Ultimate Carbon Steel Frying Pan Buying Guide

If all you want is the dollar-for-dollar best carbon steel pan available, then stop scrolling, as this product by Misen is what you’re looking for.

Since 2015, Misen has been dedicated to delivering professional-grade cookware at an affordable price, something they have no doubt accomplished with their latest 12-inch non-stick carbon steel pan. At first glance, one can tell a fair amount of thought has gone into the design and construction of the pan. The ‘Goldilocks’ wall height is designed to provide enough airflow to allow for browning and searing while still be high enough to stop grease splatter. Moreover, the pan’s base is made to provide 20% more cooking surface than the standard pan of the same size.

On top of all this, the Misen Carbon Steel Pan is truly built to last a lifetime: using the ideal ratio of 99% iron to 1% steel, the pan features first-in-class construction that can’t be matched by other options within its price range.

Upon first arriving, customers will note the pan features a sharp silver tone, However, the color will darken to a deep reddish-brown after seasoning, a look many people find to be visually appealing. For those who are somewhat hesitant to try the seasoning process themselves, Misen offers a no-questions-asked 60-day money-back guarantee, which can be redeemed even if you incorrectly season the pan.

All in all, we haven’t come across any other pan on the market that provides such a high level of quality and attention to detail for under $70. For example, comparing the Misen Carbon Steel Pan to the De Buyer Mineral B Element 12″ Frying Pan, while both pans are made of carbon steel and are designed to be lightweight and durable, the Misen pan has a slightly wider cooking surface and a longer handle, and the other has a thicker base and is slightly heavier.

Unlike the vast majority of carbon steel cookware, each Mineral B Element frying pan is built to last a lifetime. What’s more, De Buyer has taken special care to make sure the pan is PTFE and PFOA-free and comes equipped with a perfectly flat bottom for the ultimate cooking experience.

With over 200 years of experience in manufacturing cookware, Be Buyer is one of the most recognized and sought-after brands around. Not only are all their products manufactured in France but their carbon steel pans are made out of 99% iron and come covered in the company’s proprietary anti-oxidation beeswax coating.

Unlike the vast majority of carbon steel cookware, each Mineral B Element frying pan is built to last a lifetime. What’s more, De Buyer has taken special care to make sure the pan is PTFE and PFOA-free and comes equipped with a perfectly flat bottom for the ultimate cooking experience.

If you’re looking for one of the best carbon steel pans at a very reasonable price, you can’t go wrong with this offering from De Buyers. Compared to the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan we tested which has a similar weight and thickness, the De Buyer Mineral B Element 12″ Frying Pan pan has a slightly wider cooking surface and a longer handle, while the Matfer Bourgeat pan has a more curved shape and is slightly deeper.

Made in France, this Matfer pan is constructed out of black carbon steel, meaning you will have to season it if you want it to function as a nonstick pan. One aspect we really like about this model is how the ergonomic handle is welded to the fry pan body instead of using the traditional rivet method. By doing this, Matfer has made the pan very easy to clean.

Next up, we have the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan. Unlike many other options, this model comes in various sizes ranging from just under 9 inches to nearly 18 inches in diameter. That being said, the 11-inch version is by far the most popular and has become a staple amongst those who are serious about cooking.

Made in France, this Matfer pan is constructed out of black carbon steel, meaning you will have to season it if you want it to function as a nonstick pan. One aspect we really like about this model is how the ergonomic handle is welded to the fry pan body instead of using the traditional rivet method. By doing this, Matfer has made the pan very easy to clean. Furthermore, the angled sides make the pan very versatile, allowing users to do anything from fried eggs to stir-frying.

So comparing the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan we tested to the BK steel skillet, both are made of carbon steel and have a similar weight and thickness but this pan has a more curved shape and is slightly deeper, while the BK skillet has a wider cooking surface and a longer handle.

Besides the overall affordability, the BK Black Steel Skillet comes pre-seasoned, which is perfect for those who want a product that’s ready to use right out of the box. That being said, the frying pan does come covered in a silicone coating that must be removed before use.

If you’re looking for the best carbon steel pan with an affordable price tag, the BK Black Steel Skillet is worth a serious look. At just over $50, this offering from BK is considered one of the better options in this price range and comes outfitted with an impressive nonstick coating that rivals most other carbon steel pans in effectiveness. This is a great pan for electric stoves.

Besides the overall affordability, the BK Black Steel Skillet comes pre-seasoned, which is perfect for those who want a product that’s ready to use right out of the box. That being said, the frying pan does come covered in a silicone coating that must be removed before use.

How does it compare to, say, the Mauviel product we tried out? Both the BK Black Steel Skillet and Mauviel M’Steel Non Stick Fry Pan are made of carbon steel and are designed to be durable and versatile but the BK skillet has a wider cooking surface and a longer handle, while the Mauviel pan has a non-stick coating and is slightly deeper.

M’Steel Non-Stick Fry Pan comes with a lifetime warranty which is pretty impressive considering the standard 11-inch model has a price tag of under $100. However, while most top-quality steel carbon pans don’t come pre-seasoned, the M’Steel non-stick pan is considerably more difficult to season than most carbon steel cookware. This option is good enough to compete among the best nonstick pans.

Made out of extra thick black carbon steel, this non stick fry pan by Mauviel provides excellent heat conduction and is perfect for searing. One thing that separates this item from most other carbon steel cookware is it’s safe to use on a variety of cooking surfaces, including:

• Gas
• Electric
• Induction cooktops
• Halogen stovetops
• Oven

What’s more, the M’Steel Non-Stick Fry Pan comes with a lifetime warranty which is pretty impressive considering the standard 11-inch model has a price tag of under $100. However, while most top-quality steel carbon pans don’t come pre-seasoned, the M’Steel non-stick pan is considerably more difficult to season than most carbon steel cookware. That being said, unlike the De Buyer Mineral B Element 12″ Frying Pan, the Mauviel M’Steel Non Stick Fry Pan product can be seasoned in the oven, and when done correctly, results in a genuinely non-stick surface. Also, compared to the first product we evaluated, the Mauviel pan has a non-stick coating and is slightly deeper, while the Misen pan has a wider cooking surface and a longer handle.

As is to be expected, this carbon steel skillet has a broader diameter than the average fry pan and is equipped with two large handles that allow the dish to be picked up and moved easily. On top of this, the pan is constructed with a dimpled bottom resulting in the even heat distribution necessary to properly cook paella, and can even be used while cooking over firewood.

Paella is one of the best-known dishes of Spanish cuisine, and as anyone from Valencia will tell you, it requires a special type of pan to cook correctly. Traditionally, a paella pan is meant to be used on a gas burner stove, have sloping sides, and be shallow in depth to allow the rice to cook evenly and lock in flavor.

Unfortunately, the average carbon steel skillet doesn’t meet all these criteria, meaning anyone hoping to cook the dish successfully will have to make sure they have the right pan. Luckily, the Spanish manufacturer MegaFesa makes a high-quality and very affordable carbon steel Paella pan that will allow you to bring a little taste of southern Spain to your home.

As is to be expected, this carbon steel skillet has a broader diameter than the average fry pan and is equipped with two large handles that allow the dish to be picked up and moved easily. On top of this, the pan is constructed with a dimpled bottom resulting in the even heat distribution necessary to properly cook paella, and can even be used while cooking over firewood.

Constructed out of 14 gauge steel, this carbon steel skillet is a bit thicker than most carbon steel pans around, meaning it retains heat very well and provides a nice even cook. Because of its sturdy construction, the pan is safe in the oven for more extended periods than the average carbon steel fry pan and is also safe to use outdoors and over an open flame.

Not everyone wants to go through the trouble of seasoning their carbon steel skillet, especially if they’re not overly familiar with the process. If done incorrectly, food will stick to the pan surface, and moisture may cause oxidation, rendering the frying pan useless. If this sounds like something you would like to avoid, then the Lodge carbon steel skillet may be the best choice for you.

This option is considered among the top pans for gas stoves that’s been tried and tested. Constructed out of 14 gauge steel, this carbon steel skillet is a bit thicker than most carbon steel pans around, meaning it retains heat very well and provides a nice even cook. Because of its sturdy construction, the pan is safe in the oven for more extended periods than the average carbon steel fry pan and is also safe to use outdoors and over an open flame.

Considering this item retails for just under $45, it’s easy to see why many consider it one of the better carbon steel skillets around, especially in the price range.

While not everyone feels buying a separate pan just for crepes and a select few other breakfast items is justifiable, others couldn’t disagree more. If you frequently make crepes or omelets and want to buy a good carbon steel pan for the job, this offering by De Buyer is one of the better options around.

The second item by De Buyers to be featured on this list is a 12-inch lightweight crepe pan that breakfast enthusiasts will love. Unlike the standard frying pan, a crepe pan is characterized by shallow sides that make it easy to get your spatula under the crepe, omelet, pancake, or fried egg you’re cooking.

While not everyone feels buying a separate pan just for crepes and a select few other breakfast items is justifiable, others couldn’t disagree more. If you frequently make crepes or omelets and want to buy a good carbon steel pan for the job, this offering by De Buyer is one of the better options around.

Craft Wok is a company that has made a name for itself amongst wok and stir fry enthusiasts as one of the top makers of hand-hammered wok bowls. At 14 inches in diameter, there is plenty of cooking space, and the relative thinness allows the bowl to reach high heat levels very quickly.

If you’re into wok or stir frying you know the right cookware makes all the difference. Unfortunately, most producers of carbon steel cookware have neglected this design, meaning a good carbon steel wok bowl is hard to come by.

Craft Wok is a company that has made a name for itself amongst wok and stir fry enthusiasts as one of the top makers of hand-hammered wok bowls. At 14 inches in diameter, there is plenty of cooking space, and the relative thinness allows the bowl to reach high heat levels very quickly.

Furthermore, the wooden handle is finished with a non-stick coating and provides an excellent grip not often seen on other carbon steel pans that are tested. It should be noted that, like most carbon steel cookware, this wok bowl must be properly seasoned before use. Unfortunately, user reviews indicate that people have had some difficulties seasoning this item compared to more traditional carbon steel frying pans, meaning it may only be appropriate for those comfortable with their seasoning skills.

This offering from Denmark Tools comes pre seasoned and is equipped with a rectangular 10.5-inch grill surface perfect for grilling chicken breasts, steak, salmon, and much more. What’s more, this carbon steel pan is 100% PFOA and PFTE-free and can be safely used in the oven, even when set to broil.

Rounding out our top ten is a heavy-duty grill pan by Denmark tools. At first glance, you might think this product is made out of cast iron, but don’t let appearances fool you, this fry pan is 100% carbon steel.

Along with being highly durable, this offering from Denmark Tools comes pre-seasoned and is equipped with a rectangular 10.5-inch grill surface perfect for grilling chicken breasts, steak, salmon, and much more. What’s more, this carbon steel pan is 100% PFOA and PFTE-free and can be safely used in the oven, even when set to broil.

While the design and texture may be a bit unconventional, they will make a great addition to anyone’s cookware collection.

This carbon steel pan from Merten & Storck is equipped with high sides and a triple-riveted steel handle for extra support. One trait that sets this particular pan apart from many others is that its oven safe up to 600F. Moreover, the hard surface makes it safe to use metal utensils.

This carbon steel pan we tested from Merten & Storck is equipped with high sides and a triple-riveted steel handle for extra support. One trait that sets this particular pan apart from many others is that its oven safe up to 600F. Moreover, the hard surface makes it safe to use metal utensils.

The fry pan is a truly unique product that can cook everything from bacon or stir fry with ease. However, while the pan itself is oven safe, the wooden handle isn’t, meaning it must be removed before being placed in the oven.

This stylish carbon steel pan draws inspiration from both traditional frying pans and wok bowls. The result is a unique item with high sides and a visually pleasing heat-resistant wooden handle that is also removable.

The fry pan is a truly unique product that can cook everything from bacon or stir fry with ease. However, while the pan itself is oven safe, the wooden handle isn’t, meaning it must be removed before being placed in the oven.

Winco is a Spanish manufacturer known for making low-cost, high-quality carbon steel cookware. Here, the pan in question makes its French influence known with its flat bottom, curved sides, and extra-long handle.

Winco is a Spanish manufacturer known for making low-cost, high-quality carbon steel cookware. Here, the pan in question makes its French influence known with its flat bottom, curved sides, and extra-long handle. Somewhat uncommon for a carbon steel pan in this price range, this Winco product will need to be properly seasoned before use and comes in sizes ranging from just over 7 inches to just under 13 inches in diameter.

Like all De Buyer products, the pan comes with its own seasoning wax and is made in France quality which, as you should know by now, is designed to last a lifetime.

We so strongly believe that De Buyer makes some of the best carbon steel pans around that this is the third product of theirs we’ve included on this list. As should be pretty obvious, this particular pan has considerably more depth to it than the average frying pan and skillet and is excellent for making sauces, whisking, or cooking a large amount of food at once.

Like all De Buyer products, the pan comes with its own seasoning wax and is made in France quality which, as you should know by now, is designed to last a lifetime.

As can be seen from the image, this BK product is fitted with several holes throughout the pan body, allowing the open flame to cook whatever meat or vegetables are contained within.

Although we’ve looked at several frying pans that are grill and BBQ-friendly, we haven’t looked at one specifically designed to be used for these purposes. As can be seen from the image, this BK product is fitted with several holes throughout the pan body, allowing the open flame to cook whatever meat or vegetables are contained within.

This carbon steel pan from BelleVie utilizes thin gauge steel that heats up quickly and is perfect for Cajun-style cooking. Although this option may not be the best carbon steel skillet on the market, it’s quite high quality for its price and is perfect for those looking for a pan with greater than-average depth.

This carbon steel pan from BelleVie utilizes thin gauge steel that heats up quickly and is perfect for Cajun-style cooking. Although this option may not be the best carbon steel skillet on the market, it’s quite high quality for its price and is perfect for those looking for a pan with greater than-average depth.

The primary issue with this offering by BelleVie is the gauge is very thin, which can lead to warping over time. Moreover, thin gauge steel is much more susceptible to dings and dents.

Garcima is another Spanish company known for making well-constructed Carbon Steel paella pans. Being safe for the stovetop, oven, or grill, this 20-inch pan is another excellent option for anyone looking to engage in Spanish cuisine. Upon arrival, this carbon steel pan will need to be seasoned.

Garcima is another Spanish company known for making well-constructed Carbon Steel paella pans. Being safe for the stovetop, oven, or grill, this 20-inch pan is another excellent option for anyone looking to engage in Spanish cuisine. Upon arrival, this carbon steel pan will need to be seasoned.

Although a relatively unknown manufacturer, Delihom has been putting out some quality carbon steel cookware at very affordable prices. This particular model features an extra-long removable handle, high sides, and a price tag of under $40.

Although a relatively unknown manufacturer, Delihom has been putting out some quality carbon steel cookware at very affordable prices. This particular model features an extra-long removable handle, high sides, and a price tag of under $40.