Clearing Up The Confusion: Gotham Steel Vs Red Copper Which Is The Best Choice?

Determining whether Gotham Steel vs Red Copper is a difficult decision to make.

Not least because there seems to be a big question lurking around online about whether Gotham Steel is better than Red Copper cookware, or vice versa.

It's an interesting debate, one which took a lot of deep diving, and analysis to determine what the differences are.

But we did figure it all out for you so that you can make an informed choice when it comes to choosing the right cookware for your kitchen.

First things first, please allow us to explain who Red Copper and Gotham Steel are:

Gotham Steel Vs Red Copper

What do You need to Know About Red Copper?

Red Copper Logo

A brand called Bulbhead owns Red Copper. They promote design-led products.

Within their range, you'll find all kinds of cookware, household, and pet items. This diverse range means that Bulbhead doesn't specialize in cookware alone - they specialize in design and innovation.

It has been challenging to learn more about the development of Red Copper cookware. But they do have some huge claims about their cookware - they certainly know how to create a buzz that's for sure.

According to the infomercials, Red Copper cookware is scratch-proof, non-stick, and incredibly durable! 

Moving on to Gotham Steel ...

What is Gotham Steel?

Gotham steel is a cookware brand based in New York City. Their goal is to create 'peace of mind' in the kitchen through their non-stick, non-toxic cookware. They want you to spend less time worrying about how to cook healthier meals and less time cleaning up! 

Celebrity chefs such as Chef Daniel Green, Chef Josh Capon, & Chef Graham Elliot endorse Gotham Steel cookware. They all have a variety of videos showing how they use their pots and pans. 

Gotham Steel logo

However, to keep things in perspective, we should assume that they are likely paid sponsors.

The main difference between Gotham Steel vs. Red Copper is the structure of the cookware:

Gotham Steel uses a titanium infused ceramic coating over a hard-anodized aluminum exterior with a steel induction plate to conduct heat.

In contrast, Red Copper has a copper-infused ceramic coating over a hard-anodized aluminum plate and aluminum rings to conduct heat.

Just like Red Copper, Gotham Steel, also claim their cookware is scratch resistant and durable, though the reviews demonstrate that the cookware from both brands need more care and attention than the brands state.

Now you know who the brands are, let’s compare the features. Onto the Gotham Steel Vs Red Copper discussion: 

Gotham Steel Features

Non-stick Ceramic Combined With Super Strong Titanium

Gotham Steel 20 Pc Pots and Pans Set, Bakeware Set, Ceramic Cookware Set for Kitchen, Long Lasting Non Stick Pots and Pans Set with Lids Dishwasher / Oven Safe, Non Toxic-Copper

Creates a robust, non-stick surface, requiring very little oil. Making it easier for you to cook and clean up afterward. You can also use metal utensils on their 'non-stick' surface.

Gotham Steel also claims that you need little to no oil, because 'everything slides off.' Impressive, if it’s true.

Though Gotham steel pan reviews claim that you do need to season the pan to achieve a full non stick experience.

Oven safe up to 800°

If you like to turn the heat up when you cook, you can with Gotham Steel.

The titanium, combined with the thick anodized steel base ensures this cookware can take the heat no matter how hot you like it.

Well, up to 800°F.

PTFE/PFOA/PFOS Free

This cookware is toxin-free.

Dishwasher Safe

You can throw your Gotham Steel cookware set in the dishwasher for convenience, and you can just as easily hand wash them too.

The non-stick coating makes cleaning simple. 

Clear Durable Glass Lids

All Gotham Steel lids are clear break-resistant glass. So you can watch the progress of your dishes conveniently and avoid steaming your nose!

The lids DONT appear to be oven safe, though. 

2.8mm Thick Anodized Base

The base of Gotham steel pans ensures they can withstand a lot of cooking challenges. It also means that they don't warp easily, and you won't experience hot spots across the bottom of the pan.

Moving onto Red Copper ...

Red Copper Cookware Features

You’ll discover many similar features to Gotham Steel from Red Copper, even though the construction materials differ. It’s interesting how different but similar they can be.

Copper-infused Ceramic Cookware

Red Copper also claims to have all of the features we have outlined in Gotham Steel's features thanks to the construction materials.

It's non-stick, you can use little oil, the pans wash easily and are supposed to withstand scratches.

Because copper is lighter than titanium, Red copper pans are lighter. Copper is also a great heat conductor, which means that the pan is likely to stay hot all over.

Nonstick and scratch-resistant cooking surface

Thanks to the copper-infused non-stick coatings food slides off - even burnt food (according to the brand's infomercials). 

Oven Safe

Red Copper cookware set reviews claim that they work in the same way as Gotham Steel.

You can easily move it from hob to oven and vice versa.

Dishwasher Safe

You can clean the Red Copper cookware both in the dishwasher and by hand.

Red Copper Oven Safe

Works All Hobs

You'll need to buy induction specific cookware from Red Copper if you have an induction hob, they have a good range of options.

The rest of the cookware works on all other hobs.

Tempered Glass Lids

Red Copper's glass lids include metal handles and a steam vent. They are constructed with tempered glass, which means they are break and shatter-resistant.

Aluminum Ring Base

The base of Red Copper pans is different from Gotham Steel pans; they use a ring of aluminum. The aluminium ring makes the pan lighter and distributes heat evenly.

As we have already mentioned, it’s not easy to determine the differences between Gotham Steel and Red Copper, so we’ve laid out the similarities and differences here:

Gotham Steel vs Red Copper: The Similarities

The similarities are most of the main claims that both brands seem to shout about. Such as:

Gotham Steel 20 Pc Pots and Pans Set, Bakeware Set, Ceramic Cookware Set for Kitchen, Long Lasting Non Stick Pots and Pans Set with Lids Dishwasher / Oven Safe, Non Toxic-Copper

Gotham Steel

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

Red Copper

Gotham Steel

Red Copper

Make Healthy Meals

The idea behind both Gotham Steels and Red Copper's innovation is similar. They focus on cookware requiring little to no oil, to assist you in cooking and enjoying healthy meals with ease.

Nonstick and Scratch Resistant Claims

Both brands claim their cookware is so scratch resistant that you can use metal utensils inside the cookware without damaging the coating. However, customer reviews say otherwise. We do not recommend you use metal utensils.

Dishwasher Safe & Easy To Clean

It doesn't matter whether you prefer to hand wash or use the dishwasher; both brands will clean up well.

Suitable For Most Stove Tops

Most products within each brand are suitable for all stovetops aside from induction stoves. However, some items within the Red Copper brand are induction safe.

Oven Safe

All cookware from both Gotham Steel and Red Copper is oven-safe, but the temperatures they can tolerate differs. Gotham Steel tolerates higher temperatures than Red Copper. 

Overall Design and Technology

The technology and cookware design from both brands are both very similar, and also yields similar outcomes and experiences for the user. 

Toxin Free

You can trust that both brands are toxin-free and safe to use.

Some Similar Products Amongst Brands

If you explore both brands, you'll notice that they look quite similar but also different. That's because some key items are almost identical. But the range of products each brand offers are quite diverse overall.

So what are the differences? There are a few coming up next.

Gotham Steel vs. Red Copper: The Differences

The main differences we could find are listed below:

Gotham Steel 9.5 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans, Frying Pans Nonstick Skillet, Healthy and Non Toxic Ceramic Pan for Cooking, Nonstick Frying Pan, Oven Safe Skillet, Dishwasher Safe - Copper

Gotham Steel

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

Red Copper

Gotham Steel

Red Copper

The Materials

Titanium infused ceramic from Gotham Steel Vs. copper-infused ceramic from Red Copper seems to make mild differences between each brand. Copper is known for conducting heat very well, whereas titanium is known for being robust and slightly heavier.

You may find that Red Copper cookware set is slightly lighter, and cooks and retains heat more evenly. And that the Gotham Steel cookware set feels sturdier and slightly heavier, and won't be as likely to warp if you're a bit heavy on the heat when you cook. 

2.8 mm Anodized Base vs. Aluminium Rings.

The thickness of Gotham Steel's anodized base makes it more tolerable to higher temperatures. However, the aluminum rings featuring in the Red Copper Cookware set further enforces the even heat distribution they already accomplish by using copper over titanium.

Meaning that Gotham Steel may have less chance of warping than the Red Copper.

Temperature Tolerance

The base of cookware determines the heat tolerance. Gotham Steel's thick anodized base can sustain temperatures up to 850°F. Red Copper, on the other hand, sustains temperatures up to 500°F.

So if you're a bit heavy on the heat when you cook, go for Gotham Steel, and if you are careful with heat and like to build flavor, Red Copper might be a better choice for you. 

Weight

Weight is an important factor when cooking, especially when you've got a pan full of boiling water, and you can barely hold it single-handedly while using a strainer. There's not too much difference in weight between Gotham Steel vs. Red Copper, but Red Copper is slightly lighter

Different Product Ranges

Aside from the key items mentioned earlier, the product range for both brands is very different and diverse. Gotham Steel has more products overall, and Red Copper has some cool things such as Copper Straws!

To make the best decision possible, you probably need to know the difference between titanium and copper, here’s what we found:

Which Is Better In Cookware? Titanium or Copper?

Titanium increases durability and enhances non-stick properties within cookware. It's also non-porous, which stops food or chemicals penetrating the surface and stops toxins from the aluminum base from seeping into the food. It's also a stable, very strong, and lightweight metal, and it doesn't corrode easily.

With these credentials, it's easy to see why a cookware brand would include titanium in their products.

However, one of the main downsides of titanium is that it's a poor heat conductor, which is probably why Gotham Steel has a thick anodized base rather than aluminum rings like Red Copper.

Copper on the other hand is an excellent heat conductor and is one of the main reasons why many chefs choose copper for their cookware. Even if copper is infused throughout the pan, as it is with Red Copper cookware, it will still conduct heat.

Copper is also very adhesive and will bond to many materials, which keeps the surfaces together and maintains a non-porous surface. It's corrosion-resistant too. 

Quick View of Titanium and Copper Cookware

Gotham Steel Cookware

Red Copper Cookware

Best Products From Gotham Steel

Gotham Steel 20 Pc Pots and Pans Set, Bakeware Set, Ceramic Cookware Set for Kitchen, Long Lasting Non Stick Pots and Pans Set with Lids Dishwasher / Oven Safe, Non Toxic-Copper

This cookware set is a complete kitchen in a box. It includes everything you'd need to cook almost anything you want. With this set, you can cook, bake, steam, deep-fry, roast, boil, and more!

This all-inclusive cookware & bakeware set from Gotham Steel! Not only can you cook & bake with this set, but you can steam, deep-fry, roast, boil & more!

The set includes:

  • 8.5" fry pan
  • 10.25" fry pan with lid,
  • 5QT stockpot with lid, stainless steel steamer rack,
  • 1.5QT saucepan with lid
  • 2.5QT saucepan with lid
  • Cookie sheet
  • Brownie pan
  • Square baking pan
  • Loaf pan
  • Round baking pan
  • 9.5" square shallow pan
  • Mesh deep fry basket
  • Stainless steel steamer rack
  • Clip stands to hold it up,
  • Tempered glass lid
Gotham Steel 20 Pc Pots and Pans Set, Bakeware Set, Ceramic Cookware Set for Kitchen, Long Lasting Non Stick Pots and Pans Set with Lids Dishwasher / Oven Safe, Non Toxic-Copper
Gotham Steel 20 Pc Pots and Pans Set, Bakeware Set, Ceramic Cookware Set for Kitchen, Long Lasting Non Stick Pots and Pans Set with Lids Dishwasher / Oven Safe, Non Toxic-Copper

If you don’t need so many products, then we recommend the 13 piece cookware set.

Best Gotham Steel Cookware #2: 
13 Piece Premium Cookware Set

Gotham Steel Pro 13 Pc set Ceramic Pots and Pans Set Non Stick Cookware Sets Pot and Pan Set, Kitchen Cookware Sets, Ceramic Cookware Set, Hard Anodized Cookware Set, Pot Set, Dishwasher Safe, Copper

Skillets, fry pans, saute pans, and stockpots feature in this set, there’s a pot for every need. It boasts an average rating of 4.4 stars according to customer reviews.

The set includes:

  • 8” skillet,
  • 10” fry pan,
  • 12.5” fry pan,
  • 1.5 QT saucepan with lid,
  • 2.5 QT saucepan with lid,
  • 3 QT chef’s pan with lid,
  • 3 QT sauté pan with lid
  • 6 QT stockpot with lid
Gotham Steel Pro 13 Pc set Ceramic Pots and Pans Set Non Stick Cookware Sets Pot and Pan Set, Kitchen Cookware Sets, Ceramic Cookware Set, Hard Anodized Cookware Set, Pot Set, Dishwasher Safe, Copper

If you don’t need a cookware set, then Gotham Steel fry pan is well worth a try and a reasonable price too! 

Best Gotham Steel Cookware #3: 
9.5” Fry Pan

Gotham Steel 9.5 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans, Frying Pans Nonstick Skillet, Healthy and Non Toxic Ceramic Pan for Cooking, Nonstick Frying Pan, Oven Safe Skillet, Dishwasher Safe - Copper

This frypan is a great size and has all of the features of Gotham Steel products, mainly because you need little to no oil to make the most of this pan!

Best Products From Red Copper

There are many great products from Red Copper, which we feature in a different article. So if you’re thinking that Red Copper is the brand for you, and you are looking for a cookware set, check out our full Red Copper review here [INSERT LINK TO RED COPPER ARTICLE] for more details and product recommendations.

But if you want to try one piece first, we recommend this pan below — trust us, it’s very handy.

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

Red Copper’s fry pan skillet is safe and versatile. You can use it to brown, sear, fry, and finish everything off in the oven, and it’s a great way to try out Red Copper before fully committing.

Still not sure? Check out these pros and cons to see if they will help you decide.

The Pros and Cons of Gotham Steel Vs Red Copper

Gotham Steel

Pros

  • Higher temperature resistance.
  • More extensive choice of product options.
  • Made with a combination of ceramic and titanium.

Cons

  • Slightly more expensive.
  • Handles are not as sturdy.
  • Lower customer feedback scores.
  • Requires more care than you probably expect.
  • Misleading advertising.
  • Slightly heavier.

Red Copper

Pros

  • Well curated range.
  • Sturdy handles.
  • Less expensive.
  • Lighter and more comfortable to handle.
  • Made from a combination of ceramic and copper.
  • 4.5-star review rating on average.

Cons

  • Lower temperature resistance.
  • Misleading advertising.
  • Requires more care than you probably expect.

So which is best? Here are our thoughts ...

Which is Best? Red Gotham Steel vs Red Copper vs Copper Chef?

If you’re trying to decide which brand to choose between Red Copper, Copper Chef, and Gotham steel, let’s get to the point it’s a pretty even race. All three brands mimic each other in many ways: from some of the designs to the technology and in their approach to advertising, branding, marketing, and pricing.

Sure Gotham Steel uses different materials. They use titanium in their ceramic mix, whereas Red Copper and Copper Chef use Copper. But the differences between these are few and far between.

At a push, copper is a better heat conductor, so you’d likely get slightly more even cooking, but it’s not enough to make either one of these three brands stand out.

The main things you need to consider to help you whether you want very high-temperature resistant cookware and what type of pan you are looking for.

If you want high temperatures up to 850°F, then Gotham Steel is the right option for you. If you want a specific pan, it’s worth browsing the ranges because all three brands have different options.

Otherwise, if you don’t have any real preferences, then Red Copper seems to have the best reviews out of all three.

But don’t take our word for it, here’s what the customers have to say...

Gotham Steel Vs Red Copper Reviews - What Do The Customers Say?

Gotham Steel VS Red Copper Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the Gotham Steel pan reviews highlight customers who are impressed by the sturdier appearance. We guess because they are looking for a robust, long-lasting pan. And most are happy with their purchases. Red Copper customers also appear to be delighted with their purchase.

In many cases, both for Gotham Steel and Red Copper, customers claim that the pans they chose were easy to clean and durable.

The thing is that despite the marketing, both Gotham Steel and Red Copper pans also have a reputation for food sticking! Which is not what they say in their ads. Several frustrated reviews were stating this claim.

When we take a look at the reviews, it’s important to note that some purchasers would immediately place their review after receiving their order, and without having the chance to try the pans in the kitchen. And other reviewers who are disappointed, may not have read the instructions about how to take appropriate care of the pans.

The general consensus was that the pans were good, but the ads are misleading, they are not totally scratch resistant and do require extra care.

Which leads us nicely onto our conclusion.

Conclusion: Which is Better? Red Copper vs Gotham Steel

The research, reviews, and analysis of the Red Copper Vs. Gotham Steel pan reviews reveals why people are confused. It’s because two brands are targeting the same market with very similar products, and in theory, there is not much at all between them. If you’re looking for pans with a ceramic mix coating, then either brand will suit you.

However, if you need something lighter, you should choose Red Copper. If you want a higher heat resistance choose Gotham Steel.

Regardless of what brand you decide to invest in, know this: you must take appropriate care of these pans for them to last - just like all other cookware types require. They are not as durable as the brands hype them up to be.

About the author 

Jesse Spitzer

Jesse is a father of two and an aspiring chef. He has worked in the kitchen for over 7 years. He loves cooking and is passionate about finding ways to cook easier and more efficient. When he's not in the kitchen, Jesse can be found on on the golf course, reading a productivity book or sipping a glass of nice pinot.

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