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A professional kitchen is a busy place. With casseroles on all burners and dishes in varying stages of completion, chefs need to know their casseroles are reliable and quick to cook. Their choice of material? Carbon steel. Carbon steel pans are durable, non-stick and suitable for all cooking tasks.
What to know before buying a carbon steel pan
You may be familiar with the blazing performance of a carbon steel wok. Otherwise, there are a few things to know before buying your first carbon steel pan.
As with all other types of pans, carbon steel pans come in a variety of sizes. What you choose depends on what you cook frequently and what size pan you typically like to use. A 10-inch pot is the most manageable size for many home cooks, but if you frequently cook for a large family, you can try a 12-inch pot instead.
Pre-seasoned or seasonal pans
The pre-seasoned pans come with an already non-stick finish which is handy for home cooks. The downside is that you don’t know exactly how nonstick it is or if the manufacturer used chemicals to produce this nonstick finish. Professional chefs buy raw carbon steel casseroles and rely on frequent use to season them while cooking.
Handles welded or riveted to a pan
If you leave the spatula behind and rely on a quick turn of the wrist to move the food around your pan, you will need a secure handle. The handles can be welded or riveted to the pan. Some chefs prefer welded handles, but riveted handles are more common.
Features of Carbon Steel Tray
Carbon steel pans are durable
Even if you are not in a professional kitchen, you will need a high quality carbon steel pan that lasts. The pan should be solid, balanced and not too heavy. It shouldn’t have any dents or scratches easily.
Carbon steel frying pans with chemical-free seasoning
If you choose a pre-seasoned pan, make sure the manufacturer doesn’t use any chemicals in the seasoning. Look for carbon steel pans that are PTFE-free and PFOA-free.
Common types of natural pre-seasoning use beeswax or mineral oil. These are both safe and effective.
Carbon steel pans are well designed
The walls of your carbon steel bin will be sloped. This slope allows you to throw food into the pan without using a spatula or wooden spoon. The walls should be high enough to accommodate this movement without allowing food to fall over the edge.
Carbon steel stoves are a moderately priced tool that will last as long as you take care of them. The prices for these pans range from $ 40 to $ 100.
Is carbon steel better than cast iron?
A. Carbon steel and cast iron share similar qualities. They are both tough and durable, and they can be passed safely from the stove straight to the oven. Both types of saucepans retain their heat well, making them ideal for quick, hot cooking and long, slow braising.
The main advantage of carbon steel over cast iron is its weight. Carbon steel stoves are lighter than cast iron stoves. This makes them easier to use for some cooks.
How do you use carbon steel pans for best results?
A. Although carbon steel has non-stick properties, it takes time to learn how to best use these pans. If you’re having trouble with food sticking to your carbon steel pan, here are some tips.
- Make sure the pan is hot before adding food. The oil should start to smoke lightly.
- Do not try to turn or move food until it comes free on its own.
- Stir food less than you would in a regular saucepan.
- If you notice the food sticking, add a little water or broth to help release it.
Do carbon steel stoves require special care?
A. Carbon steel pans are easy to maintain, with just a few considerations.
- Never wash carbon steel pans in the dishwasher.
- Clean your carbon steel pan while it is hot. Add hot water and use a stiff bristled plastic brush to scrub it.
- If there is any food residue, add salt to cover the bottom of the pot and heat it up. Rub with absorbent paper or a dry sponge. Rinse and dry completely.
- Once the pan is clean, add a few drops of neutral oil to the pan and wipe down to coat the entire interior of the pan. Once your pan forms a completely black patina, this step is no longer necessary.
Which carbon steel stove should I buy?
The best of the best carbon steel stoves
De Buyer Mineral B frying pan: available at Amazon
Our opinion : It is the perfect pan for home cooks with professional aspirations.
What we like: This skillet is finished in natural beeswax, which darkens and produces a nice non-stick finish as you cook with it. Try one (or all) of the six sizes available.
What we don’t like: It’s definitely not non-stick right out of the box. There is a learning curve, but the more you use it the better.
The best price-performance ratio for your carbon steel stove
Lodge Carbon-Steel stove: available on Amazon
Our opinion : Lodge offers the best economy version of a carbon steel pan for novice cooks.
What we like: This saucepan is made from 12 gauge carbon steel for even heating and good heat retention. It is pre-seasoned and easy to clean – using soap does not diminish its non-stick properties. It is also available in four sizes.
What we don’t like: Lodge has stayed true to its cast iron roots – this skillet is one of the heaviest options on the list.
Honorable mention carbon steel casserole dish
Matfer Bourgeat Black-Carbon Steel Frying Pan: available at Amazon
Our opinion : These sleek black carbon steel pans are free from any chemical coating, with a welded handle for a solid grip.
What we like: Natural mineral oil gives this carbon steel pan its non-stick finish – it is PTFE and PFOA free. It comes in five sizes and is able to withstand high temperatures and many uses.
What we don’t like: It’s pre-seasoned, but it seems to frequently lose its non-stick ability. It requires frequent re-seasoning.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a single mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best choices to most consumers. BestReviews and its partner newspapers may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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