Carbon Steel Fry Pan

Carbon steel pans are inherently repairable due to simple construction and restorable surfaces. Users report these pans last forever and become family heirlooms passed down through generations.

• •Resurfacing capability: Multiple users describe stripping and re-seasoning their pans repeatedly, with one stating they spent countless hours scraping it off and starting over
• •Simple maintenance: The pan requires only basic care like immediate drying and oiling after use to prevent rust, with no complex parts to fail
• •Handle limitation: The epoxy-coated handle on Mineral B models restricts high-temp oven use and cannot be replaced if damaged, though some users experiment with aluminum foil workarounds

Bottom line: Built like a tank with a restorable cooking surface, but the coated handle is the weak link. Choose the Pro version with stainless handle for full repairability.

This pan is built like a tank and will outlast you if you're willing to put in the work. Users report these becoming treasured heirlooms passed down through generations, with performance that actually improves over decades of use.

• •Construction: Heavy-gauge carbon steel that users describe as virtually indestructible - one reviewer plans to pass it to their children, another calls it their only fry pan they'll ever own
• •Age like wine: Long-term owners (6+ years) confirm the patina becomes more non-stick than Teflon, though getting there requires patience and proper technique
• •Achilles heel: The epoxy-coated handle on standard Mineral B limits oven use and frustrates users who want full functionality - go Pro version for bombproof construction

Bottom line: If you can handle the high-maintenance relationship and steep learning curve, this pan delivers generational durability that makes cast iron look fragile

De Buyer Carbon Steel Fry Pans come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, but with important limitations and conditions that require careful attention.

• •Coverage: Lifetime warranty for original purchaser only, covers manufacturing defects but explicitly excludes normal wear, misuse, and improper care (including rust from improper seasoning).
• •Claim Process: Requires proof of purchase, contacting customer service, and possibly returning the item at your expense (return shipping is covered).
• •Verification: Multiple users confirm the warranty is honored for legitimate manufacturing issues, with repairs or replacements provided.

Bottom line: A genuinely lifetime warranty that's actually honored, but narrowly focused on manufacturing defects rather than general durability issues—proper care and maintenance are entirely your responsibility.

De Buyer carbon steel pans spark passionate debates on Reddit between devotees who swear by them and frustrated beginners struggling with seasoning. The community sentiment is ultimately positive but heavily conditional on user experience.

• •BIFL favorite: Experienced users call them kitchen workhorses that last forever and will be hers someday, comparing them favorably to All-Clad and Le Creuset
• •Steep learning curve: New users report spending countless hours trying to get the seasoning right and panic when food sticks initially
• •Handle confusion: The Mineral B's epoxy-coated handle limiting oven use frustrates many, with some wrapping handles in foil to bypass restrictions

Bottom line: Redditors who master the seasoning process become evangelists, but the initial frustration causes some to give up entirely. It's a true BIFL product for those willing to invest the time.