rack that hooks onto the rim, where you can let finished pieces drain or stay warm while the next batch cooks. The wok works just as well for stews, deep-frying and steaming.
Available in two sizes: 30 cm holding 4.4 litres and 37 cm holding 5.7 litres. Be prepared for the weight – the larger one weighs just over 6 kg. Works on all hobs including induction, oven safe up to 200 °C and can go in the dishwasher.