4 Best Copper Cookware Pieces for Efficient Cooking

Copper is very fashionable right now, particularly in cookware. As a component metal in cookware, it’s extremely responsive to heat changes. It is almost twice as conductive as aluminum and 10 times more conductive than stainless steel. That responsiveness and conductivity make copper cookware perfect for cooking foods where heat regulation is important. Due to its luxurious look, copper is often used on the exterior of the cookware, either as a thin decorative layer or as a thicker, functional layer, particularly on the bottom of the pan.

Exposed copper develops a patina with age, but it can be returned to the previous shiny look using special cleaning products or some lemon juice and salt. While pure copper is seldom used when it will be in contact with food, there are a few specialty pots that are made entirely from copper. There are also many copper-colored pans that offer the look of copper at a lower price point, and without requiring the care that pure copper does.

Whatever you’re looking for, read on—we’ve found the best copper cookware that will fit your needs.

Our Top Picks

Last update on 2023-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Cookware Set

1- Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

Last update on 2023-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Copper cookware is stylish, but hammered copper cookware takes it to a whole new level, with an artisan look that is distinctive and classy. Lagostina has a wonderful hammered cookware set that is sure to look great in your kitchen.

The cookware has a thick aluminum core for efficient heat distribution and a stainless steel interior. The lids are also stainless steel. Besides being beautiful, the hammered copper exterior offers excellent heat control. During our testing, we observed even simmering, and recorded consistent temperatures across the heated pans. We also love that the handles are designed to be comfortable to hold while they stay cool on the stove.

The cookware is oven- and broiler-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is compatible with all stove types, except induction. Of course, since this is copper, you will have to hand-wash the separate pieces, each and every time.

Price at time of publish: $381

What We Like

• Retains and distributes heat well
• Versatile in use
• Beautiful design

What We Don’t Like

• Steep price point
• Requires special care

Construction: Aluminum core, copper exterior | Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees | Induction Safe: No | Dishwasher Safe: No | Pieces Included: 8 and 10-inch skillets, 2 and 3-quart saucepans, 3-quart sauté pan, 6-quart stockpot plus lids

Best Budget

2- Anolon 75818 Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware

Last update on 2023-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Copper cookware can be prohibitively expensive, but this set from Anolon provides a nice combination of copper performance and exceptional value. Priced at just a fraction of other copper cookware sets, this includes a nice assortment of saucepans, frying pans, a stockpot, and saute pan, all constructed of stainless steel with a copper bottom.

We found the pans to be made of high-quality material, though they are a bit heavy thanks to their 5-layer construction. Somewhat slow to heat, when they were up to temperature, they held and evenly distributed heat very well, without any noticeable hot spots. The angled sides of the pans made it easy to toss vegetables and meat. One drawback is that these pans might be too small if you tend to cook in large quantities, but they might be perfect for a single person or couple. They’re surprisingly versatile too, as they are induction compatible and can also be used in the oven up to 500 degrees.

These are technically dishwasher-safe, but the manufacturer warns that harsh detergents can cause the cookware to discolor, so hand-washing is recommended. Like with most stainless steel, you may have to use a bit of elbow grease to remove any stubborn food, but with some soaking and gentle scrubbing, you’ll be able to return your pans to like new.

Price at time of publish: $300

Construction: Stainless steel, copper base | Oven Safe: Up to 500 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes but handwashing is recommended | Pieces Included: 1.25- and 2.5-quart saucepans with lids, 6.5-quart stockpot with lid, 8- and 10.5-inch frying pans, and 3-quart sauté pan with lid.

What We Like

• Beautiful design
• Heats easily
• Oven safe to 500 degrees

What We Don’t Like

• Too small for large recipes
• Small saucepan can tip easily
• Heavy

Best For Induction

3- Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

Last update on 2023-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Most copper cookware is already quite spendy, but this comprehensive set from Viking feels like a “reasonable” splurge, priced well below copper sets with a similar piece count. The set includes 10-inch and 12-inch open fry pans, a 3.4-quart saucepan with lid, steamer insert, a 4.8-quart sauté pan with lid, and an 8-quart Dutch oven with lid that can be used as a stockpot. The pieces have a nice weight to them without feeling too heavy and the contemporary silhouette is a nice change from the more ornate shapes that are common with copper cookware.

These pieces feature an aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel and a solid copper exterior which helps conduct heat. One of the best things about this set is that it can be used on induction, which isn’t always the case when it comes to copper. The pans and lids are also oven-safe up to 600 degrees, making them wonderfully versatile.

Like nearly all copper pieces, these should be hand-washed and can be left to patina, or polished to maintain their high shine. The set comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.

Price at time of publish: $934

Construction: Copper and stainless steel | Oven Safe: Up to 600 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Pieces Included: 10-inch and 12-inch open fry pans, 3.4-quart saucepan with lid, 4.8-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart Dutch oven with lid, steamer insert.

What We Like

• Nice weight
• Can be used on all cooktops
• Oven safe to 600 degrees

What We Don’t Like

• Pieces can be bulky to store

4- Best Frying PanHestan 8.5-Inch CopperBond Skillet

Last update on 2023-05-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Frying pans are a workhorse in many kitchens, coming in clutch for sautéing, searing, and even making sauces on the fly. This Italian-made skillet from Hestan is not just beautiful, it’s modeled after those used in professional kitchens, made of five layers of 18/10 stainless steel and a 100-percent copper core for ultimate heat control. On the plus side, it makes the pan extremely durable, but for some, it might feel a bit heavy—something to consider when purchasing. But in action, this pan’s weight keeps it steady on your cooktop, while heating up fast and responding quickly to changes in temperature, checking all the boxes for a high-performing piece of cookware.

This skillet also boasts a larger contact area than other pans of a similar diameter, making it a wonderful choice for induction ranges, while giving you a little bit more room to cook. It’s oven safe to 600 degrees, so you can take it from the stovetop to the oven—great for finishing dishes under the broiler.

Though this piece is hand-wash only, the flat rivets are easy to clean (they also allow you to nest multiple pans). The one pain point of this skillet is the price—it’s very expensive for a single piece and lids must be purchased separately—but for such fantastic quality, it’s a worthy investment.

Price at time of publish: $230

Construction: Copper and stainless steel | Oven Safe: Up to 600 degrees | Induction Safe: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Available Sizes: 8.5-inch, 11-inch, and 12-inch.

What We Like

• Available in three sizes
• Induction-ready
• Oven safe to 600 degrees
• Larger contact area than similar size pans

What We Don’t Like

• Lids must be purchased separately
• Might be too heavy for some
• Very expensive

What to Look For in Copper Cookware
Thickness
The thickness of your copper cookware can have a noticeable effect on how quickly and efficiently it heats up. Aim for around 2.5 to 3 millimeters. Thinner than 2 millimeters may cause the copper to heat more slowly and less evenly. Plus, thin copper cookware is more likely to warp and dent.

Lining

Copper cookware is usually lined with either tin or stainless steel. Stainless steel, while not very effective at conducting heat, is more durable than tin and is easy to clean. Tin, however, heats more quickly than stainless steel, thus decreasing the risk of “delaminating” (the lining separating from the copper). Tin is also non-reactive and relatively nonstick but requires special maintenance because of its delicate nature. While unlined or bare copper cooking vessels are rare, there are some available designed for specific jobs, such as jam pots and mixing bowls for beating egg whites.

Appearance and Finish

Copper cooking vessels are typically available with either a hammered or smooth finish. The type of finish you should go for is a matter of aesthetic taste and what each brand has available; it does not dictate the quality of the cookware. While in the past hammering copper was done to strengthen the metal, today it’s done by machines for decorative purposes. Hammered copper cookware is usually high-shine, and smooth finishes are available in either matte or shiny versions.