This is supposed to make the coating more durable and scratch-resistant. For those that want the non-stick properties of traditional non-stick pans without the chemicals, ceramic non-stick cookware is the alternative. The newest non-stick cookware type, it came on the scene over a decade ago and has been gaining in popularity ever since. Very similar to the Pro Anodized line as the construction is similar. The encapsulated base is going to provide induction compatibility as well as better heating than the Original line.
Overall, the heating properties were okay–not great and not awful–for how thin and light these pans are. When using these, you’ll have to keep a careful eye on your food, but if you understand that, gotham steel cookware sets you will probably be satisfied with the heating performance of these pans. GreenPan, for example, has a lifetime warranty on their cookware, but only a two year warranty on the nonstick coating.
If you cook on induction—technology that works only with magnetic materials—check to make sure you get a skillet that’s compatible with your cooktop, like our pick with a tri-ply base. Many, if not most, nonstick skillets are made only of aluminum, which won’t work on induction. For induction cooktop users, we have a new pick—the Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan. We also expanded our section explaining ceramic coatings and why we don’t recommend them. If you’re looking for an entry-level nonstick pan that does not contain any controversial chemicals like PTFE, then this is a solid option to consider.
If you have an induction cooktop, we recommend you avoid the smaller pieces of Gotham Steel cookware–but the 10-inch-and-larger skillets should be fine. It’s the only one that has titanium in its coating, so it may be slightly more durable nonstick. The build quality of the pans seems about the same across the board (even if they’re not made in the same factory). The evidence is still pretty new and more research is needed. But this is a compelling concern about nonstick ceramic cookware that people should be aware of.
Indeed, some ceramic cookware contains PTFE, the active ingredient of Teflon. Gotham Steel cookware will not last you a lifetime, and you’ll want to treat this cookware with care to prolong its life. If you want the best Gotham Steel pan, I would go with the Gotham Steel Hammered Copper Ceramic Cookware Set. I’d try the Gotham Steel Hammered Copper Ceramic Non-stick Pan. It can lose its temperature quickly, so you’ll want to be careful about making heat adjustments while cooking. Once you’ve finished cooking, it’s important to let your Gotham Steel pan cool down before washing.
The aluminum construction means this pan conducts heat well. However, the thin material makes this pan set more susceptible to hotspots. This set is a good size for most people, giving you all the essential pieces for everyday cooking. The steamer insert is nice to use with the Gotham Steel pasta pot too. Avoid cooking sprays with ceramic non-stick cookware, including Gotham Steel.
Ceramic non-stick coating is self-sacrificing, meaning the cookware’s effectiveness degrades upon every use. As you can see in the results below, Gotham Steel ranked in fourth place, only behind Made In, Misen, and Anolon. Because the construction is relatively thin, heat transfers quickly to the cooking surface. After about two months, the non-stick properties started to wane. The pan was still easy to clean, but more and more bits of food began to stick over time.
And although it is on a par with our picks in quality, it normally costs a bit more than most of them. Clean your nonstick cookware with dish soap and soft sponges, like the Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge or Scotch-Brite Dobie pad. Dish brushes with plastic bristles are also safe to use for cleaning nonstick coated pans. Companies like to claim their nonstick surfaces are durable against metal, but that’s not the case for longevity. All of which is to say that nonstick pans seem to be safe to cook with if used correctly at moderate temperatures. But there is real reason to be concerned about all PFAS as a pollutant, even if the newer ones appear to be less risky.