If you like all the benefits of cooking with both a cast iron skillet and a nonstick skillet, you're going to want to try a carbon steel pan, which combines the best qualities of both materials. And a great tool to start with is the Ballarini 11-Inch Carbon Steel Skillet, which is just $35 at Amazon. 

Chefs love carbon steel because it reaches high temperatures quickly and retains heat very well, but it's much lighter than traditional cast iron. With proper seasoning, the pan quickly builds a naturally slick surface that is more durable than nonstick coated pans. It's the perfect vessel for browning, frying, sautéing, and more, complete with a flat base that won't shake or move while you flip, toss, and stir. 

Thanks to the sloped sides, it's easy to remove food from the pan, and its angled handle makes it a breeze to move the entire pan from burner to burner. Plus it's compatible with all cooking surfaces, including induction, and can withstand oven temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. To clean the skillet, make sure to wash it with a bit of soap and water—don't stick it in the dishwasher.  

To buy: Ballarini 11-Inch Carbon Steel Skillet, $35 (originally $44) at amazon.com

Hundreds of Amazon shoppers swear by this skillet, with one calling it "as perfect as a pan can get" and the "best carbon steel pan you can buy." Another user said: "When compared to Lodge this thing is all around better in every way."

"Seasoned the pan with the method described in the instructions," one five-star reviewer shared. "Cooked a few fatty foods for a few days before really putting it to the test. A few days later, eggs don't stick at all. I've done scrambled and fried, sunny side, omelet...they turn out perfect. Made some crepes for Mother's Day. They came out perfectly. This is the best pan I've used by far. Just make sure to season it correctly and then use with confidence."

"My nonstick pans have seen better days," another shopper wrote. "Love my cast iron pans for camping and outdoor grilling tasks. Decided to give carbon steel a try for everyday indoor cooking on my gas stove after reading about them. I am glad I did. Much lighter than cast iron and better cooking results than anything with a nonstick surface." They added. "These will last more than a lifetime and provide very good results."Since carbon steel pans can often cost an arm and a leg, the Ballarini skillet is a bona fide steal.

Head to Amazon and shop the Ballarini 11-Inch Carbon Steel Skillet for just $35 while it's at this low price.