Toss the Teflon and Try This Non-Toxic, Nonstick Alternative

Nonstick pans are the consensus favorite for home cooks. Not only do they keep food from sticking, but they’re also a breeze to clean. Now that we’ve wised up to the potential risks of using coatings like Teflon, we’re looking for nonstick alternatives that don’t contain toxins. One of our favorites is carbon steel. This uncoated material is akin to stainless steel but much lighter and easier to clean. It’s long been preferred in restaurant kitchens and at campsites thanks to its minimal weight, versatility, and fantastic heat retention. Plus, once seasoned, it’s naturally nonstick, with no microplastics or PFAS in sight. 

So whether you’re looking to reduce microplastic exposure in your kitchen, replace cookware that might be leaching lead, or just find a frying pan you love, you should give carbon steel a try.

The Best Carbon Steel Pans on Amazon

• Misen Carbon Nonstick Frying Pan, $119
• Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $50
• KitchenAid Nitro Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $88, originally $110
• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet, $40
• OXO Outdoor Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $70
• Letschef Coating-Free Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $39
• Tramontina Carbon Steel Frying Pan with Silicone Grip, $30
• De Buyer Mineral B Carbon Steel Fry Pan, $69, originally $95
• Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $100
• Strata Carbon Steel Skillet, $139

Misen Carbon Nonstick Frying Pan

This pre-seasoned pan from Misen is a terrific intro to cooking on carbon steel. There are no coatings on the surface, so there’s nothing that can flake off, even if you use metal utensils. Instead, the pan has been nitrided, a heat-treatment process to create that hard, corrosion-resistant surface that makes the pan nonstick. The lightweight, versatile pan is excellent for everything from everyday eggs to oven-baked Dutch pancakes and reverse-seared steaks.

Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan

Merten & Storck has been crafting quality cookware since 1873, so any product that bears its name has a reputation to live up to. We named this our best value carbon steel pan of the year, thanks to its lower price than some comparable brands and outstanding performance right out of the box. It is worth noting that there is a slight learning curve when cooking with carbon steel, as it runs hotter than other pans you may be used to.

KitchenAid Nitro Carbon Steel Frying Pan

While this KitchenAid option is nitrided to prevent water penetration and rust, you will want to use butter or oil to build up a nonstick seasoning. But if you’re looking for a pan that can go from stovetop to oven to broiler to grill, this might be your best option. It can withstand temperatures up to 750˚F while still being lightweight enough to maneuver easily.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet

If you’re already a fan of Lodge’s American-made cast iron pans, try their lighter carbon steel skillet. It comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and will become even more nonstick as you use and care for it. The long handle and light weight make it a great choice for campfire cooking as well.

OXO Outdoor Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Frying Pan

For a pan that can handle open flames just as well as induction burners, try this option from OXO. It comes pre-seasoned and will continue to develop a nonstick patina over time. The detachable handle makes for easy storage, whether in a cabinet or at a campsite.

Letschef Coating-Free Carbon Steel Frying Pan

This pan is another great option for cooking over a variety of heat sources. Carbon steel heats up fast and stays hot, so you might find yourself cooking at a lower temperature to get the same results as with pans made from other materials. Since the whole pan is oven-safe, you’ll also want to use a towel or oven mitt when touching the handle during cooking

Tramontina Carbon Steel Frying Pan with Silicone Grip

This is our budget pick for a pan that’s ready to go upon arrival. It’s pre-seasoned and includes a removable silicone handle cover that offers heat protection for your hands. Like with all carbon steel pans, it needs to be hand-washed, but since nothing sticks to the surface, cleaning is as simple as rinsing with hot water and thoroughly drying.

De Buyer Mineral B Carbon Steel Fry Pan

If you’re up for seasoning your own pan, this one from lauded French brand De Buyer is a good choice. The pan comes coated in beeswax, which you’ll need to wash off before seasoning with the fat of your choice. Otherwise, it has all the same advantages of a pre-seasoned pan, including being free from PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS.

Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan

We named this Matfer pan the best overall choice for carbon steel pans. It stood out for its even heat conduction with no hot or cold spots — a common complaint with carbon steel and cast iron. We also liked the welded joint handle that keeps food and grease from getting stuck on the interior rivets.

Strata Carbon Steel Skillet

You may have noticed that many carbon steel pans feature a relatively steeply angled handle. The handle grade is generally to keep the grip from getting as hot as the pan body, and it’s a bit of a different feel from the shape of many other pans. If you’re looking for carbon steel with the same feel as your previous nonstick, try this option from Strata. It has an aluminum core, making it extra light, and a stainless steel handle that stays cool.