France
de Buyer is a French family-owned maker from the Vosges in eastern France, founded in 1830 and best known for its Mineral B carbon steel pans. These are the European equivalent of a cast iron skillet but lighter, and they are used across French culinary schools.
Seasoned once, the pans become naturally non-stick and last for decades. de Buyer also makes copper, stainless and baking lines, but the carbon steel is the star, and it is probably the best value on this list.
