Is Blue Steel Safe For Cooking?
Blue steel is a type of carbon steel that is specialized to be resistant to rust. It also possesses excellent cooking qualities, such as quick heating time and perfect heat conduction.
Compared to other types of carbon steel, blue steel is lighter and easier to handle. It also tends to cook food faster than cast iron pans.
It’s also easy to clean and season.
Like cast iron and stainless steel, carbon steel requires seasoning to keep the surface smooth and rust-resistant. It’s a process of applying oil to the pan and baking it into the pores of the metal. Thin layers of heated oil polymerize to develop a smooth cooking surface and prevent rust from forming.
After a certain amount of usage, the seasoning on the pan may wear down, but that’s a natural part of use. Vinegar, tomatoes, wine and citrus can strip away the seasoning on a carbon steel pan, so you’ll need to re-season it after using these ingredients.
You can season your blue steel pan using a thin layer of vegetable oil and cooking spray, or you can apply a layer of a natural nonstick coating made from olive oil, canola oil, or some other liquid-based ingredient. Be sure to season your blue steel pan after every use, as this will improve the overall cooking performance of your carbon steel cookware and ensure that it lasts a long time.
Unlike other types of stainless steel, blue steel has been treated with a special process called “bluing,” which makes the surface harder and more resistant to rust. This makes it more durable and withstands high temperatures better than other types of stainless steel.
In addition to the bluing treatment, blue steel also undergoes a chemical re-oxidation process that creates a protective layer of blue-black iron oxide. Combined with the fact that blue steel has a high carbon content, this makes it more durable and corrosion-resistant than other types of stainless steel.
It is a good choice for chefs and bakers because it heats quickly and evenly, which results in evenly baked foods. It is also lightweight and can be used with a variety of stovetops, including induction and gas burners.
The surface of the blue steel is also naturally nonstick, making it ideal for frying and sauteing foods. Its light weight and exceptional heat conductivity make it the perfect choice for preparing meals with large pieces of meat or high-heat vegetables, as well as eggs and pancakes.
This blue carbon steel frying pan can be safely used on most electric and gas stovetops, as well as ovens (up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) and grills. It’s also safe to use on campfires, so it’s a great addition to your camping gear.
While blue steel can be a great option for those who prefer to add an extra layer of care to their cookware, it’s not for everyone. It is not as lightweight as cast iron or a good choice for those who adore a nonstick surface, but if you’re willing to put in the work and take a little more care when it comes to cleaning and seasoning your pan, this is the kind of cooking utensil that will become a treasured heirloom piece in your kitchen.