Last updated: October 14, 2026
If you're choosing between the three great French carbon steel pans (Mauviel M'STEEL, De Buyer Mineral B and Matfer Bourgeat), here is the short version: all three are excellent, all three are made in France, and all three will outlast you with basic care. The real differences come down to three things: handle design (and what it means for oven use), steel gauge and weight, and warranty. Below is the honest, spec-by-spec comparison, including where our competitors win.
Spec comparison: the three French carbon steel pans
Specs below are for each brand's popular large frying pan (10–12 in), from each manufacturer's published information as of August 2026:
| Mauviel M'STEEL (11 in) | De Buyer Mineral B (10.25 in) | Matfer Bourgeat (11.75 in) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel thickness | 2–2.5 mm | 3 mm (2.5 mm on 8 in / 9.5 in) | Not published (heavy gauge; the 11.75 in pan weighs about 2.1 kg / 4 lb 11 oz) |
| Handle | Iron, attached with 18/10 stainless steel rivets | Epoxy-coated steel, riveted | Welded steel strip, rivetless |
| Oven use | Yes, up to 360°C (680°F) | Limited: max 200°C (400°F) for under 10 minutes (epoxy handle coating) | Yes, high-heat oven safe |
| Protective coating (shipped) | Beeswax | Beeswax | Unspecified protective finish |
| Weight | Lightest of the three for its size | About 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) | About 2.1 kg (4 lb 11 oz) |
| Price in Canada (CAD) | $174.95 for the 11 in (from $144.95 at 9.4 in) | Varies by Canadian retailer; check current listings | |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Lifetime (manufacturing defects) | 1 year |
| Made in | France (Normandy) | France | France |
| Induction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Where De Buyer wins
The Mineral B's 3 mm steel on its 10.25 in and larger sizes is the thickest gauge of the three, which means slightly better heat retention for hard sears and less warping risk on high heat, at the cost of the heaviest swing weight per inch of pan. If your priority is maximum thermal mass and you rarely finish dishes in a hot oven, the Mineral B is a superb choice. Its one real limitation is the epoxy-coated handle: De Buyer rates it for a maximum of 200°C (400°F) for under 10 minutes, which effectively rules out true stovetop-to-oven cooking. (De Buyer's Mineral B PRO line addresses this with a stainless handle at a higher price.)
Where Matfer Bourgeat wins
Matfer's signature is its welded, rivetless handle: a single smooth interior surface with no rivet heads to scrape around or trap grease, which is why it's a fixture in professional kitchens with strict hygiene routines. It's also keenly priced for its size. The trade-offs are a 1-year warranty, against lifetime coverage from Mauviel and De Buyer, and no published steel-thickness spec.
Where M'STEEL wins
The M'STEEL is the pan for cooks who move between stovetop and oven without thinking about it: the iron handle with 18/10 stainless rivets is rated to 360°C (680°F), the highest oven tolerance of the three, so it roasts, bakes and broils as comfortably as it sears. At 2–2.5 mm it's the lightest to handle of the three for its size, quicker to heat and easier to toss, and it carries Mauviel's limited lifetime warranty. It's also made by the same Normandy workshop that has been forging cookware in Villedieu-les-Poêles since 1830.
Which should you buy?
Choose De Buyer Mineral B if you want maximum thickness for searing and cook almost entirely on the stovetop. Choose Matfer Bourgeat if a rivetless interior and pro-kitchen pedigree matter most, and a 1-year warranty doesn't bother you. Choose M'STEEL if you want true stovetop-to-oven freedom (360°C / 680°F), a lighter pan for the same jobs, and a lifetime warranty: frying pans start at $144.95 CAD, and the 3-piece set is $304.95 CAD.
Whichever you choose, carbon steel rewards the same simple habits; see our carbon steel seasoning and care guide. Questions? Our team is at customerhelp@mauviel.com.
Competitor specifications from De Buyer and Matfer Bourgeat manufacturer and retailer listings, August 2026. If you spot an outdated spec, tell us and we'll correct it.
