I was skeptical, but when I saw the option of a large square pan (plus a steaming tray and deep fry bin, which will seldom be used quite frankly) I figured it'd be worth getting. I originally went to get a $200 set of pans that were on sale for $80 but left with this instead. Immediately, no regrets.
I haven't actually watched the commercials or knew much about them, the commercials would play at my gym but I seldom actually engaged them, only taking away that they are implied to be very non-stick. On that front, I'd say it's a huge success, surviving a session of cooking rice where I became distracted and forgot to refill the water. The thick layer of burned minerals wiped clean with a damp paper towel with utmost ease.
It does indeed take an understanding of cooking on more than a fundamental level, however, food WILL stick to this pan upon contact. I don't think you can throw a chicken breast on it and it slides around on the inside, but that will happen with even the most expensive professional grade nonstick cookware, even with a gracious amount of oil. Once cooked, however, you'll find nothing remains stuck.
As far as versatility, this cookware can do a lot, especially the square pan. It'll make for fantastic lasagna, stir fry, chicken, and rice, and making an entire breakfast in one pan is a breeze. It handles popcorn even!
The other Gotham Steel pans likely won't be as versatile as the square one, but given the promises from the box, it holds true and has become the only pan I use as a result.
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
