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There are instances when the answer to guaranteeing a successful cooking method may lie in an element of your kitchen gear that is simple but sometimes ignored.
Carbon steel pans are one example of a culinary item that may save the amount of time you spend cooking while also ensuring that the procedure is simple and uncomplicated.
Why, therefore, do you recommend carbon steel pans in particular? And what are the key differences between iron pans traditionally made of iron and those made of carbon steel?
As its name suggests, carbon steel pans are fashioned from an alloy consisting of carbon and steel.
These pans are noticeably lighter than their regular iron hardware equivalents and may be used most effectively as a frying pan. However, the fact that they are regarded as one of the safest (non-toxic) pieces of cookware is what is perhaps most essential about them.
In addition to this, pans made of carbon steel are well-known for their capacity to endure high temperatures, as well as their ability to heat up more quickly than other forms of cooking equipment.
As a result, pans made of carbon steel are among the most essential pieces of cookware that should be kept on the shelf in your kitchen.
However, if you walk out to the market with the intention of purchasing one, you will most likely get confused among the overwhelming number of carbon steel pans that are available.
As a result, we have exercised our discretion and listed some of the top carbon steel pans that are now available for purchase.
3 Best Carbon Steel Pan Reviews 2022
1 – Matfer Bourgeat 62005 frying pan
The French are securely in the driver’s seat when it comes to the production of cooking pans of premium quality, and this carbon steel pan from Matfer Bourgeat is one of the key examples of why the brand is regarded to be one of the finest.
The frying pan is made out of all-body premium-grade black carbon steel, which not only guarantees the best degree of longevity but also guarantees the highest level of sturdiness.
The material made of black carbon steel plays an important part in guaranteeing a strong heat absorption capacity and also keeps the bulk of the heat from the bottom retained.
The construction of the pan is such that it ensures it can endure being subjected to temperatures that are quite high.
In addition, the surface of the pan has been ergonomically constructed to guarantee that heat is distributed evenly across all of the corners to ensure that the food is cooked evenly. This also makes the pan an excellent choice for searing.
This specific pan is made of carbon steel, and it comes with a handy handle that ensures optimum mobility and control, allowing you to move the pan even when it is very hot.
This device comes with a broad selection of size possibilities, ranging from 8.6 inches to 17.7 inches, in addition to everything else that it has to offer.
The Matfer Bourgeat 62005 is the finest choice to consider purchasing if you are especially interested in purchasing a high-quality cooking pan that is compatible with a variety of different kinds of hobs.
PROS
- The black carbon steel is excellent at retaining heat.
- The design is simple and user-friendly.
- The device comes with a diverse selection of sized surfaces to choose from.
- Compatible with any kind of stovetop.
CONS
- The pan is not precisely conducive to the use of seasonings.
- It may be difficult to remove the covering.
2 – De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan
In the course of time, the brand name De Buyer has become well-known in connection with kitchen cookware items. The primary reason for this is that the company is responsible for the production of some of the finest and “safest” cooking hardware.
This pan is made of carbon steel, and it has several characteristics that make it one of the most convenient solutions to take into consideration.
As a result of the pan’s construction utilizing 99% pure iron and 100% natural material, it is not only one of the safest frying pans on the market but also one of the most environmentally friendly.
Additionally, this pan offers exceptional protection against oxidation, making it a good choice for seasoning since it is one of the distinctive and attractive qualities of the product.
This characteristic may largely be traced to the use of bee wax, which was also identified by De Buyer in the beginning.
The high-quality material that was used in the building of the cooking pan not only makes it one of the most long-lasting pieces of cookware, but it also enables it to operate admirably regardless of the temperature.
This mineral B circular pan also has a construction material that is resistant to warping, preventing it from contracting even when subjected to high temperatures during the cooking process.
Even when the temperature is very high, the two handles on each side are constructed with a convincing level of workmanship and provide the best possible support and control.
PROS
- The weight makes it pleasant to manipulate.
- Craftsmanship of French origin gives it an air of distinction.
- Iron that is 99% pure and entirely natural is used in the building of its body.
- Extremely durable
CONS
- A price that is very high.
- When subjected to extreme heat, the handle’s covering begins to flake off.
3 – Matfer Bourgeat 062003 Black Steel Round Frying Pan
The 062003 steel circular frying pan is another another cooking pan made of carbon steel that can be found in the Matfer Bourgeat collection and offers an excellent return on investment.
It is created utilizing a black steel material that assures exceptional heat absorption and retention capabilities, much like other goods in the extensive range of carbon steel pans that Matfer Bourgeat offers, and this feature is shared with those other products.
The construction of the pan is also quite robust, which ensures that it will have a far longer life span than the vast majority of its other analogues.
Because it weighs just approximately 3.11 pounds (1.4 kg), the device is noticeably lighter than the majority of frying pans, which makes it very simple for you to move the food about in the pan while it is being cooked.
Additionally, the surface of the pan is perfectly level, which guarantees that the heat will be dispersed evenly across the whole pan.
The extra-long steel strip not only guarantees superior control but also allows for easy maneuverability of the pan, making it possible to do so regardless of the temperature that is present underneath. In addition to all of that, you can use it for practically any kind of hob, including induction, which is very convenient.
PROS
- The use of black carbon steel ensures that heat is retained well.
- The pan is not heavy in any way.
- It is possible to season it and use it as a pan that does not stick.
- It does not buckle even when subjected to extreme heat.
CONS
- The construction is not of the most long-lasting quality.
- It takes a lot of effort to remove the protective covering.
Conclusion
Having a pan made of high-quality carbon steel in your kitchen can prove to be an incredibly useful item, particularly if you need to speed up the process of preparing meals and also want to make sure that you won’t have any problems attempting to clean the pan once you’ve finished using it.
If you are particularly confused about which of the three products described above to purchase, we suggest that you give some thought to the Matfer Bourgeat 62005 Carbon Steel Pan because it offers an exceptionally good value for the money and also ensures that it has an exceptional performance when it comes to heating.
FAQs
What cookware does Gordon Ramsay use?
HexClad
That is the case with the HexClad brand of hybrid cookware. In addition, famous chef Gordon Ramsay uses these very same pans in his own kitchen at home. You may have caught a glimpse of HexClad being discussed on Next Level Chef, which airs on FOX and features Gordon Ramsay. After trying them out and finding that he like them, he eventually became a partner with the company that makes them.
Is blue or black carbon steel better?
Both carbon steel and blue carbon steel are capable of withstanding very high temperatures and producing flawless sears. On the other hand, carbon steel that has been through the annealing process is referred to as “Blue.” As a direct consequence of this, Blue Carbon Steel has a level of corrosion resistance that is marginally superior to that of standard Carbon Steel.
How thick should carbon steel pans be?
A crepe pan made of carbon steel will have a thickness of roughly 1 millimeter (1/16 inch). It heats up really quickly but does not hold on to the heat. The thickness of the majority of pans ranges from 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters (up to 1/8 inch). The versions with a thicker construction have a heat retention capacity that is practically on par with cast iron.
Do chefs use carbon steel?
Both carbon steel and stainless steel are excellent options for frying pans when used on a cooktop and are often used by professional cooks. Nevertheless, each kind of pan has certain advantages that are not shared by others.
What can you not cook in carbon steel?
It is not recommended that you use any of your carbon steel cookware to prepare acidic dishes. The patina that you’ve developed in your pan may be removed by using substances that are acidic, such as citrus, wine, or vinegar. Since carbon steel is also composed of 99% iron, it is a reactive material; thus, we suggest that you cook your acidic components in a pan that is stainless steel covered.
