Wok vs Plow Disc Pan - Challenge Accepted

Опубликовано: 01 Август 2026
на канале: Wobbly Otter Outdoors
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In the comments of our "2 Plow Discs Compared" video, David L. noted: "That there is pretty much an overpriced wok. Prove me wrong."

Challenge accepted. In this video we compare a wok with a plow disc pan. What do you think? Are they the same?

WOK
Generally believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty.
source: https://schoolofwok.co.uk/tips-and-re...

SPECS OF WOK IN VIDEO
Diameter: 14" (35.6 cm)
Depth: 4.4" (11.2 cm)
Weight: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
Thickness: 1.3 mm (0.05")
Metal: Carbon steel
Handle: Single wooden handle

PLOW DISC COOKING PAN
Originally made from converted plow disc blades, with the axle hole filled-in. Some are still made this way today.

The plow disc pan is also known as a discada, disco, and cowboy wok.

SPECS OF PLOW DISC IN VIDEO
Diameter: 18" (45.7 cm)
Depth: 2.2" (5.6 cm)
Weight: 11 lbs (5.3 kg)
Thickness: 3.8 mm (0.15")
Metal: Carbon steel
Handle: Two welded steel rings

PRODUCT LINKS
(When you use the links below, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting Wobbly Otter.)

Wok with wooden handle, the one in the video (Ours already has a nice dark patina. When new, it was bare metal grey in color): https://amzn.to/3LDDJ7L
All woks on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UCZjNO
Wok ring stand (seen in the video): https://amzn.to/3DNMZUQ
All wok stands on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fkWMHX
Wooden spatula (seen in video): https://amzn.to/3xPBGb1
Wok spatula, metal with wooden handle: https://amzn.to/3xOGRHW
Wok spatula and ladle set: https://amzn.to/3Sqnrkw
Plow disc cooking pan, 18" Madrid Discada: https://www.southwestdisk.com/18-madr...
Stand for plow disc pan: https://www.southwestdisk.com/discada...
Camp Chef Pro 30, single-burner propane stove with shelf: https://amzn.to/3LGn5Eo
Seasoning - 2 Gringos Chupacabra Original Fine Meat Rub, 25 oz: https://amzn.to/3LF5f4J

Check out our Amazon Influencer Page to see all the products we use, along with our personal notes about each: https://www.amazon.com/shop/wobblyott...

(As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.)

RELATED VIDEOS
Review of 22" Southwest Plow Disk (aka Discada):    • Southwest Disk Review | 22" Carbon Steel P...  
Tembo Tusk Skottle vs Southwest Disk (plow disc pans compared):    • Skottle vs Southwest Disk - 2 Plow Disc Co...  

THOUGHTS
I think the two pan types are considerably different. The biggest difference is the high sides of the wok. Because of its depth, the wok is beautifully designed for stirfry cooking, frying and cooking meals with a lot of fluid.

The plow disc pan is a nice general purpose pan because of its gently sloped sides. It isn't as good for cooking meals containing a lot of liquid.

With respect to the two pans in the video, the plow disc pan is quite a bit thicker and so takes longer to heat and to cool down. Both pans can develop a seasoning over time that becomes increasingly non-stick in nature.

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