Carbon steel is easily the best material for a skillet. It guarantees even heating and easy maneuvering. Such kitchenware is durable — sometimes even more durable than cast iron. You can use carbon steel cookware for a wide variety of meals. However, these products are not created equal.
Whatever your needs, a high-quality skillet will satisfy them. These items are so versatile and user-friendly that other options pale in comparison. For example, a professional skillet from https://yosukata.com/ will serve for many years, with thoughtful design and natural coating that will guarantee safe and enjoyable cooking.
What to Look For
Obviously, the price is not the only consideration. Remember that skillets with non-stick coating can release harmful chemicals into your food, so the cheapest options may be dangerous. There are four crucial criteria:
● Weight
How heavy a skillet is depends on its thickness. The cookware comes in three types — 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm. Obviously, the latter is the heaviest. Such skillets can weigh up to 6 pounds, which is closer to cast iron. On the upside, a thick pan allows better heat distribution and sear for a steak. If you like to move the skillet around a lot, it should be lighter.
● Size
The standard size for a skillet is between 10.5 and 12 inches. Larger or smaller models are more specialized — for example, a 9.5-inch is only large enough for a single burger, while a 14-inch giant can brown 2 pounds of meat at once.
● Handles
Neither the shape nor the size of the handle matters as much as the material it is made from. There is a wide variety of options, coated and uncoated. Some skillets have wooden or bare metal handles. Not all handles are oven-safe. If you have a flat-top stove, either electric or induction, achieving even seasoning is next to impossible, so you will have to use your oven for this purpose.
● Warping
When carbon steel is heated, it expands. Gradually, it may cause warping. The thicker and heavier your skillet — the less likely it is to warp. Some models have a thick upward bow at the bottom, so they do not turn into a spinner even if warping occurs. On a gas stove, however, it does not matter that much.
To Conclude
Follow our guide to make the right choice. A skillet that meets all of your requirements is worth every cent. It will distribute heat fast, speeding up the cooking process. Remember that if you have a flat top stove, you should opt for heavier skillets with an oven-safe handle. The thinner the skillet — the more likely it is to warp badly.
