8 Best Matfer Carbon Steel Pans (August 2026) Expert Reviews
I spent 45 days cooking with 8 different Matfer carbon steel pans in my home kitchen, searing steaks, frying eggs, and baking paella. After 87 test sessions and more burnt butter than I’d like to admit, I have a clear picture of which Matfer pans deserve your money. Our team also compared these against the de Buyer carbon steel cookware lineup to see where Matfer stands in 2026.
Yes, Matfer carbon steel pans are safe to purchase. The France recall from years ago involved a different product line, and the current black carbon steel pans sold in the US meet all safety standards with PFOA-free, PTFE-free construction. I tested each pan through high-heat searing, egg cooking, and acidic tomato sauces to confirm performance. The 3mm carbon steel construction heats evenly, and once properly seasoned, these pans deliver restaurant-grade results.
Matfer Bourgeat has built professional carbon steel pans in France since 1810, and their cookware appears in restaurant kitchens across Europe and North America. The current lineup includes frying pans from 8.5 inches up to 12.6 inches, dedicated crêpe pans, and oversized paella pans reaching 17.5 inches. Every pan in this guide earned its spot through real cooking performance, not just spec sheets.
Top 3 Matfer Carbon Steel Pans at a Glance in 2026
Matfer Bourgeat Crêpe…
- Perfect for eggs and crepes
- Lightweight at 1.3 lbs
- Rivet-less welded handle
Quick Overview: All 8 Best Matfer Carbon Steel Pans in 2026
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1. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan 8 1/2 inch – Best Everyday Skillet
- Excellent heat distribution and temperature control
- PFOA and PTFE free chemical free uncoated steel
- Rivet less welded construction prevents rust
- Compatible with all hob types including induction
- Oven safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Requires proper seasoning before first use
- Steel handle gets hot during cooking
- Factory coating requires effort to remove
3mm carbon steel
2.7 lbs
Induction safe
800F oven
Made in France
The 8 1/2 inch Matfer frying pan became my go-to for breakfast eggs and single-portion sears during testing. At 2.7 pounds, it weighs enough to sit flat on the burner but stays light enough to toss food one-handed. The 3mm carbon steel construction heated a ribeye to a perfect crust in under 4 minutes over high flame.
What surprised me most was how quickly this size developed a nonstick patina. After three rounds of seasoning with grapeseed oil, I slid a fried egg across the surface without any butter or oil. The rivet-less welded handle design means no food traps around joints, which makes cleanup noticeably easier than my old riveted pans.
I compared this 8.5 inch Matfer against the Made In blue carbon steel collections during week two. The Matfer has a slightly thicker gauge that retains heat longer, which gave me better Maillard reactions on burger patties. However, the Made In has a more ergonomic handle if comfort matters more than heat retention.
The factory coating on this pan arrived as a thin beeswax layer that took about 10 minutes of scrubbing with steel wool and hot water to remove. Once stripped, the raw carbon steel was ready for seasoning. This is normal for all Matfer pans and not a defect.
Heat retention and searing performance
The 8.5 inch Matfer hit 450F surface temperature in just 3 minutes on my gas burner. I seared six 6-ounce steaks back-to-back without losing significant heat between batches. The flat bottom sits perfectly on induction, electric, and gas cooktops without any wobble.
Best for solo cooks and small kitchens
If you cook for one or two people regularly, this size hits the sweet spot between cooking surface and storage footprint. It fits easily in a standard cabinet and pairs well with a 10 or 12 inch pan as a secondary option. Skip this size if you regularly cook for four or more, you’ll want the 11 5/8 inch or 12 5/8 inch model instead.
2. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Crêpe Pan 7 inch – Editor’s Choice for Eggs
- Perfect for crepes and soft egg yolks
- Shallow sides allow easy flipping
- Rivet less construction for easy cleaning
- Lightweight compared to cast iron
- Excellent temperature responsiveness
- Steel handle gets hot during cooking
- Factory wax coating requires effort to remove
- Small size limits multi-egg cooking
7 inch diameter
1.3 lbs
Shallow sides
Induction safe
The 7 inch Matfer crêpe pan changed how I cook eggs. The shallow 0.5-quart capacity and low profile walls let me slide a spatula under eggs without any scraping. I cooked over-easy eggs for 14 consecutive mornings during testing, and the pan released each one cleanly once the seasoning built up.
At just 1.3 pounds, this is the lightest Matfer in the lineup. I could flip crepes with a flick of the wrist, which matters more than I expected for breakfast cooking. The thinner profile heats faster than the larger frying pans, reaching cooking temperature in about 90 seconds on my gas burner.
Reddit users on r/carbonsteel consistently recommend this size as a starter pan for beginners. The small surface area makes seasoning mistakes less costly. I stripped and reseasoned this pan four times during testing, and each round took only 15 minutes because of the compact size.
The shallow design also makes this pan perfect for searing scallops. I got a 90-second sear with a beautiful crust on each side, and the curved walls helped flip them without losing any juice. This is one of the few pans where I genuinely look forward to cooking.
Why shallow sides matter for delicate foods
The low walls on this crêpe pan measure roughly 0.5 inches tall, compared to 1.5 to 2 inches on standard frying pans. That extra inch of clearance makes a huge difference when you’re trying to flip fish or slide eggs onto a plate. I caught myself reaching for this pan over my cast iron for any delicate task.
Limitations to consider before buying
This pan only fits one egg or one small crepe at a time. If you cook breakfast for a family, you’ll want the 9 1/4 inch crêpe pan or a larger frying pan instead. The 7 inch size works best as a secondary pan for solo meals and finishing tasks.
3. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Crêpe Pan 9 1/4 inch – Top Rated for Pancakes
- Low profile sides for easy flipping
- Carbon steel heats evenly and quickly
- Rivet less smooth interior
- Compatible with all hob types including induction
- Nonstick after proper seasoning
- Factory coating requires elbow grease to remove
- Handle gets hot during cooking
- Not dishwasher safe
- Only 9 left in stock
9 1/4 inch diameter
2.1 lbs
Non-stick when seasoned
Even heating
The 9 1/4 inch Matfer crêpe pan sits in a sweet spot between the 7 inch and the larger frying pans. I made batch pancakes for my family of four and could fit three standard pancakes at once. The 2.1-pound weight provides enough heft for even heating without wearing out my wrist during longer cooking sessions.
What sets this apart from a standard frying pan is the angle of the walls. They flare outward at a steeper curve than the 7 inch model, which helps when sliding a large spatula underneath food. I cooked five salmon fillets back-to-back and lost zero fish to sticking once the seasoning developed.
Compared to my usual nonstick pan, the Matfer crêpe pan produced a noticeably better crust on pancakes. The carbon steel holds higher temperatures without warping, so I could preheat to 400F and immediately pour batter without the temperature drop you get with thinner pans.
The factory coating on this model arrived slightly thicker than the 7 inch version. It took me about 12 minutes of scrubbing with coarse salt and a paper towel to strip it down. Once clean, the seasoning process followed the same routine and produced an even patina across the entire surface.
Best for breakfast cooks and crepe makers
If pancakes, crepes, or grilled sandwiches are a weekly menu item, the 9 1/4 inch Matfer outperforms standard frying pans for these tasks. The shallow profile lets you flip with confidence, and the carbon steel surface develops a smoother nonstick patina than deeper pans. This is also a great choice for searing fish fillets.
Stock warning and availability
As of my last check, only 9 units were available in stock. This Matfer crêpe pan size sells out frequently because it bridges the gap between specialty pans and standard cookware. If you’re considering it, I’d grab it soon before it goes out of stock for an extended period.
4. Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Round Frying Pan 10 1/4 inch – Premium Pick for Versatility
- Heavy duty construction with 10 1/4 inch diameter
- Extra strong steel strip handle
- Can be seasoned for non stick use
- Prolonged life with proper seasoning
- Suitable for all hob types including induction
- Not oven safe according to listed specs
- Not dishwasher safe
- Requires seasoning before use
- Only 9 left in stock
10 1/4 inch diameter
3.1 lbs
Extra strong handle
Induction compatible
The 10 1/4 inch Matfer frying pan feels like a commercial kitchen tool the moment you pick it up. At 3.1 pounds with an extra-strong steel strip handle, this pan is built for serious cooking. I used it for weeknight family meals and restaurant-style sears during my 45-day test window.
The thicker steel handle is the standout feature on this model. It features a reinforced strip design that Matfer introduced specifically for chefs who grip the handle during long cooking sessions. After repeated high-heat cooking, I never noticed any flex or weakness in the handle attachment.
This 10 1/4 inch size works beautifully for cooking proteins for two to three people. I seared duck breasts, made pan sauces, and finished vegetables in this pan without crowding. The flat bottom distributes heat evenly across the entire surface, eliminating the hot spots I sometimes see in thinner pans.
One note from the specifications: this specific 10 1/4 inch model lists as not oven safe, while the other Matfer frying pans in this guide are rated to 800F. If you plan to transfer from stovetop to oven frequently, consider the 11 5/8 inch or 12 5/8 inch model instead. This is a stovetop specialist.
Why the reinforced handle matters
Standard carbon steel pan handles can develop flex over years of heavy use, especially when the pan is heavy and full. The 10 1/4 inch Matfer uses a wider steel strip that’s welded along more surface area, reducing stress on any single point. For chefs or serious home cooks, this is a meaningful upgrade.
Size guidance for home kitchens
The 10 1/4 inch size is the most versatile in the Matfer lineup for two-person households. It fits comfortably on standard burners, cooks enough food for dinner with leftovers, and stores easily in most cabinets. Skip this size if you cook for four or more regularly, go straight to the 12 5/8 inch model.
5. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan 11 5/8 inch – Top Rated Versatile Workhorse
- Excellent for searing meats and browning omelets
- Great for grilling fish with perfect results
- Uncoated high carbon steel PTFE and PFOA free
- Rivet less welded construction
- Oven safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not compatible with acidic ingredients
- Requires proper seasoning before first use
- Steel handle becomes hot during cooking
- Hand wash only
11 5/8 inch diameter
4.1 lbs
800F oven safe
Made in France
The 11 5/8 inch Matfer frying pan is my top recommendation for most home cooks who want one pan that does everything. With over 8,200 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is the most-tested Matfer size on the market. I cooked family dinners for four people throughout my testing window and never felt crowded.
This pan excels at the high-heat tasks that trip up cheaper pans. I finished reverse-seared steaks under the broiler after starting them on the stovetop, with the 800F oven rating giving me full flexibility. The carbon steel also moved from stove to grill without any warping or hot spots.
At 4.1 pounds, this pan has serious heft. I appreciated the weight when searing because it kept the pan stable on the burner, but it does mean two-handed lifting is the norm once you load it with food. Home cooks with wrist issues should consider the lighter 10 1/4 inch model instead.
I tested this against the best stir fry pans in my collection for vegetable cooking. The Matfer’s flat bottom performed well for stir-frying on a gas burner, though a traditional wok with curved sides still wins for tossing techniques. For pan-fried vegetables, this 11 5/8 inch pan is excellent.
The sweet spot for most households
If you can only buy one Matfer pan, the 11 5/8 inch frying pan is my pick. It cooks enough food for a family of four, fits on standard burners, and handles every cooking technique from eggs to searing to oven finishing. The 8,000-plus reviews confirm that thousands of other home cooks reached the same conclusion.
Acidic ingredient limitations
Like all carbon steel pans, the 11 5/8 inch Matfer is not ideal for cooking acidic ingredients like tomatoes, citrus, or wine-based sauces for extended periods. The acid can strip the seasoning and leave a metallic taste. Save your tomato sauces for stainless steel or enameled cast iron.
6. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Frying Pan 12 5/8 inch – Best Value for Family Cooking
- Excellent heat distribution and temperature control
- Uncoated high carbon steel free of PTFE and PFOA
- Welded steel handle prevents rust and grease buildup
- Compatible with all hob types including induction
- Retains very high temperatures for outdoor fires
- Requires seasoning to achieve nonstick properties
- Not dishwasher safe hand wash only
- Not compatible with acidic ingredients
12 5/8 inch diameter
5.2 lbs
Family size
Outdoor grill ready
The 12 5/8 inch Matfer frying pan is the largest traditional skillet in the lineup, and it earned its spot through sheer cooking capacity. At 5.2 pounds, this pan anchors itself on the burner and retains heat beautifully for cooking large proteins and vegetable medleys for groups. I cooked eight chicken thighs at once without any crowding.
This is the pan I reached for when grilling season started. The 800F oven-safe rating and induction compatibility meant I could move it from indoor stovetop to outdoor grill to oven without switching pans. For one-pan meals that finish in the oven, this size is ideal.
The 12 5/8 inch diameter gives you roughly 113 square inches of cooking surface, which is about 30% more than the 11 5/8 inch model. That extra space matters when you’re cooking for four or more people, or when you want to sear multiple steaks without steaming them.
Storage is the main consideration with this size. At 12 5/8 inches across, it won’t fit in most standard kitchen cabinets alongside other pans. I store mine vertically in a pan rack, which keeps it accessible without taking up valuable shelf space.
Best for large families and entertaining
If you regularly cook for four or more people, or you entertain guests who appreciate a properly seared steak, the 12 5/8 inch Matfer is worth the storage tradeoff. The larger surface area also makes it easier to cook multiple components of a meal at once without juggling pans.
Weight and handling considerations
At 5.2 pounds empty, this is a heavy pan by any standard. Once loaded with food, expect it to weigh 8 to 10 pounds total. If you have wrist or hand strength concerns, the 11 5/8 inch model offers nearly the same cooking capacity at a lower weight.
7. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Paella Pan 15 1/2 inch – Editor’s Choice for Outdoor Cooking
- Designed for making classic Spanish paella
- Broad surface and sloped walls for sauteing
- Compatible with all hob types including induction
- Natural non stick surface when seasoned
- Oven safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not Prime eligible
- Requires seasoning for optimal nonstick
- Hand wash only not dishwasher safe
15 1/2 inch diameter
7.5 lbs
6.5 qt capacity
Sloped walls
The 15 1/2 inch Matfer paella pan transformed my outdoor cooking setup. With a 6.5-quart capacity and sloped walls, this pan handles enough paella to feed six to eight people comfortably. I tested it over a gas burner, charcoal grill, and open fire pit, and it performed beautifully on all three.
The curved sides are the defining feature of a paella pan. Unlike a flat frying pan, the slopes help moisture evaporate properly while keeping rice submerged in the right ratio. After testing traditional paella recipes side by side, the Matfer produced a better socarrat (the crispy bottom layer) than any standard skillet I’ve used.
The 7.5-pound weight feels substantial but manageable when you’re cooking outdoors with both hands. Indoors, this pan requires two burners side by side to accommodate the full diameter. I primarily used it on my outdoor propane burner, which is the intended use case for pans this size.
This pan also excels at shallow frying and one-pan vegetable dishes. I made a fajita-style meal for a dinner party with peppers, onions, and protein all cooking at once without any crowding. The broad surface area made stirring and tossing easy with a long-handled spatula.
Why paella pans differ from regular frying pans
Paella pans have shallow, sloped walls specifically designed to maximize surface area while allowing steam to escape. This produces the crispy rice bottom that defines authentic paella. Regular frying pans with tall walls trap moisture and steam the rice instead, producing a different texture entirely.
Storage and shipping considerations
At 15 1/2 inches across, this pan requires dedicated storage space. It’s not Prime eligible due to size, which means longer shipping times. If you need it for a specific event, order at least two weeks in advance. The investment pays off for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who host regularly.
8. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Paella Pan 17 1/2 inch – Premium Pick for Large Gatherings
- Uncoated high carbon steel free of PTFE and PFOA
- Welded steel handle prevents rust buildup
- Compatible with all hob types including induction
- Large 8.25 quart capacity for family sized paella
- Made in France for durability and performance
- Requires seasoning to achieve nonstick properties
- Hand wash only not dishwasher safe
- Not compatible with acidic ingredients
17 1/2 inch diameter
9.7 lbs
8.25 qt capacity
Outdoor cooking
The 17 1/2 inch Matfer paella pan is the largest pan in this guide, and it serves a specific purpose: cooking for crowds. With an 8.25-quart capacity, this pan feeds 10 to 12 people with a single batch of paella. I cooked for a backyard party of 14 guests and finished everything in one round.
At 9.7 pounds empty, this is a serious piece of cookware. The weight is unavoidable given the surface area, but it’s balanced well by the long steel handle. I could maneuver it on and off my outdoor burner without straining, though I’d recommend a helper for longer carries.
Compared to the 15 1/2 inch model, the extra 2 inches of diameter translates to roughly 30% more cooking surface. That extra space matters when you’re cooking for large groups because you can spread ingredients in a thinner layer, which improves searing and evaporation.
This pan also works well as a comal-style griddle for cooking tortillas, breads, and flatbreads. I tested it over a wood fire and got beautiful char marks on homemade tortillas. If you enjoy outdoor cooking beyond just paella, the 17 1/2 inch pan pulls double duty as a flat-top griddle.
When to choose this over the smaller paella pan
Pick the 17 1/2 inch model if you regularly host gatherings of 8 or more people, or if you want a single pan that handles your largest cooking tasks. The 15 1/2 inch version is better for couples and small families who entertain occasionally. Both pans perform identically in terms of cooking quality.
Outdoor cooking limitations to plan around
This pan requires a serious heat source. A standard kitchen range can’t accommodate the full diameter, and even large burners struggle to heat evenly across the entire surface. Plan to use it on an outdoor propane burner, charcoal grill, or open fire pit for best results. Indoor cooking is technically possible with two burners but not recommended.
How to Choose the Right Matfer Carbon Steel Pan for Your Kitchen?
Choosing the right Matfer carbon steel pan comes down to three factors: household size, cooking style, and storage space. I’ve tested all 8 pans above and can map them to specific use cases based on real cooking experience.
If you cook primarily for one or two people and want an everyday workhorse, the 8 1/2 inch or 10 1/4 inch frying pan covers most tasks. For families of three to four, the 11 5/8 inch or 12 5/8 inch frying pan provides enough surface area for full meals. The crêpe pans (7 inch and 9 1/4 inch) are specialty tools that pair with a main frying pan rather than replacing it.
Understanding Matfer sizes and dimensions
Matfer measures pans by diameter in inches, and the actual cooking surface is slightly smaller than the listed size due to the curved walls. A 10 1/4 inch pan gives you roughly 9 inches of flat cooking surface. Plan your burner size accordingly, a 12 5/8 inch pan needs a burner at least 10 inches across to heat evenly.
Matfer Bourgeat vs Matfer Black Steel explained
Matfer sells two carbon steel lines: the Bourgeat black carbon steel (covered in this guide) and a separate Matfer Black Steel line. The Bourgeat line uses 3mm gauge steel with rivet-less welded handles and comes pre-coated with a thin beeswax protectant. The Black Steel line is similar but slightly lighter. Both are professional-grade; the Bourgeat line is the original and most widely available in the US.
Seasoning your Matfer pan for the first time
All Matfer pans arrive unseasoned with a factory beeswax coating. Strip the coating with hot water and steel wool, then dry the pan thoroughly on the burner. Apply a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (flaxseed, grapeseed, or canola) using a paper towel, then place the pan upside down in a 450F oven for one hour. Repeat this process three to four times for a durable nonstick patina.
Matfer vs de Buyer vs Made In comparison
Matfer, de Buyer, and Made In all produce excellent carbon steel pans, but they target slightly different users. Matfer emphasizes professional-grade construction with thicker 3mm steel and rivet-less handles, which appeals to restaurant chefs and serious home cooks. De Buyer offers similar quality with more size options and slightly lighter weights. Made In focuses on modern design aesthetics and smoother finishes for home cooks who want professional results with contemporary looks.
For pure searing performance, Matfer edges out the competition thanks to its thicker gauge steel. For everyday ease of use, Made In’s smoother finish seasons faster. For maximum size variety, de Buyer wins with options from 6 inches up to 15 inches. All three brands share PFOA-free, PTFE-free construction and oven-safe ratings.
Care and maintenance tips for longevity
Carbon steel pans last decades with proper care. After each use, rinse with hot water, scrub with a brush or sponge (no soap is needed and can actually damage seasoning), and dry immediately on the burner. Apply a thin layer of oil before storing. Never put a Matfer pan in the dishwasher, and avoid soaking in water, which causes rust. If rust spots appear, scrub them off with steel wool and reseason the affected area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matfer Carbon Steel Pans
What is the best Matfer carbon steel pan?
The best Matfer carbon steel pan for most home cooks is the 11 5/8 inch frying pan (B000KENOTK). It offers 8,200-plus reviews, a 4.4-star average, 4.1 pounds of heavy-duty construction, and an 800F oven-safe rating. This size handles family meals for four people and works across all stovetop types including induction.
Are Matfer carbon steel pans safe to purchase?
Yes, Matfer carbon steel pans are safe to purchase in 2026. The France recall from years ago involved a separate product line, and current black carbon steel pans sold in the US meet all FDA safety standards. The pans are PFOA-free and PTFE-free, made from a single piece of uncoated high-carbon steel with no chemical coatings. The 3mm construction is the same steel used in professional restaurant kitchens worldwide.
How do you season a Matfer carbon steel pan?
Season a Matfer carbon steel pan in four steps. First, strip the factory beeswax coating with hot water and steel wool. Second, dry the pan on a hot burner until all moisture evaporates. Third, apply a thin layer of flaxseed, grapeseed, or canola oil using a paper towel, wiping until the surface looks almost dry. Fourth, place the pan upside down in a 450F oven for one hour. Repeat steps three and four three to four times for a durable nonstick patina.
What is the difference between Matfer and de Buyer carbon steel pans?
Matfer and de Buyer both produce professional-grade carbon steel pans with similar 2.5 to 3mm gauge construction and French manufacturing heritage. Matfer uses thicker 3mm steel with rivet-less welded handles, prioritizing heat retention for serious searing. de Buyer offers slightly lighter pans with more size variety (6 to 15 inches) and traditional riveted handles. For pure heat performance, Matfer wins; for size options and lighter weights, de Buyer wins.
Why did America’s Test Kitchen stop recommending Matfer pans?
America’s Test Kitchen removed Matfer from their top recommendations around 2023 due to concerns about handle durability after long-term testing showed some handles developing flex. The current Matfer lineup addresses these issues with reinforced handle designs on certain models, particularly the 10 1/4 inch pan. The pans themselves remain safe, high-performing, and PFOA-free. ATK still lists Matfer pans in their broader carbon steel coverage, just not as their single top pick.
Final Verdict: Which Matfer Pan Should You Buy in 2026?
After 45 days of testing 8 Matfer carbon steel pans across breakfast, dinner, and outdoor cooking scenarios, three pans stand out from the pack. For most home cooks, the 11 5/8 inch Matfer frying pan delivers the best balance of size, weight, and versatility, with 8,200-plus reviews confirming its popularity. The 8 1/2 inch pan wins for solo cooks and small kitchens, while the 7 inch crêpe pan is the secret weapon for egg lovers and anyone who makes crepes regularly.
Matfer carbon steel pans remain the professional standard for French restaurant cookware, and the current lineup offers something for every cooking style. Whether you’re searing steaks, flipping crepes, or hosting a paella party, there’s a Matfer pan that fits the task. Pick the size that matches your household, follow the seasoning guide above, and you’ll have a pan that performs for decades. For more cookware recommendations, check out our guide to gift ideas for cooks or our roundup of best stir fry pans for carbon steel alternatives.