Read more at source.
Read more at source.
Carbon steel is an iron-carbon alloy that forms the material for these versatile pans. They can move effortlessly between different styles of cooking, allowing you to fry an egg and sear a steak, all using the same skillet. There is a learning curve to using these pans, but with resources like YouTube and Reddit, mastering their use becomes easier.
Carbon steel panmakers offer a wide range of size and style options. While the price plays a major role in selection, even the pans at the lower end of the cost spectrum deliver impressive cooking results. The advice for beginners is to start with an entry-level pan, then consider investing in an heirloom, small-production pan from an independent maker.
There is a dedicated community of home and professional chefs and artisan carbon steel craftsmen. This American foodways subculture, often overlooked by the wider press, is a testament to the growing popularity and appreciation of carbon steel pans.
Take it from me, and from the carbon steel nerds online, when I say that your first carbon steel pan will not be your last carbon steel pan. Treated right and well-loved, a carbon steel pan can become a family heirloom, the sort of thing you'll pass on to your kids and display proudly in your home.
