Black Steel Pans: Which One's Best?

Carbon steel pans are a popular choice for professional chefs and home cooks alike. They are made from a mixture of carbon and iron, which gives them similar properties to cast iron pans but with some key differences. Carbon steel pans are thinner, lighter, and more responsive to changes in temperature than cast iron. They also have sloped sides, which make them better suited to sautéing and searing.

When it comes to choosing the best carbon steel pan, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to decide between a pre-seasoned pan or one that requires seasoning. Pre-seasoned pans offer convenience and are usually non-stick right out of the box. However, some people prefer to season their own pans to build up a natural non-stick coating over time.

Another factor to consider is the weight of the pan. Lighter pans are generally easier to manoeuvre and heat up faster, but heavier pans may be better suited for certain tasks such as searing or frying. The size of the pan is also important, as larger pans can accommodate more food and have a larger cooking surface area. Additionally, the type of handle can affect the comfort and ease of use, with rounded handles generally being more comfortable to grip than sharp, right-angled ones.

Some of the best carbon steel pans on the market include the Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Natural Nonstick Frying Pan, the Vollrath French Style Carbon Steel Fry Pan, and the OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan. These pans offer a good balance of weight, size, and performance, making them versatile and easy to use.

Best for baking

If you're looking for a black steel pan that's perfect for baking, there are several options to consider. Here are some detailed reviews of the best black steel pans for baking:

Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Pan

The Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Pan is an excellent choice for baking. It comes pre-seasoned and offers a non-stick finish, allowing your baked goods to glide right off the surface. This pan is also quite large, with a cooking surface diameter of 9.5 inches, so you can bake multiple items at once. It weighs 3 pounds and 3.4 ounces, which makes it a bit heavy, but the large size makes up for this minor drawback. The Merten & Storck carbon steel pan is oven-safe up to 600°F and comes with a standard lifetime warranty, ensuring its durability.

OXO Carbon Steel Obsidian Pan

The OXO Carbon Steel Obsidian Pan is a lightweight and affordable option for baking. It comes pre-seasoned and has a highly non-stick coating, making it easy to release your baked goods. The pan has a cooking surface diameter of 8.5 inches, which is slightly smaller than the Merten & Storck pan. The OXO pan is very easy to clean, as it can be wiped with a damp paper towel between uses. It is oven-safe up to 660°F, so you can use it for a variety of baking needs.

De Buyer Carbon Steel Pan

If you're looking for a high-quality, thick-gauge carbon steel pan for baking, the de Buyer Carbon Steel Pan is an excellent choice. This pan requires initial seasoning, but it's simple to do so, and it will only get better with time. The de Buyer pan is made by a French company that has been crafting carbon steel pans for 200 years, so you can trust their expertise. It weighs 4 pounds and 2.7 ounces, providing a sturdy base for your baked goods. The pan is oven-safe up to 400°F for 10 minutes.

BK Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan

The BK Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan is an excellent choice for baking if you're specifically looking for even searing. While it may not be the best for baking delicate items, it offers a deep and even heat distribution, making it perfect for baking items that need a consistent temperature. The pan weighs 2 pounds and 2 ounces, making it easy to handle. It is oven-safe up to 660°F, so you can use it for a variety of baking recipes.

Best for searing

When it comes to choosing the best black steel pan for searing, there are a few key factors to consider. The pan should have excellent heat retention, even heat distribution, and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Here are some recommendations for the best black steel pans for searing:

Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel cookware, especially 5-ply stainless steel, is an excellent option for searing. It heats up quickly and evenly, eliminating hot spots and allowing for consistent browning and crust formation on your meat. Stainless steel pans are also durable and can withstand intense heat without warping. They are generally easier to maintain and clean than other options, as they do not require regular seasoning and are often dishwasher-safe.

Carbon Steel Pans

Carbon steel pans are another great choice for searing. They heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly, and are lighter than cast iron, making them easier to handle. Despite their lighter weight, carbon steel pans are excellent at retaining heat, ensuring a sizzling hot surface for searing. They offer consistent and even heating, preventing hot spots and allowing for an even sear. Carbon steel pans require seasoning and hand washing, but they are generally easier to maintain than cast iron.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are a popular choice for searing due to their exceptional heat retention. They get extremely hot and stay that way, providing the high temperatures needed for a beautifully browned exterior on meats. However, they require more effort to clean and maintain, as they need regular seasoning and cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

Specific Product Recommendations:

• Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Steel Pan: This pan is lightweight, releases food easily, and is a pleasure to use. It has a wide, open surface area that is perfect for cooking a good amount of vegetables or making a tarte tatin. While it may be a bit on the heavier side for flipping and swirling, it has a comfortable handle and performs well in all tests except for the initial egg test, which improved with additional seasoning.
• Vollrath French Style Carbon Steel Fry Pan: This pan is a favourite among professional chefs and restaurants. It is lighter than the Mauviel pan and almost half the price. It heats up quickly, distributes heat evenly, and produces evenly cooked results. However, the 11-inch model has a handle that is a bit cumbersome.
• OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan: This affordable carbon steel skillet is easy to manoeuvre and incredibly non-stick, making it a great choice for beginners. It is comfortable to lift and manoeuvre due to its lightweight design. However, because it is lighter, it may spin a little on a glass stovetop.

Best for frying

Frying is one of the most common cooking techniques, and a good frying pan is essential for any kitchen. Here are some of the best black steel pans for frying:

Mauviel Nonstick Frying Pan

This pan is an excellent choice for frying, with a smooth, non-stick surface that makes it easy to cook eggs, meats, and other delicate foods. It has a comfortable handle and weighs only 3 pounds and 3 ounces, making it easy to manoeuvre. While it may require some initial seasoning, it is a great option for those who want a lightweight and versatile pan.

Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Frying Pan

The Merten & Storck pan is another great option for frying. It is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and completely non-stick. It sears chicken and other meats perfectly and is compatible with all stovetops. This pan is also very affordable, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Vollrath Carbon Steel Fry Pan

The Vollrath carbon steel fry pan is a favourite among professional chefs and for a good reason. It is lightweight, heats up quickly, and distributes heat evenly, making it perfect for frying. It also has a comfortable handle and is very affordable.

OXO Obsidian Carbon Steel Frying Pan

The OXO Obsidian carbon steel frying pan is a great budget-friendly option. It comes pre-seasoned and is super non-stick, making it easy to cook eggs and other sticky foods. It is also very lightweight and comfortable to grip, making it easy to manoeuvre.

De Buyer Carbon Steel Frying Pan

The de Buyer carbon steel frying pan is a high-quality, thick-gauge pan that offers superior construction and is induction compatible. While it requires initial seasoning, it is a great choice for those who want control over their pan's seasoning. It is also a French-made pan with a lifetime guarantee.

Best for induction hobs

If you're looking for the best black steel pan for induction hobs, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, not all black steel pans are created equal, and some may not be compatible with induction hobs. To ensure compatibility, look for pans with a magnetic base, as induction cooking relies on magnetic fields to generate heat. You can also look for the induction-compatible symbol, which often looks like a horizontal zig-zag or a coil, on the packaging or base of the pan.

When it comes to specific pan recommendations, here are some options that are suitable for induction hobs:

Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK 5-Piece Pan Set

The Ninja Foodi ZEROSTICK 5-Piece Pan Set is a versatile and durable option. It includes a frying pan and four saucepans, and it performs well on induction cooktops. The set is also oven-safe up to 260°C and dishwasher-safe. During testing, the materials heated up quickly and required minimal oil when frying, making it a great choice for those looking for an efficient and low-maintenance pan set.

Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Le Creuset is a well-known brand when it comes to cookware, and their 3-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set does not disappoint. This set includes a 14cm saucepan, an 18cm saucepan, a 20cm casserole pan, and a 24cm frying pan. While it is on the pricier side, the set delivers outstanding quality and responsiveness on induction cooktops. The pans heat up quickly and evenly, giving you precise control over your cooking. They are also oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, making them a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.

GreenPan Barcelona Pro Frying Pan

If you're specifically looking for a frying pan, the GreenPan Barcelona Pro Frying Pan is an excellent choice. It features a sleek design and a tactile handle, but the real standout is its scratch-resistant and non-stick surface. During testing, it held up extremely well to vigorous testing with stainless steel utensils, proving its durability. It is also oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and PFOA-free, making it a healthy and convenient option for your kitchen.

Our Place Always Pan

For a true multi-tasker, the Our Place Always Pan is a stylish and versatile option. Available in eight different colours, this pan can be used for steaming, straining, boiling, and serving, giving you eight uses in one pan. It is induction-compatible and has a non-stick surface, making it a convenient and low-maintenance choice. However, it is not dishwasher-safe, so hand washing is required.

ProCook Professional Granite Saucepan Set

The ProCook Professional Granite Saucepan Set is a high-quality and durable option. These saucepans are forged from a single piece of aluminium, ensuring excellent heat distribution. They feature Cooltouch handles that stay cool during cooking and respond well to changes in temperature. The set includes four pieces and is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 260°C. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the ProCook set offers impressive performance and durability.

Best for the money

If you're looking for the best value black steel pan, there are a few options that deliver great results without breaking the bank. Here are some detailed reviews of the top contenders:

OXO Obsidian Carbon Steel Pan

The OXO carbon steel pan is a fantastic choice for those seeking a lightweight, nonstick, and affordable option. This pan is a breeze to manoeuvre and, after an initial wash, requires only a wipe with a damp paper towel for cleaning. It comes pre-seasoned, and its nonstick coating is so effective that not a crumb of cornbread stuck to it during testing. At just under $80, it's a great budget option that delivers impressive results.

Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Pan

The Merten & Storck carbon steel pan is another excellent value option. This pan is pre-seasoned and offers a supremely nonstick finish, allowing fried eggs to glide across the surface effortlessly. It produces a nice, deep, and even sear on steaks without the need for added oil. While the pan is on the heavier side, its large size makes up for this minor drawback. With a standard lifetime warranty and a price tag of around $50, the Merten & Storck carbon steel pan is an excellent investment that will last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet

If you're seeking an affordable and versatile option, the Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet is a great choice. This pan comes pre-seasoned and is perfect for baking, searing meat, or achieving a golden-brown crust on your vegetables. It heats up quickly and evenly, making it ideal for cooking a variety of dishes. The Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet is available in three popular sizes (8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches) and is also broiler-safe. Priced at around $45, it's a fantastic value for the price.

BK Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan

The BK Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan is a fantastic option if all you need is an even sear. While it may not be the best for baking, it offers a deep and even heat distribution, making it perfect for cooking steak or fried eggs. This pan is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, and its pre-seasoned coating ensures that your food releases easily. Priced at around $60, it's a great value for those who want a super-even sear without breaking the bank.

Vollrath Carbon Steel Pan

The Vollrath Carbon Steel Pan is a favourite among restaurant chefs, and for a good reason. This pan is lighter than some of its competitors, heating up faster and making it easier to lift, flip, and sauté. It produced evenly cooked results in our tests, from thin crepes to a flaky tarte tatin. While the 11-inch model has a slightly cumbersome handle, the Vollrath Carbon Steel Pan is an excellent choice for those seeking restaurant-quality results at a fraction of the price, costing around $50.

Frequently asked questions