The Best Carbon-Steel Pan (2025), Reviewed by Our Experts

A top-quality carbon steel pan provides the convenience of a nonstick skillet but with added benefits. When properly seasoned, carbon steel cookware becomes as nonstick as ceramic or PTFE-based alternatives and improves with use. Carbon steel pans are tough, durable, compatible with induction cooktops, resistant to high heat, and do not easily scratch. For these reasons, it is recommended to choose carbon steel, cast iron, or stainless steel pans over nonstick ones as long as they are cared for correctly.

While some may prefer pre-seasoned carbon steel pans, there are many excellent options available for those willing to season their pans. Seasoning a pan may require a bit of effort but results in a high-quality pan with exceptional performance.

Carbon steel pans are lighter and more maneuverable than cast iron skillets, with a broad cooking surface suitable for various cooking tasks. The article highlights some top picks for carbon steel pans, including the De Buyer Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, Oxo Obsidian Preseasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, and The Strata pan, which offers a unique blend of carbon steel and stainless steel.

The review also discusses the importance of heat distribution and retention, shape and form factor, maneuverability, and comfort when selecting a carbon steel pan. It provides insights into various carbon steel pans liked by testers and those that did not meet expectations.

Lastly, the article explains the process of seasoning a carbon steel pan, emphasizing the need to heat a thin layer of oil on the pan’s surface to create a protective polymerization layer for a nonstick cooking surface.