Stir Fry Stove $65
© 2008 eleanor hoh
Most residential kitchens have electric stoves (and newer kitchens have GLASS flat cooktops). I did a lot of research and development on a "solid wok ring" solution for transferring the heat from the glass cook-top to the round bottom wok. There were so many issues to resolve, that when I came across this portable butane stove, I realized it was the perfect answer... "Ah yah!!!" (Cantonese for “Eureka”). See more under “electric flat glass cooktops” in the yellow box at left.
I'm recommending this Iwatani 10,000 btu portable Gas Stir Fry Stove. In Asia, we use portable gas stove setups successfully everyday and it’s perfect for the American kitchen. There are cheaper 7500 btu stoves out there, but the extra 2500 btu's this stove gives you provides the extra "ooph" you'll need for searing meat or heating the wok up quickly. The fit and finish (stainless steel casing) of this Iwatani stove is so much better than the cheaper models available in Asian markets (or local hardware stores), that I'm sure you'll find it a much better value. It's extremely durable and easy to clean.
My students who use this setup are extremely happy and now understand why they could never succeed in stir frying crispy, crunchy veggies or succulent meat on their electric cooktops. You do NOT need a stand-alone wok station or a special propane high btu gas hookup (like the Chinese restaurants who mostly deep fry) to accomplish a successful, homestyle stir fry.
The Advantages of this Gas Stir Fry Stove are many - it's versatile, practical, cheap, convenient and you have instantaneous control of your heat. Most importantly, you’ll have the best of BOTH heat sources... gas for wok cooking, electric for flat pan cooking. This stove can also be a “lifesaver” during hurricanes and power outages and it comes with it’s own plastic carrying case so you can take it with you. Great for boaters, RV’ers, and picnicers (cooking under the stars is very romantic).
Butane gas is safe for indoor use, caterers and restaurants use these. The butane gas refills last about 2 hours and cost less than $2, the cheapest is from your local Asian market. Your actual stir fry only takes about 5 minutes, so you will get many meals from one refill.
Propane gas is not allowed to be used indoors. Fire laws require propane tanks to be outside of your home and if gas is piped into the house, it costs thousands of dollars to install. One of my students got a quote of $4,000 to retrofit her kitchen for gas. It was a “no brainer” for him to use my Stir Fry Gas Stove as an inexpensive alternative!
"I appreciate someone not trying to say that everything works the same just to sell you, because it doesn't." Bob
"My glass top stove isn't ready to be replaced yet with a gas one, so your butane stove is a good substitute." Susan
“I love the wok and cooking with the gas burner...and loved it. Cooked veggies on it last night to go with the dinner and made an entire meal with steak- marinated it and it was wonderful. I told my daughter about my wok cooking and she wants me to travel with it when we come for our next visit. I would not be surprised if I don't buy one for her soon. Cooking and clean up is so quick. I love it. Thanks again.” Rene
“I have been doing a little cooking using my Calphalon Wok on the electric stove but it is no comparison to the iron wok with the gas burner.” Vincent
“I LOVE this WOK! The butane burner works so efficiently that I don't even have to have it on full blast.” Chrystal
“Second issue is that we do not have a gas stove, which drives her crazy. So buying the burner is something that will make her SOOOOO happy. Your comments about NOT going with a flat bottom wok and using on an electric range are what really sold me. I realize you are discouraging folks that have electric ranges from buying your kit, but you at least are honest in your opinion...AND you offer a solution with the butane burner!!!! THANKS AGAIN!”
Bob
“I can't tell you how happy I was to have the butane stove last year when I lost power after the hurricanes. I was able to make coffee, and cook all of our meals on the stove. It was great!! Take care!” Donna
"The Rainbow Lettuce Wraps were so delicious and so easy to make that I am bringing my wok to the office tomorrow to make them for my staff as a treat! It's great to be able to take your kitchen with you anywhere." Maritza
This Iwatani 10,000 btu butane gas portable stove is the perfect match for my 15" cast iron wok because it focuses the heat at the base of the wok. It comes with it’s own plastic carrying case.
NOTE: The stove does NOT include butane canisters.
I am unable to ship the butane because it requires a special hazardous-material permit. The cheapest place to find these is in your local Asian market. Butane is also available in many hardware stores (and Marine stores but usually the most expensive). Stock up so you don’t run out in the middle of a Wok Star moment!
This stove is the perfect solution for homestyle stir frying.
Price includes a $15 shipping & handling charge.
A Note About Your
Heat Source
For those with gas stoves:
If you have a gas stove, then you’re ready to go and won't need my portable Stir Fry stove. But here's a tip... you may get better results using a smaller (lower btu) burner on your stove because the higher btu burners have the gas jets spaced wider apart so the heat is on the sides of the wok and not focused at the bottom.
You can set your wok directly on the metal grid of your gas stove. Depending on the type of grid, the wok may wobble a bit. That’s OK because when you stir fry you should be using your left hand in the wok mitt to steady the wok (lefties reverse it). If the wobble bothers you, check with your stove manufacturer for a “wok attachment” especially designed to handle the wok. Another alternative is to buy an inexpensive wok ring from your Asian market but it makes your wok further away from the flame. Remember, high heat is ESSENTIAL so the closer you are to the heat, the more success you will have with stir frying.
For those with electric flat glass cooktops:
When using a round bottom wok, you cannot get the necessary heat for stir frying with an electric glass flat stove (see wok page). Part of the problem is the design of the stove (the “pulsing” feature of glass flat cooktops turns the heat on and off) and part of the problem is that there is only a small point of contact between the heating element and the wok. We did a LOT of research trying to get the round bottom wok to work on a glass flat cooktop stove using a solid wok ring but decided the best solution was this portable butane gas Stir Fry Stove!
This stove has rubber feet so it can sit right on top of your coil or glass flat cooktop without scratching the surface. You’ll now have the best of BOTH heat sources. My recommendation is to leave your Stir Fry stove setup on your electric stove so it is convenient and always available. If you create the situation where the wok is easy to use, I guarantee the cast iron wok will become your favorite cookware (we cook EVERYTHING in the wok).
For those with electric coil stoves:
It's possible to use my round bottom wok on an electric coil stove but it's a totally different technique. The secret is to leave the burner set on high and physically move your wok (take it off the stove) to control your heat. It's not easy and I don’t like the coil screaming red hot. That's why the butane stove is so great. It's instantaneous and easier to control. I have an electric coil stove in my home but I use the butane Stir Fry Stove sitting on top of one of the burners.
"Earlier I read I couldn't cook this way because I have an electric stove. Your recommendations in the kit solved my problem." Dave
“Since I took your class I put my wok and burner right on my stove where I keep it every day. I’m concerned that if I put it away, it won’t be as convenient and I won’t use it as much.”
Maritza
“I explained to them that it is essential to have a cast iron wok with a gas burner and have talked them into purchasing your kit.” Avier
“I put my wok and burner right on my stove where I keep it every day. I am concerned that if I put it away, it won't be as convenient and I won't use it as much. My daughter Sophia and I LOVE cooking different things in our wok.... we've made eggs, omelets, soup and of course yummy stir fries all in the wok.... it is quickly becoming my favorite pan!” Maritza
