Frying pans
Frying pans without PTFE coating: stainless steel, carbon steel or cast iron
WMF Gourmet Plus, de Buyer MINERAL B and Lodge Deep Skillet: three materials and the maintenance to consider before choosing.
AceiteySal editorial team · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
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At a glance
Compare the essentials ↓
WMF Gourmet Plus 24 cm
Uncoated stainless steel for sautéing and using the browned residue to make a sauce.
See analysis ↓
de Buyer MINERAL B 24 cm
Carbon steel for anyone willing to season, dry and care for the pan after use.
See analysis ↓
Lodge Deep Skillet 10.25 inch
A deep cast-iron pan for anyone who values this shape and accepts its weight.
See analysis ↓Compare the essentials
Swipe the table to see every column.
| Model | What we like | Things to consider | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| WMF Gourmet Plus 24 cm |
|
| Browning and deglazing for a sauce |
| de Buyer MINERAL B 24 cm |
|
| Browning and everyday cooking with regular seasoning maintenance |
| Lodge Deep Skillet 10.25 inch |
|
| Recipes that benefit from a deep frying pan |
How to choose
The quick choice depends on the maintenance you accept
For browning and finishing with a sauce without maintaining seasoning, we would choose the stainless steel WMF Gourmet Plus. To learn carbon-steel cooking and care for its patina, de Buyer MINERAL B. For a deep cast-iron format, Lodge Deep Skillet, keeping its weight firmly in mind. These are not three versions of the same utensil.
Uncoated does not mean nothing sticks
Stainless steel requires control of preheating, moisture and when to move food. Carbon steel and cast iron use a seasoned surface needing maintenance. A delicate egg may be easier in a well-maintained non-stick pan. We do not turn a material preference into a health promise.
The word mineral and a metallic appearance are not enough to classify a pan. Monix Mineral has a non-stick coating; de Buyer MINERAL B is a different construction. WMF Profi Resist combines steel and coating, whereas this guide's specific Gourmet Plus has a stainless steel interior. Always check the reference, not just the photograph.
Acidity, oven use and weight
For an acidic sauce that needs to simmer, we would prefer stainless steel over a pan whose seasoning you want to preserve. With iron, dry after washing and follow oiling instructions. Do not leave it soaking or assume it is dishwasher-safe.
The included Lodge is deep and weighs around 2.9 kg empty according to the product page. This matters when moving hot food. For oven use, check the handle: do not use MINERAL B Pro limits for the standard version, and remember that a metal handle can burn.
Cooking tip
Dry food and cook in batches if it fills the entire surface. Piling it up traps steam instead of promoting browning. Let a crust form before trying to release a piece, adjusting the heat to avoid burning. Technique matters more than chasing maximum temperature.
How we research and what we have not tested
Selection for the Spanish market reviewed on 13 September 2026. We cross-checked references and features on official pages and in manuals, linked in each product review. Recommendations by use are our editorial judgement based on those data, not results of physical tests. We have not measured these models' performance, noise, energy use, wear or comfort. We do not assign scores or a permanent value-for-money winner.
Images come from product pages; sources are listed in each review. Amazon links are reference searches and require checking the exact offer; other links lead to the official shop. Price and stock have not been confirmed. Related recipes illustrate possible uses, not verified compatibility or testing with each product.
Header image: WMF Gourmet Plus 24 cm. Source: WMF.
A closer look
WMF Gourmet Plus 24 cm
Uncoated stainless steel for sautéing and using the browned residue to make a sauce.
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Browning and deglazing for a sauce
What we like
- Stainless steel interior; 24 cm diameter.
- Suitable for induction and oven use up to 250 °C according to the product information.
Things to consider
- Does not offer the same initial release as a non-stick pan.
- The handle also needs protection when taken out of the oven.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
Our first choice if you want an uncoated pan without maintaining iron seasoning. Dry the ingredient, control the heat and let a browned surface develop before trying to move it.
The reference is Gourmet Plus, not Profi Resist: steel mesh over non-stick material is still a coating. For delicate eggs, a well-maintained non-stick pan may be easier; no single material wins at every task.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: WMF (source).
Choose your retailer market
de Buyer MINERAL B 24 cm
Carbon steel for anyone willing to season, dry and care for the pan after use.
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Browning and everyday cooking with regular seasoning maintenance
What we like
- Steel without a synthetic coating; 17.5 cm induction base.
- 24 cm diameter and a stated weight of 1.374 kg.
Things to consider
- Requires seasoning and drying; not dishwasher-safe.
- The standard-handle version has specific oven-use limits.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
We would choose it for someone who wants to learn to cook with carbon steel and is happy to dry and lightly oil it after use. The patina changes with cooking: it is neither a colour defect nor a factory-applied non-stick coating.
This is not the coated Monix Mineral. Do not apply MINERAL B Pro oven permissions to this handle. For a slow-cooked acidic sauce, we would prefer the stainless steel option in the comparison.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: de Buyer (source).
Choose your retailer market
Lodge Deep Skillet 10.25 inch
A deep cast-iron pan for anyone who values this shape and accepts its weight.
Specification-based analysis · Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Best suited to: Recipes that benefit from a deep frying pan
What we like
- Pre-seasoned cast iron; 10.25-inch L8DSK3 model.
- Suitable for induction and oven use.
Things to consider
- Stated weight of 6.39 lb, approximately 2.9 kg empty.
- Hand-wash, dry and oil; do not leave soaking.
Methodology and evidence
Cross-checking official product information and manuals, with editorial interpretation based on cooking needs. No hands-on tests or verification of offers. Sources are linked in the review.
We would consider it if you want higher sides and do not need to lift it constantly to toss food. Before buying, think about its weight with food and how you will hold it with protection.
The seasoning needs maintenance. Do not confuse this Deep Skillet with the lower-sided L8SK. We do not claim faster heating: its thermal mass requires planning preheating and heat adjustments.
Sources and scope
Official source 1. Accessed: 13/09/2026. Documentary analysis, without our own hands-on test. We do not publish ratings, prices or availability. The image shows the product described.
The Amazon button opens a model search, not a validated offer. Check the reference, seller and package contents before buying.
Product image: Lodge (source).
Choose your retailer market
Frequently asked questions
Does PFOA-free mean PTFE-free?
These are not equivalent statements. This selection identifies specific materials and references without relying on that marketing shortcut.
Do they all need seasoning?
No. Stainless steel is not maintained like cast iron or carbon steel. Follow the instructions for each material.
Can any handle go in the oven?
No. Confirm the permitted time and temperature for the exact reference and use protection when handling it.
Related buying guides
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Reviewed 13 Sep 2026
Recipes to put it to use
Use these recipes as a starting point; adjust batches and cooking time to your appliance. They have not been tested on every model in this guide.
Check the current price, availability and exact model at the retailer. Markets are shown explicitly; language does not select your country.
