The Best Carbon Steel Pan: Cooking is a fun and enjoyable task, it requires many essential cooking utensils. Among them, carbon steel pans are the preferable stuff of many professional chefs.
They use the best carbon steel pan due to their durability, versatility, ease of maintenance and use, and high performance. These kitchen utensils are ideal for sautéing and deep-frying because they provide even heat distribution and retention.
But the problem is all pans don’t offer such benefits. Some skillets come with faulty functionalities, and most of them feature toxic chemicals. As a result, people who use such pans need to face troubles and end up preparing unhealthy dishes.
That’s why experts always use the best carbon steel pan, and they don’t allow anything that can ruin their meals. If you are also aware of your meals and want to follow the expert’s recommendation, then you may continue reading the article of the top ten carbon steel pan thoroughly.
Quick Answer – Top 10 Best Carbon Steel Pan
| 1. De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan |
| 2. Matfer Bourgeat 062004 Black Steel Round Frying Pan |
| 3. Lodge CRS10 Carbon Steel Skillet |
| 4. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Pow Wok – 731W88 |
| 5. Garcima C-15RED 15-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan |
| 6. Mauviel 3651.2 M’Steel, carbon, nonstick fry pan |
| 7. MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Omelet-pan |
| 8. Paderno A4171424 Heavy-Duty, Polished Frying Pan |
| 9. DeBuyer Carbon Steel Frying Pan 12-1/2″ Diameter |
| 10. MINERAL B Round Country Chef Carbon Steel Fry Pan |
1. De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan
De Buyer has been producing eco-friendly fry pans over decades. The manufacturer always comes with kitchen stuff that meets the requirements of the most professional chefs around the world. That means you can rely on its quality and may check the features of the De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan.
The fry pan is made from 99-percent pure iron; for that, the pan can reach high temperature quickly and lets you sear, brown, and grill foods perfectly. Also, the steel fry pan features a protective beeswax finish, which was discovered by the De Buyer, it protects the pan against oxidation and assists in seasoning.
Plus, this finish helps the pan to become nonstick naturally. The best fact regarding this pan is it is coating-free, which means it doesn’t contain any added chemicals like PFOA or PTFE. Another remarkable feature of this De Buyer steel fry pan is it has two handles.
Both are riveted thoroughly and won’t loosen over time. These handles offer excellent grip and allow easy maneuvering of the pan. Overall, the De Buyer Mineral B Steel Fry Pan can be a real workhorse in your kitchen.
Key Features
| 2.5 – 3 mm thick Induction ready Ergonomic handle PTFE & PFOA Free 100% Natural Beeswax finish |
2. Matfer Bourgeat 062004 Black Steel Round Frying Pan
The Matfer Bourgeat is designed to provide you the versatility for cooking various meals. The frying pan distributes heat excellently and lets you cook to perfection. So, you may check its other essential features if you want to enjoy cooking dishes.
The Fry Pan is made from heavy-duty steel, so it ensures optimum longevity of the pan. Besides, this pan provides even heat conduction for browning, searing, and sautéing foods. The Matfer Bourgeat Fry Pan comes with a sturdy strip handle, which offers comfortable grip and maneuverability.
The measurement of the pan is 11-inch in diameter, and it has an 8-inch cooking surface. The manufacturer recommends users to season the bottom of the pan before cooking. Users should place the pan under hot water for a while, then clean the pan using a brush.
After that, they need to use a little amount of oil to get the pan seasoned. In this way, users can make the pan ready for frying potatoes, browning meat, sautéing veggies, etc. This fantastic steel fry pan is compatible with almost all hobs. In summary, it can be ideal for people who are looking for a pan at a decent budget.
Key Features
| 11-inch fry pan Rugged steel construction Ergonomic steel strip-handle 8-inch cooking surface Compatible with all hobs |
3. Lodge CRS10 Carbon Steel Skillet
The Lodge CRS10 is an ideal steel skillet for professional, home, and camp use. The frypan comes in pre-seasoned, and it is ready to use. With the help of this pan, you can cook your favorite meals at your comfort. For its fantastic features, many professional cooks have rated it as the best carbon steel pan available in the market.
The skillet is made of 12-gauge carbon steel. As you know, carbon steel is a high-density metal; it allows even heat conduction. It helps the pan to heat up quickly, and with that, it enables the pan to retain necessary heat for even cooking. Besides the heavy-gauge carbon steel, this pan is seasoned with soybean oil.
Hence, it lets foods slide easily. It also resists foods from sticking. The next noticeable feature of the pan is its handle, which provides a comfortable grip. The handle is conducive for both stovetop and oven cooking. In a nutshell, this carbon steel pan performs well in residential and professional kitchens. And you can also use it over any cooking sources.
Key Features
| 12-gauge carbon steel construction Pre-seasoned cooking surface Sturdy handle Prevents food from sticking Oven safe |
4. Craft Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Pow Wok – 731W88
The Craft Wok Traditional Hand Carbon Steel Pan is a high-quality cooking utensil. It can be your go-to tool for everyday cooking. The fry pan is manufactured from 15 gauge carbon steel that ensures maximum durability of the pan. The skillet is hand-hammered by professionals, and it comes with a round bottom.
For that, it allows heat to spread evenly across the bottom and sidewalls of the pan. Again, this Craft Wok Steel Pan features a wooden handle. It protects your hand from heat and provides a firm grip. Apart from the handle, this fry pan comes with a helper handle, which is also comprised of steel. It won’t burn when you stir fry over high heat.
Plus, it plays an essential role in saving space as you can hang the pan with the help of this helper handle. Overall, the Craft Wok Traditional Hand Carbon Steel Pan can be a real workhorse in your kitchen. It can bring much pleasure while preparing healthy and tasty dishes.
Key Features
| Round bottom 14-inch fry pan 15-gauge carbon steel Wooden handle Steel helper handle |
5. Garcima C-15RED 15-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan
The Garcima is widely known as Spanish Paella Pan. The pan is specially designed for cooking mouth-watering paella. So, if you want to have the experience of preparing something delicious like paella using the highest quality steel pan, then you may opt for this Garciam Carbon Steel Paella pan.
As it has a carbon steel structure, it makes sure that you can use this steel pan for years after regular use. It allows even heat conduction so that your paella won’t burn or lose its nutrition while cooking. The manufacturer of this pan uses the hammer to dimple its bottom, and so, you can comfortably sauté foods.
Like the other standard pans, it is also easy to maintain and use. The only drawback of this paella pan is you need to season it before cooking. Seasoning the pan is pretty simple; after washing and drying the pan, you need to use a little vegetable oil and rub its inside correctly, and your is ready to use.
Apart from these high-quality features, this pan includes a pamphlet, which contains two recipes, and tips for perfect paella. Lastly, the paella pan is compatible with all hobs and stovetops. Overall, it is an ideal steel pan that you can use for cooking and serving 3 to 5 people.
Key Features
| Carbon steel construction Dimpled bottom 15-inch steel pan Easy to grip handles Ideal for all hobs |
6. Mauviel 3651.2 M’Steel, carbon, nonstick fry pan
Mauviel is a renowned brand that produces impressive fry pan. All of its products are designed ergonomically and provide high performance while cooking various meals. So, the Mauviel 3651.2 M’Steel, carbon nonstick fry pan won’t disappoint users with its design and performance.
The nonstick fry pan is manufactured from thick black steel. In essence, it is a combination of carbon and steel that enhances the durability of the pan. Besides being extremely durable, this carbon steel is an excellent heat conductor, as well. It prevents high-temperature from preheating the pan for an extended period.
For that, you can sear food efficiently. The most remarkable feature of the pan is engineers have used beeswax in this pan to make it resistant to rust and allows users to save time while seasoning. Alongside the beeswax, they also give the pan riveted steel handles.
These handles offer optimal grip and easy maneuvering. So, considering all of these features, many professional chefs have rated it as the best carbon steel pan of the present time. And the manufacturer guarantees that you won’t regret after purchasing this fantastic steel pan.
Key Features
| Riveted steel handles Beeswax surface Rugged steel construction Prevents rust Lifetime guarantee |
7. MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Omelet-pan
The MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Omelet-pan comes with all the necessary features that you need to cook healthy and delicious dishes. It is built from pure iron, and it is entirely natural. The Steel Pan doesn’t contain any external additives, such as PTFE and PFOA, which means it assures safe usage.
Besides featuring high-quality iron, this round pan comes with a beeswax finish, which prevents rust and facilitates seasoning. Once you season the pan, the season gets better over time. The most significant feature of the pan is its handle, which is designed ergonomically. It has been riveted thoroughly to render out the highest quality.
These rivets will expand and contract steel at the same rate as the pan while the handle provides a comfortable grip. Also, its curved design makes the handle easy to hold and maneuver the pan during sautéing, stirring and flipping. Overall, it can deliver users high-performance every time they cook.
Key Features
| Natural nonstick properties Iron coated with beeswax Protective finish against oxidation 2.5 – 3 mm thick Oven safe |
8. Paderno A4171424 Heavy-Duty, Polished Frying Pan
The Paderno A4171424 Frying Pan is known for resisting both high and low temperatures. It is an ideal skillet that works on different heat sources. Let’s check out its other essential features.
The frying pan is made from rugged carbon steel. The steel is thick and assures optimal durability. For its thickness, it can endure high temperatures. The diameter of the pan is 9 ½ inch, and its weight is around 2.65 pounds. The dimension of this frying pan is 19 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches.
That means, it is a medium-sized pan, and it allows you to cook for two to four people. The Paderno A4171424 steel pan has a flat bottom, which is compatible with all cooking stoves, including induction stove, as well. Besides all these features, the pan comes with a riveted handle, which offers a more natural grip and easy maneuvering the pan.
The only drawback of this steel pan is it doesn’t come in pre-seasoned. Although it isn’t pre-seasoned, it is polished carefully. In summary, it can help you make various meals at your comfort in the home or outdoor.
Key Features
| 9 ½ inch diameter 19 x 9.5 x 1.5 inches dimension Polished cooking surface Riveted handle Induction safe |
9. DeBuyer Carbon Steel Frying Pan 12-1/2″ Diameter
The DeBuyer Carbon Steel Fry Pan comes with elegant quality features. You can add this pan to your kitchen arsenal and prepare various delicacies. DeBuyer manufactures the steel pan with skill and utmost care. For that, it becomes the top priority of most chefs and is considered as the best carbon steel pan.
The DeBuyer Fry Pan is constructed from heavy-duty iron. It offers excellent heat diffusion. As a result, it becomes convenient for browning, searing, and grilling. The fry pan heats up quickly and retains heat evenly. Not only that, but it can also resist high temperatures.
As a consequence, you get food that is properly caramelized. The next noticeable feature of this pan is its natural nonstick properties. They help the pan to get better when you use it regularly. Also, these nonstick properties aid in preventing foods from sticking.
Lastly, like the other standard fry pans, this one also comes with a riveted iron handle. The manufacturer has given the handle a French-style curvature, so it provides an ergonomic grip and allows you to handle the pan easily. In a nutshell, you may use this pan for cooking meals on various cooktops.
Key Features
| Heavy-duty iron construction Riveted handle 12-1/2-inch diameter Withstand high temperature Induction safe |
10. MINERAL B Round Country Chef Carbon Steel Fry Pan
The Mineral B Round is the last but not least, fry pan on our list. It is a high-quality pan, which most professionals keep in their cooking arsenal. If you are a cooking enthusiast and like to use fantastic cookware, then you may give it a try.
The Mineral B Round Country Steel Fry Pan is designed round so that it can accommodate a lot of foods to get cooked. The pan provides adequate space so that you can prepare meals for your family or a large group of people.
The steel pan comes with beeswax coating, which prevents oxidation and assures excellent caramelization of foods. Besides the layer, this fry pan features high edges that aid in avoiding projections while cooking. The manufacturer of this fry pan has given it two riveted handles.
They offer a secure grip and comfortable maneuvering. These handles help you in lifting the round pan from the stove to the cooking table. Overall, the Mineral B Round Country Fry Pan is perfect for deep-frying, stir-frying, and simmering big meals.
Key Features
| Carbon steel structure Two riveted handles Beeswax coating 11-inch diameter Round design |
Buying Guide
The carbon steel pan is an essential cooking item that can help you make your favorite dishes. But all pans won’t allow you to prepare foods comfortably; instead, some pans can be a reason for your lousy cooking result.
Thus, you need to choose and use the best carbon steel pan to make your cooking more enjoyable and efficient. In this guide, we have revealed the method of how to select the best pan after checking key features. So, let’s begin.
Size
The size is an essential feature of all fry pans. While selecting the pan size, you need to keep in mind that you will cook for how many people. If you cook for a large group of people, then you should buy a pan which size ranges from 8 to 12 inches.
On the contrary, a pan about a 6-inch size can handle meals for three to four people. However, you need to consider the wall height of your pan, as well. Because it plays a crucial role in accommodating a lot of content.
Thickness
Thickness is also a necessary factor that you need to consider while purchasing a carbon steel pan. The width of the bottom can make a huge difference when you cook. So, if you tend to cook for an extended period, you should choose a pan, which features at least 2.5mm thickness.
Material
Like a cooking expert, you need to check the material of your cookware even though you know that it is a carbon steel pan. Because many manufacturers coat their carbon steel pans with other materials. So, you need to make sure that your pan doesn’t contain any harmful additives.
Pre-seasoned
If your carbon steel pan comes in pre-seasoned, then it will give you relief from seasoning the pan again and again before you cook. That means it can reduce the time that you need for cooking. So, we recommend you to choose a frying pan that includes a pre-seasoned feature.
Handle
The handle is another significant feature of a carbon steel pan that you should inspect properly. We recommend you to make sure that the pan’s handle should provide a comfortable grip and offer comfort while maneuvering. If you choose a larger fry pan, you need to ensure that it features the helper handle. On the other hand, when you use a small fry pan, the single handle will work well.
Compatibility
As carbon is a metal, it is compatible with all stovetops. But all carbon steel pans aren’t suitable for all heat sources. Thus, you need to assure that your pan suits all heat sources, including oven and induction as well. And to ensure that, you need to check whether your pan features a flat base and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or not.
Warranty
Warranty is the last fact that you need to take in your consideration while purchasing a carbon steel pan. If your pan features a lifetime warranty, that it ensures high-quality and offers high performance over years of regular use. So, make sure your carbon steel pan comes with a warranty.
Conclusion
Carbon steel pans are necessary equipment. They are durable, and with the care, they can last over the years. They heat up quickly and evenly; also, they can retain heat for an extended period. With all the benefits, it is clear that this kitchen utensil is the best choice for your kitchen.
All steel pans don’t provide users such benefits, though. Hence, you need to use the best carbon steel pan to get the most out of it. Without the best one, you may face up with difficulties while cooking, and even it can ruin your favorite dish.
So, you shouldn’t avoid those features mentioned above while looking for a carbon steel pan. However, if you are struggling to find and choose one, then you may pick one pan from the list of the top ten carbon steel pans as all of them come with high-quality features and have a low price tag.