Very poor qualityPeterI run a catering business so I go through lots of pots and pans. I purchased this item as a test to see whether it could hold up to sustained use in a professional kitchen, with the intention of getting many more if it performed. Unfortunately it didn’t. Despite seasoning it perfectly, something about the way this pan retains heat doesn’t allow the oil to fully polymerize. This leads to it flaking off with every use, and then rusting upon washing. My local IKEA refuses to take it back since it’s “too used” after not even a week, but how else am I supposed to know if it works without using it? Take it from me, a professional chef who uses plenty of carbon steel, this one’s a dud.1
Excellent alternative to non-stick pansKuenI had trouble seasoning properly and ended up having to remove seasoning and start all over. Went online and watched a bunch of Youtube videos on blueing and seasoning and followed those instructions instead of the instructions with the Vardagen manual. For those who say it rusted on first use, was it seasoning rather than rust that you were seeing? I googled how to tell the difference between rust and seasoning and it made me wonder if your rust was actually discoloration from seasoning. Anyways, the road to proper seasoning is tough but once your pan is seasoned well, it works great. Easy to clean. Clean immediately after removing food from the pan. Put just a small amount of hot water in pan and dislodge stuck on food bits as water bubbles and rinse with hot water so as not to shock the steel pan. Dry on hot stove completely, put oil in and wipe evenly. Can heat until oil smokes, but not necessary. I just bought 2 more Vardagen CS pans of different sizes. Very impressed with it.5
Worst pan I ever had DorotaI seasoned this pan according the instructions. After one use the rust showed up on the pan. Unfortunately rust is not covered by warranty . I’m very disappointed with this product. 1
Beurk! La pire poêle au monde! Marie-EveElle s’est mise à rouiller après une seule utilisation! N’achetez pas! 1
Excellent carbon steel pan!NathanI have used these pans for over a year and have found them to be wonderful. Please know, these pans must be seasoned prior to use. Over time they will turn dark brown/black. This is how they are supposed to look. Do not soak them in the sink, do not put them in the dishwasher. Watch a video on YouTube to learn how to season and care for carbon steel pans and you will be reward with a pan that will last for ever and be a joy to cook in AND you will avoid teflon ending up in your food.5
People should read the instructions - It's a great pan!BryanIf people would just read instructions that come with this pan, they would realize that it needs to be seasoned. Carbon steel pans MUST BE SEASONED before use.5
The most terrible item I have seen.DidarI bought this and at the very first time I used it got rust and whatever I tried never worked, I am a hundred percent sure this profuct is a wrong material for kitchen but IKEA has disappointed me a lot and they did not help at all, I really do not want to be at Ikea for a long time. This is the worst thing I have bought for kitchen and from Ikea. If you read this , do not buy and save your money.1
Needs to be seasoned before useIlaineI see a lot of negative reviews here about rust and food sticking. It's clear to me that a lot of customers aren't seasoning their pan before use. This is a great product at a great price -- but you need to know what you're buying and how to use it.
Please learn to season your pan before use.5
Disappointed and Frustrated – Would Not RecommendPramukI purchased this item a couple of weeks ago and have been thoroughly disappointed. The surface became extremely sticky after just a couple of uses—frying some prawns and an egg. Cleaning it has been a nightmare; regular dishwashing liquids don’t work at all. Despite following standard care instructions, the stickiness + marks persists, making it practically unusable.
This has honestly been one of the most frustrating purchases I’ve made from IKEA. I had higher expectations. I wouldn’t recommend this product to anyone—save yourself the trouble and avoid it.1
Rusting issueAnonymous reviewerI shifted from non-stick pan to this. Good, sturdy pan, thickness is good. Little bit on heavier side, difficult to handle sometimes. Recently, I saw rusting after wash. Washed it with regular soap water, but after drying there was rusting issue seen. Can you please suggest on this? 4
Love itHetaHave been using it almost everyday since 8 months+ to stirfry or saute veggies without sticking to the pan!! Washed the pan with hot water after buying and Seasoned by applying 2 drops of oil evenly and heated the pan on stove till it changed colour. Did this process for 2 more times and the pan is ready to use naturally nonstick. Very affordable and durable compared to other brands sold that are quite expensive. I own both sizes of these pans and couldn’t be happier with them. These will last a lifetime. Never going back to non-stick! Thanks IKEA!! 5
Awesome pan for the priceAnonymous reviewerUsually Carbon steel pans are expensive. This one is a great thick pan and at a great price. Here’s what I did:
Washed it with with warm soapy water. Wiped it dry. Warmed it a bit to get off all the moisture.
Applied very thin layer of oil inside and outside both with paper towel and put it in the oven at 430 F for 1 hour to let it season.
Take it off once completely cool, re-seasoned in oven same way for 2 more times.
Used it today to make savoury lentil pan cakes and it didn’t stick at all!!! Turned out nice crispy and I was so happy to use a stainless steel spatula.
Just go for it!! 5
