10 Best Carbon Steel Pan America’S Test Kitchen (2024 Update)

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As a cooking enthusiast, you may have heard about carbon steel pans and how they are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen. However, finding the right carbon steel pan can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available.

If you’re looking for a carbon steel pan, America’s Test Kitchen is a great resource to turn to. As an expert in kitchen gadgets and cookware, they have tested and reviewed several carbon steel pans to help you make an informed decision.

Before you start searching for carbon steel pans, here are five key points to consider:

1. Quality: Look for a carbon steel pan that is made with high-quality materials and construction. A well-made pan will last longer, and heat evenly.

2. Size: Consider the size of the pan you need for your cooking needs. Carbon steel pans come in different sizes, so make sure you choose one that will work for your recipes.

3. Handle: The handle of the pan should be sturdy and comfortable to hold. It should also be securely attached to the pan.

4. Maintenance: Carbon steel pans require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. Look for a pan that is easy to clean and season.

5. Price: Carbon steel pans can range in price, so consider your budget when choosing one. Remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality.

Overall, a carbon steel pan is a great investment for any home cook. With these key points in mind, you can find the perfect pan for your needs and start cooking delicious meals in no time.

10 Best Carbon Steel Pan America'S Test Kitchen

1. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan (11 7/8)

The Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan (11 7/8) is a top-rated product by America's Test Kitchen for its outstanding heat distribution and temperature control, making it an excellent choice for searing meats, browning omelets, grilling fish, and cooking a wide range of dishes, even desserts. This pan is designed to preserve the vitamins and nutrients in your food, ensuring healthy cooking.

Made of black carbon steel, a natural mineral material, this pan is free of any harsh chemicals or coatings, making it a healthier option than traditional non-stick pans. Once seasoned, the pan becomes exceedingly non-stick, making cooking and cleaning a breeze. The natural non-stick material also ensures that your food won't stick to the pan, making it easier to flip and serve.

The pan's durable construction ensures that it's built to last. The steel handle is welded to the pan's body for extra strength and security, making it free of rivets for sanitary use. The angled design of the handle makes it ideal for easily sauteing, stirring, and mixing your dishes.

This steel pan is highly compatible and versatile, as it can withstand and maintain exceedingly high temperatures. It can be used on all hob and stove types, including induction, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether you're cooking on a gas stove or an induction cooktop, this pan is up to the task.

Made in France, this pan is manufactured to high standards for durability, performance, and hygiene for both commercial and residential use. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, the Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Fry Pan (11 7/8) is a top-quality product that will help you cook delicious, healthy meals with ease.

2. 12" Blue Carbon Steel Wok – Professional French Cookware – Induction Compatible.

The Made In Cookware 12" Blue Carbon Steel Wok is a professional-grade and award-winning cooking tool designed to provide exceptional performance and durability. Made in France, this wok is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to cook stir-fry dishes like a pro.

With a total diameter of 12.5", a cooking surface diameter of 5.5", a height of 5.25" (including the handle), and a depth of 3.75", this wok is the perfect size for cooking delicious and flavorful meals. The handle is long and stays cool, making it easy to handle the wok even when it's hot.

The Made In Wok is designed with a flat bottom, which makes it perfect for stir-fry cooking. The flat bottom ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the wok, allowing you to cook your food to perfection every time. Additionally, the wok is made of carbon steel, which is similar to cast iron, but better. Carbon steel is lighter than cast iron, making it easier to handle, and it heats up quickly and evenly.

Another great feature of the Made In Wok is that it is induction compatible. This means that you can use it on any induction cooktop and still get the same great results. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, this wok is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

Overall, the Made In Cookware 12" Blue Carbon Steel Wok is a top-of-the-line cooking tool that is designed to provide exceptional performance and durability. With its flat bottom, long stay-cool handle, and induction compatibility, this wok is the perfect choice for anyone who loves to cook stir-fry dishes like a pro.

3. All-Clad D3 12" Stainless Steel Fry Pan With Lid, Induction And Oven Safe Cookware.

The All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid is a kitchen essential that boasts a flat base and flared, mid-sized sides, making it perfect for flipping and tossing food with ease. Crafted with classic tri-ply construction, this pan is made with a responsive aluminum core that is bonded together with two layers of durable stainless steel, providing maximum durability and fast, even heat distribution.

The pan is designed with riveted stainless-steel handles that ensure a safe grip and add a touch of style. A matching stainless-steel lid is also included. This 12-inch covered fry pan is versatile and features a wide flat base and low-profile shape.

All-Clad's 3-ply bonded construction technology ensures that this pan heats up evenly throughout the cooking surface. The highly polished cooking surface with a starburst finish offers stick resistance and easy maintenance, and it won't react with food.

The contoured stainless-steel handles are permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets, and the capacity is etched on the base. This pan is oven- and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees F and compatible with all cooktops, including induction. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Proudly made in the USA, this All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid is a high-quality cookware that will last for years to come. It's perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a professional chef at home.

4. 13.5" Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok Pan With Flat Bottom – Traditional Chinese Japanese Wok In Black Steel.

The YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok Pan is a must-have kitchen tool for any home cook who wants to achieve authentic Asian flavors in their dishes. This 13.5-inch wok with a flat bottom is designed to lock in the natural juices and flavors of ingredients, resulting in a rich and delicious taste that is true to traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine.

One of the standout features of this wok pan is that it is pre-seasoned at high temperatures of over 600F using special techniques. This process ensures that the wok is ready to use straight out of the box, unlike unseasoned woks that require seasoning with oil before use. However, it is still recommended to fully season the wok with oil to achieve the best results.

Made from heavy-duty black carbon steel, this wok pan is built to last and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for various cooking techniques such as stir-frying, pan-frying, braising, and deep-frying. The ergonomic design of the wooden handle ensures a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle and maneuver the wok while cooking.

Aside from its versatility and high-quality materials, the YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok Pan is also easy to handle and store. It is lightweight and convenient to carry, making it perfect for outdoor cooking or camping trips. Plus, it is easy to store in a kitchen cabinet, taking up minimal space.

In conclusion, the YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok Pan is an excellent investment for any home cook who wants to elevate their cooking game and achieve authentic Asian flavors in their dishes. With its pre-seasoned carbon steel construction, ergonomic design, and versatility, this wok pan is sure to become a go-to tool in any kitchen.

5. 14" Yosukata Carbon Steel Wok With Round Bottom – Traditional Chinese And Japanese Stir Fry Pan.

The YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok Pan is a high-quality cooking tool designed to help home chefs discover the authentic flavors of Chinese and other Asian cuisines. The 14 inch wok with a round bottom is specially crafted to lock in the juice and flavor of ingredients, ensuring that every dish that you prepare is rich and delicious.

One of the standout features of this carbon steel wok is that it is pre-seasoned at high temperatures over 600F using special technics. This means that it is ready to use right out of the box, unlike unseasoned woks and stir fry pans. However, it still requires full seasoning with oil like any Chinese wok to maintain its non-stick properties.

Made from heavy-duty, black carbon steel, this large wok pan is designed to last for years. The ergonomic design of the wooden handle ensures a comfortable grip when you use this cooking wok. It is versatile and allows you to cook healthy meals using various traditional cooking techniques like pan-frying, braising, deep-frying, etc.

The YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok Pan is convenient to carry and easy to store. It is perfect for those who enjoy cooking at home and want to create authentic Asian dishes. This wok is easy to handle, and the round bottom makes it easy to stir-fry and flip ingredients.

Overall, this wok is an excellent investment for anyone who loves cooking authentic Asian dishes at home. It is durable, versatile, and pre-seasoned, making it a perfect addition to any kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chef, the YOSUKATA Carbon Steel Wok Pan is an excellent choice for all your cooking needs.

6. All-Clad 60090 Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set, 14-Piece, Silver

The All-Clad 60090 Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set is a top-of-the-line option for anyone looking for high-quality cookware. This set includes a variety of pots and pans, including 10 and 12-inch fry pans, 2 and 3-quart sauce pans with lids, 3 and 6-quart saute pans with lids, 12-inch chef’s pan with lid, and 8-quart stockpot with lid. With this set, you'll have everything you need to cook a wide range of dishes.

One of the key features of this cookware set is its 5-ply bonded construction. Each piece of cookware is made up of layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and a thick copper core. This construction provides fast and even heating, warp-free strength, and ultimate responsiveness. The result is cookware that heats quickly and evenly, allowing you to cook your food to perfection.

Another great feature of this cookware set is its highly polished stainless-steel cooking surface. This surface offers superior stick resistance for easy maintenance, and the flared edges make for drip-free pouring. This means you can cook your food without worrying about it sticking to the surface, and you won't have to deal with messy drips when pouring.

The All-Clad 60090 Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set also features longer, riveted stainless-steel handles that are contoured for a comfortable grip. The handles are vented to stay cool, so you can easily move your cookware around the kitchen without burning your hands. Additionally, the set comes with stainless-steel lids that match the cookware, providing a tight seal to keep your food warm.

This cookware set is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and is oven and broiler-safe up to 600°F. This means you can use it to cook a wide variety of dishes, including those that require high heat. And when you're done cooking, you can simply pop the cookware in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Overall, the All-Clad 60090 Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook. With its high-quality construction, superior heating, and easy maintenance, this cookware set is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

7. 10" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan – Professional Cookware, Made In France, Induction Compatible.

The Made In Cookware 10" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan is a premium-quality cooking tool that offers the ultimate hybrid of cast iron and stainless steel. Its unique build combines the heat retention and slick properties of cast iron with the heat control, lightness, and cooking speed of stainless steel. This makes it a versatile and efficient cooking companion that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.

Crafted by artisans in France, this frying pan is made from premium metals to ensure that it is of the highest quality and professional grade. The pan is incredibly durable and can withstand decades of use without showing any signs of wear and tear. It can also handle heat up to 1200F, making it ideal for searing, frying, and other high-heat cooking techniques.

The frying pan has a total diameter of 10.25", with a cooking surface diameter of 7.5". The height, including the handle, is 4.5", while the depth is 2". The length, including the handle, is 19". This size is perfect for cooking a variety of meals and can easily handle large cuts of meat, vegetables, and more.

One of the best things about this frying pan is its versatility. It is induction compatible, which means that it can be used on any type of cooktop, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic. It is also perfect for outdoor cooking and can be used on a grill or open flame without any issues.

In summary, the Made In Cookware 10" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan is a top-of-the-line cooking tool that is perfect for both professional chefs and home cooks. Its unique hybrid build combines the best features of cast iron and stainless steel, making it incredibly versatile and efficient. Crafted by artisans in France, this frying pan is made from premium metals and can withstand decades of use without showing any signs of wear and tear. With its induction compatibility and ability to handle high heat, this frying pan is ready for anything, from stovetop to grill to open flame.

8. Henckels 15-Piece Knife Set With Block, German Engineered And Razor-Sharp, Informed By 100+ Years Of Mastery.

The HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 15-Piece White Handle Knife Set with Block is a premium kitchen tool for those who demand excellence in their culinary creations. With superior professional-level sharpness, this set delivers precision cutting that is unmatched by other knives on the market.

Built to last, the HENCKELS knives are German engineered and informed by over 100 years of mastery. This means that they are designed with durability in mind and will be the last set of knives you'll ever need to buy.

Effortless cutting is just one of the many benefits of this set. The lightweight, easy-to-use knife enables you to enjoy easy meal prep and paper-thin cuts with minimal effort. This is perfect for those who want to create intricate dishes without spending hours chopping and slicing.

The set includes a 3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 7-inch santoku knife hollow edge, 8-inch chef's knife, 8-inch bread knife, 4.5-inch steak knife set of 6, professional honing steel, kitchen shears, and hardwood knife block. This comprehensive collection has everything you need to tackle any recipe with ease.

Clean up is a breeze with the HENCKELS knives. They are stain and rust-free, and can be cleaned in the dishwasher or by hand. This means that you can spend more time cooking and less time cleaning up.

While HENCKELS knives may be a splurge, they are worth every penny. They start out razor-sharp and stay sharper longer, even with minimal care. The single-piece, precision-stamped blade construction provides durability, and the professional, satin-finished blade boasts precision cutting that is finely honed for long-lasting sharpness.

In conclusion, the HENCKELS Statement Razor-Sharp 15-Piece White Handle Knife Set with Block is the perfect addition to any kitchen. With its superior sharpness, durability, and ease of use, this set is sure to impress even the most discerning chef.

Best Carbon Steel Pan America'S Test Kitchen FAQs

Can you use a carbon steel pan on an induction cooktop, according to America's Test Kitchen?

Yes, you can use a carbon steel pan on an induction cooktop. According to America's Test Kitchen, carbon steel pans are a great choice for induction cooking because they are magnetic and can quickly heat up on an induction cooktop. However, it is important to note that not all carbon steel pans are created equal, and some may not work as well on induction cooktops as others. It is recommended to look for carbon steel pans that have a flat bottom and are made with high-quality materials to ensure the best performance on an induction cooktop. Additionally, it is important to properly season your carbon steel pan before using it on an induction cooktop to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Overall, carbon steel pans can be a great choice for induction cooking and can provide excellent results when used correctly.

How do you clean and care for a carbon steel pan, as advised by America's Test Kitchen?

To clean a carbon steel pan, start by wiping out any excess food or grease with a paper towel. Then, rinse the pan with hot water and use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub away any remaining debris. Avoid using soap, as it can remove the seasoning from the pan. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or by heating it over low heat on the stove.

To properly care for a carbon steel pan, it's important to season it regularly. To do this, coat the pan with a thin layer of oil and heat it over medium heat for several minutes, until the oil begins to smoke. Then, wipe away any excess oil and let the pan cool. Repeat this process as needed to maintain a non-stick surface.

It's also important to avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges on the pan, as this can damage the seasoning. Instead, use wooden or silicone utensils, and gently clean the pan with a soft sponge or brush. With proper care, a carbon steel pan can last for many years and provide excellent cooking performance.

How do you properly season a carbon steel pan according to America's Test Kitchen?

To properly season a carbon steel pan according to America's Test Kitchen, follow these steps:

1. Clean the pan thoroughly with soap and water and dry it completely.

2. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

3. Apply a thin layer of flaxseed oil to the inside and outside of the pan using a paper towel.

4. Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour.

5. Turn off the oven and let the pan cool in the oven for 2 hours.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 for a total of 3-4 times, or until the pan has developed a dark, nonstick patina.

It's important to note that seasoning a carbon steel pan is an ongoing process, and it will continue to develop and change over time with use and proper care. Avoid using harsh detergents or scrubbers, and always dry the pan thoroughly after each use to prevent rust.

What are the benefits of cooking with a carbon steel pan, as tested by America's Test Kitchen?

According to America's Test Kitchen, cooking with a carbon steel pan offers several benefits. Firstly, it has excellent heat conductivity, which means that it heats up quickly and evenly, allowing for consistent cooking. Additionally, carbon steel pans are more durable than non-stick pans and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for searing and sautéing. They also develop a natural non-stick surface over time with proper seasoning and care. Carbon steel pans are also versatile and can be used on a variety of stovetops, including induction. Finally, they are more affordable than other high-end cookware options, making them a great value for home cooks. Overall, cooking with a carbon steel pan offers many advantages, including even heating, durability, versatility, and value.

What are the best carbon steel pans recommended by America's Test Kitchen?

According to America's Test Kitchen, the best carbon steel pans are the Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Round Frying Pan and the de Buyer Mineral B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan. Both pans are made in France and are known for their durability, even heat distribution, and non-stick properties.

The Matfer Bourgeat pan has a smooth surface that requires seasoning before use, but once seasoned, it provides a non-stick surface that is easy to clean. It also has a long handle that stays cool during cooking.

The de Buyer Mineral B pan has a rougher surface that requires a bit more effort to season, but once seasoned, it develops a natural non-stick coating. It also has a thicker base that helps distribute heat evenly and is suitable for use on all cooktops, including induction.

Overall, both pans are excellent choices for anyone looking for a high-quality carbon steel pan that will last for years.

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