Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Pan
This frying pan is made of strong carbon steel and has a cooking area that measures 12 inches across. You can use it in ovens heated up to 600°F without any worries. It’s lightweight; it only weighs 3 ½ pounds, so it’s easier to carry compared to heavy cast iron pans.
PROS
- Lightweight and quick heating
- Pre-seasoned, develops a nonstick patina with use
- Oven safe up to 600°F
Cons
- Although it comes pre-seasoned, some users might find that additional seasoning or re-seasoning is necessary to maintain its non-stick properties.
A frying pan is an essential cooking tool, perfect for browning, stir-frying, and frying various meats and vegetables. While cast iron skillets are a popular and sturdy option, they can be challenging to handle due to their weight. This is where carbon steel comes into play. Similar to cast iron but lighter in weight, carbon steel heats up rapidly and boasts exceptional durability.
However, it’s important to note that not all carbon steel pans are of the same quality. In our extensive testing, we evaluated nine options from reputable brands to assess their performance in terms of even heat distribution, versatility, nonstick properties, as well as ease of handling and cleaning. Among these options, one pan clearly outperformed the others: Merten & Stock’s 12-inch skillet, and currently, it is available at a 30% discount on Amazon.
Merten & Storck 12-Inch Pan
This 12-inch carbon steel frying pan is oven-safe up to 600°F, providing ample cooking space. It’s exceptionally lightweight at just 3 ½ pounds, making it more manageable than typical 8 ½-pound cast iron pans. Its rapid heating and excellent heat retention reduce cooking time, allowing you to serve your meals faster.
The pan arrives pre-seasoned, and like cast iron, it becomes more nonstick with each use. It’s tough enough to handle metal spatulas without a scratch, and it’s compatible with all types of stovetops, including electric, gas, and induction.
During our cooking trials, we were thoroughly impressed. We didn’t need to add extra oil or butter since food didn’t adhere to the surface. It cooked various dishes beautifully, from perfectly seared chicken thighs to a moist, chewy skillet cookie, leaving no residue even after scrambling eggs.
Cleaning this pan was a breeze with hot water, and there was hardly any food residue to deal with. We were almost tempted to clean it with a dry cloth due to its outstanding nonstick performance.
Among all the pans we tested, Merten & Storck’s offering earned the highest ratings for its nonstick properties, lightweight design, easy cleaning, and impressive durability. At just $35 on Amazon, it’s a must-have addition to your kitchen that you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again.