De Buyer Mineral B Carbon Steel Pan

De Buyer has produced professional kitchen equipment in the Vosges region of France since 1830. The Mineral B line is their flagship carbon steel range, distinguished by a distinctive bee stamped into each pan handle (a reference to the natural beeswax finish) and a thick gauge of steel that provides better heat retention than thinner budget carbon steel.

The beeswax coating applied to new Mineral B pans is a natural food-safe protective layer that prevents rust during shipping and storage. During the initial seasoning process — heating the pan, wiping with oil, heating again — the beeswax burns off and is replaced by the first layer of polymerized cooking fat. After the initial seasoning, the pan's cooking surface is pure carbon steel developing a seasoned patina, exactly like any other carbon steel pan.

At 99% carbon steel, Mineral B pans contain a trace amount of carbon but no other alloying elements of concern. The safety profile is the same as any carbon steel: no synthetic coatings, no PFAS, iron transfer to food (primarily with acidic ingredients in poorly seasoned pans), and no degradation under heat at any cooking temperature.

The heavier gauge compared to some competitors means slower heating but better heat retention — particularly useful for searing proteins where a thin carbon steel pan might lose temperature when cold food is added. This makes the Mineral B well-suited for stovetop searing of steaks and chops where consistent temperature is important. Professional cooks favor this pan for omelettes and eggs once well-seasoned, as the smooth patina that develops creates exceptional non-stick performance for delicate tasks.