Comparison: Best Carbon Steel Pan America’S Test Kitchen (Updated | Dec 11th)
These versatile workhorses have earned their place in professional and home kitchens alike, offering the perfect balance of durability and heat conductivity. We’ve sizzled, seared, and sautéed our way through the options to bring you the ultimate showdown. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, discover which carbon steel pan will become your new favorite cooking companion.
- Best for french culinary tradition: De Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan – 8” Diameter
- Best for authentic amish testing: HIC Kitchen Authentic Amish Broom Cake Tester
- Best for versatile carbon steel: YOSUKATA 7.9″ Carbon Steel Frying Pan – Non-Toxic Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Removable Wooden Handle – Coating-Free Wok-Style Pan for Gas
- Best for atk recommended knife: Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors Bread Knife
- Best for superior baking performance: Baker’s Secret Nonstick Cookie Sheet 15in baking area
Product Comparison: Best Carbon Steel Pan America’S Test Kitchen
De Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan – 8” Diameter, 5.5” Cooking Surface – Ideal for Searing, Sauteing & Reheating – PFAS, PFOA & PFOS Free – Made in France
- CARBON STEEL FRY PAN – The MINERAL B Fry Pan is perfect for searing meat and seafood, sauteing vegetables, reheating leftovers, or cooking eggs. It’s made of carbon steel, one of the most natural cooking materials, praised by chefs around the world.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS – Lighter, more heat responsive than cast iron & better adapted to high heat than stainless steel. Naturally non-stick after seasoning, this pan is free from PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS and made without any chemical coatings.
- EASY TO SEASON – Handwash to remove the beeswax coating, dry. Gradually heat to med-hi. Apply a thin layer of oil to coat bottom & sides. Heat approx. 10 mins. or until it begins to smoke. Cool 10 mins., drain & wipe dry. Reheat to med-hi for 2 mins.
- USE & CARE – Hand wash only & avoid harsh soaps that can strip the seasoning. Can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction. Oven safe for up to 10 min at 400F.
- ROOTED IN FRENCH CULINARY TRADITION – Crafted with passion and precision since 1830, we design and manufacture premium cookware, bakeware and kitchen tools that elevate the cooking experience for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
HIC Kitchen Authentic Amish Broom Cake Tester, Made in America From All Natural Corn Husk, 6-Inches Tall
- Authentic Amish Cake Tester is the authentic more accurate way to test if cakes, brownies, cheesecakes, and quick breads are baked to perfection
- Made in America from natural corn husks; straw texture holds raw batter better than metal; more accurate than metal cake testers or the toothpick test
- Easy to use; simply pull a strand from the straw broom and insert it into the cake center; if the straw comes out clean, the cake is fully cooked
- Straws measure about 3.5-inches long; reaches deeper into cakes than toothpicks for more accuracy; won’t leave large holes like using knives or forks
- Single-use straws; hangs conveniently near the oven; safe for non-stick and enameled cake pans; won’t scratch surfaces; disposable for easy cleanup
YOSUKATA 7.9″ Carbon Steel Frying Pan – Non-Toxic Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Removable Wooden Handle – Coating-Free Wok-Style Pan for Gas, Induction, Electric, Oven & Grill BBQ
- Cook Healthy, Naturally: Enjoy toxin-free cooking with this 7.9 inch high-quality carbon steel frying pan. No synthetic chemical coatings — just pure steel that develops a natural non-stick layer through seasoning.
- Heats Up Fast & Evenly: Whether you’re frying, searing, or stir-frying, this bacon pan heats quickly and distributes heat evenly for perfect results every time.
- Stay-Cool Removable Handle: The wooden handle stays cool on the stovetop and detaches easily, making this best carbon steel skillet with removable handle oven-safe and perfect for grilling or baking.
- Built to Last: Crafted from durable carbon steel, this 7.9-inch pan resists warping and outlasts standard nonstick or stainless steel cookware. Our lightweight pan for everyday cooking is a safe nonstick alternative
- Versatile for Every Heat Source: Compatible with gas, electric, induction stovetops, grill, BBQ and even open flame. Use it as a wok, skillet, camping pan or deep frying pan — indoors or outdoors
Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors Bread Knife, 10-Inch Wavy Edge Wide, Blue
- Officially recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Knife is crafted with one-piece high-carbon Japanese steel for easy edge maintenance and long-lasting sharpness
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: Built to last ergonomic handle with textured finger points offers a non-slip grip with added comfort, durability, and safety
- BEST USE: The teeth on the wavy edge of the knife’s blade easily slice through foods’ crust or skin without tearing the soft inside. Ideal for slicing bread, angel food cake, meatloaf, fruits, and tomatoes
- EASY CARE: To maximize the performance and longevity of your Mercer knife, carefully wash cutlery by hand after each use with warm water and mild soap; rinse and dry completely with a soft towel. Do not place in dishwasher or submerge for long periods of time
- MERCER CULINARY MILLENNIA SERIES: Innovative features and unparalleled performance to meet the demands of today’s professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts
Baker’s Secret Nonstick Cookie Sheet 15in baking area, Baking Tray for Oven Premium Food-Grade Coating, Non-stick Cookie Sheets, Baking Accessories – The Classic Collection (1x Medium 15″ x 11″)
- ✓Superior Baking Performance: Experience baking perfection with our Baker’s Secret Nonstick Large Cookie Sheet. Crafted with 0.5mm thick carbon steel and a premium food-grade coating, it ensures even heat distribution for deliciously golden and evenly baked cookies every time.
- ✓ Hassle-Free Baking: Our non-stick cookie sheet features a scratch-resistant surface, allowing for easy food release and quick cleanup. Say goodbye to stuck-on cookies and spend more time enjoying your freshly baked treats.
- ✓ Generous Size for Large Batch Baking: With its large 15″ x 11″ baking size -the sheet itself is 17″-, this cookie tray provides ample space to bake a large batch of cookies or other sweet treats. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or baking for special occasions.
- ✓ Durability and Longevity: Designed to withstand the test of time, our Baker’s Secret Nonstick Large Cookie Sheet is made from durable carbon steel. It is dishwasher safe and can withstand temperatures up to 450°F, ensuring it will be your go-to baking accessory for years to come.
- ✓ Trusted Brand: Baker’s Secret has been America’s favorite baking brand since 1972, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. With our Nonstick Large Cookie Sheet, you can trust the Baker’s Secret brand to deliver exceptional baking results and make your baking experience truly enjoyable.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a carbon steel pan?
Look for a pan with a thick, heavy gauge for even heat retention and durability. A smooth, polished surface will help with seasoning and prevent sticking. Handles should be securely riveted and comfortable to hold for long cooking sessions.
How does carbon steel compare to cast iron?
Carbon steel is lighter and heats up faster than cast iron, making it more responsive to temperature changes. Both require seasoning, but carbon steel is less brittle and easier to maneuver. Cast iron retains heat longer, which is better for searing, but carbon steel offers more versatility.
What size carbon steel pan is best for home cooking?
A 10- or 12-inch pan is ideal for most home cooks, offering enough surface area for searing or frying. Smaller pans are great for single servings, while larger ones are better for family meals. Consider your stovetop size and storage space when choosing.
How do I season a carbon steel pan?
Seasoning involves heating oil on the pan until it polymerizes, creating a non-stick layer. Start with a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil, like flaxseed or canola, and bake it in the oven at high heat. Repeat the process 3-4 times for a durable seasoning.
Are carbon steel pans worth the investment?
Yes, carbon steel pans offer excellent value due to their durability and versatility. They can last a lifetime with proper care and improve with each use. Their ability to handle high heat makes them a favorite among professional chefs.
What are the top-rated carbon steel pans according to America’s Test Kitchen?
America’s Test Kitchen often recommends brands like Matfer Bourgeat and De Buyer for their consistent performance. These pans are praised for their even heating and sturdy construction. Look for models with pre-seasoned surfaces to save time.
Can I use metal utensils on a carbon steel pan?
Yes, carbon steel is durable enough to withstand metal utensils without damage. However, avoid sharp tools that could scratch the seasoning. Wooden or silicone utensils are gentler and help maintain the non-stick surface.
How do I clean and maintain a carbon steel pan?
Clean with hot water and a scraper or sponge, avoiding soap which can strip seasoning. Dry immediately and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust. Over time, the seasoning will build up, improving the pan’s performance.