What better way to up your cooking game than to use a carbon steel pan? These pans are very similar to cast iron pans but it is just that they have less quantity of carbon. This composition of theirs makes them more durable than the cast iron pan.
You can use these pans for searing, frying, sauteing, and broiling and they normally work on more than one type of cooktop. You need to pay attention by washing most of them by hand but otherwise, they work just fine.
Features to look for in a carbon steel pan
Before making a purchase one should know everything about the product they are buying, but this can be a little tricky with kitchen appliances. Here are some features to remember in a carbon steel pan:
- The handle should be very firmly attached and have a good grip. It is preferred if the handle is riveted in which is true for most cases. This is the part that will support your cooking so a solid one is necessary.
- Its non-stick capability is very important to consider as well. If your food keeps on sticking on your pan whilst you are cooking, it ruins the entire cooking process. Some pans come pre-seared but for others, you are supposed to season them yourself.
- Do check out if the iron pan is dishwasher and oven safe. A lot of pans are specifically designed to be cleaned by hands so keep an eye on those. Most of the iron skillets are oven safe but it is safe to check them beforehand.
- Another thing to check is the cooktop compatibility. Not all pans are designed to be compatible with all cooktop types. Make sure to check if they are compatible with your cooktop but it is even better if they are compatible with more than one type. This way they are usable even if you move or renovate your kitchen.
How to season a cast iron pan?
The point of seasoning a pan is to prevent it from rusting and improve its non-stick property. A cast-iron pan is very porous and can rust easily. This is why it needs a layer of seasoning. Seasoning is done when you burn oil over a point and it carbonizes. This oil forms a plastic coating that prevents heat-responsive food from sticking to its base and from collecting rust.
- Clean the pan completely with soap and water.
- Dry out the pan completely with both a dry towel and heat.
- Use 1 tablespoon of oil and buff it evenly over the pan surface. Keep buffing until it no longer looks greasy.
- Preheat your oven, slide your pan into the oven and bake it for like an hour or so (as mentioned in the instructions).
- Carefully remove it after fifteen minutes and let it cool down. This process may darken your pan surface but that is completely normal.
TOP 10 CARBON STEEL PANS
1)Delihom Carbon Steel Frying Pan
| Brand | Delihom |
| Material | Carbon steel |
| Dimension | 12 inch |
| Weight | 1.57 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- The Delihom carbon steel skillet is made without PTFE or PFOA and has no chemicals added.
- This pan has been made to undergo nitriding treatment. This is done to protect the pan against oxidation and assist in seasoning.
- This nitriding treatment gives this pan’s surface a grey color and makes it resistant to temperature up to 600F.
- This pan is not only heavy-duty but also has an extra-long ergonomic handle that provides you with a comfortable grip and balance.
- This skillet has been seasoned beforehand using medium heat. It increases its life and makes it more non-stick every time you use it.
- This pan is compatible with different cooking tops like induction, use on gas, electric, induction stovetops, outdoor grills, or open fire.
Point to remember:
This pan does not come with its handle attached. The parcel contains the pan, screws, and its handle which you will have to attach afterward.
2)De Buyer Mineral B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan
| Brand | De Buyer |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Dimension | 9.5 inch |
| Weight | 1.39 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes (up to 20 mins at 400F) |
- This iron cast pan is made up of carbon steel and is PTFE and PFOA-free. It has a build that can last a lifetime.
- The rivets on this pan are made of carbon steel just like the pan and have been hand riveted, which makes them completely firm.
- This skillet comes with a 100% natural beeswax finish that becomes naturally non-stick which is extremely easy to clean.
- This frying pan once reaches a high temperature and quickly sears food, it helps the food preserve its nutrients and vitamins.
- It is seasoned, and by that we mean the more you use it the more non-stick it will become.
- It has a great curved handle with an ergonomic grip which helps in sauteing, stirring, and flipping.
- This pan is also suitable for all cooktops like a gas stove, electric, and induction.
Point to remember:
This pan is narrower at the bottom than on the edges. The edges are 9.5 inches but the base is just 7 inches.
3)Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Black Frying Pan
| Brand | Merten & Storck |
| Material | Carbon steel |
| Dimension | 12 inch |
| Weight | 1.56 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- This light in weight and quick heating carbon pan is a great option for cooking and has a non-stick coating.
- This Merten and Storck skillet is pre-seasoned. The pan becomes more non-stick the more you cook with it.
- Using the pan the correct way is very important. This pan is oven safe for up to 600F and can be washed with hands only.
- This carbon steel pan comes with a triple-riveted steel handle. This handle is firm and provides you with a sturdy grip.
- This pan is suitable for all sorts of cooktops like a gas stove, electric heating coil, induction, etc.
Point to remember:
This pan comes with a protective silicone coating. Remember to wash it properly by hand before using it.
4)Mauviel M’Steel, Carbon, nonstick Fry pan
| Brand | Merten & Storck |
| Material | Carbon steel |
| Dimension | 12 inch |
| Weight | 1.56 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- This carbon steel skillet is made of extra-thick black steel and is crafted specially in France.
- This pan exhibits high performance and is durable enough to withstand high temperature which allows its user to preheat it longer than usual.
- This pan has excellent searing capabilities and helps you cook food without any inconsistencies.
- You will have to season this pan as mentioned in the instructions before using it. Afterward, the more you cook with it the more non-stick it becomes and darkens over time.
- This product can be used on all sorts of cooking surfaces like a gas stove, electrical, induction, etc.
- This product comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Point to remember:
It would be better to season the pan following the instructions found on YouTube than on the written instructions.
5)Matfer Bourgeat Frying pan
| Brand | Matfer Bourgeat |
| Material | Black carbon steel |
| Dimension | 11 ⅞ inch |
| Weight | 1.86 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- This stainless steel skillet is great for searing meats, browning omelets, grilling fish, and a wide range of foods.
- This pan has many special features. It distributes heat perfectly, controls temperature to a notch, and also helps preserve vitamins and minerals in the food.
- This skillet is made up of black carbon steel which promotes healthy cooking and is free from any sorts of dangerous chemicals or coatings and is PTFE and PFOA free.
- The material this pan is made of is naturally non-stick. Once you season this pan it becomes more non-stick with further use.
- The steel handle is welded to the pan for additional strength and durability and the rivets also prevent any sort of bacteria build-up in the wedges.
- This pan can withstand extremely high temperatures and is compatible with various hob and stove types, including induction.
Point to remember:
Try to use an oven to season the pan instead of the gas stove.
6)BK Cookware Skillet Black Carbon Steel
| Brand | BK Cookware |
| Material | Black carbon steel |
| Dimension | 10 inch |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- The BK cookware skillet is very lightweight and easy to handle. It provides excellent searing results despite the absence of extra bulk of cast iron.
- This pan is delivered to you already seasoned. By that we mean whenever you cook with it its nonsticking quality just improves.
- The black steel it is made up of is a lot stronger and durable than traditional steel. It is also corrosion and stain-resistant.
- This pan is extremely heat responsive and can be used in the oven up to 600 F and can even be used on open flame.
- This pan has a riveted cast iron handle which is very sturdy and durable. The grip is also very comfortable to use.
- This BK Cookware black carbon steel pan is compatible with all cooktops including electric coil and induction.
Point to remember:
While cooking pay attention because this pan heats up fast.
7)Lodge Manufacturing Company Carbon Steel Skillet
| Brand | Lodge |
| Material | Black carbon steel |
| Dimension | 10 and 12 inch |
| Weight | 1.95 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Oven safe | No (the handle is not oven safe) |
- This skillet is the perfect size to use at home. It is comfortable enough to handle on a stovetop and use in an oven.
- It has a silicone hot handle holder that can protect your hands up to 500 F and is also dishwasher safe.
- This pan is very common in professional kitchens and can be used to sear, saute, grill, roast, and fry.
- This carbon iron skillet is delivered to you pre-seasoned. The pan is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil.
- This pan comes in two different sizes so you do not have to worry about it not being compatible with your requirements.
- This pan works well with all sorts of cooktops. They are great for using them over a gas stove, electric, or induction.
8)Lagostina Frying Pan Set
| Brand | Lagostina |
| Material | Black carbon steel |
| Dimension | 20 and 26 cm |
| Weight | 1.45 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Oven safe | Yes (up to 350 F) |
- This set of non-stick black iron pans are designed to offer you great quality while cooking, having a good non-stick property.
- The carbon steel skillet has an interior layer that is non-stick, scratch-resistant, and allows for quick food release and clean-ups.
- You can even use this pan in the oven. You can use it to bake your food or just keep it warm. It can withstand up to 350 F.
- This pan is designed to have sloped edges which makes the process of cooking a lot easier. It especially assists in frying, searing, and sauteing.
- This frying pan has a very safe and secure handle. It is a bakelite handle that provides a secure, and comfortable grip.
- These pans are extremely light and easy to handle. They distribute heat all over very evenly and prevent the food from burning.
Point to remember:
Since the handle is attached to the pan with screws, it can loosen over time. All you need to do is to turn the pan upside down and tighten the screw again.
9)MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Omelet-pan
| Brand | De Buyer |
| Material | Black carbon steel |
| Dimension | 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.34 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- This carbon steel skillet is made up of 100% natural steel. It also has an original beeswax finish.
- While cooking, this pan becomes naturally non-stick and its composition is PFOA and PTFE free.
- This pan has a steel handle that is riveted into the base making it extremely sturdy and strong.
- The pan is 2.5-3 mm thick and is also oven safe (up to 20 mins at 400F). This pan is warp-resistant as well.
- This carbon iron pan is a great opinion for cooking. This pan heats up evenly and helps you cook without burning it.
- This pan comes with a signature handle with a french curve which is ideal for sauteing and flipping. This ergonomic handle provides you with an easy grip and handle.
Point to remember:
Remember to season it well before using it the first time. This pan is not specifically for omelets, it is just the product name.
10) Yosukata Carbon Steel Pan
| Brand | Yosukata |
| Material | Black carbon steel |
| Dimension | 10 ¼ inches |
| Weight | 1.37 kg |
| Dishwasher safe | No |
| Oven safe | Yes |
- This non-stick black carbon steel pan is made of natural and safe elements. It has no artificial coatings and no unwanted stuff goes into your food while cooking.
- These pans are light in weight and can be used for everyday cooking easily. This is a very durable product that can last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
- This plan provides you with a proper temperature to cook with. It distributed heat over the pan evenly and prevented your food from burning.
- This pan has a wooden handle which is a great part of this product. It does not heat up while cooking and protects our hands from burning.
- Do not worry about this handle hindering its use in an oven as the handle is detachable and all you need for detaching is a screwdriver.
- Under any circumstances, if you lose your handle or damage it, you can also order a replacement handle as well.
CONCLUSION
The top three pans out of the list of these top ten pans are:
Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Black Frying Pan
Lodge Manufacturing Company Carbon Steel Skillet
