Under $100 you can buy the French carbon steel pans chefs swear by: de Buyer MINERAL B and Matfer Bourgeat.
We chose eight top-rated carbon steel pans under $100 on Amazon and used only the specs listed by each brand.
Top 3 Carbon Steel Pans Under $100 at a Glance
de Buyer MINERAL B 10.25"
Matfer Bourgeat 9 3/8"de Buyer MINERAL B 9.5"Carbon Steel Pans Under $100 Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. de Buyer MINERAL B 10.25" Best Overall | 10.25" diameter, 7.3" cooking surface · Made in France | 4.5/5 15,831 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Matfer Bourgeat 9 3/8" Best Uncoated Pro Pan | Single piece of uncoated high-carbon steel · Free of PTFE and PFOA | 4.4/5 8,305 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. de Buyer MINERAL B 9.5" Best Value de Buyer | 9.5" diameter, 6.9" surface · Made in France | 4.5/5 15,831 reviews | Check Price |
| 4. de Buyer MINERAL B 11" Best Large | 11" diameter, 8.3" surface · Made in France | 4.5/5 15,831 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Forge ELI 12" Best Hand-Forged | Hand-forged 3 mm steel · Single 11-gauge sheet | 4.6/5 75 reviews | Check Price |
| 6. Matfer Bourgeat 8 1/2" Best Small Pro | Single-piece carbon steel · PTFE and PFOA free | 4.4/5 8,305 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. Merten & Storck 12" Best Pre-Seasoned 12" | 12-inch pre-seasoned · Cast iron performance, less weight | 4.2/5 5,594 reviews | Check Price |
 | 8. Lodge Carbon Steel 12" Best Budget | 12-inch · Pre-seasoned | 4.3/5 7,837 reviews | Check Price |
de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 10.25 Inch
1. de Buyer MINERAL B 10.25" – Best Overall
de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 10.25 Inch
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 15,831 reviews
Pros
Cons
The de Buyer MINERAL B 10.25-inch fry pan is the best carbon steel pan under $100. Made in France, it is perfect for searing meat and seafood and develops a naturally nonstick finish with use.
It ships with a protective beeswax coating you wash off before seasoning, and more than 15,800 reviews back it.
Best for: Cooks who want the classic French pan.
May not fit: Hands-off cooks.
2. Matfer Bourgeat 9 3/8" – Best Uncoated Pro Pan
Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, 9 3/8"
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 8,305 reviews
Pros
Cons
Matfer Bourgeat’s 9 3/8-inch pan is made from a single piece of uncoated high-carbon steel.
It is free of PTFE and PFOA.
Best for: Pro-minded cooks.
May not fit: Hands-off cooks.
3. de Buyer MINERAL B 9.5" – Best Value de Buyer
de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 9.5 Inch
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 15,831 reviews
Pros
Cons
de Buyer’s 9.5-inch MINERAL B is the value way into French carbon steel.
It is ideal for eggs and small meals.
Best for: Value seekers.
May not fit: Big families.
4. de Buyer MINERAL B 11" – Best Large
de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 11 Inch
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 15,831 reviews
Pros
Cons
de Buyer’s 11-inch MINERAL B gives you more searing space.
It is a great all-rounder.
Best for: Families.
May not fit: Small stoves.
5. Forge ELI 12" – Best Hand-Forged
Forge ELI 12-Inch Hand-Forged Carbon Steel Frying Pan
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 75 reviews
Pros
Cons
Forge ELI’s 12-inch pan is hand-forged from a single 11-gauge sheet of 3 mm high-iron carbon steel.
Its large smooth base is great for browning.
Best for: Craft lovers.
May not fit: Brand buyers.
6. Matfer Bourgeat 8 1/2" – Best Small Pro
Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, 8 1/2"
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 8,305 reviews
Pros
Cons
Matfer Bourgeat’s 8.5-inch pan brings pro construction to a small pan.
It is great for eggs.
Best for: Eggs.
May not fit: Families.
7. Merten & Storck 12" – Best Pre-Seasoned 12"
Merten & Storck 12" Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 from 5,594 reviews
Pros
Cons
Merten & Storck’s 12-inch pan delivers cast iron performance without the weight or the wait.
It develops a nonstick patina with use.
Best for: Families.
May not fit: Hands-off cooks.
8. Lodge Carbon Steel 12" – Best Budget
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, Long Handle, 12 Inches
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 from 7,837 reviews
Pros
Cons
Lodge’s 12-inch carbon steel skillet is the budget pick.
It is ready to cook out of the box.
Best for: Budget buyers.
May not fit: Hands-off cooks.
How to Choose a Carbon Steel Pan
Carbon steel vs cast iron
Carbon steel is thinner and lighter than cast iron, heats faster and builds a natural nonstick patina with use.
Seasoning
Some pans arrive pre-seasoned (Lodge, Merten & Storck); de Buyer ships with a beeswax coating that you wash off before seasoning.
Size and weight
10–12 inch pans are the most versatile. Thicker pans like Matfer and de Buyer hold heat better for searing.
Care
Hand wash, dry immediately and wipe with a thin layer of oil. Avoid long soaks and acidic sauces until the patina builds.
FAQ
Is carbon steel nonstick?
It becomes naturally nonstick as seasoning builds; it has no PTFE coating.
Can carbon steel go on induction?
Yes, carbon steel works on induction, gas, electric and in the oven.
Why is my carbon steel pan changing color?
Discoloration is normal as the patina develops.
Carbon steel or stainless?
Carbon steel releases food better once seasoned; stainless is lower maintenance.
Final Verdict
The de Buyer MINERAL B 10.25″ is our best carbon steel pan under $100, made in France with 15,800+ reviews. Matfer Bourgeat is the one-piece pro pick.
Forge ELI is the hand-forged option.
Related buying guides: Best Carbon Steel Pans Under $50 · Best Carbon Steel Pans Under $200
