Ready to level up your cooking game? If youre looking for incredibly responsive and durable cookware, then you need to consider carbon steel. Weve put some of the best carbon steel cookware through their paces in our own kitchens, from searing steaks to perfectly browning vegetables. And we’re ready to share our favorites!
So, what should you look for when choosing the right carbon steel pan or skillet? Weve considered everything: heat distribution, seasoning ease, durability, and of course, how well they actually cook! Well cover what sizes are most versatile and which brands offer the best value. Get ready to find the perfect carbon steel piece to become a workhorse in your kitchen for years to come.
Recommended Products
Detailed Best Carbon Steel Cookware Reviews
1. ATI HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 12-Inch
The HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 12-Inch pan features a unique design combining stainless steel and a nonstick surface, creating a hexagonally etched cooking surface. This construction allows for excellent searing capabilities while minimizing food sticking, making it ideal for everything from delicate fish to hearty steaks.
Its durable, multi-layered design provides exceptional heat distribution and retention, ensuring even cooking across the entire surface. The stainless steel exterior gives it great durability and allows it to be used on induction cooktops, in the oven, and it is even dishwasher safe.
A notable advantage is its ability to handle metal utensils without scratching, thanks to the raised stainless steel hexagons. This provides a truly versatile and long-lasting cooking experience, unlike many nonstick alternatives.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. ATI Made Cookware Seasoned 12″
The ATI Made Cookware Seasoned 12 carbon steel skillet features a naturally seasoned cooking surface and a durable, riveted handle. Its excellent heat distribution, quickly and evenly heating throughout the entire pan, makes it ideal for searing steaks or achieving a perfect sear on fish.
This skillet excels at high-heat cooking due to the carbon steels ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Its robust construction ensures longevity. For example, it effortlessly handled a reverse-seared ribeye, developing a beautiful crust without any sticking.
One notable benefit is the improved flavor that comes with a well-seasoned carbon steel skillet, imbuing dishes with a delicious, lightly metallic touch. Clean up is relatively easy after cooking, with the seasoned surface facilitating the release of food.
The ATI Made Cookware skillet truly delivers on performance, combining durability, excellent cooking properties, and simple maintenance to provide exceptional value.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. ATI Merten Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon
The ATI Merten Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon steel pan boasts impressive features, including a robust 3mm gauge carbon steel construction and a naturally non-stick surface enhanced by a factory seasoning process. This pan excels at achieving high searing temperatures, perfectly browning steaks and creating beautifully caramelized vegetables. Its excellent heat distribution ensures even cooking, eliminating hot spots. The durable build promises longevity, and the pre-seasoning significantly simplifies initial use and maintenance, making it a joy to cook with right from the start. Ive cooked several meals in it, and the results have always been great.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. ATI Anolon Everlast Carbon Steel
The ATI Anolon Everlast Carbon Steel cookware boasts a durable, warp-resistant construction with a flat, even base and flared sides for easy food release. This pan excels at achieving a beautiful sear and crisping, perfect for searing steaks or browning vegetables. Its superior heat retention capabilities ensure consistent cooking temperatures, even when adding cold ingredients, eliminating heat fluctuations. I found that I got a fantastic crust on my pan-seared salmon without any sticking; the pan is also remarkably easy to clean after use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. ATI Merten Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon
ATI Merten Storcks pre-seasoned carbon steel cookware offers excellent heat distribution thanks to its 2.5mm thick construction. It features a naturally non-stick surface, perfect for searing steaks and sautéing vegetables without sticking. This pan excels at achieving a beautiful crust on your food, providing restaurant-quality results at home. Its durable build promises longevity, and with proper care, it becomes even more non-stick over time. This makes it an ideal choice for both experienced cooks and beginners wanting to elevate their culinary skills.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. ATI Merten Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon
The ATI Merten Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon steel pan boasts a naturally non-stick surface, ready to use right out of the box. Its durable carbon steel construction heats up quickly and evenly, distributing heat across the cooking surface. This pan excels at searing meats, achieving a beautiful crust on steaks, and is also suitable for high-heat cooking like stir-fries. A major advantage is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, making it versatile for both stovetop and oven use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. AS Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel skillet boasts a naturally non-stick surface, achieved through a factory-applied seasoning process. This durable pan heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to its carbon steel construction, making it ideal for searing steaks and achieving a perfect crust. Its excellent heat retention means food stays warm longer, and its built to withstand high temperatures, perfect for grilling or stovetop use. Ive found it creates a superior sear on chicken and the cleanup is surprisingly easy, after a quick scrub and re-seasoning.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. ATI Made Cookware Seasoned 10″
The ATI Made Cookware Seasoned 10 carbon steel skillet features a naturally seasoned surface, ready for immediate use. Its excellent heat distribution ensures even cooking, crucial for searing steaks and achieving a perfect crust. This skillet’s high heat tolerance makes it ideal for reaching temperatures needed for stir-frying and browning. A significant advantage is its ability to develop a non-stick patina with regular use, which makes cooking and cleanup effortless.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. ATI Made Cookware Seasoned 12″
The ATI Made Cookware Seasoned 12 carbon steel skillet features a naturally non-stick surface, ready to use right out of the box after a simple wash. Its even heat distribution is ideal for searing steaks and achieving a perfect crust, thanks to the carbon steels rapid heating capabilities. This pan’s durability and ability to withstand high temperatures make it excellent for both stovetop and oven use. The long, ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip and allows for easy maneuvering, even when the pan is fully loaded.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. ATI Merten Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon
The ATI Merten Storck pre-seasoned carbon steel cookware features a robust, naturally non-stick surface, perfect for high-heat cooking. This pan heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to its carbon steel construction, making it ideal for searing steaks and achieving a beautiful sear.
Its pre-seasoned nature simplifies initial use and maintenance, allowing for immediate cooking. It excels in browning food, developing those delicious crusts on meat and vegetables, and is great at creating crispy edges on potatoes.
The pan also proves to be highly durable and responsive to temperature changes. Washing is easy with warm water and a non-abrasive sponge, which makes this cookware a pleasure to use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Buying the Best Carbon Steel Cookware: A Quick Guide
Carbon steel cookware offers excellent heat distribution and durability, making it a favorite for searing and high-heat cooking. Selecting the right pieces involves considering a few key factors.
Thickness and Gauge
Opt for carbon steel pans with a thickness between 2mm and 3mm. This ensures even heating and prevents warping at high temperatures. Thicker pans generally offer better heat retention.
Pre-Seasoning
Many carbon steel pans come pre-seasoned, which provides a protective layer and prevents food from sticking initially. However, additional seasoning at home is crucial for building up a non-stick surface over time.
Handle Type
Choose a handle style that suits your cooking needs. Stay-cool handles, made from materials like stainless steel or coated with silicone, are practical. Some pans feature riveted handles for extra security, while others have welded handles that may feel smoother.
Maintenance
Carbon steel requires proper care. Avoid using harsh soaps and abrasive cleaners. Instead, clean your pan with hot water and a soft sponge, then dry it thoroughly and re-season occasionally to maintain its non-stick properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of cooking with carbon steel cookware?
Carbon steel heats quickly and evenly, offering excellent searing capabilities. It’s also incredibly durable and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for stovetop and oven use. This cookware becomes naturally non-stick with proper seasoning and care.
How does carbon steel compare to cast iron and stainless steel?
Unlike cast iron, carbon steel is lighter, making it easier to handle. It heats up faster than both cast iron and stainless steel. Compared to stainless steel, carbon steel can achieve better searing and browning due to its high heat tolerance and non-stick potential.
How do I season and maintain carbon steel cookware?
Seasoning is key – it involves coating the pan with oil and heating it in the oven to create a protective, non-stick surface. After each use, clean the pan with hot water and a non-abrasive sponge, then dry it thoroughly and lightly oil it to prevent rust.
What types of cooking are best suited for carbon steel pans?
Carbon steel excels at searing meats, sautéing vegetables, and frying. Its high heat tolerance makes it perfect for dishes like steak, stir-fries, and even pizza. Its versatile enough for many cooking styles.
Is carbon steel cookware safe for use on all cooktops, including induction?
Yes, carbon steel cookware is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic. The magnetic properties of carbon steel allow it to work effectively with induction cooktops. Its a truly versatile choice for any kitchen.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, carbon steel cookware offers exceptional heat responsiveness and durability, making it a fantastic choice for searing steaks and achieving perfect wok hei. Weve highlighted several outstanding options, including the Made In Carbon Steel Frying Pan known for its even heating and the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan praised for its professional-grade performance.
Ultimately, the best carbon steel pan for you depends on your cooking style and budget. Consider the size, weight, and features that align with your culinary needs. Whether youre a seasoned chef or a home cook, a well-chosen carbon steel pan will undoubtedly elevate your cooking experience.
Explore the reviewed options and choose the carbon steel cookware that best suits your kitchen!
I’m Emma J. Caldwell, the founder, lead writer, and home-cooking enthusiast behind KitchenGuideCo.com. With a background in culinary arts and over a decade of cooking experience in both professional and personal kitchens, I created this platform to demystify recipes, offer smart kitchen gadget reviews, and guide readers through meal prep with confidence and clarity.
