Carbon steel skillets are a worthwhile investment for everyday frying pans. Carbon steel skillets are lighter and have smoother surfaces than cast iron skillets. Cast iron cookware in general retains heat better but is heavier. Cooks can benefit greatly from a carbon steel skillet over a cast-iron one. In any case, having a preseasoned cast iron skillet handy is essential for all home cooks. It is a good idea to have more than one skillet at home for cooking different things, such as eggs or meat.