Since my favorite cast iron pan was inadvertently stuck deep in storage during the move, I decided to pick up a De Buyer skillet. I've always wanted a nice carbon steel pan, so it was a good excuse.
I have to say that this thing is drop dead gorgeous right out of the package. I bought an 11" Mineral B from their French Collection series, complete with the Eiffel Tower handle (a totally cool touch). I thought I'd better take a photo now, because it will never look this good again.
Off to season it.
Steve, I have extreme arthritic hands. Since cast iron is out of the question, do you think an 11-12 inch one of these sauté pans would be feasible for me?
That's what I call kitchen jewelry Steve. No kidding, that's a drop dead gorgeous pan and you deserve it! Be sure to use Barkeepers friend every time you use it, so it stays brand new beautiful. Love the handle!!
Addie, I would have to say no. I just weighed my 11" skillet and it's 4.85 pounds. It's lighter than my 6 pound 10.25" cast iron skillet, but not by much. It does feel more balanced, though.
One thing that might be noted, however, is that the De Buyer 12" skillet has the addition of a "helper handle" so you can use 2 hands to lift it. My smaller pan doesn't have the helper handle.
Thanks Kayelle! No BKF, though. Just like with cast iron, I don't use any kind of cleanser on it. Just a scrub pad and water, and a light coat of oil rubbed into the heated pan before storage. It still looks beautiful (at least to me), but has built up a natural non-stick coating from the application of several seasonings.
Oh ok, I get it now. On the other hand you want to keep that beautiful Eiffel Tower handle all pretty with BKF.