The Small Carbon-Steel Skillet That Brings Restaurant-Quality Cooking into My Tiny Apartment
If you’ve read some of the pieces I’ve written for The Kitchn, you’ll know that I love cooking with cast iron and carbon steel. There’s something about it that just feels old-school, and the heat retention and searing capabilities of sturdy metal pans is hard to beat. When it comes to carbon steel, I love Made In — they’re a particularly high-quality cookware brand that carries everything from chef’s knives and woks to roasters, Dutch ovens, and much more. I’ve tried out their larger 12-inch carbon steel pan, and it’s awesome, but it’s a little unwieldy and hard to store. The only way I can really fit it into my small apartment kitchen is by hanging it on the wall, which works great, but I only have one old square nail jutting out from the brick in my place, so that space is taken. That’s why, when I heard Made In came out with an 8-inch version of the same pan, I was stoked.
Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan
What Is the Made In 8-Inch Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan?
This sturdy, last-a-lifetime pan is made in Sweden and features excellent heat retention and control, and is pre-seasoned for a naturally nonstick surface. It’s compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops, and comes with a lifetime warranty in case anything happens to it. (Though you’ll probably never need it.) Think of this as thinner, lighter cast iron that heats up more quickly. It’s perfect for searing meats and veggies and its sloping walls make stirring a pan sauce easy as can be.
Why I Love the Made In 8-Inch Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan
I live with my girlfriend, and on nights when she’s away or out to dinner with friends, I’m not super inclined to break out a heavy cast iron pan (which I know I’ll have to scrub and wash by hand afterwards) just to cook up, say, an individual pork chop. However, with this small but mighty Made In 8-Inch Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, I can get the same benefits of my larger cast iron frying pan without the hassle. Plus, its long handle keeps my hand away from any splattering oils, and the high walls protect my stove from getting super greasy after cooking. The size is also perfect for storing in my cabinets, and if you’re looking for a go-to piece of cookware for personal meals or side dishes and sauces, you really can’t go wrong with the Made In 8-Inch Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan.
Buy: Made In 8-Inch Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $89
