# Best carbon steel pans, skillets and sets Source: https://braiseandsear.com/best/best-carbon-steel-pan Publisher: Braise & Sear. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://braiseandsear.com/how-we-pick Carbon steel sits between cast iron and stainless. It is lighter than cast iron, takes very high heat for searing, and builds a slick seasoned surface with use, without a factory nonstick coating. The tradeoffs are care and patience. Most pans ship with a beeswax or protective coat you wash off, then you season with oil, hand wash, and dry right away to stop rust. Acidic sauces can strip young seasoning. When choosing, look at the real cooking surface, not the rim diameter, because sloped sides shrink the flat area a lot. Also check the oven limit, since some handles are rated for short oven use only. This guide compares six carbon steel options from de Buyer, Mauviel and Made In, from single pans to a three-pan set and a large griddle. Only six listings fit this guide well, so it stops there. ## Picks ### 1. de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan Bundle - Includes 3 Pans - 8”, 10.25”, and 12.5” - Ideal for Searing, Sauteing & Reheating - Naturally Non-Stick Finish - Made in France Material: Carbon steel; Pieces: 3: 8, 10.25 and 12.5 in fry pans; Oven-safe to: 400°F for up to 10 min; Induction: Yes; Dishwasher safe: No, hand wash only Three Mineral B fry pans made in France, with the cooking surface of each stated. The most complete way to switch to carbon steel. What the listing offers: - Listing gives true cooking surfaces of 5.5, 7.3 and 9 inches, so you know the flat area of each pan. - Can be used on all cooking surfaces including induction, per the listing. - Seasoning steps are spelled out on the listing, which helps first-time carbon steel owners. Limits to know: - Oven use is limited to 10 minutes at 400°F per the listing, so it is not for long oven roasts. - Hand wash only, and the listing warns harsh soaps can strip the seasoning. ### 2. de Buyer MINERAL B Pro Carbon Steel Country Fry Pan - 11” Diameter, 7.7” Cooking Surface - Ideal for Sauteing, Simmering, Deep Frying, Stir Frying - Naturally Non-Stick Finish - Made in France Size: 11 in (7.7 in cooking surface); Material: Carbon steel; Oven-safe to: 400°F for up to 10 min; Induction: Yes; Weight: Not stated A deep carbon steel pan with high sides and a cast stainless handle. Fits sauteing, shallow frying and stir frying where a flat skillet would splatter. What the listing offers: - High sides suit sauteing, simmering, deep frying and stir frying, per the listing. - Cast stainless steel handle is riveted and described as oven safe. - Works on all cooking surfaces including induction. Limits to know: - Cooking surface is 7.7 inches, small for an 11 inch rim, so it is not a big searing pan. - Oven use is limited to 10 minutes at 400°F per the listing. ### 3. Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Natural Nonstick 3-Piece Frying Pan Set With Iron Handle, Suitable For All Cooking Surfaces, Made in France Material: Extra thick black carbon steel; Size: 7.9, 9.4 and 11 in; Oven-safe to: Not stated; Weight: Not stated; Care: Season before use, hand wash Three extra thick black carbon steel pans with iron handles, made in France. A full set for cooks who want heavier-gauge pans. What the listing offers: - Listing describes extra thick black steel with commercial grade durability for long preheating. - Three sizes from 7.9 to 11 inches cover eggs through weeknight searing. - Beeswax coating is stated to prevent rust before first use and save seasoning time. Limits to know: - Oven limit and cooking surface sizes are not stated on the listing. - Listing advises using cooktop controls at about 60 percent power and heating the pan slowly. ### 4. Made In Cookware - Carbon Steel Griddle + Grill Press - Professional Cookware - Crafted in Sweden - Induction Compatible Size: 19.6 x 10.5 in griddle, 5.5 x 5 in press; Material: Carbon steel; Oven-safe to: Handles heat up to 1200°F per listing; Induction: Yes; Weight: Not stated A large carbon steel griddle with a grill press, made in Sweden. For smash burgers, pancakes and grilling outdoors or across two burners. What the listing offers: - Listing states it handles heat up to 1200°F and works on stovetop, grill and open flame. - 19.6 x 10.5 inch griddle spans two burners for big batches. - Includes a grill press, useful for smash burgers and sandwiches. Limits to know: - A flat griddle has no sides, so it cannot replace a skillet for sauces or shallow frying. - Seasoning and care steps are not spelled out on this listing. ### 5. Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Natural Nonstick Frying Pan With Iron Handle, 14.2-in, Suitable For All Cooking Surfaces, Made in France Size: 14.2 in; Material: Extra thick black carbon steel; Oven-safe to: Not stated; Induction: All cooking surfaces per title; Weight: Not stated A single 14.2 inch carbon steel pan for big sears, family-size batches and cooking on a large burner or grill. What the listing offers: - 14.2 inch size gives room to sear several steaks or a big batch of potatoes at once. - Extra thick black steel is described as heating quickly for searing, browning and grilling. - Made in France, per the listing, from the same M'Steel line as the 3-piece set. Limits to know: - A 14.2 inch pan is larger than most home burners, so the edges may run cooler. - Hand wash only and not dishwasher safe; oven limit is not stated. ### 6. Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Natural Nonstick Paella Pan With Iron Handles, 14.2-in, Suitable For All Cooking Surfaces, Made in France Size: 14.2 in; Material: Extra thick black carbon steel; Oven-safe to: Not stated; Induction: All cooking surfaces per title; Weight: Not stated A wide, shallow carbon steel pan with two iron handles. Built for paella and rice dishes, and handy for roasting or a big saute. What the listing offers: - Two handles make a full 14.2 inch pan easier to move than a single-handle skillet. - Extra thick black steel is described as rising in temperature quickly. - Care notes explain that the dark layer that forms on the pan builds a non-stick film. Limits to know: - Specialist shape; a regular skillet is more useful for everyday cooking. - Hand wash only, not dishwasher safe, and no oven limit is stated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.