{"id":2932,"date":"2021-03-31T20:13:36","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T01:13:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carbonsteelcookware.com\/?p=2932"},"modified":"2021-08-12T17:22:59","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T22:22:59","slug":"why-use-carbon-steel-cookware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carbonsteelcookware.com\/why-use-carbon-steel-cookware\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Use Carbon Steel Cookware?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Carbon Steel Cookware?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

I love to cook meals for the family. Because of this, I was intrigued to learn that many chefs prefer to use carbon steel pots and pans. But what makes this material different and why might you want to use it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[amalinkspro type=”image-link” asin=”B00462QP1G” new-window=”true” apilink=”https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00462QP1G?tag=rhood09-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” alt=”De Buyer MINERAL B Round Carbon Steel Fry Pan 12.5-Inch -” alignment=”alignnone”]https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51sIC0gl0GL.jpg[\/amalinkspro]<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Carbon steel conducts heat excellently. This will ensure that the pan is heated evenly. It won\u2019t take long to reach the target temperature. Furthermore, the pan is light, making it easy to maneuver. The cookware is durable and will be able to last for a long time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of benefits that carbon steel cookware will be able to offer. Let\u2019s do a deeper dive on carbon steel to see if it\u2019s worth the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Benefits of Using Carbon Steel Cookware?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest benefits is that you will be able to cook a huge range of foods. It will be suitable for everything from eggs to steak. The pan is strong enough for you to put it into the oven. This makes it some of the most versatile cookware on the market.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one wants to have their food sticking to the pan. This can slow down the cooking process. It won\u2019t take long to develop a patina. Once this happens, it will become non-stick. <\/strong>This makes it easy to keep clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people often compare carbon steel to cast iron. But one of the biggest differences is how much they weigh. A cast-iron pan is very heavy. This can make it harder to maneuver around the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, a carbon steel pan is light in weight.<\/strong> This makes it ideal for cooking with children as they will be able to lift it easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pan to your right is my pan of choice. This is a Matfer Bourgeat carbon steel pan and is lightweight and it has sloped sides with no rivets holding the handle. Check it out at Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Matfer Bourgeat Lightweight Carbon Steel Pan<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

People also admire carbon steel because of how tough it is. It\u2019s very difficult to crack or dent.<\/strong> Because of this, you\u2019ll be able to use a good carbon steel pan for decades. This has led many to joke that a carbon steel pan will last longer than the kitchen will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, carbon steel will get up to temperature quickly. It also conducts heat well.<\/strong> This ensures that the pan will be at a uniform temperature, reducing the chances that you will burn your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you\u2019ll be able to use these pots and pans with all heating sources.<\/strong> As it is made from metal, you will even be able to use it on an induction cooktop. It will even be able to cope with the heat provided by a campfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is one of the induction cooktops that I recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B01JCECBPQ” apilink=”https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B01JCECBPQ?tag=rhood09-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”4″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”Induction technology for fast heat-up and consistent heat throughout cooking. Must use with induction-ready cookware~~~Dual heat settings: 8 settings on the left burner, 5 settings on the right burner. Dimensions: LWH: 14.25 x 23.5 x 2.5~~~Individual 150-minute timers and ON\/OFF switches for each burner~~~Throws off less heat so kitchens stay cooler.MC Cubic Feet: 3.29~~~Heat turns off 30 seconds after pot or pan is removed.UC Cubic Feet: 1″ btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”750″]Cuisinart ICT-60 Double Induction Cooktop, One Size, Black[\/amalinkspro]<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What are the Downsides of Using Carbon Steel Cookware?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While carbon steel has a lot of benefits, there are still some drawbacks that you should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest differences when considering carbon steel vs stainless steel is the potential for rust. Before you start using carbon steel, you will need to have developed a strong patina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Without this, it can start to rust.<\/strong> This can be a major problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You\u2019ll need to regularly season the pan to keep the patina strong.<\/strong> We\u2019ll discuss how to do this a little later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another potential issue is that the pan gets discolored with use.<\/strong> This can occur because of the acids released by the food when you are cooking. This is perfectly normal and shouldn\u2019t affect the way that it performs in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another concern is that the handles can get very hot when you are cooking. How hot they will get depends on the model that you have purchased.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best solution is to make sure that you are constantly monitoring the pan. This is especially important if you are cooking with children. Sometimes, you will also need to wear oven mitts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other forms of cookware, you won\u2019t be able to put carbon steel pots and pans into the dishwasher.<\/strong> If you do this, it can ruin the patina. This will mean that you will need to re-season them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that the non-stick surface means that it should be fairly easy to keep them clean. Often, you\u2019ll just need to wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any excess food. We\u2019ll talk about cleaning them in more depth later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finally, the biggest issue is how the pan will react to acidic foods. They might eat through the patina layer. This will cause the pan to lose its non-stick layer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are just using these foods occasionally, it shouldn\u2019t be a problem. However, if they form an integral part of your style, you need to be prepared to re-season the pan more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Does Carbon Steel Compare to Other Types of Cookware?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carbon steel isn\u2019t the only cookware material. Let\u2019s look at how it stacks up against some other popular options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon Steel Vs Cast Iron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both of these are very durable options and will last for a long time. But cast-iron steel will be significantly heavier than carbon steel.<\/strong> This can make it more difficult to cook with. Also, the thicker cast iron tends to take longer to get to the temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, a cast-iron pan will often be the more affordable option.<\/strong> While you can get cheap carbon steel, it will be weak and more susceptible to being dented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cast-iron pan to the right is my favorite pan for making grilled cheese sandwiches. I love this pan and you will too. You can find it on Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon Steel Vs Stainless Steel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stainless steel pans have been designed to retain their color. They will still be shiny even if they are scratched. But the carbon steel will often perform better in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stainless steel often doesn\u2019t conduct heat evenly across the surface of the pan.<\/strong> Because of this, it will be harder to cook your food evenly. Carbon steel will often be better able to cope with higher temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to stainless steel pans, I use them mostly for sauces. Here<\/a> is one of my most favorite and useful stainless steel pans. This pan has pouring spouts on both sides of the pan along with measurement labels on the inside. Buy it at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B06ZZJ7GJV” apilink=”https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B06ZZJ7GJV?tag=rhood09-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”false” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”7″ img-sizes=”500:500,500:500,500:500,500:500,500:500,500:500,500:500,500:500″ imgs=”https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31esnkPD9mL._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41nVe7yLKdL._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31ORXYj2uvL._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41RjaBUqNCL._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/313pjTLIBqL._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/313ghdn7gXL._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Hd3SKs6ML._SL500_.jpg~~~https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31fCx0SM-3L._SL500_.jpg” link-imgs=”false” specs=”High Quality Material: 18\/10-stainless-steel interior; magnetic stainless-steel exterior ( The use of electromagnetic oven requires magnetic ); one layer of pure aluminum core sandwiched between two stainless steel layers. 3-Ply construction ensures optimal heat distribution and storage. Dishwasher safe.~~~Induction Bottom: Works on induction, gas or electric stoves. Please be noted that the inner diameter of your induction stovetop should be < 4.3inch\/11cm for optimal induction performance.~~~Thoughtful Design: Dual pour spouts design for right and left hand use. The perfect ergonomics handle makes a comfortable handling. Handle features a hole on the end for optionally hanging from your pot rack for storage.~~~Multi-function: Perfect for heating milk, making syrups, melting butter, cheese, caramel, chocolate and sugar, or reheating small portions of vegetables, warming soups, gravy and sauces. Perfect size for poaching a single egg or making a cheese sauce for a single serving.~~~Dimension: Top Diameter: 5.1inch\/13cm; Bottom Diameter: 4.3inch\/11cm; Height: 3.8inch\/6.6cm; Handle Length: 5.5inch\/14cm. N.W: 0.91lb\/416g. Comes with IMEEA lifetime warranty, buy with confidence!” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” btn-text-bottom=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ hide-button-bottom=”0″ hide-price-bottom=”0″ hide-prime-bottom=”0″ button-bottom-text=”BUY” width=”960″ api=”true”]IMEEA (17oz\/500ml) Heavy Duty 18\/10 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Butter Warmer Pan with Dual Pour Spouts (0.5-Quart)[\/amalinkspro]<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Carbon Steel Vs Non-Stick Coating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Non-stick coating, often referred to as Teflon, is one of the most popular cookware options in the world. People like it because of how easy it is to use. But there are a few potential problems that you will face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest risks is that Teflon can melt at high temperatures. This will occur when heated to over 570 degrees Fahrenheit (300 degrees Celsius)<\/a>.<\/strong> The fumes the melting Teflon produced can harm your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another concern is that the non-stick coating can scratch off when scrubbed with steel wool. Unlike a patina, you won\u2019t be able to re-season a non-stick pan. <\/strong>The only option is to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, while a non-stick coating might be the more convenient option, if you want to use the item frequently it\u2019s best to use something made from carbon steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Foods Can You Cook With Carbon Steel Cookware?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the benefits of cooking with carbon steel is that it is compatible with a wide range of cuisines. But some foods will benefit more from using carbon steel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best foods to demonstrate how good carbon steel cookware is steak. <\/strong>The carbon steel will be able to get to the temperature very quickly. This allows you to get a good sear on the meat, locking in the juices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another meat that can benefit from a carbon steel pan is chicken. <\/strong>The hot plate will create crispy skin. This will lock in the flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eggs can also benefit from this type of pan.<\/strong> In this case, you\u2019ll benefit from a non-stick surface. This makes it easy for you to flip the eggs, so they don\u2019t end up burning. The even heat distribution reduces the chances that you will burn them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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