Carbon Steel vs Cast Iron (Step by Step Guide)

It’s common to use either cast iron or carbon steel cookware in our daily kitchen routines, and that’s perfectly normal! But have you ever drifted to the not-so-normal side of both kinds of cookware?

 You probably did not or maybe you never got the right answer but here we are, with all the details. So the world is almost going gaga over the basic difference between, Carbon Steel and cast Iron, why is it so, and how to get the best between both? 

These are the chief complications and we have these covered, with great care.

Besides the usual nonstick, aluminum, and stainless steel cookware, cast iron and carbon steel also have a special place in our kitchens and are used just as often!

 If you already own of one these but are not well aware of all its sides, this thread is for you, and the chances are high you may end up deciding to own one soon, as we also have prepared the lists of Best cookware each.

Cast Iron vs. Carbon Steel: Which Pan Is Best for You?

This is a famous comparison in the cookware world, for a reason, that both of the items involve two main ingredients with different proportions, I.e., Carbon and iron. You can use any of the two without much contemplation, or just one in general with much contemplation.
 However, we are going to help you in both cases, after all, your confusion is our responsibility and since we are working day and night on cookware, you got a trust us. Right? From a normal 1 to 99 ratio to 2, 3 to 98, and 97 ratios of carbon and iron, we need to know what exactly draws a thick line between both and how one surpasses the other.

1- Construction

Carbon leads the game with its slightly extra presence in cast iron ending up in the brittle form, hence directly affecting the existence of iron meanwhile. So, Cast iron tends to have 97 or 98 percent of iron and 3 to 2 percent of the carbon in the complete construction. 

On the other hand, Carbon steel, unlike Cast iron, is first hardened and then the intended size is formulated by cutting. Later on, the iron oxide is layered on it making it stronger in build-up. It tends to have 99 percent of iron and just 1 percent of iron.

However, the lesser concentration of carbon is thought to be ideal. Bottom line: So construction-wise, the Carbon steel is more sturdy, smooth, and good in cooking performance in the kitchen than the Cast iron. The former has been evaluated to last longer in such terms.

2- Variable Cooking

Cast iron extends to be more useful in the kitchen in terms of a variety of purposes than Carbon steel. Though they both will somehow manage to be good for your needs still, cast iron wins this race as due to its rough nature, you can take it straight into the oven too. 

Carbon steel, on the other hand, being soft and smooth, requires to be handled with care and does not let you use a for a variety of purposes. You need to check your daily average kitchen needs with the specific cookware and then buy accordingly. You can go about roasting, frying, and grilling in both types but simmering and braising in just cast iron cookware.

3- Heat Retention

Cast iron pans are more likely to keep your food hot for a longer duration than Carbon steel would, which makes it a great choice for sure. 

Though Carbon steel is also great in the process, Cast iron has greater timing in this case. Most of the time, it’s a blessing as after cooking we may get caught up in some other household chores and by the time we reach the table to finally enjoy the food, it’s cold enough not to be eaten at that time.

 That’s the double effort, warming the food again does not seem much pleasant. Cast iron for sure is the hero of such frequent events at your place, I’m too the victim.

4- Cleaning

With great heat retention power comes a major drawback of cleaning. You can’t clean your pan or pot right away after cooking because it will be hot like hell and you would not want to damage its efficiency. 

So wait and wait and wait until the cast iron pan or pot reaches the room temperature and who knows if you feel like washing that cookware by then or not. But Carbon steel does not drag the cleaning part like Cast iron, proving to be a breeze on our parts.

5- Pricing

Carbon steel is lower in price meaning it is much more inexpensive than cast iron, making it an available choice for consumers. People not only look at the features but also the price, first. So if your budget is low and expectations are high, Carbon steel is going to be the safest choice of the season.

 However, on special terms, keeping in view the definite requirements, if Cast iron is your direction, it’s okay to invest in some good Cast iron brand and let it be.

6- Durability

As mentioned beforehand, leading through the construction, Carbon steel asks for seasoning, though Cast iron does, Carbon steel already enjoys an extension of good and prolonged life. On top of that, if you remain successful in seasoning it on time and with great care, it may last an infinity.

7- Nonstick interior

The so-called natural nonstick interior is directly related to good seasoning practice. If you follow a seasoning routine as well as keep the maintenance of your pan or pot, it will naturally alter into a nonstick surface. That will be a two-in-one cooking surface, with great recipes in wait. 

Nonstick, being famous for the easy-release finish, tends to cook faster, and hence less oil is required which further predicts good health on your part.

8- Weight

The weight of Carbon steel is heavier than Cast iron, which is at the same time good and bad in two different areas. Well, if you don’t like carrying heavy cookware in the kitchen, bad for you. It gets difficult, I believe, but the taste is never compromised. 

Cast iron is also heavier than usual pans but a little less than carbon steel. The gain of heavyweight cookware is that it sits equally on the cooktop, the heat is distributed evenly, and the food comes out to be delicious.

9- Temperature handling

So Carbon steel is known to be great in bearing all the modes of temperature efficiently and timely than Cast iron. So if your kitchen is all about cooking and keeps on cooking a variety of meals requiring sometimes medium and other times high temperature, Carbon steel should be your first and probably the only preference.

10 Best Cast Iron Cookware

Image	Product	Features	Price
Our Pick1 5	Lodge L10SK3ASHH41B Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12” inches	Silicone hot handle holder for protection up to 500 degrees F, Safely induction compatible, Pre-seasoned for the easy-release finish, Multifunctional, Made in the USA, Easy to clean, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
2	Le Creuset LS2024-3067 Handle Skillet, 11 3/4″ inches	Available in maximum colors, Great for low-fat cooking, Even heat distribution, Upgraded enamel interior, Large loop helper handle, Dishwasher safe, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
3	Victoria SKL-212 Cast Iron Skillet, 12” inches	Look for cookware with a large helper handle for easy lifting, optimal heat retention for even cooking, a lifetime warranty for peace of mind,	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
4	Royal Dutch Cast Iron 1815 – 11 Piece Cook Box	Eco-friendly, Easy installation, Weatherproof, Intense ultrasonic signals to keep animals at bay, Vintage Carrying storage box, powered by solar energy, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
5	Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set, SC-CSTIRNSKLT-3PC	Multifunctional and durable, Superior heat retention, Heavy-duty construction, Virtually indestructible, Cool design, and Easy to maintain, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
6	Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle, L5HS3	Super heat retention, Sturdy construction, For all kinds of cooking, Easy release finish, Durable, and provides a nearly nonstick surface, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
7	Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, UK0040, 12.5” inches	Ready to use factory seasoning, Compatible with a variety of cooktops, Great design, Superior heat retention that keeps food warm, Strong built-up, easy to maintain, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
8	AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 2104, 12” Inches	Oven safe up to 500 degrees F, Ready to use pre-seasoning, User-friendly handles, Even heat distribution and retention, Compatible with all cooking surfaces, and 1-year warranty, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
9	Kookantage Cast Iron Skillet Pre-Seasoned Cookware-6″, 8″, 10″ Pans, CJ-1	PFOA/ PFAS/ Lead/ Cadmium free, Low oil cooking, Double pour spouts, Perfect heat retention, Heat resistant handle covers, and High pressure forging technology, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
10	Stansport Cast Iron 6 Piece Cookware Set, 16903	Easy to clean, Even heat distribution, Perfect heat retention, Heavy cast iron lid, Cast iron hot handle holder, and Great quality, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon

Product	Features	Price
Lodge L10SK3ASHH41B Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 12” inches	Silicone hot handle holder for protection up to 500 degrees F, Safely induction compatible, Pre-seasoned for the easy-release finish, Multifunctional, Made in the USA, Easy to clean, etc.	Check Price
Le Creuset LS2024-3067 Handle Skillet, 11 3/4″ inches	Available in maximum colors, Great for low-fat cooking, Even heat distribution, Upgraded enamel interior, Large loop helper handle, Dishwasher safe, etc.	Check Price
Victoria SKL-212 Cast Iron Skillet, 12” inches	Large helper handle, Optimal heat retention, Lifetime Warranty, Multifunctional, Contoured pour spouts, big hanging holes, etc.	Check Price
Royal Dutch Cast Iron 1815 – 11 Piece Cook Box	Eco-friendly, Easy installation, Weatherproof, Intense ultrasonic signals to keep animals at bay, Vintage Carrying storage box, powered by solar energy, etc.	Check Price
Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set, SC-CSTIRNSKLT-3PC	Multifunctional and durable, Superior heat retention, Heavy-duty construction, Virtually indestructible, Cool design, and Easy to maintain, etc.	Check Price
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle, L5HS3	Super heat retention, Sturdy construction, For all kinds of cooking, Easy release finish, Durable, and provides a nearly nonstick surface, etc.	Check Price
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, UK0040, 12.5” inches	Ready to use factory seasoning, Compatible with a variety of cooktops, Great design, Superior heat retention that keeps food warm, Strong built-up, easy to maintain, etc.	Check Price
AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, 2104, 12” Inches	Oven safe up to 500 degrees F, Ready to use pre-seasoning, User-friendly handles, Even heat distribution and retention, Compatible with all cooking surfaces, and 1-year warranty, etc.	Check Price
Kookantage Cast Iron Skillet Pre-Seasoned Cookware-6″, 8″, 10″ Pans, CJ-1	PFOA/ PFAS/ Lead/ Cadmium free, Low oil cooking, Double pour spouts, Perfect heat retention, Heat resistant handle covers, and High pressure forging technology, etc.	Check Price
Stansport Cast Iron 6 Piece Cookware Set, 16903	Easy to clean, Even heat distribution, Perfect heat retention, Heavy cast iron lid, Cast iron hot handle holder, and Great quality, etc.	Check Price

10 Best Carbon Steel Cookware

Image	Product	Features	Price
Our Pick1 5	De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan 12.5-Inch – 561032	PTFE/ PFOA free, Adopts to nonstick finish, 99% pure iron, Two helper handles, Made in France, and durable, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
2	Mauviel 3651.32 M’Steel, carbon, nonstick fry pan, 12.5” Inches	Brilliant heat conduction, Made in France, Extra thick construction, Natural nonstick, Compatible with maximum cooktops, durable, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
3	Lodge Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, CRS12, 12” inches	Made in the USA, Even heat distribution, Compatible with many cooktops including induction, Ready pre-seasoning, Heavy gauge carbon steel construction, multifunctional in cooking, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
4	Imperial Home Carbon Steel Nonstick 7 Piece Cookware Set, MW1292	Tempered, vented glass lids, Stay cool bakelite handles and knobs, Nonstick interior, Quick and easy cleanup, Sturdy built-up, and durable, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
5	ARABYAN BROTHERS Carbon Steel Nonstick Red Pots and Pans (Set of 7)	Heavy thick gauge construction, Nonstick interior, House bakelite handles and knobs, Tempered lids are made from vented glass, Excellent quality, Easy to clean, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
6	Garcima C-15RED 15-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan	Made in Spain, Excellent heat conduction is Durable, Hammered dimpled bottom, has Quick cleanup, and is an All-rounder in cooking, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
7	Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok Uncoated Carbon Steel, 14” inches	Good for electric and gas cooktops, Ergonomic Phenolic handle, Additional helper handle, Loop on the handle for hanging storage, Great quality, durable, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
8	Matfer Bourgeat 62005 frying pan, 11 7/8” Inches	Induction compatible, High-quality construction, Durable, Extra strong steel strip handle, Even heat distribution, and Nonstick finish, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
9	Paderno A4171424 Heavy-Duty, Polished Frying Pan, 9 ½” inchesName	Thick construction, Superior heat conduction, Flat, riveted handle, Perfect for searing, Durable, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon
10	Magefesa Carbon Steel Paella Pan, FBA_01PAPAEPU42, 17” inches	Compatible on all stovetops, Dual-riveted- looped handles, Sturdy construction, Easy cleanup, Cool design, etc.	Purchase Now Check on Amazon

Product	Features	Price
De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan 12.5-Inch – 561032	PTFE/ PFOA free, Adopts to nonstick finish, 99% pure iron, Two helper handles, Made in France, and durable, etc.	Check Price
Mauviel 3651.32 M’Steel, carbon, nonstick fry pan, 12.5” Inches	Brilliant heat conduction, Made in France, Extra thick construction, Natural nonstick, Compatible with maximum cooktops, durable, etc.	Check Price
Lodge Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, CRS12, 12” inches	Made in the USA, Even heat distribution, Compatible with many cooktops including induction, Ready pre-seasoning, Heavy gauge carbon steel construction, multifunctional in cooking, etc.	Check Price
Imperial Home Carbon Steel Nonstick 7 Piece Cookware Set, MW1292	Tempered, vented glass lids, Stay cool bakelite handles and knobs, Nonstick interior, Quick and easy cleanup, Sturdy built-up, and durable, etc.	Check Price
ARABYAN BROTHERS Carbon Steel Nonstick Red Pots and Pans (Set of 7)	Heavy thick gauge construction, Nonstick interior, House bakelite handles and knobs, Tempered lids are made from vented glass, Excellent quality, Easy to clean, etc.	Check Price
Garcima C-15RED 15-Inch Carbon Steel Paella Pan	Made in Spain, Excellent heat conduction is Durable, Hammered dimpled bottom, has Quick cleanup, and is an All-rounder in cooking, etc.	Check Price
Joyce Chen 22-0060, Pro Chef Flat Bottom Wok Uncoated Carbon Steel, 14” inches	Good for electric and gas cooktops, Ergonomic Phenolic handle, Additional helper handle, Loop on the handle for hanging storage, Great quality, durable, etc.	Check Price
Matfer Bourgeat 62005 frying pan, 11 7/8” Inches	Choose induction-compatible cookware, made from high-quality materials, and built to last. Look for an extra strong steel strip handle for better grip and even heat distribution for consistent cooking.	Check Price
Paderno A4171424 Heavy-Duty, Polished Frying Pan, 9 ½” inches	Thick construction, Superior heat conduction, Flat, riveted handle, Perfect for searing, Durable, etc.	Check Price
Magefesa Carbon Steel Paella Pan, FBA_01PAPAEPU42, 17” inches	Compatible on all stovetops, Dual-riveted- looped handles, Sturdy construction, Easy cleanup, Cool design, etc.	Check Price

Things to Consider before buying any of these cookware

No matter how much information you keep on any type of cookware, a little quick guide is always helpful as it enlarges your vision of the product.

1- Size

You need to consider the size in detail if you are thinking of buying the pan only. In case you want a complete set, keep whatever size comes.  

The traditional way is to decide the size of your cookware or pan in general as per the size of your family. If the family is quite big, having different-sized pans will be more than useful. A single person will be good to go with a normal-sized pan or cookware set and even that small size.

2- Handles

Before buying, do check not only the size of the handles of the pan or pot but also the quality and if it does support cool touch or not.

3- Lids

Carbon steel or cast iron cookware may also have the same material lids but if you want exceptional, it’s better to have a glass tempered lid.

4- Warranty

Well, if you are ready to pay high, do a little more research and opt for the company that boasts a good amount of warranty on its products.

Wrapping Up

Carbon steel or cast iron, is great once you get used to it, but what matters in earnest is your capability of handling it. So be gentle and attentive to your products, they don’t come in free.