Steel Pan Retailers: A Guide

Steel pans are available from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Serious Eats, Heritage Steel, and The Steelpan Store. Amazon offers a wide range of steel pans with various features, such as detachable handles, oven safety, and induction compatibility. Serious Eats provides reviews and recommendations for carbon steel pans, highlighting their versatility and performance. Heritage Steel offers a range of stainless-clad cookware sets, while The Steelpan Store specializes in providing equipment for panists, including stands, mallets, and cases.

Online

There are many online options for purchasing steel pans, including:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of stainless steel and carbon steel pans with various features such as induction compatibility, oven safety, and ergonomic handles. Some products are also eligible for free delivery.

The Steelpan Store

This specialist store offers a range of steelpans and accessories, including mallets, cases, and stands. They provide hand-selected items for panists and are happy to offer advice on product selection.

De Buyer

De Buyer offers a unique collection of carbon steel pans called Mineral B. These pans are protected by beeswax to ensure they arrive rust-free, and the wax also improves seasoned steel. The pans are suitable for use on the stove and in the oven, allowing for searing, stirring, browning, and grilling at high temperatures.

Heritage Steel

Heritage Steel offers a range of stainless steel cookware sets, including saucepans, stock pots, and frying pans, with some items currently on sale. Their products are designed to work on any stovetop.

Guitar Center

For those looking for steel pan drums, Guitar Center offers a selection of new and used options, including the pentatonic steel drum in G, the mini diatonic steel drum in the key of C, and the double mini chromatic drums.

In-store

If you're looking to purchase steel pans in-store, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try visiting specialty music stores or instrument shops, especially those that cater to percussion instruments. Steel pans, also known as steel drums, are often available at such stores due to their unique acoustic properties. You can check with local stores or even larger retailers to inquire about their stock.

Another option is to explore homeware and kitchen supply stores. Many retailers offer a wide range of steel pans for cooking and grilling purposes. Some popular options include:

• The Steelpan Store: While they currently only accept orders via email, they offer a variety of steel pans and accessories, and their physical address is listed as Woodstock, IL.
• Amazon: With Amazon stores worldwide, you can check their website or your local store for steel pan options. They offer a diverse selection, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and tri-ply stainless steel pans in various sizes and sets.
• Guitar Center: While primarily a music equipment retailer, Guitar Center occasionally offers used steel pans and drums through their physical stores. It's worth checking their website or giving them a call to locate the nearest store with steel pan availability.
• Made In: This retailer offers professional-quality cookware, including carbon steel pans, and provides a lifetime warranty on almost all products. They have an online presence and may also have physical stores in select locations.
• De Buyer: Specializing in carbon steel cookware, de Buyer offers a unique shopping experience with their Mineral B line, which includes frying pans, omelette pans, crepe pans, and more. They provide free shipping on orders over $99.

Remember to research the specific steel pan you're interested in, compare prices, and check for any ongoing promotions or sales before making your purchase.

Second-hand

If you're looking to buy a second-hand steel pan, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try online marketplaces such as eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon Warehouse. These sites often have a range of used steel pans available, and you may be able to find a good deal. However, it's important to be cautious when buying online, as the condition of the pan may not always be accurately represented.

Another option is to purchase directly from a fellow pannist (steel drum musician). This can be a good choice if you know someone who is selling their pan because they are no longer using it. However, it's important to ensure that the pan is in good condition and has not been damaged.

Some schools may also sell or donate their second-hand steel pans to music stores or specialised steel drum shops when they are no longer needed. You can contact local schools or music stores to inquire about any available second-hand pans. Additionally, some custom steel drum makers may offer used pans for sale, although this option can be quite expensive.

When buying a second-hand steel pan, it's important to inspect the condition carefully. Look for any dents, damages, or alterations to the pan, as these can affect the sound and tuning. It's also a good idea to bring an electronic tuner to test the sound of each note. By taking the time to carefully inspect and test the pan, you can help ensure that you're getting a quality instrument.

Steelpan specialists

The steelpan is made from 55-gallon industrial drums and is played using a pair of straight sticks with rubber tips. The rubber tips vary in size and type depending on the class of pan being played. Some musicians use four pansticks, holding two in each hand.

The steelpan is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and has been popularised internationally by the U.S. Navy, who were stationed in Trinidad in 1941.

If you are looking to purchase a steelpan, there are a number of specialist retailers that can provide you with the instrument. The Steelpan Store, for example, is a retailer based in Illinois that offers a range of steelpans and accessories. They can be contacted via email or phone and offer a range of hand-selected items for panists.

Another option is Heritage Steel, which offers a range of steel cookware, including frying pans, saucepans, and stock pots. Their products are made in the USA and can be purchased online through their website.

Additionally, Amazon offers a wide range of steel pans and cookware. Some of the brands they carry include Cuisinart, Mueller, Lodge, and Tramontina. Amazon offers convenient delivery options and often has deals and discounts available.

By purchasing from these specialist retailers, you can be sure to find a quality steelpan that suits your needs.

Steelpan manufacturers

Steelpans, also known as steel drums, are musical instruments that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. They are made from 55-gallon industrial drums and played with a pair of straight sticks tipped with rubber. Steelpans are the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and are a major part of the country's music scene.

The steelpan has undergone several developments since its early forms in the 1900s. The first steelpans were created from frying pans, dustbin lids, and oil drums. Today, steelpans are made by a variety of manufacturers and sold through different retailers. Here is a list of some steelpan manufacturers:

• Ellie Mannette: Ellie Mannette is known as the "Father of the Modern Steel Drum" and is an accomplished panman. He was also a member of the Trinidad All-Steel Pan Percussion Orchestra (TASPO), which was the first steelband to perform at the Festival of Britain in 1951.
• Winston "Spree" Simon: Winston "Spree" Simon is a skilled player and inventor of the "Ping Pong" pan. He, too, was a member of TASPO.
• PANArt: This Swiss manufacturer researched fine-grain sheet steel and developed a deep-drawn raw form that was hardened by nitriding. Their instruments are called "pang."
• RS Sweet Pans: Ronald Matthews, a skilled steelpan tuner in Trinidad, is associated with RS Sweet Pans.
• The Steelpan Store: This store, based in Woodstock, IL, offers various steelpan products, including mallets, cases, covers, and stands.
• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of steel pans from different brands, including Lodge, Cuisinart, Mueller, and All-Clad.
• Heritage Steel: This company offers a range of stainless steel cookware, including saucepans, stock pots, and frying pans.
• Merten & Storck: Merten & Storck is a German manufacturer that produces pre-seasoned carbon steel pans with stainless steel handles.
• OXO: OXO offers pre-seasoned carbon steel pans with removable silicone handle holders.
• Smithey: Smithey manufactures hand-forged, seasoned carbon steel skillets made in Charleston, South Carolina.
• Matfer Bourgeat: Matfer Bourgeat is a French company that produces black carbon steel frying pans used in commercial kitchens.
• KitchenAid: KitchenAid's Nitro carbon steel fry pan is infused with nitrogen, making it harder and capable of withstanding higher temperatures.
• SolidTeknics: SolidTeknics offers a pre-seasoned carbon steel skillet with a grooved handle and claims that it won't warp.

Frequently asked questions