At this point, no one doubts the quality of French factories to produce iron pans. Moreover, we could say that 80% of the iron pans in all the kitchens of the world, like the De Buyer Mineral B Element, leave that country, but why?
To begin with, the tradition of iron pans in the Gallic country goes back a long way. For example, the world’s two largest manufacturers, De Buyer and Le Creuset, were founded in 1830 and 1927 respectively. Since then they have continued to manufacture products of the same quality and with the same recipe: simplicity and durability.
And it is not for less. It is not strange to see iron pans more than 15 and 20 years old in the kitchens of France in perfect magazine condition. As we already wrote in our blog detailing the characteristics of iron pans, iron is an almost eternal material.
The manufacturing process is completely handmade, starting with the pouring of the cast iron into a mold and ending with the hands of an expert craftsman who finishes its edges and cleans the edges.
Here you can see a short video of what we are telling you, the interior of its factories and its manufacturing process is really fascinating :
Sartenes de hierro Mineral B de Buyer / Sartenes de hierro para toda la vida
MATERIALS
It is one of the main features of the De Buyer Mineral B Element frying pan. The material is iron, with nothing else. The manufacturing process of De Buyer is quite simple: it is an iron to that shape, will apply a protective layer of organic beeswax and riveted handle. A simplicity that gives it extreme durability.
This traditional way of manufacturing so easily is what has worked for them for almost two hundred years. Since its first frying pan, De Buyer has expanded its catalog to produce up to 3,000 different kitchen products. However, its star product has been and will be its iron skillet.
THE PROBLEM OF IRON
The biggest drawback to De Buyer’s Mineral B’s is their weight. They are noticeably heavier than aluminum or steel pans. They can weigh up to 3 kg, so they may not be the best for people who are especially weak or very old.
On the other hand, wrought iron is a material that, as we all know, has a big problem: it rusts. If we leave wet pans to dry, they will most likely end up covered in a horrible layer of rust and spoil.
To avoid this, we must wash the pans as soon as we finish using them and dry them immediately. Ideally, after each use, we smear a thin layer of oil on them to preserve their non-stickness and protect them from rust.
If you do not want to have these problems, you should look at a somewhat higher range and value the Le Creuset iron pans. They are also made of iron but enameled and vitrified, so they will never rust.
ANTI-ADHERENCE
Non-stickiness in wrought iron pans is a controversial issue. Some will say that it is very non-stick, others sufficiently non-stick and others will protest because everything sticks to it. And they are all right. You need more “technique” than in a Teflon pan, where you add the food and that’s it.
These wrought iron pans need a prior ” curing ” as soon as you buy them and repeat it from time to time. This is done with oil at a very high temperature.
These Mineral B de Buyer need, as we said, a certain technique and know the point of fire. It is likely that the first few times the food will stick to us, but over time it will acquire non-stickiness.
Thus, as it is used, it will take on a darker color, and that is when the pan will become non-stick. However, it is necessary to know that it does not cook in the same way as with a conventional frying pan: you have to control the temperature because iron can reach very high temperatures.
On the other hand, there are many who end up looking at these pans for a health issue. This is undoubtedly what leads many people to opt for this type of pans.
You will not find any toxic materials. Their only material is iron, so the only thing they could transfer to our food is what our body needs: iron.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Regarding the use of technologies and the type of pans they are, they do not allow many innovations. In fact, part of its appeal lies in its simplicity.
And it is that simplicity that makes this type of pans still hang in many kitchens of our grandmothers. The French brand has been able to demonstrate over 200 years that it does not need novel non-stick compounds or ultramodern diffuser bottoms to remain among the best sellers.
As for its quality, it is beyond doubt. De Buyer relies on Mineral B iron pans, and for that reason they offer a 30-year warranty.
ARE BUYER MINERAL B SKINS WORTH IT?
We are facing robust, durable, heavy and healthy pans . Their biggest drawback is the care they require and the considerable weight they have. But dedicating that minute after cooking to dry it and give it a coat of oil, I assure you that you will have a frying pan for half a life. With this De Buyer Mineral B frying pan you can cook in a different and healthy way.
The De Buyer range of pans has various models and sizes. The best sellers are the traditional frying pans, presented in diameters of 24 and 28 centimeters and a deep frying pan.
This deep frying pan is one of our favorites because it is perfect for frying. It is a deep frying pan 8 centimeters high and 24 cm in diameter. Thanks to the iron, it reaches very high temperatures in the blink of an eye, and the boiling oil will never spoil your pan, as it will with Teflon. The 24 cm deep frying pan is certainly a master purchase.
ALSO AVAILABLE ON GRILL
ADVANTAGES OF BUYER MINERAL B IRON PAN
These are inexpensive pans , about the same as Teflon pans.
They do not contain toxic substances harmful to our health.
They reach very high temperatures, so we can cook with the lowest heat and turn off the pan earlier, saving energy.
Its non-stick surface will go from less to more, so in a short time we will have non-stick pans for life.
Aware of the quality of their product, they offer a 30-year guarantee
DISADVANTAGES OF BUYER MINERAL B IRON PAN
They are quite heavy, up to 3 kg depending on the model.
They need a learning process to get the point of temperature.
Its non-stickiness in the first few cooks will not be as efficient as you expect.
They require a minute’s care each time we finish cooking to prevent them from rusting.
We remind you that all these inconveniences are solved with the cast iron pans of the Le Creuset brand, they are more expensive, but if you want to take a look you can see the analysis we did by clicking on this link.
On the contrary, if the problem is money because you are out of budget, there is a middle ground. You have some high quality Lodge iron pans made in the United States for a price similar to these Buyer.
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