PowerFlamer Named Best Outdoor Wok Burner
Serious Eats recommends the PowerFlamer Outdoor Wok Burner for its power and efficiency, with the Eastman Outdoors Big Kahuna as a budget pick.
The PowerFlamer Outdoor Wok Burner is the top pick for home cooks seeking restaurant-style stir-fries, according to a review by Serious Eats. The Eastman Outdoors Big Kahuna Wok Burner is the recommended budget-friendly option.
The publication states that a standard Western home range lacks the heat output needed for proper wok cooking, leading to different flavors. To overcome this, the reviewer tested five outdoor propane burners, focusing on efficiency, safety, and the ability to impart the smoky flavor known as "wok hei."
Testing for Efficiency and Power
The reviewer began by measuring how efficiently each burner transferred heat to a wok. They filled a carbon steel wok with two liters of water and timed how long each burner took to bring it to a boil. This test revealed that most outdoor burners are not particularly efficient, with much of their energy output lost to the air.
Despite a wide range of power ratings, the two weakest burners tested proved best for wok cooking. The Powerflamer 160EI, with a 160k BTU/hr output and a dedicated heat shield, boiled the water in 45 seconds. The 65k BTU/hr Eastman Outdoors Kahuna burner took two minutes. Both were significantly more efficient than more powerful brewing-style burners.
| Burner Model | Max BTU/hr Output | Time to Boil 2L Water | Calculated Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerflamer 160EI | 160k | 45 seconds | Just under 10% |
| Eastman Outdoors Kahuna | 65k | 2 minutes | Just over 9% |
| Bayou Classic double jet | 210k | Just under 1 minute | About 5% |
| Concord Banjo / Gas One B-3600H | 200k | Not specified | About 4% |
The Search for Wok Hei
The next test involved cooking egg-fried rice to assess which burners could produce the signature smoky flavor. The technique requires tossing food up so flames can lick over the wok's edge. The reviewer found this nearly impossible on the wide, flat brewing burners, despite their high power ratings.
The flames on the Powerflamer, Bayou Classic, and Kahuna shot up higher, allowing for better contact with the food. The Powerflamer's design, with a grate that cradles a round-bottomed wok, was particularly noted for creating excellent wok hei. The Kahuna also performed well in this test.
Design and Safety Considerations
A good wok burner must also be stable, safe, and easy to use. The reviewer emphasized the need for a solid feel and a secure grate to prevent a round wok from rolling. Easy flame adjustment is critical for the rapid changes required in wok cooking.
The Powerflamer's valve is reportedly well-placed for quick adjustments. However, the Serious Eats editors note they recently found the Powerflamer tedious to assemble during a photo shoot, though they kept it as the top pick. The Eastman Kahuna is described as simpler and more straightforward.
For true restaurant-style results, the source concludes, a dedicated outdoor wok burner is the answer. The Powerflamer delivers the highest performance, while the Eastman Kahuna offers a capable and more affordable entry point.
