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    KitchenFrying PanMatfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch
    #3 of 9
    Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    Key Specs

    Warranty Type

    1-year

    Certifications

    —

    Dishwasher safe

    No

    Handle Heat Safe

    Bare cast iron handle

    Matfer Bourgeat

    Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    #3 of 9 frying pans tested

    6.9R3 Score / 10
    There are better options — here's why.
    Safety
    8.350% weight
    Efficacy
    8.825% weight
    Usability
    2.225% weight

    $60.00

    Buy on Amazon

    The bottom line

    What the product listing won't tell you

    Know before you buy

    Carbon steel needs to be seasoned before first use and re-seasoned whenever food starts sticking — it won't go in the dishwasher, and it won't perform well until the coating builds up over several cooks.

    Buy it if

    • You cook on induction and want a pan that handles any heat level, including full-blast searing.

    Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    Matfer Bourgeat

    Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    $60
    Buy on Amazon
    Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    Matfer Bourgeat

    Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    $60Buy on Amazon

    We may earn a commission. It doesn't affect our scores.

  1. You're already comfortable with cast iron maintenance and want something lighter that heats and cools faster.

  2. You cook proteins like steak or duck breast that benefit from a screaming-hot, dry pan with no nonstick coating to damage.

  3. You want a pan with no coating to wear out — once seasoned, carbon steel is the cooking surface, not a layer on top of it.

    4. Skip if

    • You want a pan that's ready to cook on day one — carbon steel requires an active break-in process before it performs.

    • You need dishwasher-safe cookware or don't want to hand-dry immediately after washing.

    • You want lab-verified PFAS-free cookware — no independent testing confirms this pan is free of surface contaminants.

    • You cook mostly quick weeknight meals and don't want to think about re-seasoning when the surface starts looking dry.

    Safety research

    Safety standards and ingredients related to Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan 11.75 Inch

    concepts
    Forever Chemicals- "Forever chemicals" is the plain-language name for [PFAS](/learn/ingredients/pfas) - a class of more than 10,000 synthetic compounds built on an unbreakable carbon-fluorine bond. Coined in 2018 by Harvard researcher Joseph Allen, the term captures the single most important fact about these chemicals: they don't break down. Not in soil, not in water, not in the human body. They accumulate over a lifetime in blood and organs, and they're now found in rainwater on every continent - including the Arctic.
    concepts
    Teflon-Free Label Claim- A marketing label stating a product does not use DuPont/Chemours' branded Teflon coating. Technically accurate - Teflon is a registered trademark, and brands without a Chemours license cannot use the name. The problem: Teflon is simply a brand name for PTFE, and a product can be 100% Teflon-free while still being coated in the exact same chemical. 'Teflon-free' does not mean PTFE-free, and it certainly does not mean PFAS-free. It is one of the most effective pieces of misdirection in the cookware marketing playbook.
    concepts
    Ceramic-Coated Claim- A marketing label applied to cookware, air fryers, and frying pans to suggest the cooking surface is made from ceramic material rather than [PTFE (Teflon)](/learn/ingredients/ptfe-teflon). The claim is unregulated -- "ceramic nonstick" has no legal definition in the United States, no required compositional test, and no government body verifies it before a brand prints it on a box. True ceramic sol-gel coatings are [PFAS](/learn/ingredients/pfas)-free by chemistry. But some products marketed as ceramic are hybrid PTFE formulations with mineral branding added for marketing. Knowing the difference is how you separate genuinely safer cookware from an expensive rebrand.
    concepts
    Non-Toxic Label Claim- A marketing label applied to cookware, air fryers, baby products, and cleaning supplies to suggest a product is safe for human use. The claim is entirely unregulated at the federal level in the United States -- no legal definition exists for consumer goods, no testing is required before the label is printed, and no government agency verifies it. Understanding what 'non-toxic' does and does not guarantee is the starting point for evaluating any product marketed as safe for your family.
    concepts
    PFOA-Free vs PFAS-Free: What's the Difference?- PFOA-free and PFAS-free are not the same claim -- not even close. PFOA was phased out of US cookware manufacturing by 2015, so virtually every nonstick pan and air fryer sold today already qualifies as 'PFOA-free.' It can still contain PTFE, GenX, and thousands of other PFAS compounds. Understanding the difference between these two labels is the single most important skill for buying safer cookware.
    standards
    EU REACH PFAS Restriction- The proposed EU-wide ban on all 10,000+ PFAS compounds under the REACH chemical regulation framework. Submitted by five European nations in January 2023, it would be the broadest chemical restriction ever enacted globally -- covering cookware, textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, and electronics. ECHA's scientific committees adopted supporting opinions in early 2026, with a European Commission decision expected in 2027.
    standards
    FDA Food Contact Rules (21 CFR)- The U.S. regulatory framework governing every material that can touch your food - from nonstick coatings on air fryer baskets to plastic containers, packaging films, and can linings. Codified in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR), Parts 170-199, these rules define which substances are permitted in food contact applications, what migration limits apply, and how manufacturers prove compliance. Critically, FDA does not pre-approve finished cookware - meaning that "FDA compliant" on a product label is a manufacturer's self-declaration, not a government stamp of approval.
    standards
    PFAS Cookware State Bans- A growing wave of US state laws prohibiting or restricting the sale of cookware containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including the PTFE nonstick coatings used on most air fryer baskets, frying pans, and bakeware. Minnesota became the first state to enforce an outright ban in January 2025, with Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island following in 2026-2027, and additional states including Connecticut and New Jersey enacting phase-in bans through 2028. These laws define PTFE (Teflon) as a PFAS and are reshaping what cookware and air fryer products can legally be sold across a growing portion of the US market.

    Every term is independently researched and sourced.

    Full Safety Dictionary

    What's inside

    Specs the product listing doesn't explain

    Performance

    What determines how well this performs its core job

    Oven Safe Temp F600
    Safety & Materials

    What your food and family come into contact with every use

    Certifications—
    Dishwasher safeNo
    Cooking Surface MaterialCarbon steel (bare)
    Cooking Surface Diameter In11.75
    Living With It

    Noise, maintenance, and what happens if something goes wrong

    Warranty Type1-year
    Retail price$60
    Seasoning Maintenance RequiredCarbon steel (bare)
    Other Specs

    Additional product details

    Handle Heat SafeBare cast iron handle
    Induction CompatibleYes

    How we scored it

    5 criteria — open any layer to see exactly what we found

    8.3

    Safety

    Great

    8.8

    Efficacy

    Great

    2.2

    Usability

    Below average

    Material SafetyCritical

    “Does 'no coating' actually mean no harmful chemicals on the cooking surface?”

    50%
    8.3▾

    Criteria

    Cooking Surface Material
    10/10

    Carbon steel is bare iron seasoned with polymerized oil — that's it. There's no synthetic coating between your food and the pan, so nothing can chip, flake, or degrade into what you're cooking. The tradeoff is active maintenance, but the cooking surface itself has no expiration date.

    Third-Party Safety Certifications
    6/10

    No synthetic coating means there's nothing to certify for PFAS or chemical leaching — the pan is iron and oil. That's a straightforward safety case that doesn't require a lab to verify. No certifications are listed, but none are needed for a bare metal pan.

    Seasoning Oil Type
    1/10

    Matfer Bourgeat doesn't specify what oil is used to season this pan from the factory. That matters if you have a seed oil sensitivity or prefer a specific fat for the initial cure. You'll likely want to strip and re-season it yourself before first use anyway.

    R3 verdict

    Pure iron with polymerized oil means no synthetic coatings, no PFAS, and no mystery chemistry touching your family's food. The safety profile is real — but it depends on you keeping the seasoning intact.

    No independent lab has verified the finished product, so you're trusting your own maintenance habits rather than a test report. Pay closest attention during the first few uses before seasoning is established, and any time the surface looks patchy or starts to stick — re-season before cooking on it again.

    Heat VersatilityImportant

    “Can this pan handle everything from stovetop searing to finishing in the oven?”

    15%
    10▾

    Criteria

    Oven-Safe Temperature
    10/10

    Rated to 600°F, so you can start a sear on the stovetop and finish in a hot oven without switching pans. That covers steaks, frittatas, cornbread, and any recipe that needs high oven heat. The pan itself won't be your limiting factor.

    Induction Compatibility
    10/10

    Works on induction cooktops — no adapter needed. Carbon steel is naturally magnetic, so compatibility is reliable across all induction surfaces.

    R3 verdict

    Cooking CapacityImportant

    “Will 11.75 inches fit a family meal without crowding?”

    10%
    7▾

    Criteria

    Cooking Surface Diameter
    7/10

    At 11.75 inches, you've got enough room for two chicken breasts side by side or a full portion of vegetables without crowding. It handles two servings comfortably; feeding four will require cooking in batches.

    R3 verdict

    At 11.75 inches, you can cook two to four servings without crowding the pan — which matters, because overcrowding is what tanks a sear and turns vegetables soggy. It's also not so large that heat distribution becomes uneven or storage becomes a problem. For a family of three or four cooking everyday meals, this size works.

    Bottom line

    For families of 2–4 seeking efficient pan sizing without compromise.

    Maintenance BurdenNice to have

    “How much ongoing work does carbon steel actually require compared to nonstick?”

    13%
    2.2▾

    Criteria

    Seasoning Maintenance Required
    3/10

    Out of the box, this pan needs several seasoning cycles before it performs well — expect sticky spots and uneven release for the first few weeks of use. Once established, maintenance becomes a quick wipe and light oil after each wash. The initial break-in period is the hardest part; it gets easier.

    Dishwasher Safe
    1/10

    This pan can't go in the dishwasher — water and detergent strip the seasoning and cause rust. Hand-wash with hot water, dry it immediately, and apply a thin layer of oil before storing. That's the routine every time.

    Long-Term ReliabilityNice to have

    “Will the handle burn your hand if you forget it's been on the stove?”

    13%
    3.4▾

    Criteria

    Warranty Coverage
    3/10

    One year of warranty coverage is short for a pan built to last decades. Most quality carbon steel pans are warrantied for life. If something goes wrong after year one, you're on your own.

    Handle Heat Safety
    4/10

    The handle is a solid piece of iron — it gets hot on the stovetop and stays hot. You'll need an oven mitt or silicone handle cover every time, without exception. Keep that in mind if you have young kids in the kitchen.

    R3 verdict

    Read the full methodology

    How we scored it

    5 criteria — open any layer to see exactly what we found

    8.3

    Safety

    Great

    8.8

    Efficacy

    Great

    2.2

    Usability

    Below average

    Material SafetyCritical

    “Does 'no coating' actually mean no harmful chemicals on the cooking surface?”

    50%
    8.3▾

    Criteria

    Cooking Surface Material
    10/10

    Carbon steel is bare iron seasoned with polymerized oil — that's it. There's no synthetic coating between your food and the pan, so nothing can chip, flake, or degrade into what you're cooking. The tradeoff is active maintenance, but the cooking surface itself has no expiration date.

    Third-Party Safety Certifications
    6/10

    No synthetic coating means there's nothing to certify for PFAS or chemical leaching — the pan is iron and oil. That's a straightforward safety case that doesn't require a lab to verify. No certifications are listed, but none are needed for a bare metal pan.

    Seasoning Oil Type
    1/10

    Matfer Bourgeat doesn't specify what oil is used to season this pan from the factory. That matters if you have a seed oil sensitivity or prefer a specific fat for the initial cure. You'll likely want to strip and re-season it yourself before first use anyway.

    R3 verdict

    Pure iron with polymerized oil means no synthetic coatings, no PFAS, and no mystery chemistry touching your family's food. The safety profile is real — but it depends on you keeping the seasoning intact.

    No independent lab has verified the finished product, so you're trusting your own maintenance habits rather than a test report. Pay closest attention during the first few uses before seasoning is established, and any time the surface looks patchy or starts to stick — re-season before cooking on it again.

    Heat VersatilityImportant

    “Can this pan handle everything from stovetop searing to finishing in the oven?”

    15%
    10▾

    Criteria

    Oven-Safe Temperature
    10/10

    Rated to 600°F, so you can start a sear on the stovetop and finish in a hot oven without switching pans. That covers steaks, frittatas, cornbread, and any recipe that needs high oven heat. The pan itself won't be your limiting factor.

    Induction Compatibility
    10/10

    Works on induction cooktops — no adapter needed. Carbon steel is naturally magnetic, so compatibility is reliable across all induction surfaces.

    R3 verdict

    Cooking CapacityImportant

    “Will 11.75 inches fit a family meal without crowding?”

    10%
    7▾

    Criteria

    Cooking Surface Diameter
    7/10

    At 11.75 inches, you've got enough room for two chicken breasts side by side or a full portion of vegetables without crowding. It handles two servings comfortably; feeding four will require cooking in batches.

    R3 verdict

    At 11.75 inches, you can cook two to four servings without crowding the pan — which matters, because overcrowding is what tanks a sear and turns vegetables soggy. It's also not so large that heat distribution becomes uneven or storage becomes a problem. For a family of three or four cooking everyday meals, this size works.

    Bottom line

    For families of 2–4 seeking efficient pan sizing without compromise.

    Maintenance BurdenNice to have

    “How much ongoing work does carbon steel actually require compared to nonstick?”

    13%
    2.2▾

    Criteria

    Seasoning Maintenance Required
    3/10

    Out of the box, this pan needs several seasoning cycles before it performs well — expect sticky spots and uneven release for the first few weeks of use. Once established, maintenance becomes a quick wipe and light oil after each wash. The initial break-in period is the hardest part; it gets easier.

    Dishwasher Safe
    1/10

    This pan can't go in the dishwasher — water and detergent strip the seasoning and cause rust. Hand-wash with hot water, dry it immediately, and apply a thin layer of oil before storing. That's the routine every time.

    Long-Term ReliabilityNice to have

    “Will the handle burn your hand if you forget it's been on the stove?”

    13%
    3.4▾

    Criteria

    Warranty Coverage
    3/10

    One year of warranty coverage is short for a pan built to last decades. Most quality carbon steel pans are warrantied for life. If something goes wrong after year one, you're on your own.

    Handle Heat Safety
    4/10

    The handle is a solid piece of iron — it gets hot on the stovetop and stays hot. You'll need an oven mitt or silicone handle cover every time, without exception. Keep that in mind if you have young kids in the kitchen.

    R3 verdict

    Read the full methodology
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    Where to buy

    Verified retailer — current pricing

    Starting price

    $60

    R3 approved retailer Score unaffected by purchase
    Buy on Amazon

    We earn a small commission on purchases. It never influences our scores — R3 is funded by readers, not brands.

    Other Options to Consider

    Alternatives that address specific trade-offs

    Why this matters: Carbon steel is a commitment: no dishwasher, ever. Hand-wash, dry immediately, and re-season when the surface needs it. If your household already cook

    Xtrema Ceramic Skillet 9.5 Inch
    Better maintenance burden

    Xtrema Ceramic Skillet 9.5 Inch

    Xtrema

    6.5$99.99

    Scores 10.0/10 on maintenance burden vs 2.2 here

    OXO Good Grips Pro Stainless Nonstick Skillet 12 Inch
    Better maintenance burden

    OXO Good Grips Pro Stainless Nonstick Skillet 12 Inch

    OXO

    4.9$44.99

    Scores 6.4/10 on maintenance burden vs 2.2 here

    Sensarte Nonstick Skillet 12-Inch
    Better maintenance burden

    Sensarte Nonstick Skillet 12-Inch

    Sensarte

    4.4$29.99

    Scores 4.6/10 on maintenance burden vs 2.2 here

    Tramontina Professional Nonstick Skillet 12-Inch
    Better maintenance burden

    Tramontina Professional Nonstick Skillet 12-Inch

    Tramontina

    3.3$39.95

    Scores 4.6/10 on maintenance burden vs 2.2 here

    Didn't find the frying pan you need?

    See all frying pans we reviewed

    #3 of 9 frying pans reviewed

    Bottom line

    For families committed to coating-free cooking who'll actively maintain seasoning and monitor the pan's condition.

    Bottom line

    For families committed to coating-free cooking who'll actively maintain seasoning and monitor the pan's condition.

    Moderate confidence
    Moderate confidence

    This pan works on induction, gas, and electric, and it's oven-safe well past the 400°F ceiling most recipes hit. That means you can sear on the stovetop and slide the whole pan into the oven to finish — no transfer needed. For families who cook in stages or follow recipes that move between burners and oven, that flexibility simplifies dinner.

    This pan works on induction, gas, and electric, and it's oven-safe well past the 400°F ceiling most recipes hit. That means you can sear on the stovetop and slide the whole pan into the oven to finish — no transfer needed. For families who cook in stages or follow recipes that move between burners and oven, that flexibility simplifies dinner.

    Bottom line

    For families using multiple cooktops who cook across a range of techniques.

    Bottom line

    For families using multiple cooktops who cook across a range of techniques.

    Moderate confidence
    Moderate confidence
    Moderate confidence
    Moderate confidence

    R3 verdict

    R3 verdict

    Carbon steel is a commitment: no dishwasher, ever. Hand-wash, dry immediately, and re-season when the surface needs it.

    If your household already cooks on cast iron and that routine is second nature, you'll adapt easily — the process is nearly identical. But if your current pan goes in the dishwasher and you're hoping carbon steel will be different, it won't be.

    The maintenance is ongoing, not a one-time break-in. The trade-off is a pan with no expiration date.

    Carbon steel is a commitment: no dishwasher, ever. Hand-wash, dry immediately, and re-season when the surface needs it.

    If your household already cooks on cast iron and that routine is second nature, you'll adapt easily — the process is nearly identical. But if your current pan goes in the dishwasher and you're hoping carbon steel will be different, it won't be.

    The maintenance is ongoing, not a one-time break-in. The trade-off is a pan with no expiration date.

    Bottom line

    For families already committed to hand-washing and active seasoning practices.

    Bottom line

    For families already committed to hand-washing and active seasoning practices.

    Moderate confidence
    Moderate confidence

    The one-year warranty is short. The bigger practical consideration for families is the handle: bare iron conducts heat and gets hot.

    The one-year warranty is short. The bigger practical consideration for families is the handle: bare iron conducts heat and gets hot.

    Not dangerously so if you're paying attention, but enough that you need an oven mitt every time — not just when it comes out of the oven. With kids around, build that habit from day one.

    Not dangerously so if you're paying attention, but enough that you need an oven mitt every time — not just when it comes out of the oven. With kids around, build that habit from day one.

    The pan itself will outlast the warranty by decades if you maintain it.

    The pan itself will outlast the warranty by decades if you maintain it.

    Bottom line

    For careful cooks who use proper oven mitts and prioritize heat-safety discipline.

    Bottom line

    For careful cooks who use proper oven mitts and prioritize heat-safety discipline.

    Moderate confidence
    Moderate confidence