A gold pan is the most important tool for any prospector, regardless of skill levels and expertise. This simple device has been used throughout gold prospecting history to sample a terrain, recover nuggets, and find fine gold. There are many gold pan models on the market to consider, but choosing wisely between metal and plastic is essential.
The choice between metal and plastic gold pans depends on preferences and skill level. Metal pans are more traditional, and the rust on them can help catch fine gold. Plastic pans are lightweight, come in different colors, are impact-resistance, and boast “cheater’s riffles.”
| Metal Pans | Plastic Pans | |
| Material | Steel or copper | High-impact plastic |
| Best for | Expert prospectors | Everyone, especially novices |
| Impact resistance | no | yes |
| Lightweight | no | yes |
| Riffles (cheater’s riffles) | no | yes |
| Rust resistance | no | yes |
| UV resistance | yes | no |
| Ready to use | no | yes |
| Historical relevance | yes | no |
| Color availability | No (blue hue can be achieved through burning) | yes |
| Available in different sizes | yes | yes |
| Floating | no | yes |
| Prone to cracks | no | yes |
| Resistance to heat | yes | no |
Table of Contents
Metal Gold Pans
Metal gold pans are the types of devices used during most Gold Rushes throughout the world. Crafted after the design of the original, wooden “bateas,” [1] these pans are still in use and preferred by some expert prospectors. While today they are available in steel or copper, metal pans boast some disadvantages that novice prospectors should consider before investing in such tools.
Metal pans require to be worn in before use. This step can be achieved by placing the pan upside down over the hot coals of a campfire. This step is essential to burn off the oils and grease lingering on the device. Additionally, “burning” the pan can help achieve the uniform blue coloration that makes spotting gold a much easier process[2].
Many prospectors would also use such pans as cooking pots during their prospecting trip. While this is not recommendable (food has grease and oil that can stick to the pan)[3], it is a feature to consider on a prospecting trip to more remote regions.
Benefits
- Durable – metal pans have been tested for years and can last throughout generations with the right care.
- Catch gold through rust – while they are prone to rust, many prospectors report that this can help trap fine gold.
- Historical and traditional instruments – these were the pans used during famous Gold Rushes and by the first modern prospectors.
- Resistant to sun rays – unlike plastic, they can’t be damaged by exposure to UV rays.
- Can be heated up – depending on the gold-recovery method you have picked, you might decide to place the pan on a campfire at the end of the panning process. This process will dry the black sands. Then, blowing lightly on it, you will be able to recover the remaining gold quickly. Moreover, for prospecting trips to remote locations, metal pans can become cooking pots!
Disadvantages
- No riffles – while the rust can replace the riffles to an extent, these pans lack proper baffles. This can cause an inexpert prospector to lose particles during the panning process.
- Not resistant to rust – without the proper care, metal pans can rust beyond usability. Especially if you are not equipped with a large backpack, taking them with you on a prospecting trip can expose them to rain and water.
- Subject to wear and impact – metal pans can be subjected to impact and can become perforated over time, making them unusable.
- Need to be worn in before use – before using a new metal pan, the prospector needs to “burn it” over hot coals. This step is necessary to eliminate grease and oils on the metal. Moreover, this strategy will give the pan a blue color that will make the recovery of gold easier.
Best For
Metal pans are ideal for those seasoned prospectors who have always been comfortable with metal pans. These devices boast a historical value that is difficult to replace with plastic pans, and they are often passed on through generations. In the video below, you can learn more about traditional metal pans and how to “burn” them on hot coal.
Plastic Gold Pans
Plastic gold pans are a newer, more modern version of metal pans. While they have a similar shape to the metal pans we have seen above, they are made of high-impact, resistant plastic. This characteristic makes them lightweight, durable, and easy to grip while panning.
One of the reasons why plastic pans have become so popular is that they are affordable, inexpensive, and boast molded-in cheater’s riffles[4]. Such riffles can be extremely beneficial to retrieve the smallest particles of fine gold.
Plastic pans are also available in several colors and sizes. Therefore, prospectors can select the plan that best fits their strength and skill level. The different colorations allow you to pick a tone that makes it easier to spot gold particles on it at the end of the panning process.
The broad availability of models, shapes, and price have rapidly caused many prospectors to prefer them over metal pans.
Benefits
- Lightweight – on average, plastic pans weight one-quarter of the average weight of metal pans.
- Molded-in cheater’s riffles – cheater’s riffles are essential to capture the smallest particles of gold.
- Durable – made of high-impact plastic, these pans are perfect for camping trips and explorations. Indeed, you won’t have to worry about damaging their shape during your trip.
- Rust-resistant – plastic is not prone to rust, so those pans need less care and maintenance than metal ones.
- Color availability – Prospectors can pick the color that allows them to spot the gold on the pan better. Not every prospector’s sight will react in the same way to the pan’s color. However, since you will have to stare at it for several hours, it is essential to pick one that fits your needs[5].
- Different sizes – you can order a whole set of differently-sized pans to meet all of your prospecting needs.
- Float – if dropped while panning, plastic pans will float. This is important to save the placer recovered.
Disadvantages
- Can be compromised by exposure to the sun – if subjected to prolonged exposures to sun, the plastic can stretch and dry. This can make the pan unusable.
- It can crack and show scratches – cracks and scratches on the surface can happen, compromising the pan’s ability to capture fine gold.
Best For
Plastic gold pans are ideal for all prospectors, especially beginners and novices. They are portable, lightweight, and easy to use, which makes them the best choice when implementing your equipment with a gold pan. Additionally, these pans are perfect for occasional prospectors who need an inexpensive alternative for their trips.
Considerations
If you are still not sure regarding what type of pan is the right one for you, you could opt to include both a metal and plastic pan in your kit. Ideally, you buy a larger pan with dual riffles to complete the first steps of the gold panning process. Since plastic pans only weigh just under a third of metal pans, you can fill them with more material without straining the muscles.
Then, for the last stages of the panning process[6], you couple opt to use a much smaller metal pan. While these might not boast riffles, the rust can help you capture particles of fine gold, acting as smaller riffles. Additionally, if your plastic pan boasts cracks and scratches, you will not be able to retrieve fine gold. In this case, opting for a metal pan can help.
Conclusion
Ultimately, picking between a metal and plastic pan depends on the prospector’s preferences and skill level. While plastic pans are easier to manage and maneuver, metal pans have a historical value that makes them unreplaceable.
Plastic pans are less expensive, more durable, and lightweight, and they are perfect if you are a beginner, just starting your journey in the prospecting sectors. All these characteristics make them more appreciated by novice prospectors.