Best Outdoor Wok Burner for Propane & Gas Cooking [2023 Revamped Review]
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If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal from an Asian street food vendor, chances are you have been thinking about getting a wok and burner for yourself. It’s not hard to make some great meals from very simple recipes. Yet, there are a few things to consider when shopping for the best outdoor wok burner.
In this article, we’ll explore the nuts and bolts of using a wok, as well as what to look for in the best outdoor wok burner. Don’t miss the comparison table!
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This best outdoor wok burner review was completely updated and reviewed in March 2021.
Best Outdoor Wok Burner Top 5
- Best outdoor wok burner for the money – Bayou Classic SP10. Great burner for a great price. Includes a wind protection shroud and outputs 55,000 BTUs. High-pressure cooking on 1-piece welded frame. Where to buy the Bayou Classic SP10
- GasOne B5450 best outdoor wok burner. Hugely high BTU output at 200,000 BTUs. Comes with weatherproof cover and steel braided hose. Perfect for brewing and it’s portable. Where to buy the GasOne B5450
- Best 200,000 BTU Burner – Concord Deluxe 16″ Banjo outdoor propane burner. Heavy-duty cast iron burner with 200,000 BTU output. Legs are detachable for travel or storage. Supports up to 400 lb or a 200 QT pot. Where to buy the Concord 16″ Banjo
- Durasteel 32-Brass Tip Propane Jet Burner. Small, compact, and lightweight but seriously packs a punch at 160,000 BTUs. This burner has 32 burner tips for even heat right around. These tips are also the base for your wok. Where to buy the Durasteel 32-brass tip jet burner.
- ARC USA Super Propane Burner. Heavy-duty cast iron and 80,000 BTU output. Great shape that supports a wok or a flat-bottom pot. Where to buy the ARC USA propane wok burner.
Best Outdoor Wok Burner Comparison Table
Our Best Outdoor Wok Burner Top 5
1. Bayou Classic SP10 Best Outdoor Wok Burner (Propane)
This best outdoor wok burner has a one-piece welded steel frame. The burner is also surrounded by a 360-degree shroud that concentrates the heat, while also protecting it from the wind.
The burner is rated to produce 55,000 BTUs, which might seem smaller than the competition, but less of the heat is lost.
The cooktop is 13-inches high, and the burner has a 14-inch diameter. It only weighs 12.5 pounds for easy portability. The gas hose is 48-inches long and made from braided stainless steel.
Pros of the Bayou Classic SP10 Burner
- 360-degree shroud to protect the burner from wind and concentrate the heat.
- 55,000 BTUs of heat.
- Lightweight and portable.
- One-piece welded steel frame.
- 14-inch diameter top is the perfect size for a wok.
- Braided stainless steel gas hose for superior safety.
- 13-inches high for easy tabletop cooking.
- A basic gas regulator is included in the initial purchase.
Cons of the Bayou Classic SP10 Burner
- Tripod base doesn’t safely bear heavyweight items.
- Protective paint burns off with the first few uses.
- It needs a wok ring adapter to accommodate a round bottom wok.
2. GasOne Best Outdoor Wok Burner Review
The burner element is rated for 200,000 BTUs, which is more than enough to properly heat a wok. However, that much heat will burn off the protective paint coating. You should expect some fumes the first time you use it. Just give it 20-minutes to break it in.
You will need a wok ring adapter if you want to use this best outdoor wok burner with a round bottom wok. The braided steel propane hose with secure connections earns it bonus points for safety.
The included storage cover is also a nice touch. Just make sure the cooktop cools all the way down before putting the cover on.
Pros of the GasOne Outdoor Wok Burner
- 200000 BTUs.
- Very sturdy base.
- Braided steel gas hose with secure connections.
- Large enough to also handle stock pots and outdoor deep fryers.
- Comes with a cover.
- 12-inches high.
- Only weighs 18-pounds.
- Easily portable.
Cons of the GasOne Outdoor Wok Burner
- Protective paint coating needs to be burned off before initial use.
- Remaining paint may chip over time.
- Needs a wok ring adapter to accommodate a round bottom wok.
3. Concord Deluxe 16” Banjo Propane Wok Burner Review
All this sturdiness also means that this best outdoor wok burner weighs in at 32 pounds. This might be a little on the heavy side if you want to use it as a portable burner.
The cooktop is 16.5-inches high, and the burner is rated to produce up to 200,000 BTUs of heat. Like many similar units with a rating this high, a portion of the heat is lost to the surrounding air. It will also need a wok ring adapter if you want to use a round bottom wok, which might help concentrate more heat.
This best outdoor wok burner is CSA-certified for safety. However, it does come with a rubber hose. If you are going to be cooking with oil that might spatter, you should wrap the first foot or so of the hose with some heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Pros of the Concord 16″ Banjo Best Outdoor Wok Burner
- Cast iron construction with heat-resistant paint.
- 200,000 BTUs.
- CSA-certified for safety.
- Detachable legs.
- Sturdy.
Cons of the Concord 16″ Banjo Burner
- Legs need to be properly installed before use.
- Rubber hose needs protection when cooking with spattering oil.
- 32 pounds might be a little too heavy to be portable.
4. Durasteel 32-Tip Jet Propane Wok Burner Review
The base is made from heavy-duty cast iron with a protective layer of paint. It has 32 brass tip burner elements which are intended to serve as a physical base. It is rated to produce 160,000 BTUs of concentrated heat.
I would still recommend getting a wok ring adapter for it, just to be safe. Even if you have a flat-bottom wok, the top of the ring will help hold it steady.
This jet best outdoor wok burner only weighs 8.4-pounds which means it’s very portable. You will need to get a secondary support frame if you want to multitask it as a camp stove.
It’s not safe to use this type of burner for natural gas. However, Durasteel offers a similar unit designed for low-pressure natural gas.
Pros of the Durasteel 32-Tip Jet Propane Wok Burner
- Lightweight and portable.
- 160,000 BTUs.
- Cast iron base with 32 brass tips.
- Heat is concentrated evenly around the ring.
Cons of the Durasteel 32-Tip Jet Propane Wok Burner
- Needs a secondary base to be used as a camp stove.
- A wok ring is advisable.
- Not designed for natural gas.
- ¾-inch connections, which might require special connectors.
5. ARC USA Super Propane Best Outdoor Wok Burner
This best outdoor wok burner lightweight, which makes it portable, and versatile enough to double as a camp or fish house cook stove.
ARC USA rates it to produce 80,000 BTUs of heat. The short distance between the flame ports and the cooktop helps reduce the amount of heat that’s lost to the surrounding air.
The Super Propane Burner sits much lower than other burners in this class. If you are going to be cooking for a long session, on a wood surface, you might want to put down a pizza stone or sturdy platter to keep from singing the underlying table.
It comes with a regulator with two control knobs for making sensitive heat adjustments. This best outdoor wok burner is CSA rated for safety. However, the hose is still rubber, so you should consider protecting it with heavy-duty aluminum foil before adding oil to the wok.
Pros of the ARC USA Best Outdoor Wok Burner
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction.
- Dual-control knob regulator that’s been CSA rated for safety.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Can be used for a round or flat-bottom wok.
- Includes detailed instructions for breaking it in.
Pros of the ARC USA Best Outdoor Wok Burner
- Low profile can make a tabletop hot during a long cooking session.
- Rubber hose may need added protection.
- Paint might burn and chip over time.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Wok Burner
The shape of the wok bottom is a major factor to keep in mind when you are shopping for the best outdoor wok burner.
If you are new to the world of high heat cooking and stir fry, you might have an easier time with a flat bottom wok. You can find more info in my other article as well, the best propane wok burner.
Differences Between a Flat and Round-Bottom Wok
As the name implies, the bottom is flat, so that means it can pull double duty as a frying pan. You can set it over the best outdoor wok burner to fry eggs and bacon, or you can use it for a traditional stir fry. Perhaps the most important part is that you can set it down on a flat burner top, without having to worry about a catastrophic spill.
A round bottom wok is more traditional. It’s what you are more likely to find in a hawker center or Asian street food stall. The curvature means that, while it works great on a propane burner, it’s not advisable if you plan to also use the wok on an electric or glass stove.
The round bottom also means you can’t confidently set it down on a flat propane burner without a wok ring or adapter.
Believe me, I thought I had one balanced perfectly when I needed to grab some bean sprouts. The second I took my eye off it the wok rolled, spilling hot oil and steaming vegetables all over the counter. That much super hot oil will leave a stain on your deck for years!
Fortunately, a wok ring adapter is relatively cheap. It also helps concentrate the heat. There are some outdoor gas wok burners that have a trivet built into the cooking surface. Some of them can also support a flat bottom wok confidently.
Size of Your Wok
In general, you want a wok that is between 12 and 16-inches in diameter. Most experienced home cooks find a 14-inch diameter wok to be just the right size. Any bigger than 16-inches in diameter can be difficult to move around. You tend to only find these giant woks in commercial kitchens.
The handle also matters. A large wok with two small handles will give you a major hand cramp and you will eventually lose all the hair on your wrist. A long comfortable wood handle feels natural when you are tossing the wok and it keeps your wrist away from the heat.
If you need help choosing the right size and type of wok for you, this video by Adam Liaw might help.
What Are BTUs and Why Do They Matter?
BTU stands for British Thermal Units which is used around the world for determining the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of a single pound of water by 1-degree Fahrenheit.
When it comes to the best outdoor wok burner, a minimum of 25,000 BTUs is needed to properly heat a wok.
Yet, I think you’ll find that’s a little underpowered. In fact, some of the top-rated best outdoor wok burner choices produce 50,000 to 65,000 BTUs. There are even a few that are rated to produce over 100,000 BTUs.
Just keep in mind that some of these burners with astronomical BTU ratings are losing a portion of that heat to the surrounding air.
What’s the Difference Between Propane and Natural Gas?
Auto Spark Liquid Propane Burner
- Natural gas has roughly a third of the energy density of propane. This means it takes longer for a natural gas burner to produce the same level of heat. It’s also worth noting that natural gas tends to only be available from a municipal source, which requires your provider to install a line into your home.
- Propane is a byproduct of refining petroleum. It’s available through municipal lines, as well as in portable tanks. If you also want to use your wok burner as a portable stovetop, or a camp stove, you probably want to give preference to propane.
When it comes to price, natural gas is a little more energy efficient than propane, which means it will cost you less per unit. Unfortunately, natural gas burners do tend to cost a little bit more.
Can I Use an Outdoor Burner Indoors?
First off, if you live in an apartment or townhouse, you need to check with the managers to make sure you are allowed to use a wok burner on your deck or patio. Some will provide common areas or pavilions where tenants can safely cook outdoors.
Even if you own your home, the amount of smoke a wok produces when placed on a high heat burner can be a problem. I pushed my luck once and ended up having to reset every smoke detector in the house and my daughter complained about the smell in the kitchen for over a week.
It’s best to find a dedicated outdoor spot to use your best outdoor wok burner. Preferable ten feet from the house or garage.
Does Burner Height Matter?
There are some wok burners that come with their own built-in stand. With these units, you want the burner base to be at least 12-inches high. This allows room for proper airflow. Always check the burner height of your best outdoor wok burner.
Do Accessories Come Included?
A few wok burners come in combo packs that include things like spatulas, and special thermometers.
Sometimes they can save you money on things you need to buy anyway. Just double-check the price to make sure you wouldn’t save more money by buying them separately for your best outdoor wok burner.
Does It Matter If It’s Painted?
With some propane wok burners, the paint is more of a protective coating, and it burns off with a fair amount of toxic smoke the very first time you use it. It really doesn’t impact the performance.
If you really want the painted look, there are some high-quality firebox paints out there that are rated to handle as much as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re pretty easy to apply yourself.
Are There Any Safety Concerns?
An stronginfrared thermometer might also be a good idea. It shoots a small laser beam that can measure the surface temperature of the oil and the metal of the wok. It can tell you how hot the wok is and if the oil is nearing its smoke point.
Does the Type of Hose Matter?
Ideally, you want a hose that’s made from braided stainless steel.
If your best outdoor wok burner comes with a rubber gas hose, you might want to wrap the first 12 to 16-inches in heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will keep random droplets of hot grease from potentially melting a hole in the rubber. While this is a rare occurrence, I’ve seen it happen.
Considering the energy density of oil and hydrocarbon gases, I think it’s best to err on the side of paranoia.
Winner – Best Outdoor Wok Burner
Any of these outdoor wok burners will get the job done. If I had to choose just one best outdoor wok burner, I would go with the Bayou Classic SP10.
The stainless steel hose protects the gas line. The shroud around the burner element spares you the frustration of the breeze blowing it out on a windy day. It also helps to concentrate the heat, allowing you to use nearly all its 55,000 BTUs.
If you have a round bottom wok, you will have to sink a few extra dollars into a sturdy wok adapter ring.
It’s light enough to take it with you as a camp stove. Just keep in mind that its welded steel tripod base isn’t meant to pull double-duty, heating heavy pots and deep fryers.
Outdoor Wok Burner Bestsellers
What’s your best outdoor wok burner? Let us know what you use and what you’re cooking tonight!
I have been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found
any interesting articles like yours. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made
good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful.
Awh, thank you Inga! I very much appreciate you stopping by and am pleased you enjoy the articles!
Excellent site you’ve got here. It’s hard to find high quality writing these days. Thanks!
Thanks so much Merci, glad you enjoyed your visit!
Seemingly lots of good, thorough information but it lacked in the primary title of the article, that being ‘WOK’. Some of these stoves don’t even provide woks as an actual cooking method. Only pots can be placed on them. For instance, I’m interested in the #1 Best Seller GasOne 200,000 BTU burner. I wrote them re using a wok and they don’t even provide an adapter. They said I’d have to buy an adapter from a 3rd Party but they don’t provide the dimensions for how an adapter might fit. After spending way too much time looking for answers, I’m close to giving up the chase. I’m looking for a stove that can handle both woks and pots with specifics on the adapter(s) required. Can you help me?
Steve
Hi there Steve, you’re quite right! It’s really hard to find a wok burner with decent BTU output that accommodates a wok out of the box. I focussed on the burners with lots of heat for this review, and the ones where you can add a wok ring. Lots of heat is what I want in a wok burner, so I preferred to add the ones without a wok ring but high BTUs.
There are two in this review, the ARC USA Super Propane Burner and the Durasteel, that claim you can use them without a wok ring. The Durasteel still recommends you use a ring to be safe, but you can use it without.
The ARC USA has a great shape that’s perfect for woks. One of the reviewers mentioned this: “My 14″ wok is just big enough to sit on the frame of the burner without a wok ring. If you want to use a smaller diameter wok you will need a ring but that is problematic as there is very little area between the frame and the burner orifices requiring that the ring be an exact fit.” So, depending on the size of your wok, you might find this one suits your needs.
You could look at the King Kooker, it’s not as compact as the ones in my review, but it comes with a wok and a special cage for it to sit in. It puts out 54000 BTUs.
I’ve read some good reports on the PowerFlamer, it’s a dedicated wok burner. It doesn’t mention its heat output, but one reviewer said “you can really turn up the flame”.
All this said, I’d still try the GasOne. Here’s what some reviewers said about wok-cooking on it:
“The opening of the burn frame is absolutely perfect for my round bottom wok. The wok stays level or at whatever angle you want. The heat is intense and allows you to stir fry to your heart’s content.”
“Works great with my Winco 16 inch wok. Plenty of heat when you need it. I also use it with the lodge 17 inch skillet.”
“Nothing better than coming home on the evenings and sticking my big fat wok on this thing’s ample burner, cranking the heat onto high and just going to town on some Chinese food.”
Hope that helps Steve, let me know what you decided on!
Elle
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be something that I think I would never understand. I’m looking forward to your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Hi there Viola! When I first started looking into outdoor cooking equipment, over 15 years ago now, it was all a jumble to me too. Keep reading about it, small pieces at a time. One day, it’ll all come together. Especially as you start to use the equipment you read about. Good luck and enjoy 🙂
You made some really good points there. I checked the web for additional information about wok burner but found yours the easiest to follow with great recommendations. I ended up buying the Bayou one and its doing a great job so far.
Nice! We have the Bayou and the Gas One. It depends what I’m cooking. The Gas One is a real beast, you just can’t beat the output on that one, but the Bayou wok burner is super easy to deal with.
I like it when individuals come together and share views.
Great blog, continue the good work!
Thanks Claudio!
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Thank you Edna!