Bulbhead Red Copper Pan Review: Are You Missing Out On THE Best In Cookware Innovation?
Here's our Red Copper Pan review - The infomercials for Red Copper Pans certainly invoke desire.
They make you WANT to head on over to Amazon right away to own one.
They make you NEED this pan.
The desire that Red Copper's ads create is unquestionably inspiring for the marketers out there.
But do these copper pans actually stand up to the home chef's who will be using them?
We set out to find out – here's what we found.
What is Red Copper Cookware?
Red Copper Cookware made by Bulbhead carries a reputation for being 'revolutionary' mostly because of the non-stick ceramic structure combined with durable copper.
Bulbhead sells the non-stick performance as the primary show stopper. They're supposed to be scratch resistant: food - burnt or otherwise slides off the surface as though it's sitting on an oil slick. AND you can fry eggs in these copper pans without even using a drop of oil - apparently.
You'll also find that Red Copper cookware is non-toxic, safe, and oven safe, too (up to 500°F). What we love about these Red Copper pots and pans is their versatility. You can bake, boil, saute, grill, and much more with these babies all in one pan alone.
All of these fantastic features lead us to want to know what they’re made of, which is coming up next.
What are Red Copper Pans Made Of?
A double coating of ceramic infused with copper are the main materials of Red Copper Pans – they are not solid copper pans.
It's this combination of materials that create a unique non-stick cooking experience that cooks evenly and is long-lasting, durable, and resistible to excessive heat.
But … is copper safe? It’s a logical next question.
Is Red Copper Cookware Safe
Bulbhead assures us that their copper cookware is safe, and in particular that it's PFOA and PTFE free, which are toxic chemicals that can appear in some cookware.
That said, ceramic is a safe material anyway, which is why it's frequently used on bakeware. It's just copper, which can present some hazards – particularly 100% copper cookware, though these hazards are very minute in reality.
But to add an extra level of reassurance, the surface of the pan is ceramic only. The copper forms a deeper layer just underneath the surface, meaning that unless you handle your Red Copper pans too aggressively that they are guaranteed to be safe for use.
So to clarify …
Are Red Copper Pans Toxic?
Red Copper Pans are not toxic at all.
They are certified toxic-free and are particularly safe because the surface of the pans is coated in ceramic only – a very safe material.
Now you know that Red Copper is safe, and practical, you’ll probably want to know what the benefits are, all of them. Well, you’re in the right place, that’s coming up next.
What Are The Features and Benefits of Red Copper Cookware?
There's a reason why Bulbhead's Red Copper Cookware is a popular choice for many. And with an average of 4.5-star ratings on Amazon, they certainly seem to be living up to customer's expectations.
Here are the features, as advertised by Bulbhead.
Copper-infused Ceramic Cookware
The surface of your Red Copper pan is non-stick and scratch-resistant. According to Bulbhead, burn anything, and it will slip off. Videos from Bulbhead show burnt sugar and cheese sliding off Red Copper pans as though it's on ice.
Oven Safe
Red Copper Cookware is oven safe up to 500°C. The handles are also oven safe, making it easy to move your copper pans from the hob to the oven.
You might want to cook some pasta on the hob and then brown some garlic, bread crumbs, and cheese on the top. Or even to bake with. Which leads us onto the next point
Note! Lids are NOT oven safe.
Pan Shapes and Depths
Now, this isn't a feature that Bulbhead actively promotes in their advertising, but it's one we've noticed.
The shape and depth of the pans are great for all manner of baking needs. And the handles (if you can fit it in the oven ) make it easier for you to take your copper pots in and out of the oven.
Durable
Bulbhead claims that their Red Copper pans are long-lasting, durable, and even scratch-resistant. They also claim that you can use metal utensils.
However, our personal experience and customer reviews clearly state that this information is not accurate. You can scratch and ruin the surface of the pan.
To make the most out of these pans, you need to take appropriate care of them (explained further on in this article) AND use plastic utensils - just as you would with non-stick pans.
PFOA & PTFE-Free
Red Copper cookware is safe for use and free of toxins, which are chemicals that commonly occur in non-stick cookware. These chemicals are relatively safe, but they do disintegrate at high heats. Red Copper assures you that the coating will not flake off.
Though, caution should be applied to remember to keep the heat lower and refrain from using metal utensils. Because despite Bulbheads claims, there is evidence of some flaking if the pans are not cared for correctly.
Easy to Clean
Because of the non-stick coating inside and outside, they are easy to clean. They are dishwasher safe too. Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers can damage the surface, though. Red Copper cookware doesn't recommend that you use those to clean your copper cookware.
Moving on, let's take a look at some of the Red Copper’s best selling items.
The Best Copper Cookware
Knowing which is the best copper cookware to invest in saves you a lot of time and frustration. So we've listed some of the best products from Blubhead's Red Copper Cookware range right here.
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Best Red Copper Set #1:
Red Copper 5 Piece Square Pan Set
With all of the key features and benefits you'd expect from Red Copper cookware, this five-piece square pan set is surprisingly handy.
Even if their shape seems unusual for a copper pan, once you try it, you'll find it hard to go back. Mainly because you can use these Red Copper pans on the hob and the oven, and the shape doubles your cooking area.
The sides of the Red Copper square pan are 4" deep which means that they provide plenty of baking and frying opportunities. The deep sides also prevent splatter if you're shallow frying.
According to Bulbhead, this square pan is a 'one pan solution' for all of your cooking needs' because it allows you to cook in eight different ways, which means that it's also incredibly space-saving.
You can:
Each set includes:
Best Red Copper Set #2:
BulbHead Red Copper 10 Piece Copper Infused Cookware Set
If you love the idea of cooking with Red Copper Cookware, you're going to enjoy this cookware set. It's excellent value for money and contains a wide variety of copper pans that will suit all of your cooking needs.
Each pan within this cookware set contains all of the features of the Red Copper range, without exception.
This ten-piece Red Copper set includes:
Best Red Copper Set #3:
Red Copper 12 Inch Skillet
For anybody who is looking to try out this range with less commitment, then we recommend the 12" Skillet. It's perfect for browning, searing, and finishing your meals in the oven.
It's also very versatile and perfect for one-pot cooking. And of course, it too has all of the Red Copper features mentioned earlier on in this review.
Finally, we couldn't resist bringing you the pièce de résistance – the frying pan set you can fry eggs in without oil!
Best Red Copper Set #4:
2 Piece Square Fry Pan Set - 10-inch & 12-inch
If you season these pans as described in your package instructions, you will enjoy the glory of frying food with little to no butter or oil. And also food that doesn't stick. Thanks to Red Copper's revolutionary non-stick coating.
Plus, the design of these pans means that the heat distributes evenly, and the square shape creates more cooking surface too.
Red Copper vs. Copper Chef
If you are familiar with Red Copper, you may also know of their competitor 'Copper Chef'.
Copper Chef makes similar products and even likes to promote them with the same kinds of 'infomercials' as Red Copper. Which makes it challenging to know what brand you should choose.
So what are the differences?
Red Copper
Copper Chef
Heat Resistance
Copper Chef products can resist heat up to 850°F, whereas Red copper sustains heat up to 500°F.
Product Range
Red Copper cookware has a smaller range of cookware products than Copper Chef does. For example, Copper Chef has casserole pans and different aesthetic designs, whereas Red Copper has knives, straws, and other types of bakeware.
Heat Conduction
Copper Chef has a stainless steel induction plate to distribute heat, while Red Copper has aluminum rings for even heat distribution. The technology here is different, but they probably garner the same results.
Handles
You'll find that Red Copper's handles are sturdier than Copper Chef though at first Copper Chef's handles appear cooler to the touch once you start cooking though you do experience some heat transference into the handles.
Weight
Red Copper pans are slightly lighter than Copper chef pans. So if weight is an issue for you, it's probably better to go for the Red Copper option.
The Pros and Cons of Red Copper Cookware
Sometimes it's easier to scan through the pros and cons of a product to determine if it's going to tick the box for you. So here they are:
Pros
Cons
There are a few cons that you'll need to review if you are considering investing in a Red Copper pan. People either love them or hate them.
However, it's important to bear in mind that many customers will have unrealistic expectations because the advertising is misleading. The commercial showing that you can fry a bunch of nails without scratching the surface is definitely unrealistic!
If we can remove the effects of the advertising and consider the pan ourselves, it's a fair priced pan with many great qualities. But it's a pan that requires some due care and attention. Like many other pans do.
Red Copper Cookware Reviews - What do the customers say?
Red Copper Cookware has an average of 4.5-star reviews across the board from their customer feedback.
Positive Feedback
The majority of Red Copper reviewers like the weight, price, convenience, and versatility of the pans. But most also say that it's important to pay attention to the instructions on how to season the pan, what heat to use and how to clean it. Claiming that if you don't do this, you won't enjoy this copper cookware.
If you can take good care of it, it comes with a long lasting guarantee.
Negative Feedback
On the downside, those who perhaps didn't read or follow the instructions claim that the non-stick doesn't last. They also state that the pan surface is prone to scratches. It's disappointing to experience these issues. But they don't occur if you care for the pans correctly.
Issues You Should Note
There are a couple of other issues that you should be aware of before you decide to buy Red Copper Cookware:
The commercials seem to be misleading.
Don't believe the hype about the non-scratch surface — they do scratch.
And if you're using a flat top stove, you probably need to consider an alternative cookware option because these pans don't seem to sit too well on a flat top stove — the bottom is uneven.
They are also not suitable for use on induction hobs.
Misleading Marketing?
According to the reviews, Red Copper pans are easy to use, lightweight and convenient both for storage and versatility, which appear to hold true. Despite what the brand claims, you SHOULDN'T use metal utensils because they will damage the surface.
We’ve included details for how to care for these pans below.
Red Copper Pans Instructions
We've mentioned throughout this review that Red Copper underplay the need to take care of these pans – instead of choosing to promote them as virtually indestructible. When the fact is, Red Copper pans do need due care and attention, especially if you want to retain your lifetime warranty.
This section shows you what you need to do to care for your Red Copper cookware so that you can enjoy all of the slippery benefits this brand bestows.
How to Use and Care for Red Copper Cookware
You'll need to treat your Red Copper cookware like all other non-stick pans you've had in the past - which means NO METAL UTENSILS.
How To Store Your Red Copper Pans
You'll also save your pans from premature aging if you take care when storing them. If you have to stack other pans inside your Red Copper pan, place a paper towel or a pot saver in the base of the pan before stacking to avoid any dents or scratches.
Cleaning Red Copper Pans
Cleaning your pan should be easy. The surface makes it easy to clean – especially if you season your pan before use and it's dishwasher safe.
You can simply wipe out the pan after light use, and keep it seasoned and ready for the next time you use it. Or wash it in the dishwasher or by hand.
If you do decide to wash your pans by hand, you'll need to avoid abrasive sponges or chemicals, and you'll need to be careful with what other items you may have in your washing up water that could damage the surface of your pan.
How Do You Treat Red Copper Pans
Treating Red Copper pan is the same as seasoning the pan.
Red Copper Pans Seasoning Instructions
Most people are familiar with 'seasoning a pan.' It's essentially coating the surface with oil to seal the microscopic ridges that can cause food to stick.
And most pans that don't have a traditional 'non-stick' coating require seasoning. Stainless steel, cast iron, 100% copper all need seasoning before use.
To season, simply heat some oil in the pan on 300°F for twenty minutes. Wait for the oil to cool and then wipe out with a paper towel.
Tip! Once you've seasoned the pan, you shouldn't need to season it again for up to six months.
If you take appropriate care of your Red Copper pans, you won't be disappointed with their performance or longevity. But we cannot express enough that they need care!
Conclusion: Do Red Copper Pans Really Work?
If there's one reason to buy this pan alone, it's the ability to make fried eggs without the use of any oil. Zero.
It's a great selling point.
The other reason is that they can be so versatile; for example, the five-piece Red Copper square pan set doubles up as a roaster, braiser, saute pan, and more. Perfect for small homes, RV's and any kitchen with limited storage space.
Red copper pans do work, but not as well as advertised.
If you want a scratch-resistant, non-stick pan, this isn't it. Instead, you might want to consider the Circulon TOTAL non-stick pans.
But if you're happy to use plastic utensils and care for the pans properly, as you'd need to do if you were using traditional copper pans or stainless steel, then you've got yourself some handy cookware that will not disappoint, and for a great price.
