Ikea has really upped its kitchen game over the last several years, from impressive dinnerware to a myriad of kitchen tools, The Swedish chain has grown into a one-stop shop for all of your kitchen needs. And for those looking to expand their kitchen tools without forking over the big bucks, Ikea often has less expensive options to explore.
So, if you are looking to cook more from home in 2026, or just expand your kitchen repertoire, you may want to consider perusing the Ikea aisles—or webpages—for your next kitchen find. That’s where I found this awesome carbon steel roasting pan copycat that’s more than 80 cheaper than the popular name brand.
Ikea’s New Vardagen Roasting Pan
Allrecipes / IKEA
The iconic homeware brand recently released the Vardagen, and it’s an incredible deal. The oval roasting pan is slightly larger than 12x8x2, which is a great size for roasting chickens, pork loins, and other show-stopping mains.
The carbon steel roasting pan can be used in the oven, on the grill, and on all types of stove tops—yes, including induction. It can be used with any type of utensil, including metal, so you don’t need to be overly delicate with it. And for only $29.99, this Ikea roasting pan is a steal compared to a similar looking de Buyer Carbon Steel Roasting Pan, which sells for $165. One Ikea reviewer even said it’s “A+++.”
What To Know About Carbon Steel Pans
Though they can look like stainless steel upon delivery, carbon steel cookware is really closer to cast iron, thanks to its makeup of carbon and iron. Carbon steel pans are prized for their longevity, durability, and heat retention. They’re used in professional kitchens around the world, but they do have a bit of a learning curve. Like cast iron, it takes a little care and attention to get the most of your carbon steel cookware.
First, carbon steel must regularly be seasoned, like a cast iron pan. Over time, the pan will develop a patina and darken—going from silver to bronze to eventually black. In the photos on Ikea’s website, you can see the roasting pan in use, demonstrating this transformation. So, don’t expect it to look like stainless steel after even one use!
The result of the patina is a surface that’s incredibly slick. Made In Cookware recommends cooking with proteins and food high in fat such as bacon when cooking with a new piece of carbon steel cookware. Overtime, as that patina builds, you’ll be able to cook fried eggs and have them slide around the pan. The Ikea pan comes with specific step-by-step directions to make sure you know what to do.
Ikea’s new carbon steel roasting pan is a great introductory piece to the world of carbon steel—and it’s hard to find a better price! So, if you’re looking to up your cooking game in 2026, give this roasting pan a go.
