What does nonstick in carbon steel really mean?

When people talk about nonstick pans, most immediately think of Teflon or ceramic coatings. But carbon steel is a completely different story. There’s no artificial coating – and that’s actually one of its biggest advantages.

Instead, the nonstick effect comes from a natural process called seasoning.

🔥 How does it work?

When you season your carbon steel pan for the first time (typically using neutral oil and high heat), a chemical reaction occurs: the oil bonds with the metal and creates a thin, hardened layer – known as polymerized oil.

This layer offers two major benefits:

• Nonstick effect – food releases more easily from the surface

• Rust protection – it shields the metal from moisture and acids

The more you use the pan – especially for fatty foods like meat, fish, or vegetables – the stronger and more effective the natural nonstick surface becomes.

Benefits of nonstick in carbon steel

• Natural nonstick – completely free from chemicals, PFAS, and synthetic coatings

• Handles extreme heat – perfect for searing and stir-frying

• Lasts a lifetime – with proper care, it can be passed down for generations

Things to keep in mind

• A carbon steel pan is not nonstick out of the box – you’ll need to season it and build up the surface over time

• Never wash it with dish soap or put it in the dishwasher – this will break down the seasoning layer

• If the seasoning wears off, you can always re-season the pan – it’s fully restorable

Carbon steel gives you a tough, chemical-free, and naturally nonstick cooking experience – perfect for high-heat cooking and long-term durability. It takes a little care, but the reward is a pan that only gets better with use.

Try HOT WOK Wokpan or Paella Pan