Gotham Steel vs Copper Chef

This article compares Gotham Steel versus Copper Chef cookware.

I’m always looking for healthy non-stick pans that make cooking easy. But it can be tough to tell which ones are the real deal and which ones are the real pits.

You’ve probably seen both Gotham Steel and Copper Chef pans on TV infomercials. Celebrity chefs endorse both brands, and both have commercials featuring someone demonstrating their “amazing” quality by effortlessly sliding fried eggs out of the pan.

But which set is better?

I found the Gotham Steel and Copper Chef pans to be very similar in quality and performance. However, the Gotham Steel cookware set has a slight edge. I like the pieces this set includes, and it has slightly better construction.

But there are cases in which Copper Chef would be better. Like if you had an induction cooktop, for instance. Or perhaps you just want one or two pans, versus a whole set. It depends on your cooking needs.

So which one is better for your kitchen, Gotham Steel or Copper Chef? Keep reading to find out.

Product Reviews: Gotham Steel vs. Copper Chef

GOTHAM STEEL Pro Hard-Anodized Pots and Pans 13 Piece Premium Cookware Set

From Gotham Steel comes this hard-anodized ceramic non-stick cookware set. It includes the following 13 pieces:

• 8-inch (20.32 cm) skillet
• 10-inch (25.4 cm) fry pan
• 12. 5-inch (31.75 inch) fry pan
• 1. 5-quart (1.42 liters) saucepan with lid
• 2. 5-quart (2.37 liters) saucepan with lid
• 3-quart (2.84 liters) chef’s pan with lid
• 3-quart (2.84 liters) sauté pan with lid
• 6-quart (5.68 liters) stock pot with lid

Sometimes larger sets include several cooking utensils or recipe books, which artificially inflates the number of pieces you’re actually getting. That’s not the case with this Gotham Steel cookware set. It’s substantial and includes the most-used pieces.

The hard-anodized aluminum construction means this pan has even heat distribution, a scratch-resistant cooking surface, and a durable core.

On top of that, hard-anodized aluminum is non-reactive, so you don’t have to worry about metal leaching into your food.

The downside? It’s not compatible with induction cooktops. The exterior, especially the bottom, is also prone to scratching.

Pros

• Hard-anodized aluminum core
• Titanium-reinforced non-stick
• Non-toxic
• Tempered glass lids
• Stay-cool handles
• Oven-safe up to 500° (260°C)
• Metal utensil safe
• PTFE-free (i.e. no Teflon)

Cons

• Not for induction cooktops
• Lid handle gets hot
• Exterior easily scratched

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Gotham Steel Pan, 9.5-Inch Non-stick

For those who don’t want an entire set, Gotham Steel sells frying pans individually. This 9.5-inch (24.13 cm) shallow pan is good for omelets, veggies, and more.

The Gotham Steel pan also comes in a 5.5-inch (13.97 cm), 11-inch (27.94 cm), and 12-inch (30.48 cm) option, as well.

In addition to the non-stick surface and stay-cool handles of other Gotham Steel products, this pan has a few unique pros and cons listed below.

Pros

• Oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C)
• Affordable

Cons

• No lid included
• Not induction compatible

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I’ve written a guide to Gotham Steel cookware if you would like to know more.

Copper Chef Cookware 9-Piece Round Pan Set

Instead of the iconic square shape associated with Copper Chef, this set features round pans. The Copper Chef 9-piece collection includes the following:

• 5.8-quart (5.49 liters) casserole pan with tempered glass lid
• 2.8-quart (2.65 liters) saucepan with tempered glass lid
• 1-quart (liters) saucepan
• 10-inch (25.4 cm) round fry pan
• 8-inch (20.32 cm) round fry pan
• Round fry basket
• Round steamer tray

Slightly ironically, Copper Chef doesn’t actually appear to contain copper. However having little to no copper is normal for copper ceramic non-stick. The important thing is the Teflon-free ceramic non-stick surface, which is copper colored!

Pros

• Compatible with induction stoves
• Non-toxic
• Tempered glass lids
• Oven-safe up to 850°F (454°C)
• Dishwasher-safe (handwashing recommended)
• Includes steamer tray and fry basket
• Free of  PTFE (i.e. Teflon)

Cons

• Smaller set (no covered sauté or stockpot)
• No lid for smaller saucepan
• Handles get hot

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Copper Chef 10-Inch Round Frying Pan With Lid 

Copper Chef also sells frying pans individually. This 10-inch (25.4 cm) frying pan is a good size, and it also comes with a lid.

This skillet features the same non-stick cooking surface and aluminum construction as the 9-piece set. This pan is also round in shape, as opposed to square. There are some unique pros and cons that separate it from the Gotham Steel pan.

Pros

• Includes glass lid
• Induction compatible
• Oven-safe up to 850°F (454°C)

Cons

• More expensive (vs. Gotham Steel pan)

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Gotham Steel vs. Copper Chef: Side-by-Side Feature Comparison

Construction

Gotham Steel features hard-anodized aluminum, whereas the Copper Chef collection has an aluminum layer beneath the non-stick coating. Both pans conduct heat well and distribute heat evenly.

However, the hard-anodized aluminum gives the Gotham Steel set the added benefit of extra durability and non-reactiveness. In this category, I would go with Gotham Steel here.

Non-stick properties

Each cookware brand touts its non-stick cooking surface as the best in non-stick cookware. They show chefs swirling around ketchup or fried eggs in a pan. But is the non-stick coating all it’s cracked up to be?

Gotham Steel uses its proprietary Ti-Cerama coating, a titanium-infused ceramic coating. The titanium should give the non-stick coating extra toughness and make the cooking surface scratch-resistant.

On the other hand, Copper Chef has a Cerami-Tech coating, which is also a proprietary non-stick ceramic coating.

When it comes to Gotham Steel vs. Copper Chef non-stick coatings, they’re very similar. Both seem to work well but can lose effectiveness over time. Both coatings are also Teflon-free, non-toxic and ceramic-based.

Several customers said they still used oil or butter to release food. I would recommend using a little oil for foods like eggs, which are notoriously sticky.

I might give Gotham Steel a very slight edge, due to the added titanium, but this category is practically a draw.

Handles and lids

Both the Copper Chef and Gotham Steel pans have glass lids that have been tempered to make them shatter and heat-resistant. These cookware sets also include stainless steel handles that are relatively comfortable.

However, when it comes to heat resistance, there’s a difference between the handles of the Gotham pans and the Copper Chef pans. The Gotham Steel pans have stay-cool handles, whereas the Copper Chef handles get hot easily.

The lid handles on the Gotham Steel cookware do get hot, however.

As far as the number of lids? Neither brand includes lids for the frying pans. But the Copper Chef set does not have a lid for the small saucepan, either, which the Gotham Steel Pro set does.

Even though the handles and lids are similar, Gotham Steel gets the advantage in this category.

Cleaning

Copper Chef claims their pans are dishwasher-safe, although they recommend washing the cookware by hand.

Gotham Steel also advertises its pans as dishwasher-safe. But I would be wary of tossing them in the dishwasher.

Washing by hand with mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge will help preserve the non-stick surface and prevent damage caused by high heat or contact with other pans.

Besides, one of the main benefits of non-stick is the ease of cleaning.

In short? This category’s a draw.

Oven & Stovetop Use

The Copper Chef Pan Set features a stainless steel induction plate, so it’s compatible with induction stovetops. These pots and pans can also withstand temperatures up to 850°F (454°C) in the oven.

Likewise, the Gotham Steel Pro set can handle high temperatures in the oven, with a maximum of 500°F (260°C). However, this set is not compatible with induction stoves.

In this area, Copper Chef has the upper hand.

Safe for metal utensils

Gotham Steel claims their Pro cookware set is safe for metal utensils, whereas Copper Chef recommends only using plastic or wooden cooking tools.

Several reviewers could use metal spoons on their Gotham Steel pan, but I would still avoid metal. Why take the chance of scratching the non-stick coating?

For this category, I call it a win, in theory, for Gotham Steel .

Things to consider before buying Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware

What is copper ceramic non-stick?

Don’t let the term fool you. Most of the time, there is no copper in the pan. The copper refers to the color of the coating.

Ceramic non-stick is supposed to be a healthier alternative to other non-stick pans that use Teflon.

How do I care for a ceramic non-stick pan?

Seasoning

It can be a good idea to pre-season some pans before its first use. This will seal the pores and coat them in a layer of oil to resist sticking.

To season a non-stick pan, simply wash the pan and dry completely. Apply a thin layer of oil to the pan and heat the pan in the oven under 300°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes. Let the pan cool completely, and then wipe out any excess residue.

Always check manufacturer guidance, as this is not recommended for all ceramic pans.

Heat Settings

Keep your burner on low to medium heat. Aluminum is good at conducting heat, so you don’t need a lot. High heat can warp a pan and make food burn and stick to the pan.

Cleaning

While several non-stick pans claim to be dishwasher-safe, I recommend washing them with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge.

Even pans that claim to be scratch-proof can get damaged in the dishwasher, either due to heat or contact with other pans or utensils.

What should I look for in a copper ceramic non-stick surface?

Choosing a copper ceramic surface that is actually non-stick is obviously important. But it’s also a good idea to choose one that can withstand heat and is durable.

Lastly, you’ll want one that is free of any toxins and is safe to use. 

PFOA & PTFE, oh, my!

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate), and PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) all get a bad wrap. But there are some distinctions.

PFOA is toxic, and it’s banned in the manufacturing of cookware in the U.S. Unless you have older cookware, you should be fine.

PTFE is the main ingredient in Teflon, and it’s a questionable chemical. There is no evidence to suggest it’s toxic at normal temperatures, but it can release fumes at high temperatures (above 500°F/260°C) that are lethal to birds and can give humans flu-like symptoms.

If you wish to avoid PTFE, look for products that are labeled as PTFE-free.

Are there any alternatives?

BulbHead Red Copper 10-Piece Copper-Infused Ceramic Cookware Set

Red Copper pans have a copper-infused ceramic coating with a red exterior (thus the name). This Red Copper cookware set is  PTFE and PFOA-free and oven-safe up to 500°F (260°C).

This Red Copper set includes two saucepans, two skillets (one covered), a covered stockpot, and a steamer insert.  These Red Copper pans are not induction compatible.

Pros

• Oven-safe up to 500°F/260°C (not lids)
• Affordable

Cons

• Reports of pans not sitting flat
• Handles can get hot
• Not Induction Compatible

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Bulbhead Red Copper Pan, Ceramic Non-stick

Red Copper Cookware also sells an individual frying pan. This Red Copper has a diameter of 10 inches (25.4 cm) and also features a copper-infused ceramic coating.

This Red Copper fry pan does not include a lid and requires seasoning, but it’s very affordable. It’s also dishwasher and oven-safe.

Pros

• Oven-safe up to 500°F/260°C (not lids)
• Ceramic non-stick coating

Cons

• Requires seasoning
• Doesn’t come with lid

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MICHELANGELO Ultra 12-Piece Non-stick Copper Ceramic Cookware

This MICHELANGELO set includes two skillets (one has a lid), two covered saucepans, a stock pot, steamer insert, and sauté pan. This set is more expensive vs Red Copper, but it comes with more pieces.

This cookware has a titanium-reinforced ceramic coating and an aluminum core. It’s safe for oven temps up to 450°F (232°C), and it’s compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

Pros

• Oven-safe up to 450°F/232°C
• Induction compatible
• Titanium-infused non-stick

Cons

• More expensive vs. Red Copper

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MICHELANGELO 10-Inch Non-stick Copper Ceramic Frying Pan with Lid

This 10-inch (25.4 cm) MICHELANGELO frying pan has a titanium-infused ceramic non-stick coating. It can go up to 450°F (232°C) and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

This MICHELANGELO pan is more expensive vs Red Copper, however.

Pros

• Oven-safe up to 450°F/232°C
• Includes lid
• Induction compatible
• Titanium-infused non-stick

Cons

• More expensive vs. Red Copper pan

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Final Word: Gotham Steel vs Copper Chef

If you’re looking for a copper ceramic cookware set? Although both sets are similar in quality and value, I’d go with the Gotham Steel 13-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set. If you have an induction cooktop, you’ll need the Copper Chef 9-Piece Round Pan Collection.

If you’re looking for an individual pan, however, I’d recommend the Copper Chef 10-inch Round Frying Pan with Lid. It has great reviews and performs better.

Check Gotham Steel Price on Amazon