In the past, carbon steel pans were really only used in restaurants and other professional cooking settings. Today, however, they are widely used among home cooks and restaurant kitchens alike.
1. Lodge 10-inch Carbon Steel Skillet
This carbon steel skillet from Lodge is one of the more affordable options available. Lodge, a well-trusted kitchen accessory company, is known for its high-quality cast iron skillets. Their carbon steel options are just as great, but not as popular.
This carbon steel pan comes pre-seasoned and can distribute heat quickly and effectively. A pre-seasoned pan is hard to come by, making this product stand out among its competitors. Because the pan is ready to go at all times, it’s perfect for at-home use or even when camping outdoors.
The skillet is seasoned with a natural soybean oil coating that will improve the non-stick surface with every use. The carbon steel material will work to maintain heat levels throughout the pan, whether high or low. These features make it a convenient, effective cooking aid.
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2. Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Frying Pan
This pan can keep food’s natural flavors, vitamins, and other nutrients preserved while increasing heat to extremely high temperatures. With other pans, this can cause certain foods to be drained of their authentic taste.
This pan can be used on many different types of foods, like delicate meats, eggs, seafood, and much more. The black carbon steel material will ensure the surface of the pan is distributing heat evenly and effectively. It has a natural nonstick coating, making the pan free of any harsh chemicals and other manufactured materials.
The pan is designed with a steel handle that will increase its overall durability and strength. Because of the sturdy construction, it’s long-lasting and can be used for cooking a plethora of different dishes.
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3. Blanc Creatives 9-Inch Carbon Steel Skillet
This carbon steel skillet comes with a heavier price tag compared to other options, but it’s made completely by hand and in-house. It’s built to last for generations, while maintaining its quality and effectiveness.
It’s great when making eggs, meats, fish, or really any sort of food. The handle only contains two points of rivets, helping to slow any drastic changes in the temperature, while evenly disturbing the heat throughout the pan.
This is a smaller sized pan, meant for flipping and tossing food without the need for a spatula or other kitchen utensils.
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4. De Buyer Mineral B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan
This mineral B frying pan is made from 100% natural material; no chemicals are added to the nonstick coating. It’s an authentic product that does a great job of cooking all sorts of meals.
This pan is even handmade in the De Buyer factory located in France. Each pan is designed to withstand high-temperature settings, while properly searing foods on each and every side. It can contain heat quite well, which will be a helpful aid during the cooking process.
The high, even heat helps to preserve the natural minerals and vitamins in food. It’s a healthy method of cooking certain dishes, as you won’t have to drench the surface in a cooking spray or high-fat oil because of the natural nonstick layer.
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5. MageFesa Carbon Steel Paella Pan
This pan was specifically designed to cook paella, but it can actually be used on other food types as well. It’s made by a Spanish cookware company, who specializes in developing quality pans in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and features.
This pan, in particular, comes with either a 13-inch diameter or 9-inch diameter cooking surface. The bottom of the pan is dimpled, which allows for food to get crisper and crunchier. It even has two handles, which makes it easy to move throughout the kitchen when adding additional ingredients. This pan can simplify the overall cooking experience.
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Because of the natural, non-stick surface, this pan does an amazing job of distributing heat throughout its entire body. Even with its high-heat capabilities, the carbon steel will not get damaged or warped in any way, for a long period of time that is. It’s practically indestructible.
Additionally, a carbon steel material can be used on a variety of heat sources, from a convection stovetop to inside an oven. It’s very flexible in that respect.
It’s quite similar to cast iron, another durable cooking aid, in that both are composed of carbon and iron. The difference lies in the percentage of each material used to construct the pan. All-in-all, they’re both highly durable products that are commonly used in intense, restaurant settings.