The New York Times - A nearly perfect pan

Three of the carbon steel frying pans that we tested to find the best, each holding a different kind of metal utensil and cooked food.

Photo: Marki Williams

The search for a perfect frying pan—one that is nonstick, lightweight, relatively affordable, great at searing, and magically self-cleaning—is fruitless. That pan doesn’t exist.

But! The nearly perfect pan does: our top-pick carbon steel pan. If you’re tired of having to replace nonstick cookware when it goes dull, a carbon steel pan is a good alternative that can last a lifetime. Unlike a nonstick pan, a well-seasoned and thoughtfully maintained carbon steel pan can actually get better and slicker the more you cook in it.

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Our brand-new guide to carbon steel pans→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Is it bad to use scratched nonstick pans?

A small clay frying pan with a sad face made out of breakfast foods next to a clay spatula holding tiny clay pancakes.

Illustration: Dana Davis

Our advice here depends on how scratched and old your pan is. Our experts say that health risks from a scratched nonstick coating are low when used at the recommended low temperatures. But you should stop using nonstick pans that are heavily scratched, or that are no longer nonstick.
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How to know it’s time to replace your nonstick pans→

As seen in our kitchens

A Victorinox Swiss Army Slotted Fish Turner resting on a baking sheet on a wooden surface.

This fish spatula can flip practically anything

Don’t let its name fool you—this fish spatula can do it all, from flipping fluffy pancakes to gently transferring warm cookies to a cooling rack.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with a yellow illustrated border around it.

The air fryer toaster oven that changed our minds

For a long time, we thought that you couldn’t really have your (evenly baked) cake and an air fryer, too. But this oven nearly proves us wrong.

The serrated Mercer Millennia Wide 10-inch bread knife, shown on top of a bamboo cutting board with slides of baguette. Image is surrounded by a yellow frame and purple background.

This bread knife slices through thick, crispy crust with surprising ease

Cheap, sharp, and comfortable in the hand, it’s a baker’s delight.

One last thing: Mother’s Day is coming

Some of our Mother's Day Gift picks, including a Garden book, water colors, socks, red clogs, a custom mug, sunglasses, lotion bar, and flower bouquet against a pink backdrop.

Photo: Michael Hession

It’s three-ish weeks away: Have you picked up something for Mother’s Day yet? Our gift experts have added several new ideas to our ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide, including our favorite watercolors, a luxurious moisturizer, and the perfect necklace.

Gifts for Mom (or, really, anyone with great taste)→

Plus: It’s Record Store Day tomorrow. Here are our beginner-friendly setup recommendations, if you’re new to vinyl.

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The New York Times - A nearly perfect pan

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