Watch any cooking show produced in recent years, and there’s a good chance you’ll see the professional chef wielding beautiful copper cookware. Add this TV fame to its impressive functionality, and it’s easy to see why copper cookware is having its moment. Here’s why you should treat yourself and your kitchen to a few of these fabulous pots and pans.
The Benefits of Using Copper Cookware
There are a number of reasons professionals are turning to copper cookware. It’s not just because such pots and pans are gorgeous, but also because they offer some functional elements you won’t find in average aluminum cookware sets. Here are a few of our favorite copper cookware benefits:
Superior Conductivity – One of the major benefits of using copper in your cookware is its high-speed conduction. This allows it to heat up more quickly and more evenly than other metals and materials. The result is a pot or pan which offers more cooking surface and is ready to cook in less time than competing cookware options.
Hot Spots – A further result of copper’s quick and even heat conductivity is the lack of hot spots on your cooking surface. You’ve likely noticed them on cheap pans when food seems to cook in seconds in one place and almost not at all when moved to another part of the pan. While this feature can be useful in a BBQ where keeping things warm without cooking them is handy, in cooktop pots and pans, hot spots can be a rather frustrating quality. Luckily, you likely won’t have any hot spots at all in copper cookware.
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Style – On first seeing that orangey look of a copper cookware set, words like unique and stylish definitely come to mind. It’s easy to imagine visitors to your home being mesmerized by the eye-catching color and appeal. Plus, if you’re not 100% behind the all-orange look, there are plenty of sets that combine the copper orange look with stainless steel or aluminum silver for a more balanced combination.
In addition, it is also important to note copper cookware does have a few disadvantages you should be aware of. First and foremost, it requires special care. Copper is corrosive, and therefore it needs to be hand washed and hand dried after every use. Copper’s reactivity also means copper cookware needs to come with some form of lining, be it stainless steel, ceramic or otherwise. This additional lining usually adds to your cookware’s non-stick surface and ensures your food will be safe to eat.
Finally, genuine copper cookware is expensive, but it’s our opinion that the cool factor and functionality make up for the high price tag.
If you’re convinced that your kitchen needs a few pieces of copper cookware, take a look at the list below. These pots, pans and sets all use copper to produce an attractive appearance. You’ll find the amount of copper used in each set is variable, but one thing you can be confident of is that each set is well-reviewed by users and makes the most of copper’s unique properties and attractive appearance.
1. Martellata Copper 10-Piece Set
BEST OVERALL
If you’re looking to replace all your cookware with copper, look no further than the Martellata Copper 10-Piece Set. These pots and pans are made with three layers: copper on the outside, aluminum on the interior and stainless steel on the inside. Together these layers ensure conductivity, precise control and a safe cooking environment, creating cookware that’s both beautiful and highly functional. This set includes sauce pots, saute pans and more.
2. Red Copper Flipwich
BEST FOR SANDWICHES
Take advantage of the heat conductivity of copper to make the best sandwiches ever with the Red Copper Flipwich. This device is a standard panini maker that uses the heat of your stove to cook both sides of your sandwich. The copper-infused ceramic cooking plates are complemented by aluminum induction plates. Plus, this piece of copper cookware comes with its very own recipe book.
3. Copper Chef Bakeware Set
BEST FOR BAKERS
As copper cookware trends, the Copper Chef brand has quickly become one of the hottest kitchen names around. That’s because the company creates durable, gorgeous copper cookware. And in this 12-piece bakeware set, they’ve ensured that both chefs and bakers can benefit from using copper in their trade tools. The set includes a loaf pan, a baking sheet, a muffin pan and more.
4. Copper Chef Non-Stick Fry Pan Set
BEST NON-STICK PAN SET
This Copper Chef Non-Stick Fry Pan Set sells itself on using a CeramiTech, non-stick coating to give you a cooking surface that requires little to no oil and easily cleans without leaving sticky residues behind. Construction-wise, each piece features a five-layer design which includes aluminum for durability and strength as well as stainless steel in the induction plate for more rapid heating. You’ll also find the copper finish lets the set stand out from the more common stainless steel finished sets. Plus, each piece can withstand temperatures up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit and is dishwasher safe for easy post-use cleaning.
5. Copper Chef Non-Stick Square Fry Pan Set
BEST SQUARE PANS
The Copper Chef Non-Stick Square Fry Pan Set is a great alternative to the standard fry pan set for anyone who prefers right angles over circles. You’ll find an eight, a 9.5 and an 11-inch pan included in the three-piece set which also comes with two square lids. The pans sport stainless steel induction plates on the underside to prevent hot spots and help speed up heat distribution for a more even cooking surface. Additionally, the pans use a CeramiTech, non-stick surface for oil and butter-less cooking as well as easy cleaning after use.
6. Kitchen Academy Hammered Copper Pots and Pans Set
BEST COPPER COATING
The Kitchen Academy Hammered Copper Pots and Pans Set is constructed using a stainless steel interior, an aluminum core and a copper exterior to utilize the benefits of each metal. While the steel and aluminum offer durability and strength, the non-stick copper coating warms up quicker and provides impressively well-balanced heat distribution for cooking. The 10-piece set includes two fry pans, three pots, a basket and a steamer. It is also available in smaller three and six-piece sets. Furthermore, the included pots and pans are good for use on all cooktop types, including induction and gas.
7. Old Dutch 887 Teakettle
MOST DECORATIVE
Unless you have above-the-stove racks for your cookware, your kettle is probably the only piece constantly on display in your kitchen. Make sure it’s gorgeous enough to fulfill its duty by buying the Old Dutch 887 Teakettle. This attractive copper and brass kettle has superior heat conductivity thanks to its copper interior. It’s also lined with nickel to keep your boiling water safe for consumption and to make cleaning the kettle quick and easy.
8. IKO Copper Collection Copper Nonstick Cookware Set
BEST VALUE
The IKO Copper Collection Copper Nonstick Cookware Set uses a heavy-duty aluminum core with a non-stick copper and ceramic coating to provide a comfortable cooking experience. The comprehensive 16-piece set can be used as a kitchen starter or a refresh option, as it includes a frying pan, cooking pots with lids, three knives and a range of kitchen utensils. It’s available in either a blue or gray finish which combines with the copper coating to deliver a dose of style for your kitchen. Additionally, the pots sport grippy, heat-resistant handles for added convenience when cooking.
9. T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Cookware Set
BEST COPPER BOTTOM
Where many cookware sets use copper in their internal coating, this T-fal C836SD Ultimate Stainless Steel Cookware Set instead uses it as copper bottoms for the pans to better distribute heat. The 13-piece kit comes with a range of handy cookware items, including three fry pans in various sizes, four saucepans with lids and a steamer insert. Plus, each piece is also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, is dishwasher safe and can be used on all types of cooktops.
10. All-Clad Copper Core Saucepan
BEST FOR CHEF WANNABES
Although you won’t benefit from the trendy copper look with the All-Clad Copper Core Saucepan, you will get a saucepan suitable for professional-level cooking. That’s because this pan has a copper interior for superior heat distribution. The interior is lined with stainless steel that will help it last for years to come. A stainless steel handle and lid complete the set.
11. Concord Cookware Copper Set
BEST GIFT IDEA
If you live with a partner, friend or family member who loves to cook, giving them this high-quality, stylish Concord Cookware Copper Set is sure to be a hit. The set includes four individual items, including both a sauteing pan and a larger cooking pot. Both come with accompanying lids. Each piece is made from the finest materials in the form of natural copper, stainless steel and pure aluminum. This combination delivers clean-tasting food which is cooked evenly. These pieces are also compatible with gas and electric smooth top cookers. They’re oven-safe, too.
12. Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra 3.5-Quart Soup Pot
MOST DURABLE
Beautifully suited to go from kitchen to dining room table, this copper soup pot is very durable thanks to its triple-layer construction. On the inside, you’ll find a stainless steel cooking surface. The middle layer of the pot is made from aluminum, and the exterior is hand-hammered copper. Not only does this create an attractive jewel-like appearance, but the layers also mean this soup pot is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
13. Cuisinart Copper Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set
BEST VALUE
Although the price tag might look high, the Cuisinart Copper Tri-Ply Set offers great value considering you get eight genuine copper cooking items. Like many of the other pots and pans at the high end of copper cookware, the Cuisinart versions boast three layers: a copper exterior, an aluminum middle and a stainless steel cooking surface. This set comes complete with saucepans, skillets and more.
14. PRIMA MATERA Round Copper Saute Pan
BEST FOR INDUCTION COOKING
Many copper cooking utensils aren’t compatible with induction stovetops and can only be used with gas and electric stovetops. So, if you have an induction stove, consider purchasing copper cookware from the PRIMA Matera line. This saute pan is durable thanks to its mix of copper and stainless steel, and it offers superior cooking for sauces thanks to innovative heat distribution.
15. Mauviel M’Heritage Copper Stockpot
MOST TRADITIONAL
Made in France and designed to stay in use for generations, the Mauviel M’Heritage Copper Stockpot is beautiful to look at and use. The 6-quart pot boasts durable bronze handles and is ideal for soups, sauces and more. Plus, the copper exterior and stainless steel interior ensure everything cooks quickly and evenly.
16. Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Cookware Set
BEST TRI-PLY
By incorporating a stainless steel interior, an aluminum core and a hammered copper exterior, the pieces in this Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Cookware Set offer impressive heat distribution and a stylish appearance to boot. You can choose between a 10 or 12-piece set, depending on your needs and size of household. For greater convenience, you’ll find each piece has rolled edges to make pouring sauces and liquids a whole lot easier. In addition, each of the cooking pots comes with a secure lid to lock in moisture and flavor.
17. Viking Copper Cookware Set
BEST SPLURGE
The Viking Copper Cookware Set is one of the most visually appealing options on our list. The 10-piece set comes with a stockpot, two saucepans, two skillets and a saute pan to ensure you’ll want for nothing when it comes to whipping up culinary delights. Each piece also features cool-to-touch handles and a non-reactive, stainless steel cooking surface for clean tasting results. Additionally, all items in the cookware set are oven-safe and can be used on electric (both smooth and coil) cooktops as well as under the broiler.
18. Matfer Bourgeat Copper Cookware Set
PROFESSIONAL PICK
The Matfer Bourgeat Matfer 915901 Bourgeat Copper Cookware Set oozes class. From the first time you see this stylish kitchen cookware set, you’re sure to fall in love. It’s made up of a copper casserole pot, a saucepan, a flared saucepan and a heavy saute pan. Each piece comes with its very own lid. The construction combines the heat conductivity of copper with the easy cleaning of stainless steel to produce cookware items that are hard to beat. You’ll also find cast iron handles on the two pans for reliable cool-to-touch handling as well as impressive balance when cooking. Best of all, the versatility of this French-made set means you can create everything from sauces to seafood in comfort and to a professional level.