The Best Carbon Steel Cookware, From Budget to Chef-Quality

Loved by top chefs (looking at you, Gordon Ramsay) and passionate home cooks alike, carbon steel cookware is gaining in popularity. It’s versatile, it’s durable, it’s efficient, and it’s easy to use, too. What’s not to love? Find out more about the benefits of carbon steel cookware below, as well as some of the best pans on the market right now. 

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Is carbon steel cookware good?

According to Forbes, carbon steel, which is made from an alloy of iron and carbon, is the “lighter cousin” of cast iron, and has “a lot to offer the average home cook.” While cast iron can be heavy and dense, carbon steel is often used to make cookware that is lightweight, sleek, and easy to move around the kitchen—essential when you’re in the middle of a more complicated recipe choice.

It’s also good at heat conductivity and will distribute the heat across the surface of the pan quickly and evenly. It’s important to note that carbon steel cookware should be seasoned for best results. This helps to create a nonstick surface and will help to prevent the pan from rusting prematurely.

Merten & Storck

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How long do carbon steel pans last?

Just like a cast iron pan, with the right care, a carbon steel pan can last a lifetime and then some. 

Seasoning is important to prolong the life of a carbon steel pan. While most cookware will come pre-seasoned if you buy a skillet, wok, or pan without a protective layer, you can add one yourself by applying a thin layer of medium-smoke-point oil to the entire surface of the pan and heating it until it starts to smoke, and then letting it cool. 

According to Masterclass, which provides more detailed seasoning instructions here, you should repeat this process three times. “Repeating this seasoning process will turn your pan dark brown and then black, which builds up a protective coating and ensures your food won’t stick and will cook evenly,” the platform notes.

You should also take care to clean your pan carefully and regularly, *without* soap, which might strip away the seasoning. Just use hot water, a brush and a sponge. If you want to use soap, opt for a small amount of mild dish soap to reduce any potential damage.

Be a little careful with acidic foods, too. Tomatoes, for example, may break down the seasoning on your carbon steel pan. If that happens, you might have to start the seasoning process again.

The best carbon steel cookware options, from budget to premium

If you want to try carbon steel cookware for yourself, there are many, many different options on the market. Below, we’ve picked out a few of the best, with real customer reviews to help you make your decision, too.

Merten & Storck

Best budget carbon steel pan:
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan Skillet

This pan gives “cast iron performance without the weight or the wait,” says Merten & Storck. All you need to do is take it out of the box, give it a rinse, and start cooking. At just $35, it’s a good pan to start with if you’re new to carbon steel, or you don’t want to break the bank on new cookware.

Amazon reviewers agree that it’s a good, lightweight alternative to more heavy-duty cast iron options. “I bought this because cast iron is getting too heavy,” wrote one user. “It really does cook like cast iron.” Another added: “I have been very happy with this pan. I’m a long-time cast iron pan aficionado, and have decided that as I age I needed to find something lighter. After a lot of searching and a couple of purchases that ended up returning, I gave this pan a try. I’ve been happy from the start!”

One note: while this pan is pre-seasoned, many Amazon users recommend re-seasoning it after purchase for the best results.
$39.99 on Amazon

Best carbon steel pan for beginners:
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet

Lodge seasons its carbon steel cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil, so you don’t need to worry about the seasoning process with this carbon steel skillet. It’s also easy to handle thanks to the lightweight design, and it’s simple to clean. You can use a little warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush, followed by an oil rub for best results. 

“I am thoroughly impressed with its performance, versatility, and exceptional cooking results,” wrote one Amazon user. “As an avid home cook, this pre-seasoned skillet has quickly become one of my go-to cookware options.” Another added: This is the best frying pan I have ever owned, period. My wife was very skeptical when I ordered this, but she is now in love w/this pan as well. It is so easy to season, to use and maintain, and we now have zero concerns about non-stick chemicals and the environment. This pan just works as we expect every time.”

Note: One key criticism of this pan is heavier than other carbon steel skillets, so bear that in mind if you’re looking for a lightweight option.
$46.93 on amazon

Best chef-quality carbon steel pan:
Vollrath French Style Carbon Steel Fry Pan

Renowned chef Ramsay once noted in a YouTube video that the best pans are “high-quality nonstick with a thick, heavy base” and “will distribute the heat evenly.” He didn’t name the pan, but according to some detective work from The Kitchn, the chef is a fan of Mauviel M’Steel’s carbon steel skillets. This one from Vollrath is another great, similar option. It’s also loved by chefs for its strong welded handle, its compatibility with various heat sources, and its excellent heat retention and distribution.

“This Vollrath 12.5” carbon steel pan checks every box. It is very light: only 3.2 pounds. You can dance with it even with full of food in it,” says one Amazon user. They noted that the handle is very long, which for some, might be a drawback, but others might find it a plus. “I found this long handle convenient,” they added. “The handle stays cool throughout cooking times. I rarely needed gloves.” Another Amazon review said of the Vollrath pan: “For anyone who’s a fan of cast iron - please give a carbon steel pan a shot. Seasons up the same and performs better than non-stick at a fraction of the weight.”
$49.66 on amazon

Best carbon steel pan for high-heat cooking:
Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan

Woks are already suited to high-heat cooking, due to their flat bottom design, but this version from Yosukata is next level. That’s all thanks to the heavy-duty black carbon steel material and the pre-seasoned surface. While it will still require more seasoning before the first use to develop its full non-stick properties, the pre-seasoning helps enhance its performance right out of the box.

“It’s huge but light and great quality,” said one Amazon user, although they noted that it doesn’t have a lid, so buyers “should look for the rust in future use.” Another added: “I love it. I was worried about seasoning and cleaning but it is easier than expected.” 

Top tip: Line up a YouTube video to help you with the re-seasoning of this carbon steel wok. Most reviewers agree that the seasoning process was a little more complicated than they originally thought.
$65 on amazon

Made In

Best premium carbon steel pan:
Made In Cookware 12” Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan

According to Made In, this carbon steel frying pan, which will need seasoning before use, can handle heat up to 1200F. It’s popular with chefs, and it’s sleek and efficient, too. At more than $100, it’s a little pricier than the others on this list, so it’s best for those who know and love carbon steel pans. 

I’ve had this pan about a month and couldn’t be happier with it so far,” said one Amazon user. “Starting to get a good seasoning at this point, and it’s very easy to use and clean. Significantly lighter than cast iron but with similar cooking properties, this is fast becoming my go-to pan in the kitchen as I transition away from non-stick cookware.” Another added: “We cook with gas and high heat and love the way the 12” pan performs so much so we ordered the smaller 8” model too. We are used to Wok cooking and how to clean and care for carbon steel so I was very surprised at how easy it was to clean right out of the box.”

Note: While this pan is marketed as a lightweight option, some Amazon reviewers note it is on the heavier side. 
$109 on amazon