Not all carbon steel is made the same way. This section breaks down the brands worth knowing — how De Buyer, Matfer Bourgeat, Made In and the rest differ in steel thickness, handle design, finish and price, and which of their lines suits which kind of cooking. If a name keeps coming up and you want to know whether it is worth the money before you commit, these brand guides give you the detail — materials, build quality and real-world performance — in one place.
By the Carbon Steel Pan test team · Last updated September 2026 The de Buyer Mineral B is a classic French carbon steel pan with a riveted steel handle and a beeswax coating you wash off before seasoning. The B Pro upgrades to a cast stainless handle and a more refined finish for a higher…
By the Carbon Steel Pan test team · Last updated September 2026 The Matfer Bourgeat carbon steel pan is a professional favorite. Its welded, rivet-free handle leaves a smooth interior with nothing inside to trap food, and it sears and releases well once seasoned. A 2024 recall in France involved a specific handle issue, so…
By the Carbon Steel Pan test team · Last updated September 2026 Yosukata makes flat-bottom carbon steel woks that suit home kitchens well. The pre-seasoned pow wok is a strong all-rounder that heats on most stoves, including induction. The heavier 15-gauge blue steel model holds high heat better for hard stir-frying. Both share a wide…
Made In pans arrive pre-seasoned with shea nut and coconut oil, so do not strip them. Wash, dry, then build your own layers by cooking fatty food.
Clean while warm with hot water and a brush, soap is fine, then dry on the hob and oil lightly. Made In lists the pan as hand wash only.
By the Carbon Steel Pan test team · Last updated September 2026 The Mauviel M’Steel is a heavier French carbon steel pan known for steady heat and solid build, and it has earned top-pick status from America’s Test Kitchen (verify current status). Its extra thickness holds temperature well for searing but adds weight. It cooks…
By the Carbon Steel Pan test team · Last updated September 2026 Made In carbon steel is a well-built pan with a comfortable handle and fast, even heat. In our testing it cooks on par with pricier French pans and suits buyers who want a modern design and easy availability. It costs more than a…
By the Carbon Steel Pan test team · Last updated September 2026 The Lodge carbon steel skillet is a strong value pick. It is American-made, ships pre-seasoned, and costs well below the French pans it competes with. It cooks well once you build the seasoning, though the surface is a little rougher and the handle…