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Thebest cast iron skilletscan sear steaks, bake pizzas, and crisp chicken skin to perfection.
So, what exactly is the difference between cast iron and carbon steel?
Cast iron pan beside carbon steel pan on wooden table
And which is better to cook with?
Heres what they had to say.
Cast iron vs. carbon steel: What’s the difference?
A cast iron skillet surrounded by ginger, garlic and asparagus
Cast iron and carbon steel are the preferred cookware materials by professional chefs and home cooks alike.
But how do they differ?
Cast iron has existed for centuries, dating back to the 5th century B.C.E.
However, it wasnt used as a cooking material until the 1700s.
Cast iron and carbon steel have a lot of similarities, says Mark Longenecker, co-founder ofLancaster Cast Iron.
They’re both made from iron and carbon and are great sustainable choices for cookware.
Carbon steel pan on wooden table
They are both durable and sustainable, as well.
Neither are made from harmful chemicals, and they are designed to last a lifetime," adds Longenecker.
One of the main differences lies in the manufacturing process.
Our tests confirmed it: there’s a reason Le Creuset cast iron is so iconic.
This skillet offered unparalleled evenness and heat retention, cooking everything from steak to scrambled eggs without any trouble.
First, carbon steel weighs considerably less than cast iron, which makes it easier to handle.
Steak with asparagus in carbon steel pan
Carbon steel is my agile partner, lighter and more responsive.
This carbon steel frying pan skillet is lightweight and has fast heating to cook foods to perfection.
It can withstand temperatures up to 660F, and comes with a triple-riveted steel handle for comfort and durability.
Cast iron skillet being seasoned with oil
This makes both materials ideal for searing, pan-frying, roasting, and baking.
However, there are several differences to be aware of, such as heat retention.
But while cast iron retains heat very well, it takes a long time to heat up.
On the other hand, carbon steel heats quickly but doesnt retain heat like cast iron does.
Additionally, choosing the right one for cooking will depend on your food preferences.
It can also add a distinctive metallic taste to your food.
Dont scrub hard or use abrasives, which can remove the pans seasoning over time.
Neither carbon steel nor cast iron should ever be washed in a dishwasher.
For more tips, check out our guide onhow to season a cast iron skillet.
However, cast iron tends to be much cheaper than carbon steel.
Longenecker recommends shopping around.
Both can be completely machine-made or include many steps done by hand, making them of higher quality.
Prices for a high-quality cast iron skillet and a lower-quality carbon steel skillet may be comparable.
Cast iron vs carbon steel: Which should you buy?
But our experts recommend starting with beginner-friendly cast iron.
For home cooks, I always recommend starting with cast iron," advises Craig.
Cast iron also seems to be the popular choice for many households.
For the average home cook, a cast iron skillet is a must-have item, says Longenecker.
