Yes, carbon steel pans primarily consist of iron.
Carbon steel pans are a popular choice for chefs and home cooks because they offer a blend of the desirable qualities found in both stainless steel and cast iron cookware. According to provided information, carbon steel is a combination of approximately 99% iron and 1% carbon.
This composition gives carbon steel pans properties like:
- Heat Retention: Similar to cast iron, they can retain heat well.
- Durability: The iron content makes them strong and long-lasting.
- Responsiveness: More responsive to temperature changes than cast iron, closer to stainless steel.
- Non-stick Properties: Develop a natural non-stick surface with seasoning, like cast iron.
Therefore, due to their high iron content, carbon steel pans definitely contain iron.