The 10 Best Carbon Steel Pans in 2024 – Customer Choice

Are you looking for the best carbon steel pan? Excellent decision! Carbon steel pans are hard-wearing, survive blistering heat, and are non-sticky. You can use carbon steel pans on all types of stoves and in the oven too. Carbon steel pans are light-weight, highly durable, and quite affordable.

In this guide, our experts have compiled the list of the best carbon steel pans available today. Let’s review each of them in detail and take a closer look at why most users prefer carbon steel pans and why you should have the on in your kitchen.

What Is Carbon Steel?

Carbon steel contains both carbon and iron, and it is different from the steel or, more precisely, stainless steel. The major difference between carbon steel and stainless steel is that carbon steel does not have chromium, whereas stainless steel has chromium.

Carbon steel material gets blacker when you use it, and it is a good thing. The black covering means that the surface is getting non-stick with the usage. To protect the surface of carbon steel pan and to prevent from rust, oil seasoning is needed frequently.

Best Carbon Steel Pan For Healthy Cooking – Detailed Reviews

Product	Sizes( Inche)	Price
Mauviel M’Steel, carbon, nonstick fry pan, 11 Inch, Black Steel	8,9.5,11,12.5,14	Check Price
De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan 12.5-Inch	7.9.9.5,10.2,11,12.6,14.2	Check Price
Lodge 12 Inch Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet	8,10,12,15	Check Price
AUS-ION Skillet, 12.5″ (32cm), 3mm Australian Iron Skillet	7,9,10.2,12.5,	Check Price
Joyce Chen 14-inch Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok	14	Check Price
Matfer Bourgeat Carbon Steel Frying Pan	7,8,11	Check Price
BK 10-Inch Black Steel Skillet	10,11,12	Check Price
Lodge Manufacturing Company CRS12HH61 carbon steel skillet, 12-Inch	10,12	Check Price
MINERAL B Round Country Chef Carbon Steel Fry Pan 9.5-Inch	9.4, 12.4	Check Price
Magefesa Carbon Steel Paella Pan, 17 Inch	17	Check Price

1. Mauviel M’Steel, carbon, nonstick fry pan, 11 Inch, Black Steel

Here comes our first pick by Mauviel, the well-known name in the cookware industry.

The makers offer several carbon steel pans, but our pick is the 11-inch black steel non-stick, frying pan. Black steel is a much better option than other steel types, and this pan is exclusively made from high-quality black carbon steel.

Heat conduction in this pan is even and quick; hence it is an ideal carbon steel pan for searing and browning meats and vegetables. The surface of the pan is non-stick if seasoned properly. Overall, it is a handy and highly durable pan that you will like to have in your kitchenware.

The heat retention of the pan is excellent, and it can retain heat for long times as it is thicker than others. The handles of the pan are also well-made, and there will be no handling or carrying issues.

Overall, it measures around 20.5 x 11 x 2 inches and weighs only 4 pounds. Lastly, you can use this carbon steel pan on all cooking surfaces and also in an oven.

2. De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan 12.5-Inch

Here comes the chef’s recommendation for you, a carbon steel pan by none other than De buyer. The pan is made in France, and it is highly durable and popular among chefs.

The pan is light-weight and weighs only 6.5 pounds. So, you can easily toss your food like a pro while cooking, or when carrying the pan between the stove and the oven. The cooking space is enough for all types of foods. It is a large-size carbon steel pan and measures around 4.2 x 12.6 x 1.7 inches, so you have a lot of cooking space for almost anything.

According to the De Buyer, this Mineral B round carbon steel pan is eco-friendly cookware as it contains 100% natural, 99% pure iron.

The cooking results are great not only on high heat but also on the low heat. You can expect a nice searing as well as browning and grilling. Heat retention and conduction are also excellent, and it does not take much time to get heated.

This pan is suitable to use on all stovetops, including gas, electric and you can also use it on the open flames while camping or in an oven. The pan also has two durable handles that allow you to move or carry it around safely. The pan features a beeswax finishing; hence it is resistant to rust and corrosion. It will get darker and non-stickier with the usage. However, you will have to season it by yourself.

3. Lodge 12 Inch Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet

Serving for more than 100 years, Lodge is the most trusted brand all over the USA and in the world. You can imagine the quality and performance of a brand that remains in the industry for such a long period, and this carbon steel skillet is another evidence of high-quality products.

This carbon steel skillet features 12-gauge construction, and its heat retention is excellent as well. The heat distribution is quick and even throughout the pan. The pan is well-made and highly durable so it can endure high temperatures, and this makes it perfect for browning or searing meats.

The handle of the skillet is also highly durable and will serve you for many years. The handling is also easy and quick because the pan weighs only 3 pounds. The cooking space is sufficient to cook many types of foods, and to be precise; it is around 18.88 x 10 x 1.38 inches.

Lastly, you use this versatile skillet on all cooktops, such as gas, electric, and in the oven.

4. AUS-ION Skillet, 12.5″ (32cm), 3mm Australian Iron Skillet

The Aus-Ion skillet by Solidteknics is sturdy, and you can use it for cooking your favorite foods directly over hot coals, grills, or campfire. In terms of heat, there are no restrictions.

The skillet is made in Australia, and it includes high-quality and non-toxic Australian steel. So, the pan is highly durable, simple to clean, and will not bend or warp with the usage. And you will be amazed that the manufacturers offer a multi-century warranty. So, it will outlast us!

The usage is simple, and it comes pre-seasoned so you can use it instantly. However, we would like to recommend that you must season it regularly to maintain its finishing and non-stick coating.

As for the handle, it features a wide and concave handle with holes for ventilation purposes. The overall built of the handle is robust, and the grip is also comfortable. So, you will not have any problem carrying it on your breakfast table. This Australian made skillet is available in multiple sizes, so you pick the one as per your needs.

5. Joyce Chen 14-inch Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok

Here comes our premium pick of the list. This Joyce Chen Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok is extraordinarily large, and measures around 14 inches. This carbon steel pan is a perfect choice for professional chefs due to its robust structure and large size.

Due to its large size and excellent heat retention capabilities, you can use it to cook almost all types of food, from steaming and poaching to stir-frying and deep-frying. If that is not enough, you can make delicious soup, roast nuts, and even sear meat in this large carbon steel pan.

As the name states, the bottom of the pan is flat, which means that you place it comfortably on your stovetops, grills, and in an oven. Moreover, the solid materials used in manufacturing enables it to survive temperatures of up to 440°F.

Using this carbon steel pan is simple, and handling is super easy as well due to its ergonomic Phenolic handles. The handle also features a loop that comes handy when storing the pan. To sum up, it is a durable carbon steel pan, which you can also use for commercial purposes and home uses.

6. Matfer Bourgeat Carbon Steel Frying Pan

Our sixth pick comes from the Matfer Bourgeat, and the makers offer you a wide range of sizes to choose from according to your preferences. The sizes are many, but the functionality is the same in all Matfer Bourgeat Frying pans.

This carbon steel frying pan features high-quality black steel, and as we know, it is better than all other types. The construction is highly durable to black carbon steel, yet the pan is quite light-weight. This 11 inches pan weighs around 3.5 pounds, and you can comfortably use it on all cooking tops and surfaces.

The pan’s surface is non-sticky, and it will get blacker and non-stickier with its usage. However, the seasoning will be needed before the use as it doesn’t come pre-seasoned. The handles of the unit are comfortable to hold, and you will not feel fatigued. As the unit is quite light in weight and has sturdy handles, there will be no handling or carrying issues. For your convenience, the handle comes attached with rivets.

7. BK 10-Inch Black Steel Skillet 

BK Black Steel Skillet is a budget pick of this list. This BK 10 inch skillet is quite affordable and excellent cookware that comes with all the necessary features.

It might not be the best carbon steel pan in the market, but it is reliable when you have a limited budget or use it occasionally. It features black carbon steel, and its thickness is around 2mm, so it is a perfect option in terms of its durability. You have plenty of choices in terms of size as it is available in three different sizes – 10, 11, and 12-inch.

This BK black steel frying pan is an excellent conductor of the heat, and the pan is entirely resistant to rust and corrosion. The pan is oven-safe, and you can safely use it on high temperatures, thanks to its robust built and oxidation layer. With time, the pan’s surface will get better and better. Initially, the surface is non-sticky, and it will get stickier with the usage.

The pan comes pre-seasoned, and you can use it instantly. When using it for the first time, ensure that you have completely removed the protective silicone layer. Otherwise, the surface will lose its non-stick properties.

8. Lodge Manufacturing Company CRS12HH61 carbon steel skillet, 12-Inch

This 12 inch Lodge Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet is perfect to use at home, or you can also use it on your camping trips. The durability is unmatched, and the pan is safe to use in the oven for up to 500-degrees F.

You can use this pan on all heat sources such as grills, open fire but not in a microwave oven. Overall, it is a light-weight carbon steel pan and weighs only 4.1 pounds. Its large size allows you to cook or grill any type of food in the pan. The actual measurements of the pan are 20.2 x 12 x 1.4 inches.

This skillet by Lodge Manufacturing Company is multi-functional, and you can use it for roasting, frying, simmering, braising, and more. According to the carbon steel frying pan consumer reports, the pan is the best when used for searing and browning meats and cooking vegetables.

For ease of use, the pan comes pre-seasoned with soybean oil, so you can use it as soon as it arrives! The heating is quick and even throughout the pan. To sum up, this carbon steel frying pan is the best option for both commercial and recreational users.

9. MINERAL B Round Country Chef Carbon Steel Fry Pan 9.5-Inch

Another De Buyer’s product in our lineup of the best carbon steel frying pans. This Mineral B Country Chef Pan looks like a wok, but it is a bit smaller than a wok. What we liked the most in this frying pan is its versatile design and shape.

The pan is available in two different sizes. The first is 9.4 inches, and the second is 12.4-inch pans. Overall, the unit’s construction is robust, and this Mineral B carbon steel pan is 3mm thick. The handle is comfortable and sturdy, and you will not have any problem while tossing your favorite food items. The pan’s handle is further protected with rivets, so it will stay in place while you are using it to enhance safety and convenience.

As for the surface, it is non-sticky, but you will have to season it before using it. The surface features Mineral B’s beeswax coating, which makes the surface resistant to scratches and protects it during working. Lastly, don’t wash the pan in a dishwasher; manual cleaning is advised.

10. Magefesa Carbon Steel Paella Pan, 17 Inch

Our last pick is a traditional Spanish paella pan. This Magefesa Carbon Steel paella pan includes high-quality and durable carbon steel. The heat conduction throughout the pan is even and quick. The robust structure of the Paella pan allows you to use it on scorching temperatures.

The handle is medium-sized, and the grip is quite comfortable. Furthermore, the handles are dual-riveted and finely looped for safe and secure handling. The dimpled base of this pan collects the oil in the middle, and this helps when you are cooking food and also distribute the heat evenly throughout the pan.

If you are a BBQ lover, then this Paella Carbon steel pan is an ideal choice for you. You will not find any signs of burning due to even and excellent heat spreading of the pan. Initially, you will feel that the pan’s surface or inner side is a bit flimsy, but believe us, this is not the case. The inner part of the pan features a unique metal texture that ads tremendous value to its cooking capabilities.

To conclude, this Magefesa Carbon Steel Paella Pan is compatible with all heat sources such as firewood, stoves, and oven.

How to Season Carbon Steel Pan

It’s vital to properly season your carbon steel pan regularly so that you can get the desired results. By following these steps, you can effectively season your carbon steel pan.

• First, heat up the pan. You can use an oven or a stove for this purpose.You should heat up your pan on medium heat (up to 400 F)—Preheat the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Now, remove it and let it cool down. Then apply a layer of vegetable oil. You can do this by using a paper towel. Make sure that the whole surface of the pan is covered with a thin oil coating.
• Now, put your carbon steel pan back onto the stove or oven for about an hour. And set the heating temperature at 400 degrees F.
• Gradually, the pan will get blacker.
• Now, shut down the oven or stove and let the pan cool down a bit. It will take an hour or two to cool down.

And you are finished with seasoning carbon steel pan, and you can cook now.

Why do chefs use carbon steel pans?

For all the professional chefs’ carbon steel cookware is the first choice due to many reasons. The main reason is that carbon steel pans and cookware are light-weight, the surface of the pan is non-sticky. Carbon steel pans are safe to use in an oven as well. Furthermore, the heat conduction is even and quick throughout the pan. And these pans last longer than the chef’s life!

Is carbon steel pans good?

In short, yes, they are. Now you probably want to know why carbon steel pans are good. There are several reasons. The first and foremost reason is they are versatile. You can use carbon steel pans for many purposes, such as braising, searing, browning, sautéing, and stir-frying.

The second reason is its durability. They usually last for decades, and you can use metal items with carbon steel pans! Another benefit of using carbon steel pans is that they don’t contain harmful material like Teflon; hence they are safe for your health. And most importantly, the carbon steel pans are much more affordable than any other cookware.

Wrapping Up

Whenever you are about to buy any kitchen stuff, there is a wide variety of products, and there are chances that you might get confused.

There are various brands, sizes, and types, and most go out of fashion quite fast. Carbon steel is a versatile material that is present for many years, and its benefits are numerous.

The best carbon steel pans will last for decades if properly maintained. The carbon steel pans are used for different purposes; hence, they save you some bucks in the long run. All the products mentioned above are highly durable and can be the perfect choice for your kitchen’s arsenal.