Professional kitchens have relied on carbon steel for a long time.It's prized for its durability and light weight, as well as its ability to get very hot and stay that way.Carbon steel pans are made with the same components as cast iron: carbon and iron.But unlike cast iron, they have a smaller amount of carbon, which means that they're more durable than cast iron.We love Lodge's carbon steel pan, which is a great entry point. At only $35, it's also an excellent gift.For an upgraded option, check out Made In's carbon steel frying pan, which is backed with a lifetime guarantee.For either of these, we recommend the 10-inch size, which is perfect for cooking dinner for two
