The Best Carbon Steel Pans Of 2022
Jaimieandkyleshootstock/Shutterstock By Allie Miller/Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 9:44 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Carbon steel pans are popular cookware tools. They take the best qualities of types of other pans — such as nonstick, stainless steel, and cast iron — and combine them. As CooksDirect explains, carbon steel conducts heat as well as stainless steel, has a smooth surface like nonstick, and is as durable as cast iron. Additionally, carbon steel is admired for being affordable, lightweight, versatile, and safe. Aside from being slightly worse than cast iron pans at conducting and maintaining even heat — (via A Prepared Kitchen) — there aren’t many downsides to these tools.
Some say that nonstick and ceramic pans need to be replaced approximately every five years (via Home Cook World). As such, there are probably some people who could use a pan right now. Carbon steel is a good category to consider. We first recommend researching what type of pan you desire. Start by considering ones like frying pans, sauté pans, saucepans, griddles, and roasting pans. These — plus a few others — are the types of carbon steel pans most people are looking for. Along with the pan’s shape, there are a few other important features to think about. Size and weight are very important. Shoppers should also think about handle shape. Do they want a handle that comes with a safety cover? Do they want a removable handle? If all of this seems daunting, don’t fret. We’ve rounded up some of the best carbon steel pans of 2022 that keep these features in mind.
How we selected the products
Elena Zajchikova/Shutterstock
We found some of the best carbon steel pans for sale using a few different information sources. General popularity played a small part in our selections. The more people who’ve used a pan, the more feedback we can consider. User reviews were also taken into account to help eliminate items with annoying issues. Then, there’s the press. We reflect on the research of outlets that tested or reviewed certain carbon steel pans.
Along the way, we made sure that our recommended carbon steel pans were up to snuff. That means that each type of pan should be doing what it’s made to do. For example, pans made for camping should be portable, woks should be good for making Asian cuisine, Dutch ovens should be able to withstand oven temperatures, saucepans shouldn’t burn your sauces, Paella pans should produce excellent Spanish food, and pancake pans should be turning out some delicious pancakes. Read on to learn about the convenient, versatile world of carbon steel pans.
Best carbon steel pan for camping
OXO
If you’re someone who needs to cook on the move, you might be interested in OXO’s Outdoor Carbon Steel Fry Pan with Removable Handle. Because the handle is removable, you’ll be able to easily pack up the pan and take it with you during camping trips or travel. It still weighs three pounds, but that’s much lighter than cast iron pans. It comes in 8, 10, or 12-inch sizes which are all sold through REI. It’s safe to use indoors or outdoors and can withstand temperatures of up to 660 degrees F.
On the website, there were was only one review, but it was a good one with zero complaints. “Very nice pan. Heavy carbon steel and the handle locks well. Fits perfect in my small camp cook box,” said the customer. As of October 2022, you can order OXO’s Outdoor Carbon Steel Fry Pan on REI for as low as $39.95
The Best Carbon Steel Pans Of 2022
Jaimieandkyleshootstock/Shutterstock
By Allie Miller/Updated: Feb. 21, 2023 9:44 am EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Carbon steel pans are popular cookware tools. They take the best qualities of types of other pans — such as nonstick, stainless steel, and cast iron — and combine them. As CooksDirect explains, carbon steel conducts heat as well as stainless steel, has a smooth surface like nonstick, and is as durable as cast iron. Additionally, carbon steel is admired for being affordable, lightweight, versatile, and safe. Aside from being slightly worse than cast iron pans at conducting and maintaining even heat — (via A Prepared Kitchen) — there aren’t many downsides to these tools.
Some say that nonstick and ceramic pans need to be replaced approximately every five years (via Home Cook World). As such, there are probably some people who could use a pan right now. Carbon steel is a good category to consider. We first recommend researching what type of pan you desire. Start by considering ones like frying pans, sauté pans, saucepans, griddles, and roasting pans. These — plus a few others — are the types of carbon steel pans most people are looking for. Along with the pan’s shape, there are a few other important features to think about. Size and weight are very important. Shoppers should also think about handle shape. Do they want a handle that comes with a safety cover? Do they want a removable handle? If all of this seems daunting, don’t fret. We’ve rounded up some of the best carbon steel pans of 2022 that keep these features in mind.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Some say that nonstick and ceramic pans need to be replaced approximately every five years (via Home Cook World). As such, there are probably some people who could use a pan right now. Carbon steel is a good category to consider. We first recommend researching what type of pan you desire. Start by considering ones like frying pans, sauté pans, saucepans, griddles, and roasting pans. These — plus a few others — are the types of carbon steel pans most people are looking for.
Along with the pan’s shape, there are a few other important features to think about. Size and weight are very important. Shoppers should also think about handle shape. Do they want a handle that comes with a safety cover? Do they want a removable handle? If all of this seems daunting, don’t fret. We’ve rounded up some of the best carbon steel pans of 2022 that keep these features in mind.
How we selected the products
Elena Zajchikova/Shutterstock
We found some of the best carbon steel pans for sale using a few different information sources. General popularity played a small part in our selections. The more people who’ve used a pan, the more feedback we can consider. User reviews were also taken into account to help eliminate items with annoying issues. Then, there’s the press. We reflect on the research of outlets that tested or reviewed certain carbon steel pans.
Along the way, we made sure that our recommended carbon steel pans were up to snuff. That means that each type of pan should be doing what it’s made to do. For example, pans made for camping should be portable, woks should be good for making Asian cuisine, Dutch ovens should be able to withstand oven temperatures, saucepans shouldn’t burn your sauces, Paella pans should produce excellent Spanish food, and pancake pans should be turning out some delicious pancakes. Read on to learn about the convenient, versatile world of carbon steel pans.
Along the way, we made sure that our recommended carbon steel pans were up to snuff. That means that each type of pan should be doing what it’s made to do. For example, pans made for camping should be portable, woks should be good for making Asian cuisine, Dutch ovens should be able to withstand oven temperatures, saucepans shouldn’t burn your sauces, Paella pans should produce excellent Spanish food, and pancake pans should be turning out some delicious pancakes. Read on to learn about the convenient, versatile world of carbon steel pans.
Best overall carbon steel pan
Merten & Storck
Per the brand, this pan can withstand temperatures of up to 660 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s nonstick and pre-seasoned, ensuring your food won’t cling from the start. However, the pan will develop more of a nonstick coating over time. It’s also safe enough to use with metal utensils, so you don’t have to worry about that, either. Additionally, this Carbon Pro pan is compatible with both induction and gas stoves.
Best budget carbon steel pan
Lodge
Best splurge carbon steel pan
de Buyer
Best nonstick carbon steel pan
Made In
Per Made In, this carbon steel pan comes with heat retention similar to a cast iron, while being as lightweight as stainless steel. It’s come highly recommended by The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Insider. Made In’s products are formed in France, in a village that’s been making carbon steel cookware for centuries. This 10-inch pan is made with specifically “blue” carbon steel, meaning the material has been through the annealing process making it resistant to corrosion.
This popular carbon steel pan has over 8,000 reviews on Made In’s website, which come to an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. People say they’ve successfully cooked seared steak, fish, and fried eggs without any sticking.
Best carbon steel sauté pan
Golden Rabbit
Golden Rabbit’s white small sauté pan (model number WW79) comes with a three-quart capacity, 9.5-inch diameter, and 2.5-inch depth. It’s safe to put in the oven, on the stove, or in the dishwasher. It’s also non-toxic. It’s made with a shiny surface beneath which is a carbon steel body. The body is coated in porcelain, giving you the dual benefits of aesthetics and utility.
Best carbon steel sauce pan
This product (model number RR19), comes with a 5-cup capacity. Don’t be scared to put this on the stovetop, in the oven, or into the dishwasher — doing so won’t damage it. That’s because the carbon steel (that it’s made with) is coated in porcelain enamel, making it different from other carbon steel products. To top it all off, its vibrant red exterior is sure to add a great pop of color.
Best carbon steel roasting pan
As Made In explains, these pans are made to withstand high temperatures for long periods, which makes them ideal for making things like whole-roasted chickens. Made In’s 18-inch roasting pan comes with a wire rack, curved edges that prevent burning, handles, and a lifetime warranty.
Best indoor grill pan made of carbon steel
This carbon steel grill pan from de Buyer is made in France. It comes with a guarantee of restaurant quality. You can use this pan safely to sear, brown, or grill meats, as it’s designed to safely and efficiently reach high temperatures. As you’re seasoning the pan, don’t be afraid of the surface turning brown. That can mean it’s simply building up its nonstick layer.
Best carbon steel wok
Craft Wok
This wok (model number 731W88) has a round bottom. Per WokAll, a round bottom is more traditional, but it requires more attention to keep it steady. Craft Wok’s product was designed in 2014, making it a tried-and-true product. It’s hand-crafted in Guangzhou, China. The handle is made of both steel and wood, ensuring it will not melt, yet it will also be easy to hold. It’s a large item, but if you are someone who makes Chinese food often, it could be worth it.
Best griddle or crêpe pan made of carbon steel
OXO
Best carbon steel dutch oven
BK Cookware
It has a carbon steel body covered with enamel, called “GlazeGuard.” This material is said to be chip-resistant. Even the lid is thoughtful. It’s designed with a domed shape that prevents stuff from boiling over. This product even comes in four different colors — green, white, blue, or black — allowing you the opportunity to personalize your kitchen visually.
Best carbon steel paella pan
Garcima
Best carbon steel pan for camping
If you’re someone who needs to cook on the move, you might be interested in OXO’s Outdoor Carbon Steel Fry Pan with Removable Handle. Because the handle is removable, you’ll be able to easily pack up the pan and take it with you during camping trips or travel. It still weighs three pounds, but that’s much lighter than cast iron pans. It comes in 8, 10, or 12-inch sizes which are all sold through REI. It’s safe to use indoors or outdoors and can withstand temperatures of up to 660 degrees F.
On the website, there were was only one review, but it was a good one with zero complaints. “Very nice pan. Heavy carbon steel and the handle locks well. Fits perfect in my small camp cook box,” said the customer. As of October 2022, you can order OXO’s Outdoor Carbon Steel Fry Pan on REI for as low as $39.95
On the website, there were was only one review, but it was a good one with zero complaints. “Very nice pan. Heavy carbon steel and the handle locks well. Fits perfect in my small camp cook box,” said the customer.
As of October 2022, you can order OXO’s Outdoor Carbon Steel Fry Pan on REI for as low as $39.95
