In recent years, copper cookware is getting popular with various brand names competing for market share. The non stick versions are selling very well at very affordable prices. However, copper cookware has come to mean different things to different people. The price differential between 2 copper pans can also be very wide. So, let’s delve a bit further and check out the best non stick copper cookware across different price points to find out the difference.
Best Non Stick Copper Cookware – Cheap To Expensive
Red Copper Cookware
The Red Copper cookware has a 10-piece set that comprises the following:
- 8-inch fry pan
- 10-inch fry pan with lid
- 1.5-quart sauce pot with lid
- 2.5-quart sauce pot with lid
- 6-quart sauce pot with lid
- Aluminum steamer insert
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These are copper-infused ceramic cookware. In other words, they are non stick. The coating is also scratch-resistant and free of PFOA and PTFE. The heat conductor is the aluminum used to construct the cookware. This metal is well-known for great heat distribution and many cookware use it to give you even and quick heating.
It is oven safe up to 500°F (except the lids) and also dishwasher safe although handwashing with mild detergent is recommended. The handles are stainless steel, so they do get hot when cooking. You should also season the cookware prior to using them the first time. Occasional seasoning is also recommended to maintain optimal performance.
So, is the Red Copper the best non stick copper cookware? Well, you can’t complain about the price that it is selling at. Hence, if you are looking for cheap copper cookware, this might fit the bill for sets in the lower price category. The only thing you have to bear in mind is that this cookware has a copper-infused coating only. The pieces are neither solid copper nor do they have a copper core. It is just a budget cookware set that has some element of copper. It cannot be compared to full copper cookware that would set you back more than $1,000.
Do Red Copper cookware last? Seasoning and utmost care are still needed to lengthen their lifespan. They are no different than other nonstick cookware. They do scratch if you use metal utensils and the coating does wear off after some time. Some people complain of stickiness within weeks while others can get them to last much longer with proper care and maintenance. But because you can’t beat the price, they remain one of the best non stick copper cookware for their affordability.
Copper Chef Cookware
The Copper Chef is an alternative to the Red Copper. It also has a 9-piece cookware set with the following items:
- 5.8 -quart casserole pan with lid
- 2.8-quart saucepan with lid
- 1-quart saucepan
- 10 -inch round fry pan
- 8 -inch round fry pan
- 9 x 3.5-inch round fry basket
- 9-inch round steamer tray
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The Copper Chef is another popular copper cookware that is affordable to most. Like the Red Copper, it has a non stick coating that is PTFE and PFOA free. But the difference is it can withstand a higher heat of up to 850°F and it is induction compatible. There are not many non stick induction cookware on the market and the Copper Chef is one of the few affordable ones.
At the time of writing, it is slightly more expensive than Red Copper but the compliments and complaints are more or less the same. Like for all non stick cookware, the Copper Chef works for some but not others.
At the lower end of the scale where copper cookware are concerned, don’t expect the Copper Chef to be solid pots and pans that will last you a lifetime. They do work great when they are new to make them one of the best copper cookware on the market. But the question is how long they will last and buyers have had vastly contrasting experiences with the Copper Chef. For those who claimed to have maintained them well, these pieces seem to be well worth the money for them. because the non stick coating remains even after 1 to 2 years of use.
Anolon Nouvelle Copper Hard Anodized Non Stick Cookware
Now, let’s move on to something more solid. From copper infused coating for the cooking surface, we can also have a copper core with the Anolon Nouvelle 11-piece cookware set:
- 1.5-quart covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 8-quart covered stockpot
- 8.5-inch open skillet
- 12-inch covered skillet
- 3-quart covered saute pan with helper handle
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These pieces have a 5-layer construction with a copper core for optimal heat control. It caps off with a magnetized stainless steel layer to make it compatible with all cooktops including induction. It also has a hard anodized construction which means it is less likely to warp. The interior is a premium quality non stick coating which is the Autograph 2 that has been restaurant-tested. This coating is supposed to have greater durability and better abrasion resistance than other standard non stick coatings.
It has stainless steel handles and lids. The handles are attached with flat-rivet technology. What results is a totally flat interior which makes cleaning easy as food doesn’t get stuck anywhere. It is also oven safe up to 500°F.
Compared to the Red Copper and Copper Chef above, you will see that the Anolon Nouvelle is in a totally different league. It doesn’t have tiny bits of copper infused into it but a whole layer of copper core sandwiched in between other metal layers which makes the cookware conducts heat very evenly. On top of that, it is a hard anodized cookware set. What this means is the pieces are solid and heavy. If you are used to lightweight cookware, this would be a big change.
The downside to the Anolon Nouvelle is it is not a green non stick cookware. Many people are more conscious now about having zero chemicals in their pots and pans for environmental and health reasons. But on the upside, there are buyers who claim this cookware have lasted them a long time. It is also not uncommon to see users still using these pieces after a few years when many other non stick cookware sets would have long been replaced. Alternatively, you can get this kind of cookware without the non stick coating which can last you much longer such as the All Clad Stainless Steel Copper Core Cookware.
What Type Of Copper Cookware To Buy
Before you get on to the bandwagon due to all the marketing gimmicks and promotions, you have to know what you are looking for in a copper cookware. Many product descriptions lump everything under copper cookware and these could mean:
- Cookware with a copper color
- Cookware with a copper infused layer
- Cookware with a copper exterior
- Cookware with a copper core
- Cookware with mainly copper
When you see a cookware with a copper look, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it has any copper content in it. Sometimes, it is just the color that gives you the impression. That is why you need to read the product details carefully before you buy if you are looking for pots and pans that actually have copper in their construction.
Generally, cookware with a copper infused layer is just like any other non stick cookware. It doesn’t have superior heating and conduction as you would find in full copper pans. So, why would you buy it then? Well, because it is cheap and green with its ceramic coating. Most ceramic cookware have a very light colored interior which stains easily. The copper infused ones are naturally copper colored which helps to keep its look in the long run.
Next, we have cookware with a copper exterior or a copper core. These start to get expensive and not many people are willing to spend that kind of money, especially on non stick pots and pans. So, it isn’t surprising that there are not many of such cookware on the market. Most will have a stainless steel interior which makes them highly durable. But if you can find them like the Anolon Nouvelle above, they should perform better than the copper infused ones and feel more solid overall. They are the best non stick copper cookware if you don’t mind paying more for your pots and pans.
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Lastly, we have cookware with mainly copper in its construction. These are probably 90% copper and 10% stainless steel and they will easily cost you over $1,000 for a set like the Mauviel M’heritage. They are heavy pieces and while they cook great and look nice, they are quite hard to handle due to the weight.
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