For many cooks, copper cookware is an aspirational purchase. It’s incredibly reactive, which means it’s quick to heat up and just as fast to cool down: a real boon for cooking delicate proteins, sauces, caramel, or chocolate. Copper cookware isn’t recommended for beginner cooks because the rapid temperature changes can result in unevenly cooked food. It’s also much easier to burn things in copper pans. However, once you gain confidence and skills in the kitchen, a set of real copper cookware may entice you.
The price of copper cookware isn’t just about aesthetics (although copper pots are eye-catching, especially when hammered): Copper is much more costly than other common materials, like aluminum, stainless steel, and most cast iron. Although we’d written a primer on the pros and cons of copper cookware, we hadn’t tested it yet before now. However, because buying copper cookware requires a substantial financial commitment, we decided to rigorously evaluate nine copper cookware sets ranging in price from $299 to $2,000. For our winners, we also noted which pieces from each set are available for individual purchase, in case you want one pan and not six.
Our Top Picks
The Best Copper Cookware Set: Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Cookware Set at Williams Sonoma for $1,500.
Another Great Copper Cookware Set: Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set at Amazon for $1,700.
The Best Value Copper Cookware Set: Cuisinart Copper Cookware 8 Piece Set at Amazon for $460.
The Best Splurge Copper Cookware Set: Mauviel Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set at Amazon for $2,370.
The Best Copper Cookware Set for Everyday Use: Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set at Amazon for $900.
The Tests
Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
Recording Key Specs: First, we used calipers to measure the thickness of the cookware’s walls. We measured each skillet, sauté pan, and pot from each set, and recorded the values. We favored cookware within the 2.5- to 3-millimeter range.
Responsiveness Test: We conducted two related tests that measured how long it took for water to boil in each pot, as well as how quickly the temperature dropped. First, we filled each pot with four cups of 72F water and centered it on the burner. With the burner set to high, we recorded how long it took each pot to reach a rolling boil, registering at 212F. We then turned off the burner and timed how long it took the water to lower to 180F. Once we recorded the data, we carried the pot to the sink and dumped it out, paying particular attention to the ease of maneuverability and weight/heft of the pot.
Ease of Use Test: To assess the comfort and efficiency of cookware handles and design, we conducted a practical test. We filled each skillet with dried beans to simulate sautéeing, lifting the skillet to evaluate weight and balance, and tossing the beans to assess ergonomics. We also maneuvered the pans using their handles to consider the overall design.
Browning and Hot Spots Test: We evaluated skillet performance in shallow-frying, heat distribution, browning efficiency, and cleanup ease. We prepared boneless chicken breasts, heated the pan, added oil, and cooked the chicken for even browning and minimal burnt spots or oil pooling. This process was repeated for two chicken breasts per skillet. Cleaning Test: After cooking, we cooled the pan and cleaned it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We focused on the scrubbing required and the ease of removing scorched or crusted-on residues. What We Learned: Even ‘Average’ Copper Cookware Demonstrates Great Responsiveness. Copper pots and skillets heat water quickly, with the Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set boiling water in just 4 minutes and 48 seconds, and the Mauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set in 7 minutes and 31 seconds. Thicker skillets showed better heat retention, beneficial for beginners. The size and shape of pots can affect reaction time; for instance, the Made In set’s rondeau increased boiling time. Stainless Steel Linings: Pros and Cons. Copper cookware often features stainless steel linings to prevent metal leaching into food. Most sets we tested had this feature, with the exception of one tin-lined set. Stainless steel is durable but prone to sticking. Tin is less sticky but more susceptible to scratches and cannot handle high temperatures. Many tested sets were composed of three materials: copper bottom and sides, an aluminum core, and a stainless steel surface.Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
Copper Cookware Heat and Handle Issues
Unlike stainless steel, copper cookware gets ripping hot all the way to the handles. Because copper heats up quicker than other materials, a bare handle becomes unusable quicker than you may expect. Have Towels or Pot Holders Close By—The Handles Got Hot! Most of the sets we tested were considerably heavier than stainless steel cookware, which could also make maneuvering the pots and pans around the kitchen tricky without proper heat protection. Lengthier handles have the benefit of taking longer to heat, although that’s a bit of a moot point because skillets are easier to move around when gripped closer to the pot. One set we tested, Mauviel’s 10-piece set, had glazed cast iron handles that stayed cooler longer.
Hammered Copper Cookware: Mostly Decorative
Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
As mentioned in this copper cookware primer, hammering metal used to be practiced to strengthen and reinforce the material. But these days, it’s largely decorative; think of it as the equivalent of an embellished paint job or some gorgeous wallpaper. To hammer (sorry) home this point, consider one of our contenders, the Ruffoni Historia. Although it’s hand-hammered and looks highly attractive, we measured the skillet thickness at just 1.5 millimeters—considerably less than the advised 2.5- to 3-millimeter thickness, which is more effective at imbuing copper cookware with strength and durability.
Copper Cookware and Reactivity for Cooks
Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
In our tests, we noted time and again how quickly each skillet gained and lost heat when the burner was adjusted or turned off. In the browning test in particular, the first piece of chicken was often cooked beautifully, while the second experienced a degree of burning. These extreme temperature swings are a boon to advanced cooks, but if you’re just starting out, a pan with more moderate reactivity will be easier to use: Stainless steel is a good halfway point between ultra-reactive copper and slow-and-steady cast iron.
The High Cost of Copper Cookware
Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
Copper pots and pans cost a lot more than steel or iron cookware. The average price of the sets we tested was over $1,000. That said, you usually do get a lot for your investment. Most of the sets we tested had 10 pieces. (Some sets had inflated numbers: high counts, but two or three pieces were wooden utensils or steel accessories. This was not true of our winners.) We definitely recommend taking advantage of sales when available, but one of the most impressive sets we tested, the Cuisinart 8-piece set, retails for around $300 and was a consistently high performer across all metrics.
What to Look for in a Copper Cookware Set
Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
For the ideal combination of responsiveness and durability, look for a copper pot that’s lined with stainless steel.
Tin is another good option—and more nonstick—although it’s prone to scratching and less heat-resistant than stainless steel.
The walls of copper skillets and sauté pans should be 2.5 to 3 millimeters thick. Thinner pans aren’t as durable, and thicker ones won’t be as nimble when heat is adjusted.
Because copper pot handles get hot, look for generously large ones that are easy to grip further away from the pan.
Copper cookware sets should include at least seven to eight pieces to be truly useful, although you’ll want to watch out for options that exaggerate their value with accessories.
Our Favorite Copper Cookware Sets
The Best Copper Cookware Set
Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set
PHOTO: Williams Sonoma
$1,500 at Williams Sonoma
What we liked: This cookware set, more than any other set we tested, bridged the gap between professional chefs and home cooks.
It has attractive (but not hyperactive) responsiveness, with the stockpot taking just shy of five minutes and 25 seconds to come to a rolling boil. During our ease-of-use test, we appreciated how well-balanced the pans were, and how pleasant they were to maneuver. The sloped sides of the skillets made moving the chicken around easy, and we noted that the larger of the two was substantial enough to hold three chicken breasts. The meat browned beautifully, and the pans were easy to clean with minimal scrubbing.Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
What we didn’t like: The handles on the skillets, saucepot, and sauté pan were all substantially heavy, and may be difficult for cooks with limited mobility to maneuver. At eight quarts, the stockpot is smaller than we typically recommend, and the handles were a touch too narrow as well—although we were still able to carry it relatively comfortably.
This set can’t handle temperatures over 450F, and unless you catch a sale, it’s almost $2,000.Key Specs
Number of pieces: 10
Pieces included: 10- and 12-inch skillets, 1 1/2- and 4-quart saucepans with lids, 4 1/2-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid
Pieces available for individual purchase: Either size skillet, 4-quart saucepan, sauté pan, stockpot
Cookware surface: Stainless steel
Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
Another Great Copper Cookware Set
Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set
PHOTO: Amazon
$1,700 at Amazon
$1,700 at Williams Sonoma
$1,700 at Sur La Table
What we liked: This Italian-made set has a copper core surrounded by aluminum and a stainless steel cooking surface, making it the best of all worlds when it comes to metals. We appreciated how easy it was to pour water from the stockpot, thanks to a gently flared lip.
Every piece in this set is oven-safe up to 600F. While the pans had a learning curve because of their enthusiastic responsiveness, we feel they’d be prized by serious cooks for both their reactivity and eye-catching aesthetic.Serious Eats / Russell Kilgore
What we didn’t like: The handles on the fry pans and sauté pan are slightly awkward to use, and only ergonomic when gripped at the bottom, right next to the cooking surface.
When it comes to copper cookware, there are two sets that stand out for their performance and value. The Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware 8 Piece Set and the Mauviel Copper M’200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set offer distinct benefits for different needs.
The Cuisinart set, priced under $300, is an excellent choice for those new to copper cookware. It includes 8 pieces such as 8 1/2- and 11-inch skillets, 1 1/2- and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 3 1/2-quart sauté pan with lid, and a 6-quart stockpot with lid. While the set is smaller than our top picks, it offers good reactivity due to the 2.8 millimeters thickness of each pan. The curved lip of the stockpot facilitates pouring water, and the cookware performs中等地 in terms of time to boil and reduce temperature. However, it does have some hot spots and a domed surface that can cause oil to pool and burn at the edges. The outer edges of the skillets also show some hot spots, affecting the evenness of browning. On the higher end, the Mauviel Copper M’200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set is a splurge worth considering. This set is made entirely from copper and stainless steel, with cast iron handles for easier handling. It includes 8 pieces such as 8- and 10-inch skillets, a 4-quart sauté pan with lid, a 2 1/2-quart saucepan with lid, and a 6-quart stockpot with lid. The stockpot, despite being only five quarts, is well-designed and easy to carry. This set is oven-safe up to 600F, and each piece is well-balanced with a medium-high heft, making it a pleasure to cook with. However, it is the most expensive set we tested, which may be a significant investment even for serious cooks. Both sets have their drawbacks; the Cuisinart set has hot spots and a smaller stockpot, while the Mauviel set is expensive and also has a smaller stockpot. Despite these, each set offers unique advantages that make them stand out in the world of copper cookware.The Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set is recognized as the best for everyday use. This set is quick to heat up and slower to lose heat, making it ideal for daily cooking needs. It includes 10 pieces such as 10 1/4- and 11 3/4-inch skillets, a 3-quart sauté pan with lid, a 2-quart saucepan with lid, a 3 ½ quart saucepan with lid, and a 5-quart stockpot with lid.
Individual pieces are also available for purchase, including skillets in slightly different sizes, a larger 6-quart sauté pan, saucepan, and stockpot. The cookware features a stainless steel surface and is oven-safe up to 600F. The set stands out for its high-quality stainless steel surface which makes it easy to clean.
A notable feature of this set is the inclusion of an 8-quart stockpot, branded as a Dutch oven, and a steamer basket, enhancing the overall usability despite not being made from copper. However, the extreme angle of the handles makes the skillets and pots somewhat difficult to hold and move during cooking. The thickness of the sides, at 3.6 millimeters, is slightly more than ideal for maximizing copper’s reactivity.
At the time of publishing, the sale price was $800, while the regular price is $1,500, which may seem steep considering not every piece is made from copper.
In comparison, the BergHOFF Vintage Copper Tri-Ply 10Pc Cookware Set offers a handsome look but feels lighter and flimsier. The skillets’ straight walls make flipping and sautéeing more challenging, and burnt oil is extremely difficult to wash off. Performance and reactivity vary, making it a fussier option.
The Mauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set has a limited size range, resulting in a lack of cooking surface area. The straight sides make pouring and sautéing trickier, but the handle angle helps them stay relatively cool when cooking.
Lastly, the Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper 11-Piece Cookware Set with Olivewood Tools is whimsical with a hand-hammered copper coating. However, its average thickness of 1.6 millimeters makes it too reactive, and the acorn shape of the pots can lead to burning and scorching due to high flames lapping up the sides.
In our review of copper cookware sets, we assessed their safety, performance, and usability. The Made In The Copper Set – 7-Piece Set stood out for its oven-safe limit, reaching up to 800F. However, we noted that the weight distribution was lacking, and the limited size range made it less versatile compared to other sets we tested. Despite including only seven pieces, it is the priciest set per piece on our list.
Is copper cookware safe? Yes, it is. Copper cookware is lined with an inert metal, typically stainless steel or tin, making the surface that contacts food safe. The only exception is jam pots, which are entirely copper but safe due to the buffering effect of sugar added during cooking. Copper cookware is particularly good at reactivity, allowing for quick heat gain and loss, which is valuable for advanced cooks seeking greater control over their cooking. However, it is not necessarily superior to other types of cookware and requires hand-washing. Most copper cookware sets are oven-safe, with temperatures ranging up to 450F for most sets, and a few outliers capable of withstanding up to 600F and 800F. It’s important to note that stainless steel-lined copper can handle higher temperatures than tin-lined pots. Unlike cast iron, copper cookware does not require seasoning. The stainless steel lining simply needs a layer of fat to prevent sticking. The exterior of the pans will develop a patina over time, which is natural and can be polished back to its original state if desired. For more detailed care and maintenance information, refer to our article. Our expertise in this review comes from testing nine copper cookware sets across various metrics including design, performance, heating ability, and ease of cleaning. We also consulted with Bernadette Machard de Gramont, a writer and cookware expert, and Rochelle Bilow, an editor at Serious Eats, who has been writing about food and reviewing kitchen equipment professionally since 2021. The pros and cons of copper cookware are evident in its reactivity, performance, and ease of maintenance, making it a choice for those who value these qualities in their kitchen equipment.
