Red Copper Pan Review (And Alternatives)

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Food sticking in pans is one of my worst nightmares. Not only does it make a mess, but it’s also hard to clean and often leaves me having to make a last-minute backup plan to feed the family! Do you ever feel the same? 

With a Red Copper skillet, sticking is a thing of the past – or at least that’s the claim! In this Red Copper pan review, I’ll examine this assertion and help you can decide if Red Copper is the right pan for you. 

Here’s what’s to love about the Red Copper Cookware: 

  1. Various sizes available
  2. Teflon Free
  3. Oven-safe to 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) 
  4. Naturally non-stick surface 
  5. Copper-infused 

If you don’t want to trawl through any more Red Copper cookware reviews, and just want to know whether I recommend it:

The Red Copper pan is an attractive, durable, non-stick copper ceramic pan. It’s a great choice. You can find it on Amazon or direct with the manufacturer, Bulbhead.

If you are looking for more than one pan, the Red Copper cookware set is excellent value, and one of the pans even comes with a lid! (Check on Amazon or Bulbhead.)

I would also recommend considering slightly more pricy Michelangelo pan for its increased durability and lid.

Read on to find out more details, and other interesting alternatives.

Red Copper Pan Reviews: What to Consider Before Buying 

When shopping for pans, you shouldn’t just buy the first one you see or read about. You want to know you’re buying the best quality pan that will work for you and will last. Not everybody will find the same pan to be best for them. Consider these factors before you buy: 

Are Red Copper Pans Safe? 

Red Copper cookware is perfectly safe to cook with. It’s constructed mainly out of aluminum, which has been the subject of controversy because it can leach toxins into food. Yet in the case of the Red Copper pans, the food never even touches the aluminum thanks to the extra coating. 

The coating is ceramic and contains no toxins or PTFE (the active ingredient in Teflon). Ceramic can be considered safer than Teflon or other well-known non-stick coatings. Since the coating is the layer your food will be directly in contact with; it’s important that it’s toxin-free.

Some people may be worried about the reaction of copper, especially with acidic foods. Whilst it’s true that normal copper needs to be lined with tin before use to stop the copper leaching into the food, this is something different.

This isn’t really a copper skillet, but a copper-infused ceramic-coated pan. At least it contains some copper – not all pans with copper in the title actually include copper!

The copper is bound to the ceramic, and present in much smaller quantities than traditional copper cookware, so you don’t need to worry about it leaching.

So are Red Copper pans toxic? Not if you use them correctly: Always stay below the maximum temperatures, don’t use metal utensils, and season correctly.

Do Red Copper Pans Work? 

The Red Copper skillet works well for different types of cooking. You can use it on the stovetop or in the oven, which adds an extra layer of versatility to your cooking. 

The coating is effective for preventing sticking and doesn’t produce any toxic fumes. It’s also supposed to be scratch-resistant, so you shouldn’t get bits of the coating coming off and landing in your food. 

Yet customers report the coating getting scratched, so make sure to keep metal utensils away from it. Scratch-resistant isn’t scratch-proof.

Who Shouldn’t Buy a Red Copper Frying Pan? 

If you aren’t going to be using your frying pan often and you’re happy to use a non-stick spray, then you might be better off choosing a different pan. 

Also, if you aren’t prepared to season your pan regularly, then maybe the Red Copper collection aren’t for you. 

Further, only buy the pan if you will treat it right: only wood or silicone utensils and be very careful it using the dishwasher. Make sure, wherever you wash it that no metal comes in contact with the non-stick coating.

Finally, this isn’t the pan for you if you want something that will last lifetimes. If you want that, you might need traditional copper cookware or cast iron.

You’ll need to register your pan when you purchase it in order to be eligible for the warranty. Also, be aware that the warranty may become null and void if you use utensils that are likely to damage the coating, so it’s even more important to look after your Red Copper cookware properly. 

Presenting … 

The Red Copper Pan 

The Red Copper frying pan is manufactured by BulbHead, which is—as their tagline says—the home of bright ideas. 

Red Copper 10 inch Pan by BulbHead Ceramic Copper Infused Non-Stick Fry Pan Skillet Scratch Resistant Without PFOA and PTFE Heat Resistant From Stove To Oven Up To 500 Degrees

It’s an aluminum frying pan that has a ceramic non-stick coating infused with copper. It promises to help you cook anything without sticking to the pan while being safe and toxic-free. The beauty of this is that you won’t have to use butter or oil, so it even makes your meals healthier. 

This pan is ideal for chefs or casual cooks who understand the importance of maintaining and taking care of their cookware. It will need to be seasoned regularly and used with only certain types of utensils, so it’s best for those who will treat it right. 

According to the manufacturer, Red Copper cookware is both induction-compatible and dishwasher-safe. But it’s always advisable to read your product manual carefully before doing either because some customers report that it’s neither dishwasher nor induction safe. 

Pros

  • Stay-cool handles for moving from stove to oven easily 
  • Non-stick properties 
  • Scratch-resistant 
  • Aluminum construction 
  • Copper-infused ceramic cookware 
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Induction compatible
  • Oven-safe to 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) 

Cons

  • Lids are sold separately 
  • The handle is heavy and can tip the pan over on angled stovetops 
  • Not fully copper-constructed, so understand that carefully before buying
  • Requires seasoning for best performance

Bulbhead, the manufacturer, also sells the pan directly. It could be worth checking them out.

Red Copper Cookware

Bulbhead, the manufacturer, also offer a full nonstick cookware set.

The Red Copper cookware set includes:

  • 8-inch fry pan
  • 10-inch fry pan
  • 1.5 quart sauce pot
  • 2.5 quart sauce pot
  • 6 quart sauce pot
  • Steamer insert

Apart from the 8-inch fry pan and the steamer insert, all the cookware pieces come with a tempered glass lid.

BulbHead Red Copper 10 PC Copper-Infused Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set

Much of what I say below about the pan applies to the cookware set. The main difference is the number of pieces, including the lid for the 10-inch fry pan.

The full cookware set is normally great value, and if you need more than one pan, it can be worth getting the full set.

Don’t forget to check out the Red Copper cookware set with the manufacturer, Bulbhead, in case they have a better deal:

Red copper pan features

Features and Benefits 

Various Sizes Available 

This Red Copper fry pan review focuses on the 10-inch pan (25cm). You’ll also be able to choose from an 8-inch pan (20 centimeters) or a 12-inch pan (30 centimeters.)

It really depends on your own personal preferences as to which one would be the best choice for you. Other things that could play a role include the environment in which you cook, the size of your family, and the space in your kitchen cupboards. 

If you have a smaller oven or perhaps a more compact stovetop, the 8-inch (20 centimeters) would work perfectly for you. If you have a large family and need to cook a large amount, the 12-inch (30 centimeters) would be a good choice. 

Red Copper 8-Inch Fry Pan

If you’re undecided, the 10-inch (reviewed) is a decent in-between size. It should fit in most ovens and on most stovetops very comfortably, and you can cook quite a lot of food in it at a time. 

The nice thing is that you could buy more than one size to use depending on the situation; they’re also quite lightweight and small, so keeping more than one in your cupboard shouldn’t be a problem. 

PTFE-Free (Teflon-Free)

One of the things I always look for in a pan is whether the material is toxic or safe for cooking. I’m happy to say the Red Copper pan is free from chemicals like Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). 

PTFE, the active ingredient in Teflon, is usually added to the coating to make it non-stick. It is actually pretty safe and common in nonstick cookware, but its fumes can kill pet birds when overheated.

So, if you want to be sure and avoid PTFE then the Red Copper pan is a good choice.

It’s ceramic non-stick coating eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.

Heat Resistant

Whether you need to cook on the stovetop or in the oven, you can do it all with just one pan. Both the pan and the handle are heat-resistant and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit.) 

This is super for dishes where you need to use both the stove and the oven for cooking your food. You don’t need to switch cookware to get all your cooking done; simply move the Red Copper pan from one to the other, but be careful not to burn yourself while doing so! 

Non-Stick Ceramic Surface 

There are two kinds of pans: those without non-stick properties and those with non-stick properties. But they have some disadvantages: 

  • Some require you to use butter or oil for your food not to stick 
  • Some have potentially harmful chemicals in their coatings that create the non-stick effect 

But a ceramic surface like on the Red Copper pan gets rid of those two problems from the start. Some “ceramic” coatings actually include PTFE. This can be misleading to customers who want to avoid Teflon or similar products. 

Yet Bulbhead has found a way around this with the Red Copper pan.

Perhaps it’s the copper infusion that helps them avoid PTFE? Either way, the Red Copper pan is safe to use without the need for a large amount of oil to cook your food. 

Red Copper Pan

Copper-Infused 

There’s a difference between being made of copper and being copper-infused. The Red Copper pan is actually made of aluminum, which makes it super strong, light, and a great heat conductor. Yet the aluminum makes the pan quite a bit more affordable than a fully copper pan. 

The coating is made from ceramic, infused with copper; this is a good thing because bare copper is prone to leaching copper into your food, especially if it is acidic. 

Seasoning

Red copper pans do need to be seasoned to get the most out of them. This is slightly unusual, as in my experience most non-stick cookware does not benefit from seasoning at all (in fact it can destroy the non-stick surface.)

It’s not a big deal, and I’ve written a guide on seasoning red copper pans. In short: clean, dry, add vegetable oil and heat.

(Seasoning isn’t cooking. For cooking with I normally recommend olive oil, not vegetable oil, just try no to overheat.)

Cleaning

Although Red Copper cookware is theoretically dishwasher safe, I advise hand washing all non-stick cookware.

Sure it’s OK to put it in the dishwasher now and then, and I’ve done this regularly with non-stick cookware before. Yet over time, the non-stick coating will wear off quicker.

Hand washing is also quite easy with Red Copper, a quick pass with a wet, soapy sponge and then rinse.

Good Construction

The Red Copper fry pan is well built, and excellent value for money. Its stainless steel handle is strong and comfortable to hold and the nonstick surface is genuinely scratch resistant. (But definitely not scratch-proof.)

This isn’t the highest quality, or best built non-stick cookware on the market, but for the cost it performs really well.

Red Copper Alternatives 

If you aren’t sure if Red Copper Cookware is right for you, here are some alternatives to compare. Be aware when shopping, because not all “copper” cookware actually has copper in it! Sometimes copper only refers to the color.

Koch System 10″ Copper Non-stick Frying Pan 

The Koch System’s copper non-stick frying pan is also crafted from aluminum and has a five-layered reinforced ceramic-titanium coating designed to last longer than other pans. 

CSK Copper Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set with Lid - Pans and Pots, All Stove Tops Compatible, Oven Safe, Ceramic Coating, 100% PTFE & PFOA Free, Stainless Steel Handle, for Stew Boil Fry, 7 Piece

While the Red Copper fry pan has copper infused into its ceramic non-stick coating, it’s unclear whether or not the Koch System’s pan even has copper in it or if the name simply refers to the color. 

The “ergonomically designed” handle on the Koch is quite a bit wider than the Red Copper’s, but it could be uncomfortable for some, especially with oven gloves on. 

The Red Copper skillet is slightly more affordable. 

Red Copper: 

  • Lightweight 
  • Heats and cools fast due to aluminum construction 
  • Handle is small and easy to grab 
  • No lid
  • Copper-infused 
  • Affordable due to aluminum/infused copper design 
  • PTFE and PFOA free (Teflon free)

Koch Systems: 

  • Heavier due to multiple layers 
  • Heats quickly and retains heat well 
  • Ergonomically-designed handle is wider than the Red Copper 
  • Comes with lid
  • It’s hard to tell if this one even includes copper 
  • More expensive than Red Copper 
  • Ceramic coating is PTFE and PFOA free
  • Very durable

If you’d prefer a more robust pan that retains heat very well and don’t mind spending a bit more, then check this one out. 

Home Hero Copper Pan 10 Inch 

The Home Hero is an aluminum pan with a “copper ceramic” coating. It’s unclear whether there really is copper in the coating or if they’re just referring to the color. 

Home Hero Pots and Pans Set Non Stick - 23 Pcs All-In-One Induction Granite Cookware Set + Bakeware Set - Non Toxic, PFOA Free, Oven Safe Pot and Pan Set - (23 Pcs Set - Granite Cookware)

Either way, it’s non-stick, just like the Red Copper, and safe for stovetops and ovens. The Home Hero is suitable for induction cooking, which the Red Copper may not be. 

The Home Hero gets a thumbs-up for including a lid, which the Red Copper doesn’t have. 

The Red Copper is slightly more affordable. 

Red Copper: 

  • No lid included 
  • Copper-infused ceramic coating 
  • Induction and oven safe 
  • Constructed from aluminum
  •  PTFE and PFOA free

Home Hero: 

  • Comes with a lid 
  • Copper ceramic coating 
  • Oven safe and possibly induction safe 
  • Constructed from aluminum 
  • Non-stick coating is PTFE, and PFOA free

If you’d prefer a pan that comes with a lid, then the Home Hero would be worth checking out. 

MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan 

The Michelangelo is an aluminum pan with a ceramic and titanium coating that’s non-stick and scratch-resistant. It’s quite similar to the Red Copper but contains no copper in it. The ”copper” in the name seems to refer to the color only. 

MICHELANGELO 10 Inch Frying Pan with Lid, Nonstick Copper Frying Pan with Ceramic Interior, Nonstick Frying Pans, Nonstick Skillet with Lid,10 Inch Copper Pans Nonstick, Induction Compatible

It’s induction-safe and comes with a handy lid, which is one up on the Red Copper. 

The Red Copper is slightly more affordable. 

Red Copper: 

  • No lid included 
  • Copper-infused ceramic non-stick coating 
  • Non-stick and scratch-resistant 
  • Mixed reviews about induction (although compatible according to manufacturer) 
  • PTFE and PFOA free (Teflon Free)

Michelangelo: 

  • Comes with a lid 
  • Ceramic and titanium coating (no copper) 
  • Non-stick and scratch-resistant 
  • Induction-friendly 
  • PTFE and PFOA free

If you’d prefer a pan that’s induction-friendly and don’t mind missing the copper in the coating, then this pan would be worth looking at. 

Ceramic Alternatives

Ceramic pans, though not copper, can be quite similar to the Red Copper Pan. What’s more they come in a range of attractive colors and are often free of Teflon / PTFE. Read more in my guide to non-stick ceramic frying pans.

Verdict 

If you’re tired of cooking on the stovetop and having to scrape food off the pan or having to cook twice in one evening because your first meal got stuck to the pan, then the Red Copper pan could be the right new piece of cookware for you. 

It’s non-stick but doesn’t contain the same chemicals that many other non-stick pans do, making it a healthier option. 

All the pans reviewed here are similar in this respect.

Do be aware, though, that this pan won’t last forever. You need to treat it right:

  • Season it per instructions
  • Don’t let metal utensils near it
  • Wash it by hand, or very carefully in the dishwasher
  • Don’t leave it to soak, with food in it, or damp

If you do that, you should get some good use out of it.

The coating is also infused with copper, making it durable and beautiful, but you will only pay a fraction of the price you would for a fully copper pan. 

It’s a healthier, stronger, and long-lasting choice if you look after it properly.

Or, if getting more than one pan, the cookware set represents excellent value:

Best Red Copper Alternative

Yet I would be tempted by the Michelangelo pan. Why? Well it’s:

  • More durable and scratch-resistant
  • Actually works on induction stoves
  • Comes with a lid
  • Still PTFE Free
  • Looks great

Sure it’s not got copper in, but how much copper does the Red Copper pan have anyway?

At the time of writing, the Michelangelo pan is more expensive than the Red Copper. So that’s a factor. But if it lasts longer, then maybe it’s worth it?