Last Updated on July 9, 2023
This post is an open thread and contains affiliate links.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated for 2023.
I didn’t do a ton of cooking when I was a kid, but I distinctly remember making stir fry. My mom had an electric wok, and when she put it out on the kitchen counter, we knew what was next. Sometimes I was only making stir fry for myself, which meant I could make it however I wanted. There were certain things I loved in my stir fry and certain things I didn’t, so being able to create exactly what I liked was a huge bonus.
I haven’t owned a wok in adulthood, with my stir fry experiences limited to stuff in the frozen section of the grocery store. Still, when I see listings for woks, I can’t help but think back to those childhood evenings pouring sauce over whatever mix of meat and veggies I was in the mood for that day.
Aldi sells stir fry every day, but if you want to make your own, you might be able to swipe this limited buy.
What We Know:
The Crofton 14″ Stir Fry Wok Pan (Product Code: 42337 in 2022; Product Code: 820213 in 2023) is an Aldi Find, which means it’s only in stores for a short time. Once it’s gone, you won’t be able to find it again until it comes back into stores, which is anyone’s guess. In 2022 and 2023, the pan cost $12.99 and was available in either black or gray. Aldi has been selling wok pans for years now, both in 12-inch and 14-inch varieties.
Here’s more information about the pan, according to Aldi:
- Measures 14″ Dia.
- Perfect for stir fry meals
- Features nonstick coated carbon steel for superior durability
- Helper handle provides ease when pouring or lifting
- Includes faux wood handles
- Sold in Gray or Black
The 2022 pan was backed by a 2-year warranty serviced by Protel, a common Aldi warranty provider. Aldi has not yet published warranty information for the 2023 pan.
What We Don’t Know:
We haven’t tested out this specific pan, so we don’t know well it works or how long it holds up under use. We created this open thread for users to share their experiences.
Do you have experience with this wok pan? Let us know in the comments.
I bought the Aldi wok sometime last year (2022) but didn’t get to use it because we sold our home. I pulled it out tonight and made chicken curry in it and the pan is badly discolored. Now I know Ian’s will discolor over time but not like this on its first use. It really made me wonder what just came off in our food!! I would love to hear other comments.
Purchased one early 2023, used it about 3 times and it started pealing in the bottom, also has bubbles. Very careful when using it, always used soft cooking tools and careful when cleaning, never cleaned when hot. Love Aldi and shop frequently, not happy about this purchase.
The non-stick coating doesn’t stand up to high heat. I’m disappointed.
I just bought one of these woks last week, and put it to the test. Once to make spaghetti sauce, the second to make pad thai, and the third tonight to make fried rice. I used a portable induction plate for all 3 dishes. Silicone coated spatulas and wooden chopsticks. Others have said that the non-stick coating peels off easily but this hasn’t started yet on mine. Although I did not cook on very high heat, I was quite pleased with this wok’s performance for the tasks that I put it through. Heats evenly, non-stick performed admirably. No discoloration, scratches nor deformation. I liked that the flat bottom diameter is relatively large, compared to other woks that I have; makes the pan much more versatile – large enough to fry 4 eggs. Like other non-stick pans, clean up was a breeze.
If you have to cook at high heat (with gas), then a regular high carbon seasoned wok should be used. But for regular day to day cooking, this wok (so far) appears to be great value. I love using woks (I’m Asian), and so far, I love this wok.