Crafted Carbon: The Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set For Culinary Artistry

The Imperial Home 7-piece carbon steel non-stick cookware set is a kitchen essential that will bring out your inner chef. The set includes a 3-quart Dutch oven, 1.7-quart saucepan, 1.2-quart saucepan, and a 9-inch frying pan with lids. Made with high-grade carbon steel, this set heats up quickly and evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked meals. The non-stick coating ensures easy cleanup, and the comfortable grip handles stay cool during use. This lightweight and versatile cookware set is perfect for college dorms, shelters, and corporate housing.

Pros and cons of the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set

The Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set is a seven-piece set that includes a 3-quart Dutch oven, 1.7-quart sauce pan, 1.2-quart sauce pan, and a 9-inch frying pan, all with lids. The set is made from high-grade carbon steel, making it durable and long-lasting. Here are some pros and cons of the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set:

Pros:

• The set is made of high-grade carbon steel, ensuring durability and a long lifespan.
• It features vented lids, which help regulate cooking temperature and time, allowing for easy and quality cooking.
• The set has comfortable, stay-cool bakelite handles and knobs, making it safe and easy to move the pots and pans around without burning your hands.
• The non-stick interior makes cleaning easy and hassle-free, and allows for a variety of dishes to be cooked without worrying about food getting stuck to the surface.
• The set is lightweight and versatile, making it ideal for college dorms, shelters, and corporate housing.
• It is dishwasher-safe, making clean-up even more convenient.

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with durability, mentioning that the handles broke easily and that the quality is poor.
• There have been complaints about the size of the pots and pans, stating that they are smaller than expected.
• A few reviews mention issues with stickiness, with food sticking to the surface despite the non-stick coating.
• Some customers have also reported rusting issues, with rust appearing after a few uses.

Overall, the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set offers a range of benefits, including durability, ease of use, and convenience. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider, such as issues with durability, size, stickiness, and rusting.

How to season the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set

To season the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the protective coating and wash the pan

Most carbon steel pans come unseasoned, with a protective coating that ensures the bare metal doesn't rust. Wash the pan well with hot water and a soft cloth to remove any coating.

Step 2: Dry the pan

As soon as you've removed the protective coating, dry the pan right away to prevent rusting. You can give the pan a quick towel dry, then set it over a stovetop burner to cook off any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Heat the pan

It's time to apply the first layer of seasoning. Heating the pan first will help the oil go on as thinly as possible. You can do this over a burner or in an oven preheated to 450°F (230°C). If using a burner, turn the heat up to high and rotate the pan every minute or so to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Apply oil sparingly

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil. Avoid using butter, olive oil, lard, or shortening. Lightly grease a kitchen towel and rub a thin layer of oil on the inside and outside of the pan, making sure to buff away any excess. The pan should look dry; if you think you may have used too much oil, you probably have.

Step 5: Heat the oiled pan

Continue to heat the pan over the burner at its highest setting or in the preheated oven. The oil will begin to bead and smoke heavily. Let the pan smoke for a few minutes to allow the oil to polymerize and form a solid coating.

Step 6: Wipe away excess oil

Turn off the heat source and let the pan cool completely. Using an oven mitt or heat-proof gloves, wipe away any beaded or excess oil with a paper towel.

Step 7: Use the pan and re-season as needed

From this point on, your goal is to use the pan and build up more seasoning over time. With enough roasting and sautéing, you will develop an even darker patina. You can also lay down new layers of seasoning by repeating the oil and heat process whenever needed.

How to clean the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set

To keep your Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set in good condition, it's important to follow these care and cleaning instructions:

Before First Use:

Wash the cookware set with warm, soapy water to remove any waxy coating that was applied to prevent rusting during transit.

General Care and Maintenance:

• Carbon steel cookware can be used on any cooktop, including induction, and can withstand high temperatures. However, always heat and cool the cookware gradually to avoid hot spots and warping.
• Use utensils made of metal, wood, or high-temperature silicone as the cooking surface can get very hot. Avoid scraping or scrubbing too hard to prevent stripping the seasoning.
• Always use a handle holder or oven mitt when handling the cookware, as the handles can get hot.
• Protect your dining table or kitchen countertops by using trivets under hot cookware.

Cleaning:

• Wash the cookware by hand with warm water. You can use a small amount of mild soap, but it is not necessary. Avoid using too much soap as it can strip the seasoning.
• For stuck-on food, use a pan scraper, scrub brush, or non-scratch pad. Alternatively, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes to loosen the food, then scrape it off after the pan has cooled.
• Dry the cookware promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
• Rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan and rub it in until evenly distributed.

Re-seasoning:

• Carbon steel pans develop a natural non-stick patina over time. However, if the patina wears off or food starts to stick, you will need to re-season the pan.
• To re-season, coat the pan with oil and expose it to heat. This can be done on the stovetop or in the oven. The heat will create a polymerized reaction, filling the pores of the pan and creating a smooth surface.

Troubleshooting:

• If your carbon steel cookware set ever develops rust, you can remove it with steel wool and a paste of baking soda and vinegar. However, this will also remove the seasoning, so be sure to re-season the pan afterward.
• Avoid cooking highly acidic foods such as citrus, tomatoes, or vinegar in the cookware set as they can break down the seasoning.

Comparison to other cookware sets

The Imperial Home 7-piece carbon steel cookware set is a great option for those looking for a durable and affordable cookware set. Here is a comparison of the Imperial Home set to other cookware sets on the market:

Size and Weight

The Imperial Home set includes a 1.2 qt Dutch oven, 1.7 qt Dutch oven, 3 qt Dutch oven with lids, and a 22 cm frying pan. This set is perfect for those who are looking for a compact and lightweight option. Other cookware sets, such as the Merten & Storck 3-piece set, offer similar-sized pans, while some sets, like the Lodge 10-inch skillet, offer single pans.

Material and Coating

The Imperial Home set is made of high-grade carbon steel, which is known for its durability and even heat distribution. The non-stick coating on the Imperial Home set makes cleanup a breeze and promotes healthy cooking by reducing the need for large amounts of oil or butter. Other sets, like the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan, also offer a non-stick coating, while some sets, such as the Lodge 10-inch skillet, require seasoning to build up a natural non-stick coating over time.

Heat Distribution and Compatibility

The Imperial Home set performs well on various cooktops, including induction, electric, and gas stovetops. The carbon steel material ensures even heat distribution, making it ideal for searing, frying, and sautéing. Other sets, like the Viking Culinary Blue Carbon set, also offer good heat distribution, while some sets may have issues with uneven heating.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

The Imperial Home set is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean thanks to its non-stick coating. However, like other carbon steel cookware, it should not be washed with harsh detergents or placed in the dishwasher to preserve the seasoning. Some sets, like the Merten & Storck set, can also be easily cleaned with just a wipe or a quick rinse, while others may require more effort and special care.

Price

The Imperial Home set is very affordably priced at around $37, making it a great option for those on a budget. Other sets, like the Lodge 10-inch skillet, are also budget-friendly, while some sets, such as the Smithey Carbon Steel Farmhouse Skillet, are more of a splurge.

Overall, the Imperial Home 7-piece carbon steel cookware set offers a great combination of durability, performance, and ease of use at an affordable price. While there are other sets that may offer similar features, the Imperial Home set is a strong contender in the market and is definitely worth considering for your cookware needs.

Customer reviews of the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set

Positive reviews mention that the colour is nice and that the pans are easy to clean. Some customers also feel that the set is a good deal for the price. One review states that "they're cute, practical, and most of all, cheap. I personally think it's an awesome deal."

However, negative reviews highlight several issues with the cookware set. Some customers have reported that the handles broke easily, and that the set is not durable. Others mention that the coating starts to peel and rust, and that the size of the pots and pans is smaller than expected. There are also complaints about the stickiness of the set, with one review stating that "everything sticks in these pots, and the non-stick stuff I'd coming off already."

Overall, while some customers are satisfied with the Imperial High Carbon Steel Cookware Set, there are several reports of quality and durability issues that potential buyers should be aware of.

Frequently asked questions