RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Wok 32cm: Induction FAQ
By RACO Australia | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Product Reviews
Straight answers on using the RACO SmartStart 32cm stainless steel wok on induction, including lid use, seasoning questions, and everyday care.
Quick answer
The RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Induction Covered Wok 32cm is designed for induction cooktops and comes with a lid for covered cooking. Use it as you would any stainless steel wok, but rely on the impact-bonded base for even heat rather than trying to season it like carbon steel.
Why induction changes wok cooking
Induction responds quickly to setting changes, so the wok's impact-bonded base is doing the heavy lifting for heat spread. That means you can start on a moderate setting and adjust down rather than blasting the pan and waiting for it to settle. The stainless steel exterior is built for everyday family cooking, but it won't develop a nonstick patina the way carbon steel does, so expect to use enough oil and to deglaze when food sticks.
The lid is not an afterthought
A covered wok for induction cooktops is useful for steaming, simmering, and finishing dishes that need trapped heat. Because the 32cm size is wider than many home induction zones, check that your cooktop's marked ring sits under the flat base rather than the curved walls. If your induction zone is smaller, the outer edge of the wok will be less responsive, so keep the bulk of the food toward the centre.
Induction wok FAQ
- Does this wok work on all induction cooktops?
- Yes, it is induction-suitable. However, the 32cm base may be wider than a small induction zone, so centre the wok over the marked ring and use a moderate setting to avoid hot spots near the edge.
- Do I need to season the stainless steel wok?
- No. Stainless steel does not season like carbon steel. Instead, preheat gently, add oil, and let the pan come to temperature before adding food. Sticking usually means the pan or oil was not hot enough, not that it needs seasoning.
- Can I use metal utensils in it?
- Yes, stainless steel is durable enough for metal utensils, but avoid scraping hard with sharp edges that could scratch the polished exterior. Wood or silicone is gentler if you want to keep the finish looking new.
- How should I clean the covered wok?
- Let it cool, then wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. For stuck food, simmer a little water in the wok to loosen it rather than scrubbing aggressively. Dry immediately to prevent water marks on the stainless steel.
- Is the lid oven-safe?
- The supplied catalog facts do not state oven-safety for the lid or the wok, so treat the lid as stovetop-only unless you confirm otherwise with the manufacturer. The wok itself is intended for cooktop use.
Product facts
- RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Induction Covered Wok 32cm: Impact-bonded base for fast, even heat. On induction, that base is what transfers the magnetic field to the food, so a flat, seated contact matters more than high heat.
RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Induction Covered Wok 32cm - RACO SmartStart Stainless Steel Induction Covered Wok 32cm: High-polished stainless steel exterior. It looks smart on the table, but it will show water spots and fingerprints, so dry it promptly if that bothers you.
