# Carbon Steel vs Cast Iron: Which is Right for Me? - Made In ```json { "_key": "526fe6745c9f", "_type": "tableOfContents" } ``` ## **Carbon Steel vs Cast Iron: Which is Right for Me?** If you’re shopping for new cookware, you’re probably deciding between a few different options. Two popular, similar choices are carbon steel and cast iron. Both are super durable and versatile, and with proper care and use, both carbon steel and cast iron develop a naturally non stick cooking surface over time. At Made In, we make both: Carbon Steel crafted in Sweden and Cast Iron made in the USA. And the truth is, for many cooks, it’s not really a question of carbon steel versus cast iron—it’s about knowing when to reach for each. These materials share a lot in common, but they excel in slightly different ways. Carbon steel is lighter, more responsive, and ideal for high-heat cooking with quick movement, while cast iron offers unmatched heat retention and deep, even searing. Together, they make a complementary cookware lineup built to handle everything from weeknight dinners to live-fire cooking. Between carbon steel and cast iron, which is the right tool for you? While carbon steel and cast iron share many similarities, there are a few key differences that will influence which you choose. We’ll discuss each in detail so that you can make an informed decision. ## **Carbon Steel 101** ```json { "_key": "39c1015e228d", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": null, "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777, "height": 1080, "width": 1920 }, "lqip": "data:image/png;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/c519dd559ea0a94dd2834204dd513f6f96256247-1920x1080.png" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Carbon steel is an alloy—aka a mixture of metals—made from iron and carbon that is punched into thin, flat sheets and shaped into various types of cookware, including frying pans, roasting pans, woks, and griddles. That thinness is key, as it makes carbon steel incredibly responsive to changes in heat compared to Cast Iron, letting you better control the temperature of whatever you’re cooking. This also makes Carbon Steel about half the weight of Cast Iron, a feature that home cooks and chefs love. Lastly, Carbon Steel can handle rip roaring heat up to 1200F, so it is great for high heat cooking just like Cast Iron. Pros of carbon steel cookware include: - Durable - Naturally nonstick cooking surface (Made In Carbon Steel is Pre-seasoned) - Highly heat conductive and responsive - Works on a variety of cooktops, including induction - Half the weight of cast iron cookware - Heat safe to 1200F - Ideal for live-fire cooking ```json { "_key": "0428201ec457", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant.42774291513423", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 347, "discount": 20, "isAvailable": true, "isPrimary": true, "offset": 68, "price": 279, "status": "forSale" }, "handle": { "current": "3-piece" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [ { "_key": "bd43496b907fbee3f418e3e9d7152a4b", "description": null, "hotspots": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A beautifully roasted chicken is surrounded by colorful vegetables in a large skillet on a stovetop.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1, "height": 1440, "width": 1440 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/0e32246dcb078caf69b9497cdb096bc082ac23b2-1440x1440.jpg" } }, "tags": [ "gallery", "preview", "secondary" ], "type": "image", "video": null } ], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": true, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isFinalSale": false, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": true, "isSet": true, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": "lifetime" }, "product": { "ranking": null, "rating": { "rating": 4.8, "rating_count": 10683 }, "shopify": { "handle": "carbon-steel-frying-pan-set", "id": 7739840364623, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_1x1_Carbon_Steel_Carbon_3p_Fry_Set_Stay_Cool_Handle-Set.jpg?v=1758552969", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan Set" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 42774291513423, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Web_1x1_Carbon_Steel_Carbon_3p_Fry_Set_Stay_Cool_Handle-Set.jpg?v=1758552969", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "3-Piece Set", "option2": null, "option3": null, "title": "3-Piece Set" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "induction-compatible" }, "title": "Induction Compatible", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "oven-safe" }, "title": "Oven Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "pfas-free" }, "title": "Free of PFAS", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "stay-cool-handle" }, "title": "Stay Cool Handles", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "grill-safe" }, "title": "Grill Safe", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "third-party-tested" }, "title": "Third-Party Tested", "type": "features" }, { "handle": { "current": "sweden" }, "title": "Sweden", "type": "country_of_origin" }, { "handle": { "current": "carbon-steel" }, "title": "Carbon Steel", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "sets" }, "title": "Sets", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "frying-pans" }, "title": "Frying Pans", "type": "product_type" } ], "title": null } } ``` Cons of carbon steel include: - Hand wash only - Learning curve for general maintenance - It can seem intimidating to use ```json { "_key": "b44c2282c064", "_type": "cta", "title": "Shop Carbon Steel Cookware", "url": "/collections/carbon-steel" } ``` ## **Cast Iron 101** ```json { "_key": "5945b23cbc17", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": null, "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777, "height": 1080, "width": 1920 }, "lqip": "data:image/png;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/1b8f137a55e2923f89af5a8a240d5db525a1a91e-1920x1080.png" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Cast iron is an alloy, just like carbon steel, but with a higher percentage of iron. Cast iron is made by pouring the molten alloy into a mold, making for a much thicker (and heavier) piece of cookware compared to carbon steel. Cast iron’s thickness also means it retains heat exceptionally well, making it the ideal choice for braises, stews, and other long-cooking dishes that benefit from a constant temperature. You’ll see cast iron cookware in a variety of types, including pots, skillets, and roasting pans. Cast iron cookware is available in unfinished, seasoned, or [enameled](https://madeincookware.com/collections/enameled-cast-iron) coating finishes. Proper use and care of unfinished cast iron will build up a naturally non stick cooking surface, similar to carbon steel, while the enamel-coated cast iron immediately renders the surface non stick and protects the cookware from rust. Pros of cast iron include: - Durable - Naturally nonstick cooking surface - Excellent heat retention - Works on a variety of cooking surfaces, including induction - Seasoned Cast Iron is heat safe to 900F; Enameled Cast Iron to 580F ```json { "_key": "59029b07323d", "_type": "variant", "data": { "_id": "variant.45316279107663", "badges": [], "collegiateAsset": null, "computed": { "compare_at_price": 477, "discount": 10, "isAvailable": true, "isPrimary": false, "offset": 48, "price": 429, "status": "forSale" }, "handle": { "current": "3-piece-set" }, "imageBadges": null, "media": [], "meta": { "hasCollegiate": false, "hasTrial": false, "hasWaitList": false, "isCollegiate": false, "isFinalSale": false, "isHidden": false, "isOnSale": false, "isSet": false, "promoDates": null, "promoPrice": null, "warranty": "lifetime" }, "product": { "ranking": 29, "rating": null, "shopify": { "handle": "cast-iron-fry-pan", "id": 8668720365647, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Cast_Iron_8in_Skillet-Hero.jpg?v=1779486192", "width": 1500 }, "title": "Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet" } }, "shopify": { "handle": null, "id": 45316279107663, "image": { "alt": null, "height": 1500, "src": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2131/5111/files/Cast_Iron_3p_Skillet_Set-NoLid.jpg?v=1779913951", "width": 1500 }, "option1": "3-Piece Set", "option2": null, "option3": null, "title": "3-Piece Set" }, "taxonomies": [ { "handle": { "current": "cast-iron" }, "title": "Seasoned Cast Iron", "type": "material" }, { "handle": { "current": "frying-pans" }, "title": "Frying Pans", "type": "product_type" }, { "handle": { "current": "sets" }, "title": "Sets", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "cookware" }, "title": "Cookware", "type": "product_category" }, { "handle": { "current": "8-inch" }, "title": "8\"", "type": "size" }, { "handle": { "current": "10-inch" }, "title": "10\"", "type": "size" }, { "handle": { "current": "12-inch" }, "title": "12\"", "type": "size" }, { "handle": { "current": "united-states" }, "title": "United States", "type": "country_of_origin" } ], "title": null } } ``` Cons of cast iron include: - Heavy and potentially hard to maneuver - Hand wash only - Learning curve for maintenance - Can seem intimidating to use ```json { "_key": "1b8de27a443d", "_type": "cta", "title": "Shop Seasoned Cast Iron Cookware", "url": "/collections/cast-iron" } ``` ```json { "_key": "a27d6c1f6c8b", "_type": "cta", "title": "Shop Enameled Cast Iron Cookware", "url": "/collections/enameled-cast-iron" } ``` ## **Side-by-Side Comparison** ```json { "_key": "d017898e91bb", "_type": "tableSection", "data": { "_type": "tableSection", "config": null, "description": null, "sheetId": "1rTQHYgBWj9sVfo91LBWeyBAUlbCoYOGDdorYGMS-UR8", "title": null } } ``` ## **Which Is Right for You?** ```json { "_key": "1c0ff3101f58", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "carbon steel frying pan outdoors", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.801125703564728, "height": 533, "width": 960 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/052000503b77c6ead551e188e2f420953a336f04-960x533.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` **Choose Carbon Steel if:** You do a lot of stovetop cooking—searing steaks, charring vegetables, making eggs, stir-frying. Carbon steel heats fast, responds to temperature changes immediately, and weighs about half what cast iron does. The [12” Made In Carbon Steel Frying Pan](/products/carbon-steel-frying-pan/12-inch) gives you a large cooking surface with the responsiveness of a professional kitchen. ```json { "_key": "b11d48dd092c", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": null, "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777, "height": 1080, "width": 1920 }, "lqip": "data:image/png;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/6c9f93bcc0af6209bf86f953d278752dd199581e-1920x1080.png" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` **Choose Cast Iron if:** You lean toward braising, baking, deep frying, or any technique that benefits from steady, even heat. Cast iron holds temperature like nothing else—drop a cold steak on a cast iron skillet and the surface barely flinches. The [12” Made In Cast Iron Skillet](/products/cast-iron-fry-pan/12-inch) adds a smooth, machined cooking surface that most cast iron brands skip, so food releases more easily from day one. **The real answer—get both:** Carbon steel for active cooking where you need speed and control. Cast iron for heat retention and oven-to-table serving. Made In makes both at a professional level, so you don’t have to choose between brands. ## **Why Chefs Love Made In Carbon Steel** Founded in 2017, Made In has built its reputation on creating professional-quality cookware trusted in more than 4,000 restaurants around the world. Today, that includes both Carbon Steel and Cast Iron cookware—two naturally seasoned materials designed to complement each other in the kitchen, not compete for the same role. [Made In Carbon Steel](/collections/carbon-steel), crafted in Sweden, is lightweight, highly responsive to heat, and designed for movement. Features like curved pan walls, riveted stay-cool handles, and durable construction make it ideal for high-heat searing, sautéing, and everyday cooking. [Made In Cast Iron](/collections/cast-iron), made in the USA, is built for deep heat retention and steady, even cooking. Each piece features a smooth machined cooking surface, ergonomic handles, and tactile knob details designed for better control when moving from stovetop to oven. Both collections arrive pre-seasoned and ready to cook right out of the box, developing even better natural non stick performance over time with regular use. Don’t just take it from us, though. As one reviewer recently noted: “I used to swear by cast iron, but carbon steel isn’t just a lighter alternative—it’s in a league of its own.” ## **The Bottom Line** Carbon steel and cast iron do different jobs well, which is why many cooks keep both in rotation. Carbon steel is lighter and more responsive, making it ideal for everyday searing, sautéing, and high-heat cooking that requires movement and control. Cast iron retains heat longer, making it better for baking, braising, roasting, and deep browning. Made In crafts both at a professional level, with pre-seasoned Carbon Steel made in Sweden and smooth machined Cast Iron made in the USA—a more refined cooking surface than many traditional cast iron pans. Start with the [12” Carbon Steel Frying Pan](carbon-steel-frying-pan/12-inch) for everyday cooking, then add the [12” Cast Iron Skillet](/products/cast-iron-fry-pan/12-inch) when you want maximum heat retention and stovetop-to-oven versatility. ```json { "_key": "a79910a06d11", "_type": "cta", "title": "Shop Made In Carbon Steel", "url": "/collections/carbon-steel" } ``` ```json { "_key": "9a42c325863b", "_type": "cta", "title": "Shop Made In Cast Iron", "url": "/collections/enameled-cast-iron" } ``` --- URL: https://madeincookware.com/blogs/carbon-steel-vs-cast-iron-which-is-right-for-me