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This New Carbon Steel Pan Looks (and Cooks) Better Than Cast Iron

Carbon steel is cast iron’s lighter, tougher younger sibling.

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Known for its modern interpretation of vintage cast-iron cookware, Smithey Ironware has spent the last few years iterating on cast-iron skillets in new shapes and sizes. As of last week, the Charleston company entered a new, but not-too-far-removed, category: carbon steel.

Smithey’s Farmhouse Skillet ($250) is a low-walled, 12-inch skillet that’s equal parts art and cookware. The hand-forged, hand-hammered carbon steel pan was made with neighboring North Charleston blacksmith Robert Thomas.

Carbon steel cookware behaves much like cast iron — it’s slow to heat, boasts extremely high searing potential, requires seasoning and some special attention — but it is typically lighter weight and less prone to cracking when dropped.

Buy Now: $250

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Assistant Editor, Home and Design Will Price is Gear Patrol’s home and drinks editor.
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