Carbon steel and stainless steel pans belong to the same cookware types but differ in terms of appearance, heat conductivity, weight, durability, functionality, construction, and more.They are widely used all over the world when it comes to the repetitive tasks of cooking. These pans have their benefit, making them some of the ideal pans types for regular usage.
If you are planning to buy between Stainless steel pan and a carbon steel pan and are not sure which one is better, you need to understand which aspects make them different from each other.This article is all about differentiating the Carbon Steel Pan and Stainless Steel Pan in-depth:
About Carbon Steel Pans
The first cookware, Carbon Steel Pan is constructed with an amalgamation of iron and a little amount of carbon and is a bit heavier as compared to stainless steel. They generally come with an organic non-stick base, keeping away from harmful toxins. In addition, it can distribute heat thoroughly and can stand high heat temperatures. Like stainless steel pans, they are highly durable as it is resistant to rust and corrosion. It is very popular cookware in most kitchens due to its properties and healthy cooking benefits.
Pros of Carbon Steel Pans:
- A carbon steel cookware can easily tolerate extreme oven temperature.
- Due to overuse, a carbon steel pan loses its original non-sticking coating but can be recovered through repeated seasonings.
- As compared to stainless steel, it can be heated to high heat temperature as it can hold heat evenly. However, they are perfect for grilling, frying or searing chicken, steaks, and fish.
- In a carbon steel pan, you can prepare food with minimal oil or without oil which is good for health. In fact, it is more economical than high-quality stainless steel cookware.
Cons of Carbon Steel Pans:
- Carbon steel utensils cannot be used to cook acidic foods like lemons, tomatoes as it leaves small metal particles which alter the taste of your food. Plus, acidic foods can damage the non-stick coating of the pan.
- Like stainless steel, its heating base is not uniform.
- It requires more care and maintenance than stainless steel. To protect from resistance, you need to oil and wash it regularly.
- To maintain the durability of carbon steel pans, you need to be seasoned frequently.
- It is not safe for dishwashers.
About Stainless Steel Pans
Well, stainless steel pans need no introduction as they are considered to be the best. They are constructed with a blend comprising of iron and chromium, an element that makes the material contained in stainless steel resistant to corrosion or rust. Other possible elements used in this cookware are molybdenum, nitrogen, and nickel.
Interestingly, pans made from solid stainless pans with no conductive metals tend to be budget-friendly. On the other hand, stainless steel that is cladded especially with a combination of aluminium & copper or only with copper is a better option.
Since stainless steel is one of the poor sources of heat conductivity, it is a good idea to go with a mixing pan containing copper or aluminium between the steel to improve the heat. They won’t burn your food and can heat evenly but at the same time, they are expensive. This type of stainless steel is usually offered with a long-term warranty and is considered a durable, versatile, and strong material.
Pros of Stainless Steel Pans:
- The biggest benefit of using a stainless steel pan is that they’re free from rust or corrosion.
- Cladded stainless steel is more aesthetically pleasing than carbon steel. For those who are fond of having a collection of beautiful utensils, cookware or utensils, this is the one you are looking for.It has many benefits to offer.
- Another notable thing about stainless pans, they don’t require seasoning hence you can save a lot. Also, they can be reused after recycling.
- Stainless steel pans are dishwasher safe which means less effort for you. Additionally, they can be heated at extreme oven temperature.
Cons of Stainless Steel Pans:
- Like carbon steel, they don’t require seasoning but keep in mind that they don’t have a non-stick coating. The material is not ideal for grilling or frying as the food can stick to the surface. Even Professional Chiefs Have Difficulty Cooking in Stainless Steel.
- Due to improper care and maintenance, stainless steel can become damaged or scratched, resulting in metal entering the food hence altering the taste of the food.
- Stainless steel isn’t a good thermal conductor.
- The stainless pan comes with a copper core which can be a bit heavy.
What factors differentiate Carbon Steel Pan and Stainless Steel Pan?
Even knowing about both individuals, you will not be able to know which one is better.Hence, we have mentioned some of their major differences through some aspects. These include appearance, heat conductivity, the ability of heat & corrosion resistance, versatility, price, etc. Let’s discuss them briefly:
- Appearance
The first thing you’ll like about the carbon steel pan is its classy & sleek appearance. But, after some use, the finish of the pan will vanish. If they are not regularly polished and seasoned or do not clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions, they will start to tarnish and eventually rust. On the other hand, natural original steel comes with a beautiful polished.
The best thing is that they can maintain their shine for long period. No matter, you choose a matte or shiny finish in stainless steel best is you can take from the stovetop and serve directly on the table.They are still in high demand, even high-class restaurants use the stainless pan to serve their guests instead of expensive crockery. The reason behind the stainless steel original beauty is that it contains more chromium, which helps maintain its natural shine.
- Construction and Material
A carbon steel pan is a mixture made up of 1% carbon and 99% iron. Carbon strengthens & reinforce the steel, but it also makes it less ductile and stiffer. On the other hand, stainless steel pan can be made up in several ways with different materials. The process of producing stainless steel is quite difficult than carbon steel as it doesn’t conduct heat evenly on its own. Well, most carbon steel pans are made of just carbon steel whereas different materials and constructions are being used to manufacture stainless steel. Therefore, performance and versatility vary.
- Heat Distribution Ability
Since stainless steel is a conductive material, but stainless steel is made up of a copper or aluminium core that can heat up fast & evenly. The variety of full-clad steel also distributes heat more evenly as compared to carbon steel pans.
In simple words, stainless steel on the burning stovetop distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking surface with no cold or hot spots. The heat distribution is different in the case of a carbon steel pan; you don’t have control over the consequence of your cooking by using this material. Due to the thinner design, it can heat up even faster but keep in mind that it has lower heat conductivity than copper & aluminium.
- Tolerance of Heat
Carbon can easily tolerate a higher heat temperature than stainless steel without cracking. Most carbon steel cookware, especially BK skillet can withstand up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. For instance, the blue carbon steel pan can tolerate up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and ICON carbon steel pan is safe up to 800 degrees. On the flip side, stainless steel can tolerate just up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat Retention
Both stainless steel and carbon pan hold enough heat to keep food warm from preparing to serving. However, carbon pans are known to be a bit more tolerant of heat due to non-stick coating and thinner exterior. On the other hand, heat retention can vary with stainless steel pans. For instance, a 5-ply stainless steel skillet holds heat even better than a 3-ply stainless steel skillet.
- Versatility
Versatility is one of the best aspects of both carbon steel and stainless steel pans. Both carbon steel and stainless steel are suitable for use on cooktops, ovens, broilers, grills and ovens. They both can be used for braising, baking, broiling, sautéing, searing, and browning. Though, carbon steel skillet hassome limitations on cooking. In simple words, a carbon steel skillet is not ideal for making acidic foods as it attains metallic particles.
- Care & Maintenance
Stainless steel skillet requires less care & maintenance than carbon steel. Like cast iron pans, carbon pans require polishing or seasoning to prevent rust. You cannot put it in the dishwasher as the harsh detergents ruin the layer of seasoning. While stainless steel can tolerate soap and is dishwasher safe. At the same time, they take extra time to clean as they’re not non-stick.
Final Words:
Carbon steel and Stainless steel pans both are non-reactive, lightweight, non-porous & highly durable, which makes them similar. For restaurant-style cooking, none can be better than carbon steel as it fights against high temperature whereas, stainless steel is an ideal choice for cooking on a traditional or electric stovetop due to the flat base of this cookware.
Other Pans Comparison:
Hi, my name is Ashley Robinson. I’m a food blogger and a part time chef in Food & Drink Junction, Denver. With my blog I’m sharing information & tutorials about different kinds of cooking pans.
