The 9 Best Carbon Steel Pans of 2021

What to Look For When Buying Carbon Steel Cookware

By Bernadette Machard de Gramont

Material

Carbon steel and cast iron are often compared because they have a multitude of similarities in terms of durability and versatility. Both made from alloys that contain iron, but the differentiating factor is the amount of carbon in the alloy: cast iron contains anywhere from 2 to 3.5 percent, where carbon steel contains just 2 percent. This makes carbon steel fairly malleable so it can be molded, hammered, and stretched (by contrast, cast iron is fairly brittle and more susceptible to breakage.) Carbon steel’s iron content means that it is compatible with induction cooktops, and its smooth surface will eventually build a patina that makes it naturally nonstick. This material best suits silhouettes that are flat with flared sides—think saute pans, skillets, crepe pans, paella pans, and woks—so if you’re in the market for any of these pans, carbon steel is a fantastic option.

Weight

Carbon steel pans weigh considerably less than their cast iron counterparts — a 12-inch Lodge cast iron skillet weighs about eight pounds, while a similarly sized Lodge carbon steel pan weighs less than five pounds. If lugging heavy cast iron cookware in and out of storage might be a problem, then this is a great alternative. A good carbon steel pan still has enough heft to it to keep it from moving around on the burner but is still light enough to be very responsive to changes in heat.

Construction

Carbon steel cookware often starts out as a sheet of metal that is then heated, pressed, and shaped into the desired silhouette. Pans typically come in 2mm or 3mm thickness, with the latter being heavier and closer to a cast iron pan. Unlike cast iron’s single-piece construction, handles are typically forged separately and attached with rivets (ppt for this type of construction versus spot-welded handles that are more likely to loosen or detach over time). You’ll want to make sure that your handles are easy to grab and aren’t too short—they’ll get too hot on the stove—or too long to put into the oven or store away.

Heating Capacity

Like cast iron, carbon steel has a very high heat tolerance and can be used with a variety of cooktops, including induction and open flame. Most carbon steel pans can withstand up to 800 degrees, while some brands can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees. While this is more than enough for normal household use on the stove and in the oven, certain techniques (like wok cooking) require that one’s pans can stand up to even the most powerful of cooking fires. Carbon steel is also prized for being very responsive to changes in heat, becoming hotter faster and cooling down quickly when the heat is lowered or removed. 

Versatility

Carbon steel is great for all-purpose cooking, but it really shines with high-heat, dry-cooking methods like stir-frying, sauteing, and searing. Carbon steel pieces are oven-safe, allowing you to bake in the pan or finish a dish under the broiler if needed. While you can certainly use carbon steel for braises and making sauces, cooking acidic foods might cause a reaction that discolors the surface or may start to deteriorate the pan’s seasoning. (The good news is, you can easily build the seasoning back up and even out the patina.)

Price

Carbon steel can be found at a large range of price points. While it is typically priced higher than cast iron, it is still often more affordable than high-end stainless steel and copper options. As an example, a 12-inch carbon steel skillet can run from about $20 to over $200, depending on the size and brand.

Warranty

Many major manufacturers offer a limited lifetime guarantee on their carbon steel cookware as long as they are purchased from an authorized dealer. These guarantees typically protect against defects in material, construction, or workmanship but may exclude damage arising from improper use, thermal shocks, drops, or normal wear and tear. Before you buy, be sure to check on the manufacturer’s terms and warranty coverage to make sure it’s what you need.

Brands

Lodge

As the oldest and longest-running cast iron manufacturer in the U.S., Lodge has built a solid reputation on its extensive line of affordable, cast iron cookware. Lodge also has a small collection of carbon steel pieces, including a skillet and paella pan that can be used both inside on a stovetop and outdoors on a grill or campfire. Like the brand’s cast iron skillets and grills, the carbon steel pieces are all manufactured in the USA.

De Buyer

For nearly 200 years, De Buyer has been a leading producer of cookware and cooks tools in France. From the popular ‘Mineral B’ carbon steel fry pan to Prima Matera induction-friendly copper cookware, it celebrates France’s gastronomic traditions by making innovative, heritage-quality pieces that are meant to last. 

Made In

This Austin-based brand was launched in September 2018 with a line of professional-grade stainless steel cookware meant for home use. Its collection now includes copper, carbon steel, and nonstick options. These high-quality pieces can also be found in the famous Michelin-starred kitchens of Grant Achtaz’s Alinea and Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin. Its carbon steel line is manufactured in France and is oven-safe up to 1200 degrees.

Mauviel

Founded in 1830, this historic manufacturer based in Normandy, France, is best known for its premium copper cookware and specialty copper bakeware. In addition to their traditional copper collection, Mauviel makes other pieces in aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel. M’Steel is the brand’s name for its range of carbon steel pieces that are made to the same exacting standards as their professional quality copper pieces. 

Maintenance

If you already know how to clean and care for cast iron, then you automatically know how to take care of carbon steel. Its tough finish can resist scratches and is compatible with metal utensils which makes it, for the most part, fairly low maintenance. Like cast iron, carbon steel should not be washed with dish detergent or placed in a dishwasher as it will remove the seasoning. Scrub away any particles, rinse with water, and wipe clean, then heat some oil in the pan until it starts to smoke. Wipe away the oil with a paper towel, and your pan is ready to store. 

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is a food writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats. A self-professed "kitchen geek," she's written many roundups on a range of essential kitchen items, from the best induction burners to the top seafood kitchen tools of the year.

This piece was edited by Bernadette Machard de Gramont, an LA-based writer who specializes in global food and wine content. She researches and tests a variety of cookware, bakeware, and wine tools, and interviews field experts for their insight.