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Cookware, according to cookware reviewers

Only claims about cookware made by people we have grounds to call cookware reviewers. The unrestricted cookware evidence is on the cookware page.

19 people we have grounds to call cookware reviewers make 200 quoted claims about cookware across 51 sources. Membership of the cookware reviewers group is recorded per person with its own evidence, and authority is scoped to cookware rather than to fame.

Which cookware do cookware reviewers recommend?

Endorsements and objections about cookware from cookware reviewers, together, strongest evidence first.

Lodge cast iron skillet

2:00 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
The best part is that you can get a Lodge 12-inch cast iron skillet that will last a lifetime for under $30.

value tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites durability, price

Besides cast iron skillets, they make enameled cast iron Dutch ovens that perform like Le Creuset but cost much less.
Instead of paying over $400 for a Le Creuset Dutch oven, you can get a Lodge that's made of the same materials and is actually thicker for under $100.
3:01 supports Adam Cookware Reviewer
If you want to spend a little bit less, we have a best buy, which is old faithful Lodge cast iron. That's the Lodge 12 inch cast iron skillet.

best in class tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

Cites price

Smithey cast iron skillet

6:32 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product
what i want to point out with the smithy is that the lid actually doubles as a skillet or a griddle and that i think is really really cool so it not only is this a lid so if you're baking bread or any other recipe that you're making that actually needs a lid you've got one but if you want to make smash burgers which…

use-case fit tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

BBQ and Bottles was given the product. Stated in the source: “the brands who sent these skillets out to us free of charge and we're not being paid for this review video” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites versatility

2:30 supports Adam Cookware Reviewer
In the end, it was one of these pans from a smaller producer that took the top spot. This is the Smithey Ironware number 12.

best in class tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

11:34 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product
but for us i actually really like the smithy and the reason for that not just the fact that it's really smooth but i love the extra weight to me it's not a big deal and that's the whole reason that we're cooking with cast iron is to get that thermal capacity and i also love the fact that the lid doubles as a griddle…

best in class tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

BBQ and Bottles was given the product. Stated in the source: “the brands who sent these skillets out to us free of charge and we're not being paid for this review video” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites surface finish, versatility, weight

Stargazer cast iron skillet

2:31 supports Kent Rollins Chef
right off the bat when I looked at this the very first time I'm thinking whoa I love the design of this handle because look how far I can stand away from the Heat and this thing is rounded to where it really don't hurt your hands when you grab a hold of it and it's got this v-notch in here which is going to keep it…

handling tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites handle, heat resistance, weight

here look at here a two-handle deal I really like this deal I do
a shorter handle means it's heavier for you to pick up you ain't got the leverage that you might have over here with this Skillet so that longer handle does help you out some on the weight that it's got
5:03 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer
perfectly cooked okay everything is juicy in the middle there's no hard crusty bits even the smaller pieces here haven't been overcooked so now perfectly cooked in the stargazer absolutely amazing

performance tested it Field cast iron skillet vs Stargazer - How do I choose?

Cites even heating, moisture retention, searing and crust

so in the first test onions to onions you know thoroughly cooked through good hot heat um you know really brown these onions up nicely there's lots of flavor developed really caramelize the brought out tons of the flavor of the onion still super juicy in the middle it's really held onto that moisture everything is in…
i found that the results in which i got out of the two pans were very similar i i the end cooking was was impossible to tell the difference
but what i found is that pretty much everything else that i was doing i was leaning towards a stargazer i was finding that the evenness of the heavier weight gave me even a more consistent finish and it slowed the process down even more so i could you know steam the lid on bring the heat way down and just let things…
3:32 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer
the field handle is too hot to touch comfortably like i can grab it for a sec where the stargazer handle is great i can use it

handling tested it Field cast iron skillet vs Stargazer - How do I choose?

Cites handle, shape and form

they have a cooling of design here so the way in which this small amount of material comes up to the handle it stops the amount of thermal transfer up into handle you'll see this a lot of time in stainless steel and that works great so that is probably yeah that's kind of hot to touch but you know if i had a cloth i…
i've also found that the usability was tremendous so you'll see that the edges here are really rounded they're edges in um the bottom edge and also the top edge so the splay of the pan is absolutely brilliantly designed
i really enjoyed using the handle helper and i found that the stay cool handle was brilliant and i was never dealing even open flame i use this an open flame outside all the time i wasn't dealing with a hot handle ever i never needed to use a cloth to grab that handle
0:00 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer
field stargazer two of the world's highest quality cast iron skillets

best in class tested it Field cast iron skillet vs Stargazer - How do I choose?

but if you're considering between something is as high quality as a field or stargazer i don't have one particular recommendation because they are both such high quality so it really depends on what you're looking for
17:46 supports BobbyGfl Cookware Reviewer
so there you have it I love this pan

recommendation tested it Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

so there you have it I love this pan
thank you Stargazer for a fantastic product
thank you Stargazer for a fantastic product I am very impressed
0:31 supports BobbyGfl Cookware Reviewer
so it comes uh wrapped obviously it's not all oily because it's uh been seasoned by them usually when I order pans I order them uh seasoned you know they uh they do them in you know I don't know they they're just always even and and pretty nice

performance tested it Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet

Cites coating, non-stick surface, seasoning durability, surface finish, warp resistance

and they've machined the entire inside so the outside has the traditional texture in fact it's way smoother right out of the right out of the box than you would get on like say a lodge or some other mass produced Skillet
but what they've done is put this Pan on a lathe the entire pan and spun it uh to completely machine the inside so it's very smooth but it's not so smooth that that you would think that it's not going to hold seasoning
and as I'm heating it up to uh take care of that extra seasoning uh the pan doesn't Flex at all stays perfectly flat
oh yeah I can tell already you know you just can't get a fried egg to do this in a Teflon pan I mean look at that this look at that it's like almost almost non-stick I mean it's fantastic
oh yeah I can tell already you know you just can't get a fried egg to do this in a Teflon pan I mean look at that this look at that it's like almost almost non-stick I mean it's fantastic
0:36 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
Overall, it cooks as well or better than any cast iron I've tested.

best in class tested it Stargazer Cast Iron Review: Is This $145 Skillet Better Than a $30 Lodge?

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links so I will earn a commission if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Le Creuset dutch oven

10:03 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
Along with Misen, Le Creuset handles have the widest openings.

handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites ease of cleaning, handle, heat resistance, lid, weight

Because of that and the lightweight design, it's by far the easiest Dutch oven to pick up, wash, and store.
The lid has ridges that prevent a spoon from slipping off
the knob has a wide top and a thick stem, which makes it easy to grip and control
In my test, both knobs stayed cooler than most other brands, but the plastic knob barely heated up at all.
the plastic knob barely heated up at all
I love Le Creuset's color options, lightweight design, and large handles.
I love Le Creuset's color options, lightweight design, and large handles.
1:00 supports Liz Cookware Reviewer
all four ovens scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for heat retention and evenness of cooking

performance tested it Amazon Basics vs Lodge vs Staub vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

Cites even heating, heat retention, non-stick surface

the L cruset Lodge and stove have a non-stick enamel finish over the interior and exterior of the pots Amazon does not have enamel but instead is pre-seasoned lay cruset and Lodge each scored Perfect 10 out of 10 however we did notice some veggies sticking to the bottom of both the stove and Amazon dutch ovens while…
6:32 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
After speaking with their customer service, I confirmed that they cover the enamel for life. So, if 10 years down from now under normal circumstances, you see a chip in the enamel they'll replace the Dutch oven for free.

repairability relaying someone else Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites warranty

After posting that video, dozens of people commented that Le Creuset does the same, and as the customer service rep confirmed, they were right.
1:00 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
Although the performance is great, the same could be said for much cheaper Dutch ovens, especially since they’re all made with the materials - cast iron with an enamel coating.

value tested it Don't Buy Le Creuset Until You Watch This (Test Results)

Cites price (against)

Le Creuset Dutch ovens are significantly more expensive than brands like Lodge, Tramontina, and many others. And based on my testing, you’re not getting any meaningful advantages in performance.
11:04 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
you get the same flawless enamel quality as Staub but over 20 color options and a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for

appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance, coating

a beautiful two-toned gradient that the brand has become known for

Field cast iron skillet

1:30 supports Kent Rollins Chef
when I picked it up the very first time out of the box the thing that I liked about it was it was similar to the design of old authentic cast iron folks this is a pretty good lightweight skill it's sort of like the old stuff was made

appearance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites appearance, surface finish, weight

getting on down the field I think the thing that really impressed me the most about it was the weight sure but they had such a good machine finish on there to it
0:00 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer
field stargazer two of the world's highest quality cast iron skillets

best in class tested it Field cast iron skillet vs Stargazer - How do I choose?

but if you're considering between something is as high quality as a field or stargazer i don't have one particular recommendation because they are both such high quality so it really depends on what you're looking for
4:31 supports Kent Rollins Chef was given the product
when we did our unboxing video they sent us an 8 I love the skillet I do

recommendation owns and uses it daily Field Company Cast Iron Skillet Follow Up Review

Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “when we did our unboxing video they sent us an 8” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

but I will tell you what they done went and done they don't went and went to making a 10-inch skillet now I've had this about a week and I love this rascal
1:00 supports Kent Rollins Chef was given the product
but when I run my hand across it it was the smooth finish

performance owns and uses it daily Field Company Cast Iron Skillet Follow Up Review

Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “we got this box in the mail we did an unboxing video on an 8 inch field skillet” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites non-stick surface, surface finish

so I fried me some bacon in there without doing a thing to it I just washed it out good with hot water dried it put that bacon in there it wasn't no sticking it wasn't like heated meaning something other ovens where I had to get to a putty knife a chisel and a hammer to knock it off there no it was good
what I put in there a scrambled egg and folks I was amazed there was no sticking like them egg whites will do too to where you can't even get them out of there
1:00 supports Kent Rollins Chef was given the product
but also when I look down at it I've seen the thickness of the walls it reminded me so much of an old Griswold or an old piece of Wagner ware

durability owns and uses it daily Field Company Cast Iron Skillet Follow Up Review

Kent Rollins was given the product. Stated in the source: “we got this box in the mail we did an unboxing video on an 8 inch field skillet” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites build quality, ease of cleaning, seasoning durability

the more you use it the better it is going to become to you the slicker it's going to get the better finish it has
now what I have found that really helps these new skillets a whole lot deep fry you something in for you enough grease in there that you can fry something I cook me some deep fried chili rellenos in them I'll deep fry some fishing deep fry some potatoes in it really works good on seasoning easy to clean up that away…
they finish quicker and smoother than any of that other iron I ever used unless you get back to the Griswold in the Wagner so many years ago
0:00 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
it's incredibly lightweight at just 5.5 lb, and because the construction is thinner than most cast iron skillets, it heats up much faster.

performance tested it Field Company Review: Best Lightweight Cast Iron?

Cites heating speed, non-stick surface, stovetop compatibility

I tested it against Lodge, Calphalon, and Stargazer, and it was the fastest to boil water on both induction and electric cooktops.
It has a smooth polished cooking surface that provides excellent non-stick performance, especially for eggs.

Matfer carbon steel pan

23:46 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
so you know Matt fur I would give you know a big big thumbs up I think they're tremendous I love that they have non-vivided handles onto the pans the shape of them of course are ideal I really enjoy that they the handles don't have epoxy on them and they can easily just go straight into the oven they're great

recommendation tested it DEEP DIVE! Testing the New Matfer Carbon Steel Induction Ready Pans

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “I'm just so super clear I'm not sponsored by Matt fur they sent me these pants to try I had no responsibility to them whatsoever to give them a positive or A negative” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

really happy with these map for pans I would say to me for good carbon steel that's a 10 out of 10. I would highly highly recommend them
3:31 supports Lisa Cookware Reviewer
I loved this pan so much that when I was testing it, before I was even done, I was like, "I want this pan," and I ordered one for myself, which I never do. So I've had mine for several years and I love it. I cook in it all the time.

durability owns and uses it daily Are Carbon Steel Pans Really The Best? | Gear Heads

1:30 supports Lisa Cookware Reviewer
We tested eight pans, and believe me, they were not all good. Some of them were real clunky, some really just never took to seasoning. They had sides that were too high, really off in balance. They just were not worth it. This one's our favorite. It's Matfer Bourgeat 11 7/8-inch Black Steel Frying Pan.

best in class tested it Are Carbon Steel Pans Really The Best? | Gear Heads

24:16 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
and if this is a pan that gets you out of non-stick then my job's done so that's why I'm telling you about these pants today

use-case fit tested it DEEP DIVE! Testing the New Matfer Carbon Steel Induction Ready Pans

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “I'm just so super clear I'm not sponsored by Matt fur they sent me these pants to try I had no responsibility to them whatsoever to give them a positive or A negative” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites induction compatible

if you're on induction I'm leaning this way you know even though I'm a mineral B seller I sell the product this if I'm going to sell something in the future is the way I'm going to go for induction because this is proving itself as the right pan for induction
0:30 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
they now are putting into a plastic bag and coming with a little moisture absorbent um little pillow inside to allow you to get a pan that is basically raw from the factory so seasoning should be a lot easier

performance tested it DEEP DIVE! Testing the New Matfer Carbon Steel Induction Ready Pans

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “I'm just so super clear I'm not sponsored by Matt fur they sent me these pants to try I had no responsibility to them whatsoever to give them a positive or A negative” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites coating, ease of cleaning, handle, heat control, heat resistance, induction compatible, maintenance, non-stick surface, oven safe, shape and form, warp resistance

and the thing that's great with the matte fur is that the handle can go into whatever temperature into the oven we want
it now is kind of kind of turned like a golden orange color because it's oxidizing a little bit so it's very obvious that that pan is being exposed the raw metal is being exposed to the air
and now the new matte fur come without anything on them they're really nice and easy to clean
but this guy is definitely you know non-stick on there there's no doubt about that right
so looking at these two pans we've got that this was the first time that I ever cooked on them you know that you know nothing's really stuck on here
this guy here behaved a lot better in being at a preheat of 250 previously like I was saying I was at 250 preheat it looked like I got too hot I went down it got too cool and it wasn't a great result this guy's looking quite perfect at the moment sitting at 250
so that's a really nice result right there doing its thing induction burner gets a little bit mad when you do that this guy here same thing so great result okay so definitely that factor of that first cook with a new pan you know seedling that surface definitely helps so our second result here is really great
right now there is zero spinning from this is the one that was abused this is the one that was not and they are not spinning whatsoever
okay so clean and cool cool zero spinning so that is great that cheap what I think is kind of crappy induction cooktop I have been able to make spinners out of other carbon steel with that cooktop um it does make spinners these guys didn't that's a tremendous result so super stoked
so you know Matt fur I would give you know a big big thumbs up I think they're tremendous I love that they have non-vivided handles onto the pans the shape of them of course are ideal I really enjoy that they the handles don't have epoxy on them and they can easily just go straight into the oven they're great
so you know Matt fur I would give you know a big big thumbs up I think they're tremendous I love that they have non-vivided handles onto the pans the shape of them of course are ideal I really enjoy that they the handles don't have epoxy on them and they can easily just go straight into the oven they're great

Finex cast iron skillet

4:01 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product
first i want to talk about the finex it has this beautiful coiled steel handle and the reason for that is this coil design not only does it look great

appearance tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

BBQ and Bottles was given the product. Stated in the source: “the brands who sent these skillets out to us free of charge and we're not being paid for this review video” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance, handle, shape and form

and you can actually see right here on the back of the pan they've got a really nice design that pays homage to that origin
now the next thing i want to compare is just the overall style or aesthetic of these skillets and the standout for me is going to be the finex there this octagonal shape i think looks really great i love the steel coiled handle it's just something really unique that sets that skillet apart from the others
6:02 supports Kent Rollins Chef
it is a great piece of cast iron to me really if you're sitting on the table full of something to eat and you want to make a statement and you set this out there that is a statement piece it is

appearance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites appearance, handle

you want to make a statement this is the piece I mean a great different unique design that I've never seen on a piece of cast iron and the handle I mean it is the talking point of the kitchen but also the dining table because this thing is fancy enough to serve right out of it is
4:31 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product
but it actually prevents this handle from warming up no matter how long we've cooked for using this skillet this handle won't get hot at all

handling tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

BBQ and Bottles was given the product. Stated in the source: “the brands who sent these skillets out to us free of charge and we're not being paid for this review video” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heat resistance, lid, shape and form

now going to the finex you might not see an obvious spout but because of this octagonal shape that they have to the pan you can actually use any of these edges as a pour spout and you won't get anything that drips out so that's a pretty cool feature there
so the finex comes with a lid you don't have to worry about fumbling around and finding a lid that will fit that shape
2:31 supports BBQ and Bottles Cooking YouTube was given the product
you rub your finger just along the base of the skillet there that is absolutely smooth just like glass

performance tested it Best Cast Iron Skillet - Review of Finex, Smithey, FieldCo and Lodge

BBQ and Bottles was given the product. Stated in the source: “the brands who sent these skillets out to us free of charge and we're not being paid for this review video” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heating speed, surface finish

not surprisingly because the field and the finex were actually the lightest pans they heated up the fastest and in that initial three or so minutes on the burner we actually got both of those up to around 320 to 325 degrees while the smithy and the lodge only heated up to 200 in the case of the smithy and 225 in the…
8:36 supports Luis J. Cookware Reviewer
so overall this number 10 has done wonderful it's held up seasoning really well it's cooked really well besides that small little defect with my time that it tends to warp I've had no issues and uh as you know as I said it cooked my breakfast beautifully and I'm happy with it so two years it's done great I'm happy and…

best in class owns and uses it daily Cast Iron Wednesday: 2 Year Review of the Finex No. 10 Skillet

Cites seasoning durability

Heritage Steel cookware

13:34 supports Christopher Scott Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
I can honestly tell you that the first time my wife and I cooked on the Heritage steel pans there was a flavor component that we had been missing for the last 18 19 months while using hexclad the crust the my art effect the golden brown whatever you want to call it that we are getting out of these pans for our food is…

performance owns and uses it daily Our Journey From Hexclad to Stainless Steel

Cites ease of cleaning, flavour impact

and then if there are moments where you get some food stuck on your pan it h for us so far they have scraped off very easily just with a silicone spatula or with a wooden spoon
7:33 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
It's one of the best values because it performs similarly to All-Clad, but it's less expensive, has a titanium-strengthened cooking surface, and because of the grinding and polishing they do by hand, the edges are noticeably smoother.

value tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites price

7:02 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
Based on my testing, it's one of the best stainless steel brands on the market.

best in class tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

3:01 supports AllAmerican․org Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
and one of the things I really love about Heritage steel is that it's fully non-toxic they don't use any Coatings there's no chemical stuff or pfas in there it's just high quality cladded steel

performance tested it Heritage Steel: Best American Made Stainless Steel Cookware?

AllAmerican․org earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Exclusive discount: Use the code ALLAMERICAN for 10% off your entire order on their website.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites coating, heat resistance, oven safe, safety

speaking of safe to use they're also oven safe up to 800° F and also safe in the broer

De Buyer carbon steel pan

0:30 supports Tom's Kitchen Cookware Reviewer
the buyer mineral B is my favorite pan so for those of you that want a straight up answer to which one I personally like more there you have it the video is over the mineral B wins

comparison owns and uses it daily Why de Buyer Is A Better Carbon Steel Pan Than Matfer

he decided to give the buyer a try and instantly understood what I meant even with the seasoning process I think

Staub dutch oven

9:33 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
I also appreciate the flat lid design, which lets you rest a spoon on top or add ice to make the lid cold and quickly turn steam back into liquid before it can escape.

use-case fit tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites availability, lid

Staub offers 10 different sizes and 15 colors - only one other brand, which I'll talk about next, offers more colors.
Staub's flat self-basting lid is fantastic
9:33 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
The enamel finish is flawless, and the whole pot has a truly high-end look and feel, as it should at this price point.

appearance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance, coating

The enamel finish is flawless, and the whole pot has a truly high-end look and feel, as it should at this price point.
9:03 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
with Staub, the construction quality is outstanding

reliability tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites build quality

9:03 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
In my controlled experiments, Staub had the best heat retention score of all brands

performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heat retention, moisture retention

the flat lid and self-basting dimples resulted in excellent moisture distribution
4:31 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
While this is a significant investment, both brands perform exceptionally well and can last for decades.

performance tested it I Tested the World's Most Expensive Cookware (Which Brands Are Worth It?)

Cites heat control, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

Their heavy lids lock in moisture, and the thick walls retain heat and maintain steady temperatures.
However, my testing shows that Staub retains moisture better, and its self-basting lid distributes liquid more evenly over the pot.
0:30 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
stobe's lid knobs are made out of steel with nickel or brass exterior they are oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and get extremely hot whether you're cooking on the stove or in the oven

performance tested it Does Staub Outperform Le Creuset? My Tests Reveal the Truth

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “those are affiliate links so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy but at no extra cost to you” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heat resistance, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

stove Lids have small bumps that capture evaporated liquid and drip it evenly across the center of the pot luxurusa lids are smooth
not only did the stove lid distribute the water droplets more evenly but the lid also captured significantly more water
these results confirm that the design of stove Lids traps and distributes moisture better than Le Creuset so yes the bumps on the lid really do make a difference
stove retained 56 ounces and Le Creuset retained only 52 ounces although both dutch ovens retained most of the moisture stove is superior to Le Creuset in this category
but there's a lot to like about stove dutch ovens too they're thicker and heavier which allows them to retain heat and moisture better
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So, if you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed, high-performing Dutch oven for soups, stews, braises, and other slow-cooked meals, Staub is one of the best brands.

best in class tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)

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Cites build quality

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So should you buy a Staub Dutch oven? Is it worth the high price? In my opinion, yes. As my testing proved, its thick walls and tight fitting lid retains heat better than the competition, and its self-basting lid distributes moisture back over the pot much more evenly than a domed lid with no bumps.

recommendation tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)

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Cites heat retention, moisture retention

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One of my favorite features is their flat lid. Since the lid isn’t sloped like most Dutch ovens, you can place ice on top without it sliding off. When the hot steam from inside the pot makes contact with the cold surface of the lid, it quickly condenses back into liquid, dripping back into the pot. This design ensures…

performance tested it Staub Dutch Oven Review: Is It Better Than Le Creuset? (Test Results)

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Cites build quality, heat retention, lid, moisture retention

Staub Dutch ovens are thicker and heavier than most. The 5.5-quart Dutch oven has 4 mm walls and weighs 12.8 pounds. For comparison, the Le Creuset 5.5-quart Dutch oven has 3.6 mm walls and weighs 11.5 pounds. The added thickness and weight allow these pots to retain heat exceptionally well.
I brought 32 ounces of water to a boil then removed the pot from the heat and let it cool on the counter. After ten minutes, the water was 136°F. And after 20 minutes, the water was 111°F. I repeated this test with Tramontina, Lodge, Le Creuset, and Great Jones Dutch ovens and, as you can see, Staub retains heat…
When I lifted the lids, the paper towel under the Staub lid was dotted with water droplets, evenly spread out. The paper towel under the Le Creuset lid had fewer droplets, and they weren't as evenly distributed. This simple test proved that the small dimples on the Staub lid do, in fact, work.
When I finally lifted the lid and measured the remaining water, Staub retained almost the full 32 ounces. I ran the same test with Lodge, Tramontina, Le Creuset, and Great Jones and Staub outperformed them all.
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they have the smallest overall depth and length of all Dutch ovens I tested

handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites handle (against), heat resistance (against)

the knob diameter is also the smallest in the group
One downside is that the lid knob got extremely hot during testing, with the second-highest temperature of all brands.

Demeyere Atlantis

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Demeyere Atlantis is the best of the best. Each piece is carefully crafted with the highest quality materials and a thoughtful design process.

best in class tested it Demeyere Atlantis vs. Industry Cookware (Key Differences & How to Choose)

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Cites build quality

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After the water boiled, I took each pan off the heat and measured the water temperature after 10 minutes. Demeyere Atlantis retained the most heat, again thanks to its super thick construction.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heat retention

To get a second read on heat retention, I heated each pan until the center reached 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, I quickly removed it from the heat and measured the temperature in the center of the pan after 5 and 10 minutes. While the All-Clad, Made In, and Hestan pans performed similarly, the Demeyere Atlantis pan…
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Pans in the Atlantis collection have a 3-layer steel bottom that they call TriplInduct. Since steel is magnetic and ultra-durable, having three layers of steel at the bottom of each pan provides better efficiency on induction cooktops and ensures the cookware will never warp.

durability tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites warp resistance

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Out of 19 pans, Demeyere Atlantis had the highest water temperature after 5 minutes and tied for highest after 10 minutes.

best in class tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites heat retention

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With both collections, Demeyere welds their handles to the pan instead of attaching them with rivets, so the cooking surface is completely smooth. Rivets tend to collect grime and become discolored, so the rivetless design makes cleaning much easier.

performance tested it Demeyere Atlantis vs. Industry Cookware (Key Differences & How to Choose)

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Cites ease of cleaning, even heating, handle, heat control, heat retention, induction compatible, speed and efficiency

Secondly, it makes the cookware 30 percent more efficient on induction cooktops. Induction cooktops only work with cookware that's made of magnetic materials. Steel is magnetic and since Atlantis pans have three layers of steel on the bottom, they work faster and more efficiently on induction.
Both collections retain heat well but due to its additional layers, thickness, and sheer weight, the Atlantis collection absorbs and retains heat better than Industry.
I repeated this test with several other pans and as you can see in the results Demeyere Atlantis retained heat better than every other pan after five minutes, and they tied with Made In after 10 minutes.
Atlantis cookware is more forgiving which makes it easier to cook with Because it's thicker and retains heat better, the temperature doesn't fluctuate as much while you're cooking and adding and removing ingredients. You won't burn your food if you accidentally turn the heat too high. It heats slowly and steadily.
Its thick 7-ply construction allows it to heat evenly and retain heat better than almost any other cookware.
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Another downside to Demeyere’s thick construction is that it takes a while to heat up. Compared to 19 other pans, the Demeyere Atlantis took the longest to boil two cups of water.

performance tested it The Truth About Demeyere Cookware: My Brutally Honest Review

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Cites heating speed (against)

Made In carbon steel pan

18:41 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
So, you know, as a usable pan, I would say over my copper pan that this is even more of a usable pan.

use-case fit tested it The Pan I Waited A Year For... Did Made In Meet My Sky-High Expectations?

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “this pan here was given to me by Maiden.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites versatility

But, you know, for my trusted Duboet, you know, the Mineral B and the Mineral B Pro, um, you know, I think it fits in there beautifully.
especially if you're thinking about giving it to somebody, it's absolutely fantastic.
7:33 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
Overwhelmingly, people really enjoy the pan and it's doing what they want it to do

performance tested it The Pan I Waited A Year For... Did Made In Meet My Sky-High Expectations?

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “this pan here was given to me by Maiden.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites ease of cleaning, even heating, heat conduction, maintenance, non-stick surface, seasoning durability, surface finish

This guy is conducting more heat. More heat's being pulled into it. So, it is a little bit of a hotter pan.
I had brought this down just cooking this on a one out of 10. So really, really gentle heat just to get a nice even fry.
Uh, but you know what it's done in such a short time I think is completely adequate.
Uh, but you know what it's done in such a short time I think is completely adequate.
So, I think it look great. Made in pan here. Little bit residue. Really nothing much. And residue, nothing on there.
So, I think it look great. Made in pan here. Little bit residue. Really nothing much. And residue, nothing on there.
It's got that that micro texture on it, which is a a purpose thing done by Maiden. They do several different finishings to the pan to give it a texture and then they season that to grab hold of that texture to make sure that it works incredibly well and that it stands up really well.
So, the seasoning that I've done from cooking has worked out great with a simple egg test.
But the heat is down on the maiden pan. But I would say that that pan is cooking a nice delicate crepe beautifully.
I am finding that using this seasoning that they've done and the the finish has worked out really really nicely. It's really even and it works beautifully. So I have no problem with how that pan has finished up. Like it's it's seasoning beautifully.
So, you know, the ease of maintenance to what they've done makes it great.
7:33 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
there's now a lot of reviews online from the previous 9-in pan that was launched a a year ago and they've got 4.6 six out of five stars.

best in class tested it The Pan I Waited A Year For... Did Made In Meet My Sky-High Expectations?

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “this pan here was given to me by Maiden.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

I love what they've done with this pan. They've replicated an old pan and what is old is new. And to me, that is a beautiful thing in cookware.
So, this is, you know, a a celebration of the history of cookware that Maiden has done. And I think that is a absolutely tremendous thing.
So, I'm a fan. I think what they've done is amazing.
5:02 supports Cook Culture Cookware Reviewer was given the product
And they had created this small run of this amazing looking pan.

appearance owns and uses it daily The Pan I Waited A Year For... Did Made In Meet My Sky-High Expectations?

Cook Culture was given the product. Stated in the source: “this pan here was given to me by Maiden.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance

9-in beautiful pan and it was sold out.
superficially, I'm in love with this pan. Like the first time I saw that amazing Ferrari in Ferris Beer's Day Off car that I could not get out of my head. This pan is the same to me.
this pan is in brilliant, brilliant shape. It's hardly any carbon buildup. It's just such a beautiful, beautiful pan.
this pan is in brilliant, brilliant shape. It's hardly any carbon buildup. It's just such a beautiful, beautiful pan.
Like, you know, this guy is wonderfully uniform in its in its color, and that's already started that way. So, it looks beautiful to start with.

Hestan CopperBond

0:00 supports Steamy (Test) Kitchen Cookware Reviewer
this is a review of the Heston copper bond 10 piece set the most premium cookware I have ever cooked with

best in class tested it Hestan CopperBond Cookware Set Review

this is definitely my dream cookware set
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Of the eight pans I tested, Hestan CopperBond heated the fastest, followed by All-Clad Copper Core.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites heating speed, heating speed, heating speed

After one minute, Made In and Hestan CopperBond had the highest temperature in the center, but Hestan ProBond and Hestan ProBond TITUM heated the most evenly.
After three minutes, All-Clad Copper Core, Hestan CopperBond, and Hestan ProBond were the hottest in the center, but All-Clad D3 had the most uniform temperature.

Mauviel M'Heritage M200CI

All-Clad 10-piece cookware set

HexClad Hybrid

0:30 supports John Cookware Reviewer
And they're remarkably non-stick. Sloppy Joe's slide right off. Scrambled eggs slide off. hamburger, chicken, anything we have put on it over the last 18 months easily slides right off.

performance owns and uses it daily 18 months with Gordon Ramsay's Hexclad cookware, was it worth it?🤔

Owned 18 months

Cites ease of cleaning, non-stick surface

Getting back to the non-stick surface, another added benefit is how easy they are to clean. I don't think anything can provide more proof about their ease of cleaning than their still like new appearance 18 months after their first use.
5:01 objects Christopher Scott Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
but for me I don't want to have to replace my pots and pans every 18 to 20 months because the non-stick coating is wearing off on them so I won't be using these anymore I'm going to be switching to like a stainless steel all clad type of pot and pan and I'm not really sure what brand to buy yet

recommendation used to own one I Can't Recommend HEXCLAD Pots & Pans Anymore :(

so after all of that I have decided that hexclad pans are not right for me and therefore I don't recommend them on my channel anymore

Made In Stainless Steel

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So is Made In cookware worth buying? In my opinion, yes.

recommendation tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Made In is not cheap, but it's significantly less expensive than brands like All-Clad, Demeyere, and Hestan.

value tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Cites country of manufacture, price, warranty

Fortunately, they offer a generous 45-day return policy so if you get it in the mail and you don't like it you can return it.
But the best part about Made In is that the prices are fair. It's not the most affordable brand, but for quality fully-clad stainless steel cookware that's made in the United States and Italy, it's an excellent value.
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If you're looking for lightweight pans, you'll be disappointed. Made In pans are built solid with thick heavy walls. The 12-inch fry pan weighs over three pounds.

durability tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Cites build quality, durability

It's exactly what you want in stainless steel cookware. It heats up fast and evenly, retains heat well, has large comfortable handles, an attractive brushed exterior, and it's built to last.
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Thanks to its three millimeter thick five-ply construction, it does a fantastic job searing, browning, and frying.

use-case fit tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Cites build quality, heat conduction

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First and foremost, Made In stainless steel performs as well or better than any other cookware I've tested. That includes much more expensive brands like All-Clad and Demeyere.

best in class tested it The Truth About Made In: My Honest Review After 3+ Years

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Hestan NanoBond

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However, Hestan does offer a combination of features that most brands don’t. And with its ultra-smooth surface, NanoBond is one of the most unique cookware collections I’ve tested.

best in class tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

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Cites surface finish

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NanoBond is the smoothest pan I’ve tested. It not only looks and feels smoother than standard stainless steel pans, but you can hear it. When you rub your fingers over the surface, it’s much quieter.

performance tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites surface finish

In terms of actual cooking, it has slightly better non-stick properties than a typical stainless steel pan. But you still need to preheat the pan and add some oil or butter to prevent sticking. And if you don't get the heat right or don't add enough fat, eggs will stick just like they do with any other stainless steel…
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I did the same thing on the NanoBond pan. This time, there were no scratches at all. To make sure I wasn't missing anything, I rubbed another spot on the NanoBond pan, and again, no scratches.

durability tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

Cites base and rim, dishwasher safe, maintenance

Instead of exposed rims that can become sharp after washing in the dishwasher and lead to the bonded layers splitting, Hestan NanoBond and ProBond pans have sealed rims. So you can clean these pans in the dishwasher without any concerns.
and you can easily remove them with white vinegar. Just add a splash, swirl with water, scrub, and rinse.

All-Clad stainless pan

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For most people, D3 is the best option. It's less expensive, heats up faster, and has that traditional shiny appearance.

best in class tested it All-Clad D3 vs. D5: Six Key Differences and How to Choose

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Demeyere Atlantis Proline

Fissler Original-Profi

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The Fissler Original-Profi had only a 4° difference between the center and the edge. That's not just better than every pan in this group—it's the most even heat distribution I've ever measured, and I've tested over 60 brands.

best in class tested it Best High-End Cookware? Fissler vs. All-Clad vs. Demeyere

Cites even heating, heat retention

However, there is now a new benchmark. After 5 minutes, the Fissler Original-Profi was still at 176°F—17° hotter than Demeyere.
If you're looking for a stainless steel pan that heats evenly and retains heat well, Fissler Original-Profi is the best you can buy.

Demeyere Proline

4:01 objects MQ Cookware Reviewer
they are expensive, right? Especially if you live outside the EU. For example, the price here in New Zealand just for this 24 cm is over $500, right? And that's quite frankly ludicrous.

value owns and uses it daily Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites price (against)

with that 20 20 cm model, you are really not getting any value for your money, so I would stay away from that one.

Hestan ProBond TITUM

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But, if you’re looking for a non-stick pan, I don’t recommend buying Hestan ProBond TITUM.

recommendation tested it Is Hestan Cookware Really the Best Money Can Buy? (Test Results)

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Marquette cast iron skillet

6:02 supports Kent Rollins Chef
My overall pick for just best in design is I'm gonna have to go with the Marquette just because of the way it feels in my hand and the way that I know it performs and the two poor spouts

best in class tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites ergonomics, handle, seasoning durability, shape and form, surface finish

if we had to pick a winner on a handle that was most comfortable to your hand it would be the Marquette
next we're going to go to Marquette this review not long ago to me this was the smoothest Skillet coming to me of anyone that I got out of the bunch
so my overall winner for seasoning is eeny meeny miny mo is going to be the Marquette because to me it had the smoothest glossiest finish when I got it and accepted seasoning the easiest
4:31 supports Kent Rollins Chef
when I first picked this up right out of the box I'm thinking feels like a Wagner or a Griswold into me just the way it sort of felt it's got a light weight to it and look here right off the bat two poor spouts now I really do like that I do

appearance tested it Don't Buy a Cast Iron Skillet Without Watching This! Which Cast Iron Brand is Right for You?

Cites appearance, shape and form, surface finish, weight

we get down to the Marquette to me the thing that really just stood out most of all to me what is the closest resemblance to the old cast iron I'm talking Griswolds and Wagner's to me it was the closest design to it and had this finish that was just like they used to have on them

Heritage Steel Eater Series

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These handles are similar to Made In handles, except they fork right before the body of the pan to disperse heat and keep the handle cool.

handling tested it Is Heritage Steel the Best American-Made Cookware? My Honest Review

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Cites handle, safety

There's a small bump underneath to warn you when your hand is getting too close to the heat.
I strongly prefer the flatter design of the Eater series handle because it's less likely to rotate but is still comfortable.
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I haven't had any issues with pitting with the Eater Series, so while that is an advantage for the Titanium Series, it hasn't become an issue with the other pan.

durability tested it Heritage Steel Titanium vs. Eater Series: Is the Pricier Pan Better?

Cites build quality, country of manufacture, durability, rust resistance

Overall, these are two high-quality pans that are made in America. They're both durable, well-made, high performing, and will last a lifetime.

Viking PureGlide Pro

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So, the short answer is yes, it definitely is worth buying.

recommendation tested it Finally, a Nonstick Pan That Actually Lasts a Lifetime

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This pan is not cheap, but if you want non-stick performance without worrying about the surface wearing out, this is worth buying.
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Besides these control tests, I've been cooking eggs, meat, and other sticky foods with this pan almost every day for the past four months, and I've tried different combinations of fat and heat. What I found is that butter makes the biggest difference. When I use butter or a mix of oil and butter, the results are…

durability tested it Finally, a Nonstick Pan That Actually Lasts a Lifetime

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Owned 4 months

Cites coating durability, coating durability, durability, ease of cleaning, ease of cleaning, rust resistance, scratch resistance, scratch resistance, scratch resistance, scratch resistance

There were some white marks that looked concerning at first, but it turned out to just be metal dust from the utensils transferring onto the pan. It wiped right off with no permanent damage.
Next, I took a serrated steak knife, attached two magnets weighing 130 g, and rubbed it across the pan 15 times, and there were still no scratches or damage.
After that, I put a heavyduty Scotch-Brite sponge green side down on the pan, placed the 5lb weight on top, and pushed it back and forth 20 times. Again, there was no damage.
After all that, I wanted to see if any of these tests affected the non-stick performance. So, I ran the same egg test again with a half teaspoon of oil and 2 grams of butter. And fortunately, the egg didn't stick at all.
After all three rounds, the Viking showed zero signs of pitting or corrosion.
But the Viking handled the worst case scenario without any damage at all.
The titanium surface doesn't scratch, and after 4 months of almost daily use, it performs exactly the same as day one.
The Viking wipes clean easily with no residue buildup, and because of that, the performance hasn't changed.
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The egg slid around with just a shake of the pan. I didn't need to loosen it with the spatula at all.

performance tested it Finally, a Nonstick Pan That Actually Lasts a Lifetime

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Cites searing and crust, even heating, heat control, heat control, non-stick surface, non-stick surface, non-stick surface, non-stick surface

I ran the same test with several other titanium pans and a stainless steel pan, and they all performed well, but Viking was the sickest.
I also cooked pancakes on each pan with a little butter. Viking passed this test easily, as did the other pans.
Without any butter, the pancake didn't stick to Viking, but it did stick a little bit to some of the others.
In terms of evenness, after 2 minutes on medium heat, the gap between the center and the outer edge was only 35°. The average gap for a pan like this is around 80°. Because of this, food browns evenly across the whole surface instead of darkening in the center and staying pale around the edges.
Beyond the numbers, the real world cooking experience has been excellent. It sears well. It cooks evenly edge to edge, and the temperature stays steady. It doesn't get too hot too fast and burn your food, and it doesn't lose heat the second you add something cold. It's a very easy pan to control and it's enjoyable to…
The non-stick performance is excellent.

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro

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Cuisinart is best known for its small appliances like food processors and toasters, but their MultiClad Pro cookware collection is one of the best low-cost stainless steel options.

best in class tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

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Misen 7qt Dutch oven with grill pan lid

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The grill pan lid retained the most liquid of all nine Dutch ovens I tested

performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites moisture retention

the ridges on the grill pan lid collect and redistribute moisture evenly over the pot
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when you use the grill pan lid, the entire Dutch oven weighs close to 17 lbs, which makes it the heaviest by far

handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites handle (against), weight (against)

the grill pan doesn't have a knob, so it can be tricky to lift

Amazon Basics pre-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven

Made In saute pan

6:32 supports Lisa Cookware Reviewer
The other thing that mattered was the height of the sides. These are about two and a half inches.

handling tested it Are Special Pans Like Sauciers & Sauté Pans Worth It? | Gear Heads

Cites handle, shape and form

The third thing we really loved was this low handle. It was a nice level handle and it was comfortable to grip. Has this little bit of a dent in it that really helps you grab it when you're pouring out sauces and things. It actually stays rooted in your hand.
5:31 supports Lisa Cookware Reviewer
They're both made of stainless steel and they're fully clad. So they have stainless steel, aluminum and stainless steel sheets that are bonded together before the pan is made. So you get nice even cooking with no hotspots.

performance tested it Are Special Pans Like Sauciers & Sauté Pans Worth It? | Gear Heads

Cites even heating, heating speed, size and capacity

This one really did stand out from the pack because it had a few things that we loved. One is that the cooking surface is nice and broad. This is really important because if it's too narrow meat is crowded when you're browning it. So this broad cooking surface really did matter. Greens cooked quicker because they…

Matfer copper frying pan

Lodge Essential Enamel

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If you're looking for the best value, I recommend the Lodge Essential Enamel Dutch oven.

value tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites price

It has a large knob and handles, a warranty that covers chips and cracks, and a reasonable price.
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If you're looking for the best value, I recommend the Lodge Essential Enamel Dutch oven.

recommendation tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Made In dutch oven

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In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.

performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites heat retention, moisture retention

In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.
On top of that, it performs excellently in real-world testing.
in the $200 to $300 price range, Made In has a more functional knob and performed better in my tests
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the handles stick out further than any Dutch oven I tested, giving you plenty of room to grip

handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites handle, heat resistance

I also love the lid knob, which has the widest diameter of the group.
In my controlled experiments, Made In had the second-best heat retention, the second-best moisture retention, and the lowest knob temperature, and it didn't chip from my durability test.
I really like Made In's large knob, big handles, and wide cooking surface.
in the $200 to $300 price range, Made In has a more functional knob and performed better in my tests

HexClad cookware

2:01 objects Christopher Scott Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
about a month ago I posted a video called called I can't recommend hexclad cookware anymore and in that video I mentioned how almost all of the claims made by hexclad were pretty much just marketing

recommendation used to own one Our Journey From Hexclad to Stainless Steel

0:00 objects Christopher Scott Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
spoiler yes hexclad will eventually fall apart on you whether you use it exactly how it's marketed or even if you baby it with a pair of white gloves

durability used to own one Our Journey From Hexclad to Stainless Steel

Cites coating durability (against), durability (against), scratch resistance (against)

you can make it last as long as you can don't use metal utensils on it even though they say you can and that it's safe it's not don't stick them in the dishwasher don't cook with them at high temperatures and you'll pretty much be fine if you can get three to five years out of them I'd say you're probably winning the…
don't use metal utensils on it even though they say you can and that it's safe it's not
that nonstick PTFE coating Teflon coating that they put on there will eventually wear off and the tricky part here is you don't actually notice when it starts starts to become unviable you may eventually notice that it peeled off or flaked off or chipped off or scratched off yes but PTFE or Teflon can start to degrade…

Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven

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I'm going to give this guy a 90% thumbs up on the pro side.

recommendation tested it NEW: Lodge USA Enamel Review with cooking & Staub/Le Creuset comparison!

Uncle Scott earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “USK currently has affiliate links and/or influencer links with Amazon, Falk, De Buyer, Thermoworks, Breville, Lodge, Smithey and others.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites appearance, country of manufacture

But I am glad I have one of them in my Battery Deuisine now. They crank out a ton of delicious food. I think they have a nice look and design. They're made in America.
Um, I really like mine. I'm giving it a 90% thumbs up.

de Buyer Alchimy

Tramontina Professional collection

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While I'm a fan of the Tri-Ply Clad collection, Tramontina is best known for the Professional collection, which was named the best non-stick pan by The New York Times.

best in class tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

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Cites non-stick surface

Great Jones oval Dutch oven

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While it looks nice, it's not nearly as functional as a traditional circular knob. You can only fit two fingers, which makes it difficult to lift and control the heavy lid.

handling tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

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Cites handle (against)

Similarly, I'm not a fan of the looped side handles. Compared to the other Dutch ovens, the design is very basic, and they're not long enough to comfortably fit four fingers.
the Great Jones lid handle is a deal-breaker for me

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

0:30 supports Liz Cookware Reviewer
the lodge 6q enameled cast iron Dutch oven is a versatile and durable piece of cookware known for its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly

performance tested it Amazon Basics vs Lodge vs Staub vs Le Creuset Dutch Ovens

Cites even heating, non-stick surface, ease of cleaning, even heating, heat retention

all four ovens scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for heat retention and evenness of cooking
the L cruset Lodge and stove have a non-stick enamel finish over the interior and exterior of the pots Amazon does not have enamel but instead is pre-seasoned lay cruset and Lodge each scored Perfect 10 out of 10 however we did notice some veggies sticking to the bottom of both the stove and Amazon dutch ovens while…
while the lodge was a pretty quick cleanup there was some Browning we noticed from the oven that didn't come out when cleaning taking it down to a 7 out of 10

Made In 10-piece cookware set

Strata carbon steel pan

Demeyere saucepan

7:02 objects MQ Cookware Reviewer
this pan it desperately desperately needs a helper handle, which it does not have. So, the pan is already quite heavy, and if you got it full of water or liquid, that can weigh up to 5 kg, and it's very difficult to maneuver this with just one hand.

handling used to own one Demeyere Atlantis and Proline 4.5 Years Long Term Review

Cites handle (against), weight (against)

Heritage Steel Titanium Series

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The third and final difference between these pans is the cooking surface: the Eater Series has an industry standard 18/10 stainless steel cooking surface, but the Titanium Series has a 316Ti steel, which is an alloy that's reinforced with titanium to help it resist pitting.

durability tested it Heritage Steel Titanium vs. Eater Series: Is the Pricier Pan Better?

Cites build quality, country of manufacture, durability, rust resistance

Overall, these are two high-quality pans that are made in America. They're both durable, well-made, high performing, and will last a lifetime.

Le Creuset enameled cast iron skillet

Made In Stainless Clad Saute Pan

Hestan ProBond Forged

Fissler M5-Pro Ply

Anolon EverLast N2

6:02 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
The water from the Misen and Anolon came out completely clear, but the water from Strata was cloudy with a yellow tint, which means bits of the seasoning layer were breaking down and leaching into the liquid.

performance tested it Which “Forever Nonstick” Pan Is the Best? I Tested Them All

Cites flavour impact, heat control, heating speed, non-stick surface

Anolon was by far the fastest to heat, but that means it's also very easy to overheat.
When I preheated it slower, it worked fine.
Next, I cut the fat in half, using just a half teaspoon of oil and 2 g of butter. Again, all three pans handled it without sticking.
Then I tested pancakes with a light layer of butter. Misen and Anolon released cleanly, but Strata had some slight sticking.
Misen and Anolon were both impressively nonstick right out of the box, and they've stayed that way for months.
To be totally honest with you, this was one of the toughest reviews I've ever done because all three pans perform really well, and they're all priced pretty much the same.

Farberware Classic collection

Ninja NeverStick

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Ninja NeverStick is an affordable non-stick collection that’s worth buying for one main reason.

recommendation tested it Cheap Cookware That's Actually Worth Buying (And 4 Brands to Avoid)

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites price, warranty

All those things are great, but the main reason to buy these pans is because they come with a 10-year warranty that covers the performance of the non-stick coating.

Caraway 6.5qt Dutch oven

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This Dutch oven performs fine in cooking tests but poorly in my controlled experiments.

performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heat retention (against), moisture retention (against)

It had the second-worst heat retention and the worst moisture retention
It had the second-worst heat retention and the worst moisture retention
despite the flat lid and self-basting dimples, evaporation runs to the edges and doesn't drip over the middle of the pot

Tramontina 5 1/2 qt Dutch oven

1:00 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer earns commission on this
It had the worst heat retention score

performance tested it Best Dutch Oven? I Tested Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge & More

Prudent Reviews earns commission on this. Stated in the source: “Those are affiliate links, so I'll earn a commission if you click and buy, but at no extra cost to you.” Kept and labelled rather than dropped — a paid endorsement is still evidence, and you should be the one to decide what it is worth.

Cites heat retention (against), moisture retention (against)

the ridges under the lid that are supposed to redistribute moisture evenly over the pot don't really do anything

What do cookware reviewers say about cookware in general?

Not a recommendation for a specific product — technique, materials and what to look for in cookware. Citable on its own terms.

1:30 supports Lisa Cookware Reviewer
the non-stick pans that you buy are gonna gradually become less and less non-stick. So the great steering that you can get in this pan and its ability to become more and more naturally non-stick makes this a favorite here at The Test Kitchen. All of our Test Cooks love this pan and we love to use it. In fact, we kind…

best in class uses it professionally, daily Are Carbon Steel Pans Really The Best? | Gear Heads

Cites coating durability, heat retention, maintenance, non-stick surface, versatility

As we saw with the burgers, the carbon steel pan has certain traits that really make it a great all-around pan. It definitely has that nice heat retention and heat transfer of a cast iron pan. It has that nice release of a non-stick pan. This is a great all-around pan, does almost anything you want it to do, it's…
0:30 supports Lisa Cookware Reviewer
Retains a lot of the properties that we love in cast iron, this ability to retain heat and really put a nice sear on food, but it's much easier to handle.

performance owns and uses it daily Are Carbon Steel Pans Really The Best? | Gear Heads

Cites ergonomics, heat control, safety, ease of cleaning, even heating, heat retention, non-stick surface

Other secret of this pan is its ability to become naturally non-stick. So the smooth grain of this takes to seasoning a little faster than cast iron and it becomes very rapidly non-stick when you season it. And you can cook in it with just a little bit of fat, and food will just come right out. So if you're really…
Stainless steel or, in particular, a fully clad pan where there are layers of stainless steel, aluminum, and stainless steel is really known for its ability to make even, uniform heat. The aluminum transmits heat very quickly, stainless steel much more slowly. The stainless retains it so it spreads, and you get this…
In the carbon steel, I think we got the sort of Goldilocks moment. You get this really beautiful golden brown crust that is deeply brown, and nice, and crusty. Inside is nice and pink. And you really get this nice contrast between the brown crust and the cooked interior that is nice and juicy. So I thought it was a…
When we were done, there was almost nothing in the pan. It was just, I wipe it out, rinse it out, and we're good to go.
8:33 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
First, a broad cooking surface. We preferred pans that offered at least 10 inches of flat cooking surface.

recommendation tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites handle, shape and form, size and capacity

That extra height is really necessary for containing hot oil and food, such as when frying donuts and shallow frying chicken.
but we preferred those with wide broad loops that we could really hang onto, especially when wearing oven mitts
Generally though, we recommend buying a 12 inch skillet if you can. It's always good to have the option of a bigger pan for recipes of different sizes
3:01 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
Artisan makers often cast their to have thinner sides, but a thicker bottom which cuts down on the total weight of the pan, but keeps that heat retention capability.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites heat retention, non-stick surface, surface finish, weight

Most artisan makers will also take the time to hand polish their pan surface, which makes it naturally non-stick much faster than a mass produced pan.
2:01 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
Generally being a single piece of metal also makes these skillets very sturdy.

durability tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites build quality, coating, durability, ease of cleaning, maintenance, rust resistance

These cast iron pans start out like traditional cast iron, but then they're coated in a glass like vitreous glaze that seals the pan from air and moisture that could cause rust
their enamel coating makes enamel cast iron pans virtually maintenance free. You never have to season them and you can soak, use soap and scrub as much as you'd like.
Okay, that is my buying guide for these wonderful lifetime pans.
0:30 supports Valerie Li Stack Cookware Reviewer
And with plenty of views in the right care, their surface becomes naturally non-stick.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites non-stick surface, seasoning durability

As Hannah said, an important feature of cast iron skillets is its natural non-stick ability.
Repeated exposure to smoking hot oil continues to build on this coating, making it more slippery and durable. That's why even though most skillets these days come with a factory seasoning, the surface will become even more non-stick with repeated use.
0:30 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
In terms of cooking, there's very little these pans can't do.

performance tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites even heating, heat conduction, heat retention, searing and crust, versatility

Its superpower is that it can retain and conduct plenty of heat for deep browning of food.
like regular cast iron, these pans have excellent heat retention, so they'll sear, fry and braise well maintaining the heat you want without undesirable temperature dips as food is added or flipped
Though all of these are gonna sear a great steak.
A thick heavy pan has the mass and density to hold more heat than a thinner pan does, and once preheated will cook more evenly than a thinner and lighter pan
0:00 supports Hannah Buy It For Life Enthusiasts
Cast iron skillets are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can buy since they work on the stove top in the oven, even on the grill.

use-case fit tested it Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Which is Better? | Gear Heads

Cites acid resistance, induction compatible, maintenance, oven safe, stovetop compatibility, versatility

Best of all, you can cook almost anything, even acidic foods that need to be simmered for a long time like a tomato sauce because the enamel seals the cast iron making the pan rust proof and non-reactive.
While both regular and enameled cast iron pans are induction compatible, the smoother enameled bottoms can be a little gentler on glass cooktops
Enameled is for the person that never wants to think about seasoning their pan. Enamel doesn't need it.
0:00 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
Most cast iron skillets today come pre-seasoned so you can start cooking right away

performance You've Been Lied To About Cast Iron Cookware

Cites acid resistance, ease of cleaning, even heating, heat retention, maintenance, non-stick surface, rust resistance, seasoning durability

When you do need to season it, all you have to do is clean it, dry it, rub it with a thin layer of oil, and bake it in the oven. Although the baking portion takes an hour or so, the actual work you need to do takes less than 5 minutes. It’s not a big deal and it’s not difficult
But the reality is that seasoning isn't just oil; it's polymerized oil that's been bonded to the cast iron. It's hard and tough and as long as the dish soap doesn't contain lye or sodium hydroxide, a few drops won't hurt
I always recommend using a chainmail to clean cast iron, but if you cooked an especially messy meal and chainmail is not doing the trick, mild dish soap is okay
As you can see, the soap didn’t impact the seasoning at all
Cast iron develops non-stick properties over time with proper seasoning, but it's not totally non-stick like a Teflon-coated pan
But flavoring food with a small amount of acidic ingredients, such as a splash of wine, vinegar, or lemon juice, won't cause any issues
If you're not cooking highly acidic foods for a long time, like over 30 minutes, the seasoning should be fine
To prove this point, I squeezed a whole lemon into this cast iron pan and let it simmer for about 4 minutes. After removing the lemon juice and wiping the skillet, you can see that the seasoning wasn't affected at all
One of the reasons I love cast iron is that it retains heat exceptionally well
Once it's fully preheated, it retains heat well, so your food will cook evenly
That may be true, but in my experience, this step is completely unnecessary. If the skillet is well-seasoned and you dry it thoroughly, it shouldn’t rust, and you don't need to oil it after each use
1:00 supports Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
Carbon steel, with its lower carbon content, is more pliable. In other words, it can be bent and shaped without cracking.

durability Carbon Steel Pans EXPLAINED (What They Don’t Tell You)

Cites acid resistance, durability, ease of cleaning, flexibility, maintenance, scratch resistance, seasoning durability

carbon steel pans are made thinner and significantly lighter than cast iron while still being incredibly durable.
For acidic foods, stainless steel and enameled cast iron are better options since there's no seasoning to damage and those materials are non-reactive.
For acidic foods, stainless steel and enameled cast iron are better options since there's no seasoning to damage and those materials are non-reactive.
But you don't need to do it often and after you do it once, you realize how easy it is.
In my experience, mild dish soap does no harm.
One of the biggest advantages of carbon steel is its durability. It won't crack or break if you drop it, which can happen with cast iron.
And there's no coating or enamel that can wear down or chip.
You can use metal utensils and even cut food in it, although I try to avoid that because the sharp edge will scratch the seasoning.
It’s one of the rare products that gets better with age. The more you use it, the better the seasoning develops.
1:00 objects Prudent Reviews Cookware Reviewer
The higher carbon in cast iron makes it harder but also more brittle. That's why cast iron has such thick walls - thinner walls would be prone to cracking.

durability owns and uses it daily Carbon Steel Pans EXPLAINED (What They Don’t Tell You)

Cites acid resistance (against), dishwasher safe (against), durability (against), maintenance (against), rust resistance (against), scratch resistance (against), seasoning durability (against), warp resistance (against)

The one major limitation with carbon steel pans is acidic foods. A squeeze of lemon or a splash of wine won’t hurt, but prolonged exposure to acidic foods, like tomato sauce, will strip the layer of seasoning right off the looking surface.
Bare cast iron pans have this same issue.
Carbon steel consists primarily of iron, which rusts when exposed to water and air.
The fact that you need to season carbon steel pans may seem like a major downside, and for some, it's a deal-breaker.
The two rules that I do highly recommend following are, one, don’t put carbon steel pans in the dishwasher. The hot water, steam, and dish detergent will ruin the seasoning.
And two, always dry your pans completely after washing them. Even a well-seasoned pan can rust if moisture is left on it for long periods.
if you notice tiny black bits on your food when you cook with carbon steel, or if you wipe the pan with a paper towel and the paper towel turns black, that's a sign that you need to deep clean your pan. Those black bits are either tiny pieces of the seasoning flaking, burnt food, or both.
One of the biggest advantages of carbon steel is its durability. It won't crack or break if you drop it, which can happen with cast iron.
You can use metal utensils and even cut food in it, although I try to avoid that because the sharp edge will scratch the seasoning.
The one thing you need to be cautious about is warping. If you expose it to drastic temperature changes, like rinsing it under cold water when it's piping hot, the metal can expand and contract unevenly, which leads to a wobbly, unusable pan.
1:00 objects Adam Cookware Reviewer
But you know, in our test, testers found that actually it didn't sear or brown food quite as evenly. It ran a little bit hot because it was a little bit lighter, and simple formula, less mass, less heat retention, less even browning.

performance tested it The Best Cast-Iron Skillets

Cites even heating (against), heat retention (against), weight

How do cookware score among cookware reviewers?

Computed only from claims about cookware by people we have grounds to call cookware reviewers, so the axes answer “according to cookware reviewers” rather than “according to everyone”.

Domain authority

1 recommender, weighted by demonstrated expertise in cookware. Weighted by expertise in this category, never by audience size.

0.06

Independent consensus

1 independent voice across 1 source. How many independent voices converge, unweighted.

0.04

Long-term ownership

no dated ownership reports yet. Volume and length of dated first-hand ownership reports.

Performance

1 performance claim. Claims about how well it does the job.

0.04

Value

no value claims yet. Claims about what it costs relative to what it does.

Repairability

no repairability claims yet. Claims about whether it can be maintained or rebuilt.

Community breadth

all evidence from a single community so far. How many distinct communities converge, rather than one echo chamber.

0.00

Recency of evidence

most recent evidence from 2024. How recent the evidence is. Old evidence is not wrong, just older.

0.54

Objections raised

3 negative claims, mostly ergonomics and aesthetics. Weight of negative claims. High is not bad — it is well-documented.

0.19

These are separate measurements, not components of a score. They are never added together, and there is no overall rating — which of them matters depends on what you are buying the thing for. A dash means no evidence on that axis yet, not a low result.