A wok is only as good as the fire under it. On most home ranges the burner is too small and too gentle for a 14-inch wok: the flame heats a patch in the middle, the sides stay cool, and a full pan of beef and peppers turns from searing to stewing the moment it goes in. A dedicated wok burner fixes that by putting far more gas through a wider head and holding the wok right in the flame.
This guide is for cooks who already own a good wok and want the heat to go with it. It covers six outdoor propane burners and stations from Concord, Eastman Outdoors and Bayou Classic, plus one indoor induction wok range from Vollrath for a kitchen with a 240-volt circuit. For each we list heat output, regulator, wind protection, how the wok sits, size and warranty, taken from the maker or the Amazon listing. Every propane burner here is for outdoor use only.
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Quick verdict: which wok burner to buy
For most backyard wok cooks, the best wok burner is the Concord 16-inch Stronghold drop-in wok burner: Concord rates it at up to 270,000 BTU, the wok drops into a built-in ring so flame reaches up the sides, and it has a wide windscreen. If you want a finished station with a shelf and a lid, choose the Concord Vortex stainless wok range. If you are starting from nothing, the Eastman Outdoors wok kit pairs a 65,000 BTU burner with a 22-inch carbon steel wok and tools. Indoors, the only true wok hob here is the Vollrath induction wok range, and it needs a 208–240-volt outlet.
The table compares the five wok burners we would point most cooks toward. All seven are reviewed in full after it.
Five wok burners side by side
One pick for each kind of cook, with heat output and wok support as each maker or listing gives them.
| Wok burner | Best for | Heat output | How the wok sits | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Concord 16-inch Stronghold Drop-In Wok BurnerBest overall
|
Serious stir-frying outdoors | Up to 270,000 BTU | Drop-in ring, 11-inch woks and wider | View on Amazon |
Concord Vortex Stainless Wok RangeBest wok station
|
An outdoor kitchen or food truck | Not stated; four angled brass nozzles | Enamel-coated wok mount on top | View on Amazon |
Eastman Outdoors Outdoor Gourmet 22-inch Wok KitBest complete kit
|
Starting with no burner and no wok | 65,000 BTU (Big Kahuna burner) | Burner rack; 22-inch wok included | View on Amazon |
Bayou Classic SS1 Stainless Jet CookerBest in the wind
|
Breezy yards, woks and big pots | 106,000 BTU (listing) | 16-inch round top; no ring stated | View on Amazon |
Vollrath Countertop Induction Wok RangeBest indoor
|
Wok cooking indoors, no flame | 3,000–3,500 W at 208–240 V | Curved induction well; 14-inch wok | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Heat output, regulators and sizes are as stated by each maker or Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best wok burner, reviewed
Every burner below lists the same eight specifications. Where a maker does not give a figure, we say so rather than guess. All six propane models are outdoor appliances; the Vollrath is the only one meant for indoor use.
1. Concord 16-inch Stronghold Drop-In Wok Burner – Wok Sits Right in the Flame
Concord’s Stronghold is a banjo burner, the wide, flat cast iron burner head used for crawfish boils and home brewing, set in a 16-inch powder-coated steel stand. What makes this version a wok burner is what Concord calls the Drop In Wok Edition: a custom ring built into the top that lets an 11-inch or wider round wok sit down inside the burner rather than on top of a flat grate. Concord says that lets flame wrap 360 degrees around the wok, which is the whole point of wok cooking over a big fire.
The listing rates it at up to 270,000 BTU, the highest figure in this guide, and Concord places it in its professional series for food trucks and street vendors. A built-in, extra-wide windscreen surrounds the burner to keep the flame steady in wind, and Concord includes heat-resistant gloves for high-flame cooking. The stand is 16 inches wide and 16 inches tall, and the listing gives the weight as 29 pounds.
A burner this strong needs a cook who stays with it. Start with the flame low, load the wok in small batches, and turn the valve up only when the food is moving. The listing does not say which regulator comes with it or give a warranty, so ask the seller before you buy if either matters to you.
Why we like it
- Up to 270,000 BTU, per the listing
- Drop-in ring for 11-inch and wider woks
- Built-in wide windscreen
- Heat-resistant gloves included
Key specifications
| Model | Stronghold 16-inch, Drop In Wok Edition |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, outdoor use |
| Heat output | Up to 270,000 BTU |
| Regulator | Not stated |
| Wind protection | Built-in extra-wide windscreen |
| Wok support | Drop-in ring, woks 11 in and wider |
| Size | 16 x 16 in; 29 lb |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a round-bottom carbon steel wok who wants restaurant-style fire in the backyard and has room to use it safely.
Skip it if you want a stand at counter height; at 16 inches tall it sits low, so plan on a sturdy table or stand under it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most heat in this guide
- Flame reaches up the wok’s sides
- Windscreen built in
Cons
- Regulator and warranty not stated
- Low stand
- Far more fire than a beginner needs
2. Eastman Outdoors Big Kahuna Burner – Adjustable Height, Room for a 22-inch Wok
The Big Kahuna is the burner from Eastman Outdoors’ wok kit (pick 4), sold on its own for cooks who already own a wok. It is here as a separate pick for that reason: if you have a good carbon steel wok already, you do not need to buy a second one to get the burner.
Eastman rates it at 65,000 BTU. That is far less than the Concord banjo burners, but it is a lot more fire than an indoor range burner, and it is easier to control for a first outdoor wok. Its most useful feature is height: the legs adjust from 18 to 28 inches, so you can bring the wok up toward counter height and toss without stooping. A flip-top burner rack takes up to a 22-inch wok or a 36-quart pot, so it can also run a fish fry or a pot of tamales.
The listing says the burner is CSA approved and comes with a hose and a QCC1 regulator. It does not mention a windscreen, so pick a sheltered spot on a breezy day. The warranty is listed only as limited.
Why we like it
- Legs adjust from 18 to 28 inches
- Rack fits up to a 22-inch wok or 36-quart pot
- CSA approved, per the listing
- Hose and QCC1 regulator included
Key specifications
| Model | 90410 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, outdoor use |
| Heat output | 65,000 BTU |
| Regulator | QCC1 regulator and hose; pressure not stated |
| Wind protection | Not stated |
| Wok support | Flip-top rack, woks up to 22 in |
| Size | Legs adjust 18–28 in tall |
| Warranty | Limited; term not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who already owns a large wok and wants a burner at a comfortable working height with heat that is easy to manage.
Skip it if you want the most fire possible; at 65,000 BTU it is the gentlest propane burner here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Adjustable working height
- Takes very large woks
- Doubles as a pot burner
Cons
- Least heat of the propane picks
- No windscreen mentioned
- Warranty term not stated
3. Concord Vortex Stainless Wok Range – A Freestanding Outdoor Wok Station
The Vortex is the closest thing here to the wok range in a restaurant, built for outdoors. It is a freestanding cabinet of 16-gauge stainless steel, 32 inches tall, with an enamel-coated wok mount on top so the wok sits right at working height and can be tossed and flipped. Underneath there is a shelf for sauces and tools, and a stainless lid covers the burner area when you are not cooking.
The name comes from the burner. Concord says it has four brass nozzles angled so the flame spins, which it calls a vortex effect, to concentrate heat on the wok. The listing does not give a BTU figure, so you cannot compare its output directly with the banjo burners. It runs on propane only, comes with a regulator hose, and has manual ignition: there is no igniter, so you light it with a long lighter.
It is the heaviest burner in this guide at 37 pounds, and Concord gives the footprint as 17.75 inches wide by 19.75 inches deep, with the mount adding 2.5 inches of height. The warranty is one year. Stainless steel is chosen here for corrosion resistance, which matters for a station that lives outside.
Why we like it
- Wok sits at working height on a fixed mount
- 16-gauge stainless steel frame
- Lower shelf and burner lid included
- One-year warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | SS-WKS-01 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane only, outdoor use |
| Heat output | Not stated; four brass nozzles |
| Regulator | Regulator hose included; pressure not stated |
| Wind protection | Not stated |
| Wok support | Enamel-coated wok mount |
| Size | 17.75 x 19.75 x 32 in; 37 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
It suits an outdoor kitchen, a patio cook who stir-fries every week, or a small food stand that wants a permanent wok station.
Skip it if you want to know exactly how much heat you are buying; Concord gives no BTU rating, and there is no igniter.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stands at working height
- Stainless body for outdoor life
- Storage shelf and cover
Cons
- BTU rating not stated
- Manual ignition only
- Heavy and bulky
4. Eastman Outdoors Outdoor Gourmet 22-inch Wok Kit – Burner, Wok and Tools Together
If you own neither a wok burner nor a big wok, Eastman’s kit puts the whole setup in one box. It pairs the Big Kahuna propane burner from pick 2, with its adjustable legs, regulator and hose, with a 22-inch deep-dish carbon steel wok, a stainless steel wok spoon and spatula, and a 12-inch thermometer. Retailers list the burner at 65,000 BTU, the same rating as the stand-alone Big Kahuna.
A 22-inch wok is big. It is a party wok, sized for fried rice for a crowd, a big batch of fajita vegetables or a fish fry, and it will feel heavy and slow for a quick dinner for two. The thermometer helps most when you use the wok for deep frying, where holding oil at a steady temperature matters more than raw heat. The kit includes an instruction manual and a wok how-to disc.
Like any carbon steel wok, the one in this kit needs seasoning and should be dried and oiled after use. The listing gives the warranty as one year on parts and one year on labor. Retailers selling the kit mark it for outdoor use only.
Why we like it
- Burner, 22-inch wok and tools in one kit
- 12-inch thermometer for frying
- Height-adjustable burner legs
- One-year parts and labor warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 37212 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, outdoor use |
| Heat output | 65,000 BTU (retailer listings) |
| Regulator | Regulator and hose included |
| Wind protection | Not stated |
| Wok support | Burner rack; 22-in carbon steel wok included |
| Size | Adjustable legs; wok 22 in |
| Warranty | 1 year parts, 1 year labor |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook starting from scratch who wants a big outdoor wok for crowds and frying, without shopping for each piece.
Skip it if you already own a wok you like; the Big Kahuna burner alone does the same job.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Everything needed to start
- Thermometer included
- Clear warranty terms
Cons
- 22-inch wok is big for small meals
- Wok needs seasoning
- Modest heat output
5. Bayou Classic SS1 Stainless Jet Cooker – A Full Windscreen and a Steady Flame
Bayou Classic’s SS1 is a jet cooker: instead of a wide banjo head, a single high-pressure jet fires straight up into the pan. Jet burners are known for fast boiling, and Bayou Classic sells this one first for seafood boils, but the same concentrated column of flame suits a wok that you keep moving. The Amazon listing rates it at 106,000 BTU. One other retailer lists the SS1 at 60,000 BTU, so check the rating plate if the exact figure matters to you.
Its strongest point for wok cooking is wind. The listing describes 360-degree windscreen protection around the burner, the most complete wind guard among the propane picks, which matters because a gust that pushes the flame aside takes heat away from the wok at the worst moment. The frame is stainless steel, 12.5 inches tall, with a 16-inch round cooking surface that holds stockpots up to 82 quarts.
It comes with a preset 10 psi regulator and a 60-inch stainless braided hose. The listing does not mention a wok ring, so a flat-bottom wok sits most securely; for a round-bottom wok, add a sturdy wok ring. The warranty is one year.
Why we like it
- 360-degree windscreen, per the listing
- 106,000 BTU jet, per the listing
- Stainless frame and braided hose
- Also handles pots up to 82 quarts
Key specifications
| Model | SS1 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, outdoor use |
| Heat output | 106,000 BTU (listing) |
| Regulator | Preset 10 psi; 60-in braided hose |
| Wind protection | 360-degree windscreen |
| Wok support | 16-in round top; no wok ring stated |
| Size | 16 in wide; 12.5 in tall |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook in an open, breezy yard who wants one burner for flat-bottom wok cooking and the occasional crawfish or tamale pot.
Skip it if you cook in a round-bottom wok and do not want to buy a ring; nothing on the top holds one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Best wind protection here
- Stainless construction
- Doubles as a boil burner
Cons
- Retailers disagree on its BTU rating
- No wok ring
- Low frame
6. Concord Deluxe Banjo Burner, 200,000 BTU – Big Fire for Woks and Pots
Concord’s Deluxe Banjo is the plain version of pick 1: the same kind of 10-inch cast iron banjo head, rated by Concord at up to 200,000 BTU, on a 16.5-inch square stand with no wok ring. It is here for the cook who wants big fire for the wok on Saturday and for a stockpot of pozole or a crawfish boil on Sunday, because the flat top and heavy stand take both.
Concord says the stand supports up to 400 pounds, or a 200-quart pot filled with liquid, and the legs detach for storage. The burner and stand are cast iron with a high-temperature powder coating. Unlike the drop-in model, it comes with a regulator the listing describes: a CSA-certified 20 psi high-pressure regulator with hose and connector.
Without a ring, a round-bottom wok needs a wok stand or ring set on the grate, and the flame will reach the wok’s sides less than in the drop-in version. The listing does not mention a windscreen or a warranty.
Why we like it
- Up to 200,000 BTU, per Concord
- CSA-certified 20 psi regulator included
- Stand rated to 400 lb
- Legs detach for storage
Key specifications
| Model | B-4299 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane, outdoor use |
| Heat output | Up to 200,000 BTU |
| Regulator | CSA-certified 20 psi, hose included |
| Wind protection | Not stated |
| Wok support | Flat square top; no ring |
| Size | 16.5 x 16.5 x 16.5 in |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants one heavy-duty outdoor burner for both a wok and very large pots.
Skip it if wok cooking is the main job; the drop-in Stronghold holds a round wok better and adds a windscreen.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very high heat
- Regulator spelled out
- Very strong stand
Cons
- No wok ring
- No windscreen listed
- Warranty not stated
7. Vollrath Countertop Induction Wok Range – Commercial Wok Heat Indoors
You cannot use a propane burner indoors, so the indoor option has to be electric, and the induction wok ranges sold for home use top out at what a 120-volt outlet allows. Vollrath’s countertop induction wok range is a commercial unit that goes further. Vollrath rates it at 3,000 to 3,500 watts on a 208 to 240-volt circuit, drawing 14.6 amps through a NEMA 6-20P plug, so it needs the kind of outlet an electric dryer or range uses, not an ordinary kitchen socket.
The cooking surface is a curved induction well shaped for a round wok, and Vollrath lists a 14-inch carbon steel wok pan with it. Control is digital, with 100 power settings and a turbo button for immediate heat. There is no flame and no combustion exhaust, though stir-frying still makes smoke and steam, so a range hood still matters. Vollrath lists NSF and UL certification. The unit measures 17 by 20 1/8 by 8 1/4 inches and weighs 34.5 pounds.
This is restaurant equipment and it is priced like it. For most home kitchens, a 120-volt induction wok from our best wok electric guide is the practical indoor choice; the Vollrath is for a serious cook who has, or will install, a 240-volt outlet.
Why we like it
- 3,000–3,500 W, per Vollrath
- Curved well for a round wok
- 100 power settings plus turbo
- NSF and UL listed
Key specifications
| Model | 6958301 |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Electric induction, 208–240 V, NEMA 6-20P |
| Heat output | 3,000–3,500 W |
| Regulator | None (100 digital power settings) |
| Wind protection | Not needed indoors |
| Wok support | Curved induction well; 14-in carbon steel wok |
| Size | 17 x 20 1/8 x 8 1/4 in; 34.5 lb |
| Warranty | Not stated on product page |
Why we recommend it
It suits a home cook who wants real wok power indoors and already has a 240-volt circuit and a good hood over the counter.
Skip it if you only have standard 120-volt outlets; it will not plug in.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No flame or propane indoors
- Fine digital control
- Commercial certifications
Cons
- Needs a 208–240 V outlet
- Commercial price
- Works only with induction-ready woks
Safety first: propane wok burners belong outside
Every propane burner in this guide is an outdoor appliance. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s carbon monoxide guidance is direct: “Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.” Its gas grill safety sheet, the closest CPSC guidance for an LP gas cooker like these, says to use the grill at least 10 feet from your house or any building, and never in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that will burn. A high-output burner makes carbon monoxide and a lot of open flame, so treat it the way you would a turkey fryer: on a level, non-flammable surface, in the open, well clear of the house, with no one leaning over it when you light it.
A few habits help. The same CPSC sheet says to check for leaks whenever you reconnect the propane tank: brush a solution of equal parts water and liquid detergent on the connections, and if bubbles appear, there is a leak. Light the burner on low and turn it up once it is burning steadily. Keep children and pets away, and keep the tank as far from the flame as the hose allows. When we searched cpsc.gov in October 2026, we found no recall listed for Concord, Eastman Outdoors, Bayou Classic or Vollrath, but check cpsc.gov yourself before you buy, since recalls are added as they happen.
How to choose a wok burner
1. Heat output, in BTU or watts
BTU is the rating for gas burners: how much fuel the burner can turn into heat each hour. The picks here run from 65,000 BTU (Eastman) to 270,000 BTU (Concord’s drop-in), all far beyond a home range burner. More is not automatically better. A beginner will burn food on a 270,000 BTU banjo before learning to use it; a cook feeding a crowd from a 22-inch wok needs the extra recovery. Induction is rated in watts, and the Vollrath’s 3,000 to 3,500 watts is close to double the 1,800 watts of the strongest 120-volt induction wok in our electric wok guide.
2. Regulator and pressure
High-output burners run on high-pressure regulators, and the regulator caps how much gas reaches the burner. Concord’s Deluxe Banjo lists a 20 psi regulator, Bayou Classic’s SS1 a preset 10 psi regulator, and Eastman uses a QCC1 regulator with no pressure stated. Two of the listings, including the Concord drop-in, do not say what regulator ships with them, so ask the seller before you buy.
3. Wind guard
Outdoors, wind is the enemy of wok heat. A gust pushes the flame out from under the wok and the temperature falls. The Bayou Classic’s 360-degree windscreen and the Concord drop-in’s built-in windscreen are real advantages; the other burners do not list one, so cook in a sheltered corner.
4. Wok ring or flat top
Round-bottom woks, the traditional shape, need something to hold them. The Concord drop-in has a ring built into the burner and the Vortex has a fixed wok mount. Flat-topped burners like the Bayou Classic and the Deluxe Banjo suit flat-bottom woks, or need a separate wok ring for round ones.
5. Working height
Tossing a wok means lifting it, so height matters. The Vortex puts the wok at about counter height, and the Eastman’s legs adjust from 18 to 28 inches. The banjo and jet burners sit low, so plan to set them on a sturdy, non-flammable stand.
6. Indoors or out
If you need to cook inside, the choice is induction. Propane is outdoor only, with no exceptions in this guide. A 240-volt induction wok range like the Vollrath gives the most indoor power; a 120-volt induction wok is the realistic option for most kitchens.
How we chose these seven wok burners
We started from what a kitchen wants under a wok: enough heat to keep food searing when it goes in, a flame that reaches the sides of the pan, protection from wind and a safe, steady way to hold the wok. We searched Amazon for outdoor propane wok burners, banjo and jet cookers, wok stations and induction wok ranges sold in the United States, checked stock for each with Amazon’s product data, and kept only in-stock models from identifiable makers. Camp Chef’s single-burner stove was not in stock, and the Gas One and King Kooker high-pressure burners we found were low on stock, so none of them appear. We left out a 23-tip jet burner from a brand we could not identify and plug-in induction woks already covered in our electric wok guide. Specifications come from Vollrath’s product page and from the Amazon listings for the propane burners, with retailer listings used where noted; where none gave a figure, we wrote “Not stated.” Safety guidance comes from the CPSC. We have not cooked on these burners for this guide.
Wok burner questions, answered
What is the best wok burner for home use?
For a backyard, the Concord 16-inch Stronghold drop-in wok burner: up to 270,000 BTU, a ring that holds the wok in the flame, and a windscreen. If you are new to outdoor wok cooking, the Eastman Big Kahuna’s 65,000 BTU and adjustable legs are easier to manage. For indoor cooking, use induction, not propane.
Can I use a propane wok burner indoors or in the garage?
No. The CPSC says never to use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent, because of carbon monoxide. Every propane burner in this guide is an outdoor appliance.
How many BTUs do I need for a wok?
Makers do not publish a single answer. The burners here start at 65,000 BTU, which is already far above a home stove, and go up to 270,000 BTU. Choose by how much food you cook at once: a family meal does well at the lower end, a 22-inch wok of fried rice for a party benefits from more.
Do I need a wok ring?
For a round-bottom wok on a flat burner, yes. The Concord drop-in and Vortex hold the wok themselves; the Bayou Classic and Concord Deluxe Banjo have flat tops, so use a flat-bottom wok or add a ring.
Is an induction wok burner as good as gas?
A 240-volt commercial unit like the Vollrath comes closest. It heats the wok through a curved well rather than surrounding it with flame, so the feel is different, but it is the only way here to cook with serious wok heat indoors.
Our final pick for wok fire
Buy the Concord 16-inch Stronghold drop-in if you want the most heat and a wok that sits in the flame. Choose the Eastman Big Kahuna for an adjustable, easier burner for a wok you already own, the Concord Vortex for a permanent outdoor station, the Eastman kit to start from nothing, the Bayou Classic SS1 for a windy yard, the Concord Deluxe Banjo for woks and big pots, and the Vollrath if you need commercial wok power indoors.
A burner is only half of the setup; to choose the pan, start with our guide to the best wok, and for a pan that handles high heat on the stove too, see the best carbon steel pan. If the backyard is where you like to cook, the best outdoor griddle is the flat-top partner to a wok burner, and the high-heat techniques behind fajitas and stir-fries are in our guide to Mexican cooking methods. Or let someone else stand over the flame: see the menu or call to order.