: My husband wants a wok for Christmas.  I've seen woks and stir fry pans.  What is the difference?  We have a gas stove, if that makes a difference.

I'm guessing that they are probably the same thing, but maybe a differnet marketing word....If you have a HOT gas stove, that would be ideal for a wok. Try to avoid stainless steal because of heat distribution problems. I use a hand made iron wok for most of my cooking. For some great info on wok types, choosing the right wok, using and cleaning woks, check out http://asiarecipe.com/woks.html

woks are the best for stirfrying! if u want to cook eastern food, a wok is all u need! no more pots or pans...one wok does it all that's why in Asian kitchens, if u have a (good) wok, u don't need anything else! the wok is shaped to distribute  heat evenly and makes your cooking easier and faster. btw, i am M'sian so i should know. mum swears by her charcoal-black wok

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