Best Copper Cookware of 2023

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by David Michael

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Best Copper Cookware of 2023

Copper cookware has a rich history that spans thousands of years. It was one of the first metals to be used for cooking vessels due to its excellent heat conductivity and malleability. Copper pans and pots heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for delicate recipes that require precise temperature control. Additionally, copper cookware has a distinctive aesthetic appeal that adds elegance to any kitchen. My dad proudly displayed our copper cookware on a wall in our kitchen.

Our Top Picks for Best Copper Cookware

For ease in comparison, we list a similar sized skillet for each brand.
Use the ‘Jump to Review’ link to jump down to the review of that brand.
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 The copper cookware that we recommend are:

Recommended Copper Cookware

Mauviel M’Heritage Copper & Stainless Steel Frying Pan 10.2 Inch

Mauviel has been making professional quality copper cookware in France since 1830. I love this particular M’Heritage collection because it replaces the traditional tin lining with a stainless steel that is bonded to the copper. No need to re-tin these pieces ever. The copper is 1.5 millimeters thick on this particular Mauviel collection.

This particular collection has cast stainless steel handles that is designed to not transmit much heat and stay cooler. I like the weight of this pan, not too heavy and easy to move on the stove.

This copper cookware is oven safe to 500 degrees F., and is hand wash only.

De Buyer Prima Matera Copper & Stainless Steel Fry Pan 9.5 Inch

Induction ready copper cookware from the innovative French company de Buyer. Founded nearly 200 years ago de Buyer makes high quality professional cookware and is a maverick at innovative design and sustainability. The Prima Matera line is copper cookware lined with bonded stainless steel and works on induction cooktops. 2.0 millimeter thick copper ensures even heating no matter the source.

I found the handles of the de Buyer Prima Matera to be the most comfortable.

Oven safe. Hand wash only.

Cuisine Romefort Solid Copper with Tin Coating Frying Pan 9.45 Inch

Cuisine Romefort is a French company making traditional tin lined and solid copper cookware. The copper is about 1.78 millimeters thick with a tin coated interior. Handles are a solid cast iron. In addition to the tin lined cookware they also make classic unlined copper jam pots and copper whipping bowls.

As this has a tin lining I would only use these in an oven to 400 degrees F as the tin begins to melt around 450 degrees. Hand wash only.

Creartistic Pure Tinned Copper Fry Pan 10.2 Inch

Creartistic is an Italian maker of traditional tinned copper cookware. The copper is 1.2 millimeters, making this the lightest of the copper cookware we looked at. This was also the copper cookware that tended to have the friendliest pricing. They don’t have a huge selection available, but good quality at a good price.

As this has a tin lining I would only use these in an oven to 400 degrees F. Hand wash only.

Hestan CopperBond Pure Copper Frying Pan 11-Inch

Italian maker Hestan brings a hybrid 5 layer bonded construction to the table. With a magnetic stainless layer on the bottom this copper ware is induction ready. Exterior is a combination of copper and stainless, with a copper core for even heating. Interior is 18/10 stainless steel.

Oven and broiler safe to 600 degrees F. Hand wash only.

For tips on cleaning and maintaining your copper cookware, please see our article: Copper Pans 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Copper Cookware

Benefits of Copper Cookware

Copper is renowned for its unparalleled heat conductivity, allowing for rapid and uniform heat distribution across the cooking surface. This property enables precise control over cooking temperatures and reduces the risk of hot spots.

Copper’s responsiveness to changes in heat is one of its key advantages. It quickly adjusts to variations in heat levels, providing immediate and accurate temperature changes that are crucial for delicate recipes like sauces, caramel, and chocolate.

Copper pans excel in responsiveness, making them well-suited for dishes that require rapid adjustments in cooking temperatures. This characteristic is especially beneficial when cooking seafood, fish, and other delicate proteins.

Copper’s superior heat conductivity ensures that heat spreads evenly throughout the pan, eliminating temperature variations and promoting uniform cooking. This feature is particularly useful when preparing dishes that require consistent heat, such as soups and stews.

In the past, tin was commonly used as the lining for copper cookware. Tin, being a pure element like copper, possesses remarkable qualities. Firstly, and importantly for its role as a lining, tin remains completely inert, exhibiting no reaction with acids or any other substances used during cooking.

Secondly, tin is exceptionally nonstick on its own, without requiring the seasoning process often associated with cast iron. Whether you’re frying an egg, making pancakes, or lightly searing fish, food generally doesn’t stick to tin-lined surfaces.

Copper cookware is versatile and suitable for various cooking techniques, including sautéing, braising, frying, and simmering. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Drawbacks of Copper Cookware

One of the most significant drawbacks of copper cookware is its price. Copper pans and pots tend to be considerably more expensive than cookware made from stainless steel or other materials.

It is important to understand that copper possesses reactivity as a fundamental characteristic. When exposed to acidic substances such as vinegar and tomatoes, copper has the potential to release into the food, which can pose long-term health risks if ingested excessively. Consequently, the majority of copper cookware is equipped with a lining to prevent this reaction. The choice of lining material becomes a crucial factor to consider when purchasing copper pots and pans.

However, tin does have some drawbacks. It has a relatively low melting point of approximately 450°F (230°C), which can be quickly reached if the pan is left unattended and empty over a flame. Consequently, it is crucial never to preheat an empty tin-lined copper pan and to avoid using it for high-heat searing (reserving cast iron for such tasks is recommended).

Moreover, tin is somewhat soft and can gradually wear away over time, especially when exposed to metal utensils and abrasive scrubbing. With proper care, a tin lining can endure for many years, but eventually, even the most cherished tin-lined copper pans will require re-tinning. Although it is a rare occurrence, this additional cost should be considered when purchasing tin-lined copper, as it factors into the pan’s overall lifespan.

Stainless steel linings dispel any of tin’s down sides, but also do away with the non stick properties of tin. If you choose stainless steel lined copper pans, just be sure to add a bit of oil or butter before cooking.

Lastly, traditional copper cookware is not induction compatible. The exception being de Buyer’s Prima Matera collection, a modern copper cookware that is lined with stainless that is specifically made to work on induction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right copper cookware can elevate your cooking experience and bring your culinary skills to new heights. By considering factors such as thickness, interior lining, handles, and maintenance requirements, you can find the perfect copper cookware that suits your needs and preferences. Embrace the exceptional heat conductivity and timeless beauty of copper, and let it become an indispensable tool in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

For more of our favorite cookware please check out our posts:
Best Induction Cookware: Our Favorites
Best Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Best Stainless Steel Cookware
Best Stove Top Grill Pans
Best Hard Anodized Cookware Sets
Best Cast Iron Cookware
Best Carbon Steel Cookware

Be sure to check out our post Cookware – The Kitchen Cornerstone for quick access to all of our cookware posts.