Carbon Steel Wok, 12"
Responsive carbon steel for fast, high-heat stir-fries.
Responsive carbon steel for fast, high-heat stir-fries.
- Powerful high-heat searing
- Lighter than cast iron
- Improves with every use
- Works on all stovetops, including induction
Which size is right?
| 12" | The standard home-range wok: stir-fries for 2–4 with room to toss. |
Free U.S. shipping · 45-day returns · 10-year warranty
Materials & Compatibility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooking Surface | Uncoated carbon steel that develops natural seasoning |
| Coating Type | No synthetic nonstick coating |
| Made Without | PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium |
| Body Material | Carbon steel for responsive heating and high-temperature |
| Surface Development | Darkening, color variation and patina are normal signs |
| Cooktop Compatibility | Gas, electric, ceramic, halogen and induction |
| Oven Safe | No |
| Acidic Ingredients | Avoid prolonged cooking with tomato, citrus or wine |
| Recommended Utensils | Silicone, nylon, wood or metal |
| Seasoning Required | Yes. Regular seasoning improves food release and helps protect against rust |
Safety & Testing
Bare carbon steel — a natural cooking surface with no synthetic coating:
- PFAS
- PFOA
- PTFE
- Coatings
Just steel and a natural seasoning you build with oil — tested to EU food-contact standards.
Third-party tested for safety:
Tested by TÜV Rheinland 638-substance panel Report numbers, dates & PDFs publishedCare & Cleaning
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
- Shipping: Free on orders $99+. Ships within 24 business hours of ordering. Standard delivery 2–7 days.
- 45-Day Returns: We accept returns and exchanges for up to 45 days on the majority of our items within the contiguous US. Learn more about our returns policy.
- Warranty: This piece is backed by Alva’s 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Full details in our warranty policy.
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Recognized & Featured By
Why Carbon Steel
Gets better every time you cook.
Carbon steel combines powerful high-heat performance with a seasoned surface that develops better natural release through regular use.
High-heat searing
Build crisp edges and deep crusts on proteins and vegetables.
A patina that improves
Cooking and seasoning gradually create a slicker surface.
Responsive control
Heats and adjusts faster than heavy cast iron.
Easier to handle
Noticeably lighter in the hand than traditional cast iron.
PROOF, NOT PROMISES
CARBON STEEL
Bare carbon steel—with nothing hiding beneath the surface.
Responsive carbon steel handles serious heat and develops a natural patina as you cook. There is no synthetic nonstick coating—just steel, oil and a surface that improves with proper care.
View materials & published testing0
SYNTHETIC COATINGS
No PFAS or PTFE by design.
High heat
SEARING PERFORMANCE
Built for crisp edges and deeply browned flavor.
Every cook
BUILDS THE PATINA
Regular seasoning gradually improves natural food release.
Cast-iron results with quicker response
Chef heat, half the weight of cast iron — and it gets better with every cook.
| Alva | Cast Iron | Coated Nonstick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight & handling | ✓ Half the weight of cast iron | ✗ Heavy | ✓ Light |
| High-heat searing | ✓ Fast, screaming-hot sears | ✓ Excellent, slow to heat | ✗ Coating limits heat |
| Cooking surface | ✓ Patina improves with use | ~ Needs regular seasoning | ✗ Coating wears out |
| Lifespan | ✓ 10-Year Warranty | ✓ Generations, with care | ✗ 1–2 years typical |
| Chemical safety | ✓ Bare steel — no coatings, no PFAS | ✓ Bare iron | ~ Depends on coating |
| All stovetops + induction | ✓ Yes, incl. open flame | ✓ Yes | ~ Varies |
Everything You Need to Know
Questions before you cook?
Short, honest answers to the questions that decide whether this is the right piece for your kitchen.
Will this work on my induction cooktop?
Can I get real wok hei at home?
How is this different from the Forest Frying Pan?
Thoughtful cookware, designed in Belgium since 1949.