Disclosure: Our editors independently review and test the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We receive a small commission from purchases made via some links on this website. We do not accept free products from manufacturers, and we never allow ourselves to be influenced by how much money we could make off a certain product.
Carbon steel skillets are a huge favorite among a good number of cooks. They are the preferred utensil over many others, including omelet pan, springform pan, and crepe pan.
It is because they have a lot of features that are perfect for frying, searing and sautéing.
The best carbon steel skillet is the ideal alternative to non-stick pans, particularly Teflon. Teflon pans are great as well, but they are not the healthiest option.
Carbon steel skillets can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and causing a health concern.
The durability and affordability are other reasons why carbon steel skillets have a dedicated following.
Having a reliable carbon steel skillet in the kitchen will make your cooking experiences a lot easier and fun.
Today, we have reviewed three carbon steel skillets, which impressed us as we put them to the test.
We weigh their pros and cons and also give our recommendation, which you will find out as you keep reading.
3 Best Butcher Knife Reviews 2024
1 – Matfer Bourgeat 62005 frying pan
If you’re looking for the #1 carbon steel skillet, this is the perfect pick for you.
It is also made of steel, which adds to its reliability and durability.
The material distributes the heat very evenly, which is a great feature.
You will love cooking all your favorite dishes with this skillet.
It is also compatible with all types of hobs, including induction cook tops.
The strip handle on this pan is also very long, so it stays cool while you cook. The overall quality of this carbon steel skillet is excellent, and we loved using it.
This pan comes in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 8.5 inches to 17.3 inches, which is a great deal. The height of these pans ranges from 1.1 inches to 3.4 inches.
You need to season the skillet much like all other carbon steel skillet before the first use.
You can also choose to season it regularly for non-stick use, as well. Additionally, doing this will make the skillet more durable.
PROS
- Black steel material – excellent quality
- Compatible with all hob types
- Long handle for convenience and safety
CONS
- The price is a bit high
- Some units have an issue with warping
2 – Lodge CRS10 Carbon Steel Skillet
This carbon steel skillet comes from a very reputed brand, Lodge.
We did not expect anything less than stellar, and we were not disappointed.
The first thing you notice about this skillet is how sturdy it looks.
It is made of carbon steel that is 12 gauge and can withstand a serious beating.
The skillet not only heats pretty quickly but distributes and maintains heat very evenly.
The skillet is compatible with all types of hobs and cooking surfaces, including open fires. With extra-long handles, you will have no problem with getting it overheated.
You need to season it just like any other carbon steel skillet. But it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
With continued use, the pan will attain a smooth surface gradually. It is recommended to wash it by hand to prolong its life.
Another great feature of this skillet is that you can use it with wooden spatulas as well as those that are made of metal.
PROS
- Heavy-duty construction makes it durable to use
- Very versatile for cooking
- Compatible with all cooking surface
CONS
- The usable area of the pan is too small
3 – Matfer Bourgeat 062003 Black Steel Round Frying Pan
This is another excellent carbon steel skillet. This frying pan from Matfer is everything you need in a carbon steel skillet.
The plate of the pan features heavy-duty construction with black steel.
The distribution of heat is impressive, which made us put it on the top of the list.
The pan is compatible with all types of hobs, including an induction cook top.
The pan is 10 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height. The strip handle of the pan is also a great feature.
It is extra-long, which prevents it from overheating while cooking.
As is the norm with most carbon steel skillet, the pan requires seasoning before the first use.
However, it is a relatively easy process. If you follow the instruction provided at the time of purchase, you should have no issue.
Overall, this pan is simple yet very effective and delivers great cooking, which is what matters to us. And we cannot recommend it enough.
PROS
- Heavy-duty pan
- Compatible with all types of hobs
- Long handle for convenience
- Very easy to clean
CONS
- The price is a bit high
- It’s quite hard to keep seasoned
The Verdict
If you are a cook of degree, a good quality carbon steel skillet is a must in your arsenal. You can cook almost anything with this versatile utensil. You can fry, roast, braise, simmer, and do just about anything with this type of pan.
Among the three carbon steel skillets on our list, we couldn’t help but give extra points to the Matfer Bourgeat 62005 frying pan for its excellent quality and price.