Top Picks for the Best Copper Cookware: A Comprehensive Guide

Cookware is an essential component of every kitchen, and the right cookware can make all the difference in the quality of your meals. 

Copper cookware has been a popular choice for chefs and home cooks for centuries, thanks to its excellent heat conductivity and versatility. However, choosing the best copper cookware for your needs can be challenging with so many options available.

Copper cookware is not only aesthetically pleasing but also an excellent investment for your kitchen. It is durable, versatile, and provides even heat distribution, making it a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks alike. 

However, with so many available options, it can be challenging to determine which set is best for you. 

Our guide will help you navigate through the available options and make an informed decision about which best copper cookware set or individual piece will best suit your needs.

For those in search of a complete cookware set to replace their existing collection, the Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 18/10 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set comes highly recommended as an excellent upgrade option.

Best Copper Cookware

Looking for the best copper cookware? Check out our comprehensive guide to find top-rated options that offer excellent heat conductivity and durability for all your cooking needs.

Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

If you’re looking for the best stainless steel interior copper cookware, the Lagostina Martellata cookware set is an excellent choice. Its tri-ply construction with a premium aluminum core clad between layers of stainless steel provides even heat distribution throughout the pan. 

The hammered copper exterior leaves a stunning finish, and the fully cast and riveted cast stainless steel handles provide resilience and stability. The flared edges also make for easy, drip-less pouring.

The set includes two skillets, two covered saucepans, one stockpot, and one covered saute pan, all oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The ergonomic design of these pots and pans is notable, with longer, thicker handles that make for a comfortable grip while cooking.

This Italian brand’s hammered exterior cookware line has a tri-ply construction with an aluminum core, copper exterior, and 18/10 stainless steel interior cooking surface. The lids and handles are also stainless steel, providing excellent contrast against the textured copper exterior. This cookware is oven and broiler safe up to 500°F but incompatible with induction cooktops.

All-Clad Copper Core 7-Piece Cookware Set

This All-Clad cookware set’s secret weapon is its copper core, which provides precise conductivity for cooking, surrounded by layers of aluminum and stainless steel for durability and ease of maintenance. 

While most copper cookware has a copper exterior and non-reactive interior, this collection does the opposite, with a copper core and stainless steel exterior.

This 10-piece set includes a variety of pots and pans and is made from five-ply bonded stainless steel and aluminum, ensuring sturdiness and even heat distribution. The flared edges and side handles do cooking and handling a breeze. 

At the same time, the set is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall, the All-Clad set is an excellent value, offering the advantages of both stainless steel and copper in one durable and high-performing package. And with its thoughtful design and easy-to-clean features, it’s sure to be a reliable and long-lasting addition to any kitchen.

Mauviel Copper Triply 7-Piece Cookware Set

This cookware set, made by Mauviel in Normandy, France, showcases traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations of copper makers. 

Although the set has a classic appearance, its modern construction consists of a stainless-steel interior, a heat-responsive aluminum core, and a .5mm copper exterior that conducts heat evenly and quickly. 

The 18/10 stainless-steel interior is easy to clean and does not react with food. Compared to traditional copper cookware, which features a copper exterior and tin lining, this set’s copper exterior, aluminum core, and stainless steel interior provide more durability. 

To maintain the finish of this copper cookware, the manufacturer recommends hand washing and drying it immediately with a soft cloth, avoiding scouring pads or steel wool. Occasionally, you can polish it with lemon and salt to keep it looking new. 

While copper can be harmful if ingested when heated, Mauviel’s cookware is lined with a non-reactive, food-safe metal like stainless steel or tin. Following a few essential tips, such as not preheating the cookware over a hot flame for an extended period, hand washing and drying it, and having it re-tinned if copper is visible, will help ensure your cookware lasts a long time.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Set

This Italian-made set, while not completely copper, boasts a five-ply bonded construction with a copper core, two layers of aluminum, and a copper and stainless steel exterior. The set also features comfortable handles and a rivetless design that is easy to clean. 

Hestan CopperBond is one of the best copper cookware brands on the market. Thanks to its wrap-around magnetic stainless steel bottom, it stands out for its compatibility with induction cooktops. In addition, unlike traditional copper cookware, Hestan CopperBond does not require an induction disk to be used on an induction cooktop. 

Hestan is a California-based brand that produces high-quality cookware made by expert craftspeople in Italy. While the brand is pricey, it is also durable, low maintenance, and affordable compared to other options.

Gotham Steel Hammered Collection Premium Cookware Set

The Gotham Steel 10-piece set features a nonstick coating and a copper-colored finish, making it a great option for those seeking the copper look without the high maintenance and cost. 

The set includes two covered saucepans, two frying pans (one covered), and one stock pot with a stainless steel insert, and it is perfect for beginners.

Although the set is primarily made of aluminum, it boasts an award-winning coating that doesn’t require additional fats to prevent sticking. However, it’s important to note that this set lacks the heat-conductivity benefits of genuine copper cookware.

The set is dishwasher safe, easy to maintain, and has a comfortable weight that makes it easy to handle. It’s also lighter and less clunky than some fully copper models, making it ideal for quick meals.

For an affordable price, the Gotham Steel set offers a full copper exterior cookware set with numerous bakeware items, making it a great value. It’s also PFOA, PFOS, lead, and cadmium free and can withstand metal utensils without scratching. Overall, this set is a great pick for those on a budget who want to enjoy the benefits of copper cookware.

Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad Cookware Set

Consider Viking if you’re looking for long-lasting products that offer professional-grade performance. The company’s mission is to provide home chefs with high-quality products. 

This set is oven-safe up to 500 degrees and includes a comprehensive range of cookware: two skillets, two saucepans, one sauté pan, and one stockpot. The 3-ply construction features a stainless steel interior, an aluminum core, and a copper exterior. The handles remain cool to the touch, and the items come with a limited lifetime warranty.

This set has an attractive copper hammered exterior and a robust stainless steel interior, which is both durable and highly conductive. It heats up quickly and evenly without any hot spots. However, it falls short compared to the significantly cheaper Lagostina set, as they seem quite similar. 

If you’re a Viking enthusiast, this set is a reliable choice. The vented lids are a bonus as they allow for easy monitoring of boiling or cooking ingredients.

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Copper Band Cookware Set

This set from Cuisinart is a great choice for those who want high-quality cookware that can handle any task. It includes three covered saucepans, one Dutch oven, one skillet, and one saucier, all made with a tri-ply material construction that distributes heat evenly throughout the cookware.

While this set is versatile and easy to use, there were some signs of wear on the pans’ bottom after use, which caused it to be just edged out by the competition. However, this cookware can be used on electric, gas, or induction cooktops, making it a great addition to any kitchen.

The copper exterior of this cookware requires a little extra care compared to other materials, but it’s worth it for the professional look and superior performance. To clean it, simply use soap and water and dry it immediately after each use. You can also add a drop of olive oil to preserve the look without making it feel greasy.

If you’re new to cooking and looking for an easy-to-use set with a copper finish, this Cuisinart set is a great choice. Its heat surround technology ensures even heat distribution, and the tight-fitting covers retain moisture and nutrients for delicious and flavorful results. Plus, it’s broiler and oven safe.

What to look for in copper cookware before buying

Material

Copper is an excellent heat conductor, making it a top choice for cooking. While most of the copper cookware listed features a stainless steel or tin interior and handles made from brass or cast bronze, some also include a layer of aluminum in the core. This layer helps prevent any reaction with acidic foods, although not all copper cookware has this feature.

For the best quality copper cookware, it is crucial to search for 100% copper rather than copper-plated materials.

Thickness

The thickness of your copper cookware is crucial in how well it heats up and performs. Copper cookware that is too thin, less than 2 millimeters, will heat up slowly and unevenly and may warp or dent over time. 

On the other hand, copper cookware that is too thick will be less conductive. Therefore, for optimal performance, aim for copper cookware that is between 2.5 and 3 millimeters thick.

Versatility

Copper cookware is a high-quality, versatile material popular among serious home chefs. Although expensive, it’s worth the investment for its excellent cooking performance. 

Copper cookware heats up and cools down quickly, offers uniform heat distribution, and is often nonstick. Additionally, it’s usually oven-safe. If you want to add copper cookware, consider starting with a frying pan.

Finish

Copper cookware is commonly offered in two finishes, hammered or smooth. Although hammered copper cookware is often considered a classic look, it does not affect the pan’s performance. Meanwhile, smooth copper cookware can come in a matte or shiny finish.

Final Verdict

Lagostina Martellata Copper Cookware is our top recommendation for copper cookware on this list. This hammered, stainless steel cookware looks stunning and ensures even cooking, eliminating any cold spots or uncooked areas in your food.

Lastly, the Gotham Steel Cookware is a budget-friendly option, including bakeware items, all with a copper finish. This set provides an excellent cooking experience for those looking to cook with copper without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is copper cookware better than stainless steel?

Copper cookware is better than stainless steel in terms of thermal conductivity and aesthetic appeal, but it requires more maintenance and may react with acidic foods. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is non-reactive and more durable, but it doesn’t conduct heat as well as copper.

What is tri-ply copper cookware?

Tri-ply copper cookware is made up of three layers of different materials – an inner layer of copper, a middle layer of aluminum, and an outer layer of stainless steel.

The copper layer provides excellent thermal conductivity, allowing the cookware to heat up quickly and evenly. The aluminum layer adds strength and durability to the cookware, while the stainless steel layer provides a non-reactive, easy-to-clean surface.

Can copper cookware be used on induction stovetops?

Copper cookware is not inherently compatible with induction stove tops, as copper is not a magnetic material and, therefore, cannot create a magnetic field to generate heat. However, some copper cookware is designed with a magnetic stainless steel layer added to the bottom to make it compatible with induction cooking.

If you have copper cookware that does not have a magnetic bottom, you can still use it on an induction stove top with the help of an induction interface disc.

Is copper cookware oven-safe?

Yes, most copper cookware is oven safe. Copper cookware can withstand high temperatures, and many copper pots and pans have oven-safe handles that are made of materials that can tolerate high heat.

However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific copper cookware to determine its oven-safe temperature limit and any other specific care instructions.