At first glance, AUS-ION™ wrought iron pans and carbon steel pans look similar. Both are iron-based, can be seasoned and are celebrated as alternatives to synthetic non-stick. But dig deeper and you’ll find AUS-ION™ is in a whole other league when it comes to performance, longevity and design..
It’s no secret that our Aussie-made wrought iron pans outperform cast iron: they’re lighter, more conductive, more energy-efficient, and even more durable. But did you know they’re also superior to carbon steel pans?
The difference comes down to two important details: the quality wrought iron material we use and our patented one-piece construction. Every AUS-ION™ pan is precision-engineered in Sydney from a single solid sheet of thick Australian iron. No rivets. No welds. No joins. Just one seamless piece, built to last for centuries.
And because we back every pan with a multi-century warranty, they’re not just “long-lasting”: they’re designed to be true heirlooms, passed down for generations.
To suit different cooks, we also offer two finishes: our factory-seasoned Quenched range, or our new Polished range (no seasoning required, with all the benefits of iron and the convenience of stainless steel).
AUS-ION™ wrought iron pans are low carbon: 99.97% pure iron and just 0.03% carbon. That’s around 10–30 times less carbon than traditional carbon steel cookware on average (usually 0.4–1.0% carbon).
At 3 mm thick (4 mm for our heavy-duty range), AUS-ION™ is tougher, more conductive, and more durable than standard cookware. Its solid wrought-iron construction distributes heat evenly and resists warping, even under high heat.
By contrast, carbon steel pans are pressed from thinner sheets of higher-carbon steel (typically 1.5–2mm). This higher carbon content reduces conductivity and creates hot spots. Combined with thinner gauge steel, it makes carbon steel more prone to warping or distortion over time.
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Every AUS-ION™ pan is formed from a single solid sheet of wrought iron without any coatings. No rivets. No welds. No joins. Nothing to trap grime, loosen, or fail. This patented one-piece design is stronger, simpler, and so durable that we back every pan with a multi-century warranty.
Traditional carbon steel cookware almost always relies on riveted handles fixed to pressed steel bodies. Rivets create weak points that loosen, and eventually compromise the entire pan, often sending it to landfill much sooner than expected.
‘’Not only does our highly conductive, solid 3mm thick wrought iron heat faster and more evenly than cast iron - our pans also hold that heat very well and can handle searing a big steak without cooling instantly like thinner carbon steel pans’’. Mark Henry (Solidteknics founder and engineer).
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Because AUS-ION™ uses low-carbon wrought iron at a solid 3mm thickness, it delivers excellent conductivity and heat retention. That means perfect searing, browning, and even cooking every time.
Our pans are more conductive than traditional carbon steel pans because they typically contain 10–30 times less carbon. Higher carbon reduces thermal conductivity, which is why carbon steel can heat unevenly and cool quickly. Thinner walls (material thickness) can add to the problem, making it often harder for carbon steel to hold searing temperatures during cooking.
Choose our AUS-ION™ Quenched factory-seasoned range or our new AUS-ION™ Polished range, which doesn’t require seasoning at all. Either way, you can start cooking straight out of the box!
Carbon steel pans, on the other hand, usually arrive coated in beeswax. Often requiring scrubbing and a full seasoning process before first use.
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Our patented handles are part of the one-piece body. AUS-ION™ wrought iron pans have long, ergonomic handles that have specially designed vents to dissipate the heat. This means the handles stay cool enough to hold and maneuver when cooking on the stovetop.
Carbon steel cookware handles are usually flat strips riveted on. They heat up quickly, and loosen with repeated use. A design destined to quickly add to landfills.
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We're the only production cookware manufactuer in Australia, whereas other pans are pretty much guaranteed to be made off shore. That means, by choosing Solidteknics, you’re supporting ethical, local manufacturing and skilled Australian jobs.
Like cast iron, carbon steel cookware is often made from recycled steel scrap (e.g. car parts with other materials attached!) and can therefore contain a mix of heavy metals, leading to contamination and leaching into foods that can have negative health impacts. The quality you get depends on the mill and the refining process.
Our wrought iron cookware is made from 99.97% clean Australian iron, and is free from heavy metals and coatings.
Carbon steel pans may last decades with care, but AUS-ION™ wrought iron is built for centuries. Stronger, more conductive, seamless, healthy and Australian-made, it’s the clear choice if you want cookware that truly lasts.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Solidteknics acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.