Matfer Bourgeat 062005 Frying pan, Steel, Gray

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And it is. Mostly because it's just so beautiful. It's all hand made, and you get three choices of handle design. And that gorgeous color...well, you can see what we mean.

Carbon Steel Pans - the rational kitchen The Best Carbon Steel Pans - the rational kitchen

Bottom line—carbon steel cookware can handle the heat, and won’t get damaged if you leave it in a hot oven or on the stove for a little too long. Pro: Heats Up Fast Every pan is a little different, so I recommend following the manufacturers’ instructions on seasoning.

The thinner walls also mean, though, that carbon steel doesn't have quite the heat retention of cast iron. But it's still pretty good--better than aluminum (coated or bare) and most clad stainless steel.

Matfer Carbon Steel Pan: Seasoning, Cooking UPDATED MODEL Matfer Carbon Steel Pan: Seasoning, Cooking

Because multi-clad stainless steel pans have a core layer of aluminum, which is highly conductive, spreading heat fast and evenly. As carbon steel skillets gain popularity among home cooks, more design options are becoming available. Made In's carbon steel skillet is shaped more like a traditional home skillet but has a flatter handle than their stainless steel pieces. The sides angle up from the bottom like traditional carbon steel, but the angle is a little gentler. (It's a nice pan, but it's overpriced). So, despite its versatility, you need to avoid cooking tomatoes, wine sauces, dishes that call for lots of lemon juice, and other acidic foods. Leave the pan and let cool completely. Use a paper towel to remove any remaining grease or lard that has not been absorbed by the pan. That’s not saying that finding carbon steel cookware is impossible, but it’s not as common, and there aren’t as many options as there are with other materials.Although this type of cookware is more common in restaurants than home kitchens, you don’t need to be a professional chef to qualify for carbon steel. Carbon steel pans are super durable and tough, which means they can also be on the heavy side. When shopping for one, keep in mind that these can be more cumbersome than your standard frying pan. If using heavy cookware is an issue for you, make sure to look for a pan that has an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to maneuver. Great heat retention:Like cast iron, carbon steel heats slowly and unevenly, but once heated through, it retains heat well. If you pre-heat carbon steel enough before use, it makes an excellent all-purpose skillet.

Top 6 Best Carbon Steel Pans For The Money 2023 Reviews Top 6 Best Carbon Steel Pans For The Money 2023 Reviews

Fortunately, carbon steel is a ferromagnetic material, which makes it compatible with induction cooktops. Traditional carbon steel skillets also have wider, shallower sides than many other types of skillets, so they're not great for deep frying (because the oil will spill and splatter easily, making it a not-very-safe option) or baking (because batter can spill over the sides). However, you can now find some brands with higher, steeper sides (such as the Northwest Skillet Company pan we review below). In that case, deep frying is safe, although cast iron is the better choice because of its higher heat retention.No matter what kind of heat source you’re using—stove, grill, broiler, oven, or even a campfire—carbon steel cookware is adaptable. If you only have the space for a few pots and pans, you want something that you can use for all sorts of recipes. This superior heat tolerance is why most high-volume restaurants keep an array of carbon steel pans on hand. Chefs can leave them on the burners for extended periods without worry. Carbon steel, with it’s lower carbon content, is more malleable (bendable) than cast iron, which is why it can be manufactured with thin, lightweight walls.