Carbon steel and cast iron pans are quite similar but different. While cast iron pans tend to be a staple in several households, carbon steel pans are no less in terms of serving your cooking purposes. So here, we’ll compare carbon steel and cast iron pans to find out the differences!
What is Carbon Steel?
Carbon steel consists of carbon and iron, but it must contain less than two percent of carbon to be considered steel. Carbon steel pans are easy to maintain and great at retaining heat, so cooking delicate salmon or chicken will be a breeze.
What is Cast Iron?
Cast iron is a popular oven-safe cooking material. It’s made of iron alloyed with two percent carbon to create a tough surface. Cast iron skillets usually have a heavier bottom than regular pans and are suitable for superhot cooking actions like one-pot pasta, skillet cookies, and more.
Carbon Steel vs Cast Iron Pans
Performance
The first question that pops into your mind is how the performance factor of carbon steel and cast iron pans vary. Although both perform brilliantly, you might find some limitations. For example, carbon steel pans heat up faster than cast iron pans, so it sears a steak evenly and cooks eggs, pancakes, or crepes too. Conversely, cast iron pans may sear a steak perfectly within minutes, but it’s not the best choice for cooking eggs or acid-based recipes like tomato sauce.
Seasoning & Caring
When you cook with a carbon steel pan, you’ll need to season it with oil to create a nonstick surface before cooking. As it may rust, it needs extra attention and gentle cleaning. On the contrary, cast iron pans may come pre-seasoned. However, you must be careful while using a metal spatula, as its porous coating may come off if you scrape it too hard. Plus, you need to dry it as soon as you clean it to protect the seasoned layer.
Suggestions
The Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Black Frying Pan is a lightweight pan that is perfectly oven-proof and pre-seasoned for turning your cooking fantasies into a reality.
And here’s the Uno Casa Cast Iron Skillet Set with a 10-inch and a 12-inch pan containing two silicone handle covers to protect your hands from heat whenever you toss ingredients.
Which One to Get?
Overall, any home chef would love to try various carbon steel and cast iron cookware. In terms of popularity, you may prefer using a cast iron pan for all the possibilities it comes with. But, if you try a carbon steel pan, you will love the cooking outcome as well. Or, why not try carbon steel and cast iron pans and see the differences for yourself?
