A sturdy carbon steel skillet is a must in any home cook's cookware collection. It's as tough as cast iron and slick as nonstick pans, making it a go-to for searing proteins, whipping up quick breakfasts, simmering sauces, and everything in between. And right now, one of our favorite brands is on sale. 

The Merten & Storck 8-inch Carbon Steel Black Frying Pan is currently 50% off at Amazon. When our editors tested eight carbon steel pans by searing skin-on chicken thighs, baking chocolate chip skillet cookies, and scrambling eggs without oil or butter, the brand's 12-inch version came out on top. Our tester noted it "seared chicken thighs to golden perfection, baked a moist, chewy skillet cookie, and scrambled eggs without leaving any residue behind." 

To buy: Merten & Storck 8-Inch Carbon Steel Pan, $15 with coupon (originally $30) at amazon.com

Like the pan we tested, the 8-inch version is pre-seasoned and builds a naturally nonstick coating with use. It's also super lightweight and easier to maneuver than traditional cast iron since it weighs just under two pounds. The pan heats up quickly and distributes it evenly, and it's compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe for up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. It's even sturdy enough to use over open flames.

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Amazon shoppers also praise the Merten & Storck carbon steel pan, saying it has "most of the benefits of cast iron in a lighter package."   Shoppers note that while it requires a bit of a learning curve, it heats up quickly and is super easy to maintain. One even claimed that this pan makes their food taste better.

For cleaning, the manufacturer recommends hand-scrubbing it before and after use with hot soapy water and finishing it with oil before putting it away. Just make sure to keep it out of the dishwasher. 

This 8-inch pan is typically an affordable $30, but right now you can score it for $15 with the $5 coupon applied at checkout. Head to Amazon now to add this top-performing pan to your cart.