The best carbon steel skillet is the de Buyer MINERAL B 12.5-inch. It becomes naturally nonstick after seasoning, works on induction and has 4.5 stars from more than 15,800 reviews.
We compared six carbon steel skillets by seasoning, handle design, oven limits and price, using only the specs each brand lists. Prices, ratings and review counts may change.
Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions about carbon steel.
Top 3 Carbon Steel Skillets
de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 12.5 Inch
Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, 11-5/8"
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 12" SkilletCarbon Steel Skillets Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 12.5 Inch Best Overall | 12.5-inch diameter, 9-inch cooking surface · Carbon steel with protective beeswax coating | 4.5/5 15,831 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, 11-5/8" Best Professional | Single piece of uncoated high-carbon steel · Welded rivet-less handle | 4.4/5 8,305 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 12" Skillet Best Pre-Seasoned | Pre-seasoned; ships with silicone coating · Oven safe to 600°F | 4.2/5 5,594 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. de Buyer MINERAL B Pro Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 11 Inch Best Oven-Safe Handle | Cast French curve stainless handle with heat stop · 11-inch, 8.3-inch cooking surface | 4.2/5 1,382 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, 10 Inch Best Value | Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil; PFAS-free · Long handle | 4.3/5 7,837 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. Yonida 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet Best Budget | Pre-seasoned with natural oil · Removable silicone handle holder | 4.3/5 173 reviews | Check Price |
1. de Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 12.5 Inch – Best Overall
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 15,831 reviews
Pros
Cons
The de Buyer MINERAL B 12.5-inch is the best carbon steel skillet, at about $114 with 4.5 stars from more than 15,800 Amazon reviews. Carbon steel is lighter and more heat-responsive than cast iron and handles high heat better than stainless, and de Buyer’s Mineral B line is a long-time chef favorite.
It ships with a beeswax coating to prevent rust. Wash that off, heat with a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil until it smokes, and the pan builds a naturally nonstick surface with no artificial coatings. It works on induction; de Buyer rates it for brief oven use up to 10 minutes at 400°F.
Key features
Natural nonstick. After seasoning.
High heat. Restaurant sears.
Induction ready. All surfaces.
What it’s like to own
The 12.5-inch size gives a 9-inch flat cooking surface, enough for steaks, fried rice or a family breakfast. It darkens and improves the more you cook.
It needs seasoning and hand washing, and the handle limits oven time.
Best for: Searing and stir-fry enthusiasts.
May not fit: Cooks who want zero maintenance.
2. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, 11-5/8" – Best Professional
Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, 11 5/8"
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 8,305 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Matfer Bourgeat 11-5/8-inch is the best professional carbon steel skillet, at about $113 with 4.4 stars from 8,305 Amazon reviews. It’s made from a single piece of uncoated high-carbon steel with a welded handle, so there are no rivets to trap grease or rust.
It retains very high temperatures and works over open fires, on grills, in ovens and on induction.
Key features
Rivet-less. Easy cleaning.
High heat. Grill and fire.
Made in France. Pro standard.
What it’s like to own
It’s a staple in many restaurant kitchens.
It needs seasoning like all bare carbon steel.
Best for: Professional-style cooks.
May not fit: Low-maintenance seekers.
3. Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 12" Skillet – Best Pre-Seasoned
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 from 5,594 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Merten & Storck 12-inch is the best pre-seasoned carbon steel skillet, at about $60 with 4.2 stars from 5,594 Amazon reviews. Just wash off its protective silicone coating and start cooking.
It’s oven safe to 600°F, metal utensil safe and works on induction.
Key features
Pre-seasoned. Ready fast.
600°F. Oven safe.
About $60. Value.
What it’s like to own
It’s the easiest entry into carbon steel.
It’s hand wash only.
Best for: Beginners.
May not fit: Dishwasher users.
4. de Buyer MINERAL B Pro Carbon Steel Fry Pan, 11 Inch – Best Oven-Safe Handle
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 from 1,382 reviews
Pros
Cons
The de Buyer MINERAL B Pro 11-inch is the best carbon steel skillet with a stainless handle, at about $145 with 4.2 stars from 1,382 Amazon reviews. Its cast French curve stainless handle has a heat stop.
Like other Mineral B pans, it’s seasoned after washing off the beeswax.
Key features
Stainless handle. Heat stop.
French design. Chef favorite.
Induction. Ready.
What it’s like to own
It’s a refined upgrade to the classic Mineral B.
It costs more than the standard version.
Best for: Enthusiasts.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
5. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, 10 Inch – Best Value
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, Long Handle, 10 Inches
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 from 7,837 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Lodge Carbon Steel 10-inch is the best value carbon steel skillet, at about $40 with 4.3 stars from 7,837 Amazon reviews. It’s pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and is PFAS-free.
A long handle makes it easy to maneuver.
Key features
Pre-seasoned. Ready to cook.
Long handle. Easy tossing.
About $40. Value.
What it’s like to own
It’s a trusted-brand starter carbon steel pan.
It’s smaller at 10 inches.
Best for: Beginners.
May not fit: Large families.
6. Yonida 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet – Best Budget
Carbon Steel Pan, 10 Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 from 173 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Yonida 10-inch is the best budget carbon steel skillet, at about $30 with 4.3 stars from 173 Amazon reviews. It’s pre-seasoned with natural oil and includes a removable silicone handle holder.
It develops a nonstick surface over time without synthetic coatings.
Key features
Handle holder. Cool grip.
Pre-seasoned. Ready.
About $30. Budget.
What it’s like to own
It’s an inexpensive way to try carbon steel.
It’s from a newer brand.
Best for: Budget buyers.
May not fit: Brand seekers.
How to Choose a Carbon Steel Skillet
Why carbon steel
Carbon steel heats faster and weighs less than cast iron while handling higher heat than stainless.
After seasoning, it becomes naturally nonstick with no synthetic coating.
Pre-seasoned vs. beeswax
Merten & Storck, Lodge and Yonida arrive pre-seasoned and ready to cook.
de Buyer ships with beeswax for rust protection; wash it off and season before first use.
Handles and oven use
de Buyer Mineral B pans are rated for brief oven use (10 minutes at 400°F).
Merten & Storck is oven safe to 600°F, and Matfer’s welded steel handle handles ovens, grills and fires.
Size
A 10-inch pan suits one or two people. A 12-inch pan with a 9-inch flat surface suits families.
Carbon steel’s sloped sides reduce the flat cooking area, so check the cooking surface size.
Rivets
Matfer’s welded handle has no rivets inside the pan, which makes cleaning easier.
Riveted pans are sturdy but collect grease around rivets.
Care
Hand wash, dry immediately and apply a thin layer of oil.
Avoid long simmers of acidic foods until seasoning is well established.
FAQ
What is the best carbon steel skillet?
The de Buyer MINERAL B 12.5-inch is our top pick for its performance, chef reputation and more than 15,800 reviews.
Is carbon steel better than cast iron?
It’s lighter and heats faster. Cast iron holds heat longer. Both build natural seasoning.
How do I season a carbon steel skillet?
Wash, dry, heat and apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil. Heat until it smokes, cool and repeat as needed.
Can carbon steel go in the oven?
Yes, with limits. Merten & Storck goes to 600°F; de Buyer Mineral B for 10 minutes at 400°F.
Why did my carbon steel pan turn black?
That’s normal seasoning building up. It makes the pan more nonstick.
Does carbon steel work on induction?
Yes. All the skillets here are induction compatible.
Final Verdict
The de Buyer MINERAL B 12.5-inch is the best carbon steel skillet overall.
Choose Matfer for professional rivet-less build, Merten & Storck for pre-seasoning and 600°F, de Buyer Pro for a stainless handle or Lodge for value.
On a budget, the Yonida 10-inch costs about $30.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: de Buyer Mineral B 12.5″
- Best professional: Matfer Bourgeat
- Best pre-seasoned: Merten & Storck 12″
- Best value: Lodge 10″
- Best budget: Yonida 10″
Related buying guides: Best Cast Iron Skillets · Best Carbon Steel Cookware Sets · best-carbon-steel-wok
