What’s That Pan Made Of?

A view beyond the marketing clutter.

We have all witnessed them..... The captivating cookware infomercials. The pans that appear too incredible to be real. Eggs gliding effortlessly off the pans. Roasts turning out flawlessly in half the usual time. Burnt food effortlessly washing away. 

These pans claim to elevate the skills of even the most inexperienced home cook (yes, that includes you and me) to the level of a gourmet chef (think Gordon Ramsay, anyone?).

And the most intriguing (or perhaps, disappointing) aspect is that all these pans are endorsed by some renowned celebrity chef or another.

But what exactly are these miraculous pans made of? What is the material used, and more importantly, what is the secret behind their non-stick coating?

Let's cut through the noise of marketing and uncover the truth!

The Product: Red Copper

Experience the Innovation: Ultra-durable Copper-based Ceramic Cookware, a Game-changer in Non-stick Technology!

Here’s what we found:

After extensively searching their website and FAQ's, I was unable to find any information regarding the actual material used in the Red Copper pan. According to their claims, it is made of ultra-tough copper, but considering the pan's retail price of $19.99, I highly doubt its authenticity.

Copper itself is known to be expensive, and copper pans are often considered the top-tier cookware. Therefore, this price point raises a red flag for me.

After thoroughly examining literature and product listings online, I discovered that the pan consists of an aluminum base with a ceramic nonstick coating. In essence, these pans are aluminum pans with a ceramic coating, not actual copper.

Furthermore, they mention that the coating is Copper-Infused Ceramic, implying the presence of copper in the coating. However, I am hesitant about having copper in direct contact with my food due to its reactivity. For more information on Copper Cookware, you can refer to my comprehensive guide.

To clear up my confusion, I decided to contact their Customer Service. I asked the representative to provide clarification regarding the composition of the pans.

The representative confirmed that the pans are indeed made of aluminum.

I inquired about the whereabouts of the copper. 

He proceeded to read a brief description from the product literature, stating that it has a copper-infused ceramic non-stick coating. 

Expressing my concern about the safety of copper coming into contact with food, I awaited his response. 

After putting me on hold to search for an answer, he returned with an explanation. 

According to him, the layer of copper is situated in the middle, sandwiched between the ceramic layer and the aluminum pan. 

This information made me ponder further. 

Considering the pan's lightness and affordability, it is likely that the layer of copper is very thin. Additionally, since no copper is supposed to touch the food, the top surface must simply be a ceramic non-stick coating with a copper color.

Is the Red Copper pan safer than a Teflon (ptfe coated) pan?

There is no excess or deficiency. The pans have a non-stick coating made of ceramic instead of PTFE, and both are equally safe when used at regular cooking temperatures. If I trust the assurance given by their Customer Representatives, then the copper does not come into direct contact with the food and is positioned somewhere between the ceramic and aluminum layers.

What Others Are Saying

Red Copper receives a mixed rating from users: some positive, some not so positive. The overall agreement is that these pans are reasonably priced and of average quality. Like most ceramic coated pans, many users discovered that the non-stick feature didn't endure for a long time.

The Cookware Advisor Verdict.

If you are in the market for a ceramic coated pan, it is recommended that you make the purchase. Red Copper, as a ceramic coated pan, is comparable to other ceramic coated pans in terms of quality. However, it is important to note that this pan is made of aluminum with a copper colored ceramic non-stick coating, and there is minimal copper present.

It is also advisable not to use metal utensils or egg beaters in the pan, as shown in the advertisements. These demonstrations are simply marketing tactics, and no nonstick pan can withstand such abuse.

As The Cookware Advisor, I must caution you that ceramic coated cookware generally has a shorter lifespan for its non-stick properties compared to ptfe (teflon) coated cookware. In my opinion, teflon coated pans are safe to use as long as they are used correctly, such as avoiding high heat and never heating an empty pan. If this appeals to you, consider a basic T-fal nonstick pan or a more durable option like Scanpan.

If you still prefer to avoid teflon (which is a personal choice), you may want to consider 100% ceramic cookware like Xtrema instead of ceramic coated cookware. There is a distinction between the two, as Xtrema cookware is made entirely of ceramic with no metal or chemicals involved, ensuring no risk of metal leaching into your food.

The Product: Copper Chef

America's top-selling brand of Copper cookware. Copper is used both on the interior and exterior of the cookware.

Here’s what we found:

Copper Chef's infomercials boast about their innovative approach of incorporating copper into the pan's exterior, in addition to their exclusive core, to maximize the superior heat conduction properties of copper. However, it is important to note that Copper Chef is not actually made of copper. 

While their website in the United States does not disclose the material used for the pans, the FAQs on their Canadian site reveal that the pans are made of aluminum with a copper-colored Cerami Tech™ Non-Stick Coating and a stainless steel induction plate. Essentially, Copper Chef offers an induction-friendly aluminum pan with a ceramic coating that resembles copper, but it is not a genuine copper pan.

What Others Are Saying

The online reviews are varied, with users expressing mixed opinions. Many users mention that the product initially performs well but fails to meet their expectations in the long run. Similar to other ceramic coated non-stick pans, the non-stick coating appears to have a limited lifespan.

The Cookware Advisor Verdict

In my opinion, I would not recommend purchasing this cookware. These lightweight aluminum pans are designed to give the illusion of being made of copper, but in reality, they do not contain any copper at all. Copper is known for being expensive and heavy, so this misleading marketing tactic is not worth your money. 

If you are truly interested in copper cookware, I suggest considering more affordable options such as a set with a copper core or a triply cookware with copper as one of the layers. Two options to consider are the T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom Cookware and the Cuisinart Tri-ply Copper Cookware. 

However, if you are simply looking for a ceramic coated non-stick pan, the Copper Chef brand is comparable to other ceramic coated pans in terms of quality. Just keep in mind that it does not actually contain any copper. 

Alternatively, you may want to explore other options like GreenPan or Ozeri. It is important to note that the non-stick properties of ceramic coated cookware tend to last six times less than those of a ptfe/teflon coated pan. Therefore, you might be better off investing in a high-quality ptfe based non-stick pan. For a budget option, consider T-fal, and for a high-end option, Made in Cookware offers a nonstick pan.

The Product: Gotham Steel

Introducing the Latest Non-stick Cookware Infused with Ceramic and Titanium - Ti-Cerama non-stick technology ensures effortless food release.

Here’s what we found out:

Despite its misleading name, these pans are not constructed from Stainless Steel. Instead, they are made of aluminum and feature a stainless steel handle. Gotham Steel simply refers to the name of the company.

The nonstick coating utilized in these pans is a ceramic non-stick that is fortified with titanium, hence the trademarked name Ti-Cerama non-stick technology. Titanium has long been employed to enhance non-stick coatings, resulting in a cooking surface that is resistant to scratches and more resilient.

Is the non-stick coating on Gotham Steel pans safe?

Please refer to my comprehensive review of ceramic-coated nonstick cookware to gain a thorough understanding of the safety levels offered by the Gotham Steel Ti-Cerama coating. Rest assured, this coating is just as safe as any other ceramic or Teflon-based coating when used within regular cooking temperatures.

What Others Are Saying:

he initial performance of the non-stick coating in new pans is highly impressive, which accounts for the positive reviews. However, it is widely agreed upon that the non-stick functionality deteriorates after a few uses, resulting in food sticking to the surface. This is a common occurrence with most ceramic coated non-stick pans. In comparison to high-quality Teflon pans, the longevity of the non-stick coating is significantly shorter.

The Cookware Advisor Verdict

Exercise caution when making a purchase. There are superior products available that offer better value for your money. 

If you are specifically looking for a reliable non-stick pan, I recommend sticking to Teflon-type pans such as T-fal or Made in Cookware nonstick pans. In my opinion, nothing compares to the non-stick capabilities of a high-quality PTFE (Teflon) coated pan. With proper care, you can enjoy several years of use from such a pan.

If you have concerns about Teflon, you may want to consider 100% ceramic cookware (without any metal) like Xtrema. Although it may be more expensive than the $19.99 Gotham Steel pan, you truly get what you pay for, and in this case, you will have the safest pan available in the market.

If you have any questions or need recommendations for other "as seen on TV" cookware that has left you puzzled, please let us know in the comments. We will make an effort to research and add them to our list.