10 Best Carbon Steel Pan 2025 in the United States

The OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience, especially for frying and searing. One of its main strengths is that it comes pre-seasoned, allowing for immediate use without the hassle of seasoning it yourself. This feature is great for beginners or those who want to save time. The pan’s construction is both durable and lightweight, which means it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for various cooking methods including stovetop and oven use.

Another advantage is its versatility; it’s compatible with all stovetops, including induction, and can withstand high temperatures up to 660°F. This makes it perfect for high-heat cooking and oven use. The removable silicone handle sleeve is a thoughtful addition, providing comfort and safety during cooking.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The pan is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing to maintain its natural patina and performance. While the metal utensil safety feature is a plus, some users may find its weight (4 pounds) a bit cumbersome for extended cooking sessions. Additionally, while it develops a natural non-stick surface over time, it does not have a nonstick coating, which might not suit everyone’s cooking needs.

The OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 8" Frying Pan Skillet boasts several strengths that make it a convenient choice for many cooking tasks. Its pre-seasoned surface allows you to start cooking right away without needing to season it first, and the pan naturally builds a non-stick patina over time. The lightweight design, at just 1.91 pounds, makes it easy to handle, while the carbon steel construction ensures quick and even heating, which is excellent for frying, searing, and stir-frying.

The removable silicone handle sleeve offers comfortable and safe handling, and the pan's compatibility with all stovetops, including induction, adds to its versatility. Additionally, the ability to withstand oven temperatures up to 660°F expands your cooking options. However, the pan requires hand washing to maintain its performance and patina, which might be a drawback for those who prefer dishwasher-safe cookware.

While durable, the pan does not have a non-stick coating, so it's essential to maintain the seasoning properly. With a capacity of 1.8 liters, this pan is suitable for smaller cooking tasks. The design makes it a good fit for anyone looking for a versatile and durable frying pan, provided they don't mind the extra care required for maintenance.

The Made In Seasoned 10" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan offers a solid choice for anyone looking for versatile cookware that works well on various heat sources, including induction, stovetop, grill, and open flame. At about 3 pounds, it's lighter than traditional cast iron but still feels sturdy and durable, handling extremely high temperatures up to 1200°F. Its 10.25-inch diameter with a 7.5-inch cooking surface is a common size that fits most kitchen needs without being bulky.

The pan comes pre-seasoned, which means it’s ready to use and will develop a natural non-stick surface over time with regular cooking and care, though it requires hand washing to maintain its seasoning. The stainless steel handle stays cooler than cast iron handles and is designed with length and grip comfort in mind, but it can still get hot if used in the oven or direct flames, so caution with mitts is advised.

This pan is praised for combining the heat retention similar to cast iron with quicker heat response, making it good for searing meats and vegetables alike. The cooking surface diameter is smaller than the total pan size, so space may be a little tight for larger meals. It is not dishwasher safe, requiring a bit more care compared to non-stick pans. This pan suits cooks who want the durability and performance of cast iron but prefer something lighter and more responsive, especially those who enjoy cooking over varied heat sources and value long-lasting, professional-grade cookware.