Poêle 32cm Mineral B Element inox DE BUYER

The constrction and weight of this pan is perfect.

Extraordinary large pan for pretty much anything you need this much space to cook. Heavy steel and handles heat exceptionally well.

I really like my Mineral B pans. I previously bought a 10” and needed a slightly bigger pan so I got the 12.5. They hold heat well and also respond to heat changes quickly. Make sure to do some research on seasoning. This part can be frustrating but I read that seasoning is a process not a destination and it really made me evaluate how I approach seasoning and using the pans. Which brings me to the next point. Cooking with carbon steel is different than other pans but learning those differences and the best techniques are part of the adventure. After a month of trying different things I was able to cook an omelette in my 10" with no issues sticking.

I wanted the Mineral B pan for awhile but could not justify the cost when I already had 3 nice cast iron pans in different sizes AND several styles/sizes of high-end stainless steel pans AND a couple of non-stick pans. Then I got one as a gift. It's the pan that sits on my stove and never gets put away. I use it almost every morning for eggs, I cook hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, meat and pretty much anything else you can fry on a stovetop.

Food doesn't stick--mostly but a quicks scrap and wipe fixes any little stuck bits. Since it is steel, high heat and quick cooking are fine. Everything browns nicely and is very controllable. If I had to get by on one pan, this would probably be it.

A couple of responses to comments:

1. Seasoning is not an issue. DeB has a video on this website as to how to season--the same way I have seasoned (and re-seasoned) steel pans and woks for decades. Heat a generous amount of oil till very hot but not burning. Hold the temp for 5-10 minutes. Cool. Wipe. Wipe again with a bit of oil. Works every time.

2. I think the Mineral B is the one to get. The cheaper blue carbon is too thin and the pro's only advantage is the handle is a little rounded and can go in the oven. IMHO, this type of pan is not the best choice for using in a very hot oven. If you already have a cast iron pan (or 3), they work much better with a bigger cooking surface, higher sides and a flat profile compare to any CS pan.

3. My pan is about 4 lb (about 1900g). The most comparable cast iron pan (a number "8" Lodge Frying pan--which is about 10.5 inches on diameter) weighs over 1 lb more (about 550g). Because of the longer coated handle, the DeB is much easier to use and feels lighter than the numbers might suggest.

Excellent pan free of chemicals and. Nonstick.

Not to heavy. Everyday egg pan

These pans in general have to be well season in order for them to work as you expect.

I purchased the smaller Mineral B for quick, one-person, eggs, grilled sandwiches, etc. As expected, it is always a delight to use and enjoy.

I researched carbon steel pans for weeks. De Buyer's quality is second to none. De Buyer is one of only a few companies that make a 14" carbon steel pan. Extremely easy to season and the craftsmanship is truly exceptional.