High-quality cookware forms the backbone of our cooking routine. Weโre not talking about high-tech blenders or smart ovens: rather, weโre talking about solid, versatile, and built-to-last pieces that you donโt need a manual to use.
One prime example is the carbon steel pan. In this post, weโll explain exactly why carbon steel makes for such an excellent frying panโand why itโs worth a spot in your cupboard.
Why Is Carbon Steel the Best Choice for Your Kitchen?
Carbon steel cookware offers many of the benefits of your favorite cast iron skillet, but in a less bulky package that weighs just slightly more than stainless steel. From its excellent heat control to its versatile design, here are some of carbon steelโs biggest selling points.
Superior Heat Conductivity
Because of its excellent heat retention and non stick properties, carbon steel cookware is often compared to cast iron. Yet the two differ in a couple of key ways:
- First, while cast iron might fare slightly better in terms of heat retention, carbon steel is much more responsive. This means that carbon steel is quicker to heat up, and also means you can quickly cut the heat to avoid overcooking your steak or burning your butter.
- Second, carbon steel distributes heat better than cast iron, making for better sears and more even browning without the possibility of hot or cold spots.
Versatility and Durability
Carbon steel cookware is often described as being virtually indestructibleโand itโs true that itโs almost impossible to permanently ruin your pan (save from steamrolling it). Place it over a live fire, on the grill, or even in a 1200F pizza oven and your pan will emerge unscathed (even if thereโs a flare-up).
With that said, proper care and maintenance go a long way in keeping your pan in peak condition. For instance, you should always make sure to hand wash and carefully dry your pan after using it, keeping it far away from the dishwasher. Carbon steel is a reactive materialโsame as cast ironโmeaning you should also avoid cooking acidic foods for long periods of time in your carbon steel pan (though, again, you can reseason after the fact).
You can read more about carbon steel maintenance, including stripping and reseasoning, in our guide.
Light Weight and Maneuverability
Like we mentioned, carbon steel offers most of the benefits of cast iron, but with a much lighter profile. This makes it significantly easier to flip and toss ingredients, as well as move your pan on and off the stove (or from kitchen to campsite).
For easy reference, our 10โ Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan weighs in at 3 poundsโless than a pound more than our 10โ Stainless Clad Frying Pan (at 2.25 pounds). Compare that with a 10โ Lodge cast iron skillet, which weighs over 4 pounds.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Carbon Steel Pan
Letโs say youโve already decided to spring for a new carbon steel pan. Before you hit purchase, youโll want to make sure youโre getting the right model and size for your needsโhereโs some of the factors to consider.
Size
Itโs important to be realistic when choosing the size of your new pan. How much storage space do you actually have, and how many people do you typically cook for? If your pan is too large or too cramped (or even just too big to haul out on a regular basis), youโre probably not going to use it very often.
Thatโs why we made our Carbon Steel Frying Pan in both 10โ and 12โ options, so you can choose the best size for your needs.
Seasoning
Like cast iron pans, carbon steel pans are often available to purchase in either preseasoned or unseasoned versions. You might choose the preseasoned option if youโre not picky about your seasoning, or if youโre looking to avoid an extra step. For those who prefer to control the thickness or consistency of their seasoning, the unseasoned version is probably the better choice.
Thickness and Construction
Carbon steel pans typically have a slimmer build than cast iron skilletsโour 10โ Carbon Steel Pan is 37% thinner than a Lodge cast iron skillet of the same size, for exampleโbut itโs still thick enough to provide excellent heat retention and high heat tolerance, without being flimsy or being easily susceptible to damage.
Whatโs the Best Carbon Steel Pan?
- Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan
- 12" ยท Seasoned
- $129
Our Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan is a great option for those new to carbon steel and connoisseurs alike. Made from a single sheet of annealed carbon steel (an alloy composed of 99% iron and 1% carbon) these pans offer fantastic durability and performance at an affordable price point. Theyโre also fairly easy to clean and maintainโespecially once theyโve built up a non stick patina.
Ready to Shop?
- Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan
- Seasoned Set
- $219$238Save $19(8% off)
Versatile, long-lasting, and able to handle all your favorite recipes, carbon steel pans have a permanent place in our hearts. If you havenโt added one to your collection yet, we hope weโve managed to convince youโthough this coffee-crusted filet mignon might do the trick, as well.