Can I take off the gas deflector on my stove for cooking with a wok?

This question might be Off-Topic, due to the gas involvement, although it is equipment related, but I'll see what people think.

I have a gas stove top, and I like to cook with a wok. But the gas deflectors that are used to make the nice 'ring' of gas for flat bottoms pans mean the heat source is dissipated for my wok, and when I have worked in chinese restaurants in the past they generally have a single ruddy great flame in the middle that their woks go over.

Could I remove the deflectors and just burn the gas coming directly from the hole underneath so I got the single large flame under my wok that I'm after?

equipment wok gas

Best Answer

I've never heard of anyone trying this. I think its very unlikely though. Those gas deflectors are actually specially designed to pull in the appropriate amount of atmospheric air for a proper flame. This is why the flame you see is so blue and has very little orange.

I'd look into seeing if there is some way to get a replacement deflector that is better suited for wok cooking.

You could also do what Alton Brown does and use the bottom half of a turkey deep fryer, outside preferably, and not over any pipes or electrical wiring or gravel.

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Can I take off the gas deflector on my stove for cooking with a wok? - A Kettle over a Portable Stove

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What is the purpose of a burner cap?

Burner cap:Always keep the burner cap in place when using a surface burner. A clean burner cap will help avoid poor ignition and uneven flames.

Can you use a wok on a gas top stove?

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).

How do you convert a gas stove to a wok burner?

Using a flat-bottomed wok on an electric stove with a coil-top is incredibly simple - you can place the flat-bottomed wok directly on top of the heating coils, and it will stay securely in position, like any other flat pan or pot.

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