The Allure Of Dark Copper Cookware: A Comprehensive Set For Culinary Enthusiasts

Copper cookware is a beautiful and functional addition to any kitchen. Not only does it have a unique, vintage aesthetic, but it is also highly conductive, making it ideal for searing and sauteing. Copper cookware is also highly responsive to changes in temperature, which is perfect for delicate proteins like fish and sauces.

There are a variety of copper cookware sets available on the market, ranging from affordable to high-end options. Some popular brands include Hestan, Lagostina, All-Clad, Ruffoni, Mauviel, de Buyer, Coppermill Kitchen, Viking, and Cuisinart. These sets typically include a range of pots and pans, such as skillets, saucepans, saute pans, stockpots, and frying pans, along with lids and utensils.

While copper cookware is a great choice for those seeking both style and functionality, it does require special care and attention. Copper is a reactive metal, so most cookware is lined with tin or stainless steel to prevent leaching. Cleaning and maintenance are also important considerations, as copper should not be placed in the dishwasher and requires special polishing to maintain its shine.

Overall, copper cookware sets offer a combination of aesthetics and performance that can enhance the cooking experience for both home cooks and professionals.

Best Overall Copper Cookware Sets

Copper cookware is highly functional and prized for its ability to respond to changes in heat quickly. If you're looking for the best overall copper cookware set, here are some top-performing options:

Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

Although this set is heavy, it offers quick-reacting and even-heating performance. It includes two skillets (10 and 12 inches), two saucepans (1.5 and 4 quarts), a sauté pan, a stockpot, and four lids. The handles are thick and made of stainless steel, making them easy to grip. However, wider handles on the stockpot would have been preferable. The lids are dishwasher-safe, and the set generally held up well during testing, despite some expected heat discolouration.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set

The Hestan CopperBond set is a very close runner-up to the Williams Sonoma set. It is well-designed and functional, with pans that are lighter and have curved lips for easy pouring. The interior handle rivets are flush with the pan, making cleaning more straightforward. However, the stockpot handles are narrow and uncomfortable to hold, and the sauté pan's bottom is slightly convex, which can affect even cooking. Overall, this set is highly responsive to heat changes and a worthy alternative to the top choice.

Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set stands out for its ergonomic handles and visual appeal. The enamel-coated handles are comfortable to hold, and the stew pot's handles accommodate four fingers for a secure grip. The pans are easy to balance, but they can overheat quickly and are a bit more challenging to clean. This set combines performance and aesthetics and is likely to become a generational heirloom.

Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set

If you're looking for the best value, the Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set delivers impressive performance at an approachable price. The rounded grips make the set well-balanced and easy to handle. It responds well to heat changes, and there were no sticking issues during testing. However, the internal rivets require extra attention during cleaning, and there was slight discolouration on the stainless steel after washing.

Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

The Viking set is an excellent choice if you're specifically looking for induction-friendly cookware. It is highly responsive to heat changes and easy to clean. The handles are comfortable but could be designed better to improve the overall balance of the pans. This set includes two skillets (10 and 12 inches), a steamer insert, two saucepans (3.4 and 4.8 quarts), a sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and three lids.

Best Value Copper Cookware Sets

Copper cookware is highly sought after for its quick responsiveness to heat and its ability to evenly distribute heat. However, it is also expensive and requires careful maintenance. Here are some of the best value copper cookware sets currently on the market:

Cuisinart Copper Cookware 8-Piece Set

This set is available at Walmart and offers excellent value for money. It includes a saucepan, two skillets, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and three lids. The set is well-balanced, easy to grip, and responsive to heat changes. It also features rounded grips and is easy to clean. Priced at $330, it is a great choice for those seeking quality and performance at an affordable price.

Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set offers excellent quality at a more affordable price compared to other copper cookware sets. The pots and pans are made of copper and have stainless steel cooking surfaces, similar to other Lagostina Martellata products. They perform well in browning steaks and simmering sauces, and the handles stay cool during cooking. Priced at $500 from Crate & Barrel, this set offers a friendly price without sacrificing too much on quality.

Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

This set is a great choice for those seeking induction-compatible copper cookware. It includes two frypans, a saucepan, a sauté pan, a Dutch oven, a steamer insert, and three lids. The set features an aluminium core, a stainless steel interior, and a copper exterior, allowing for even heat distribution. The handles are comfortable and curved, staying cool to the touch. Priced at $900 from Sur La Table, this set offers good value for money with its ample-sized pieces and induction compatibility.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set

The Hestan CopperBond set offers a modern take on copper cookware. It features a copper core and incorporates stainless steel for convenience, versatility, and durability. The set includes skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot, with stainless steel lids and flared lips for easy pouring. The rivets are flush with the interior surface, making cleaning easier. This set is priced at $1,360 from Amazon, Williams Sonoma, Food52, and Sur La Table.

Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set is a great choice for those seeking a traditional and timeless look. Mauviel is a well-known French brand that has been crafting cookware since the 19th century. The set includes skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stew pot, all with stainless steel cooking surfaces. The substantial layer of copper provides excellent heat conduction. The pieces have cast-iron handles and copper lids, adding to their classic appeal. Priced at $2,000 from Williams Sonoma, this set offers a nice assortment of pieces and is a good choice for serious cooks seeking performance and style.

Easiest-to-Use Copper Cookware Sets

Copper cookware is highly sought after for its quick responsiveness to heat changes, making it ideal for delicate proteins like fish and seafood, sauces, caramel, and chocolate. However, its extreme reactivity can be a double-edged sword, making it less suitable for beginners. Here are some of the easiest-to-use copper cookware sets on the market:

• All-Clad Copper Core 7-Piece Cookware Set: This set scored top marks for cook time and cleanability in tests conducted by Good Housekeeping. It boasts the fastest boil time among all cookware sets tested in 2021, taking only 6 minutes and 40 seconds. It also excelled in scorch tests, with minimal residue sticking to the pan, making cleanup a breeze. The set includes a skillet, saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and lids.
• Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set is praised for its lightweight design and curved lips that make pouring a breeze. It features a copper core sandwiched between layers of aluminum and stainless steel, providing a good balance of performance and ease of use. The set includes skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and lids.
• Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set: This set is induction-friendly and highly responsive to heat changes, making it a versatile option for all cooktops. It has easy-to-hold curved handles that stay cool to the touch. While the handles are comfortable, their angle of attachment makes the pans a bit awkward to hold. The set includes skillets, a steamer insert, saucepans, a sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and lids.
• Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set offers excellent heat distribution and includes a range of essential cookware pieces. The skillets have nicely sloped sides, making it easier to toss ingredients. The stockpot handles could be wider for a better grip, and the set is on the heavier side. It includes skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and lids.
• Mauviel Copper M'200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set: This set stands out for its elegant cast iron handles, which stay cooler for longer due to cast iron's slower reactivity. The set is almost entirely made of copper and stainless steel, with no aluminum filler. The pieces are well-balanced, pleasantly heavy, and excel at browning and searing. However, the stockpot is on the smaller side, and the set is one of the most expensive on the market. It includes skillets, a sauté pan, saucepans, a stockpot, and lids.

Copper Cookware Sets for Induction

Copper cookware is highly sought after by chefs due to its excellent heat conductivity, allowing for quick and even heat distribution. This makes it ideal for delicate preparations such as sauces and reductions. Copper is also highly responsive to temperature changes, so it's important to adjust the heat accordingly to avoid overheating.

When it comes to choosing copper cookware sets for induction cooktops, there are a few options available:

De Buyer Prima Matera Copper 5-Piece Set

This set is induction-compatible, with magnetic bottoms that work on all cooktops. The 2mm copper body heats up and cools down rapidly and evenly. The set includes curved handles that stay cool to the touch, making them easy to hold.

Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

This set is designed for induction cooktops and is very responsive to heat changes. It includes a mix of skillets, saucepans, a steamer insert, a sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and lids. The handles are comfortable but could be designed better as they make the lightweight pans feel heavy and clumsy.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes a mix of skillets, saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot, all with comfortable handles and curved lips for easy pouring. The pans are lighter than some of the other sets, making them easier to handle. However, the stockpot handles are narrow and may be uncomfortable to grip.

Mauviel Copper Triply 7-Piece Cookware Set

This set is handcrafted in France, combining traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. It features a stainless steel interior, an aluminium core, and a copper exterior for rapid and uniform heat conduction. The handles get very hot during cooking, so caution is required.

All-Clad Copper Core 7-Piece Cookware Set

This set scored highly for cook time and cleanability. It has the fastest boil time out of all the sets tested, taking only 6 minutes and 40 seconds. It also passed scorch tests with flying colours, making cleanup a breeze. The only downside is that the rivets make cleaning a little more difficult.

Copper Cookware Sets Care and Maintenance

Copper cookware is a true investment piece for your kitchen. Not only does it look beautiful, but it's also functional, with superior heat conductivity and an even heating surface. Here are some tips to care for and maintain your dark copper cookware set:

Cleaning and Polishing

• Copper cookware should be hand-washed with warm water and mild soap and then dried immediately with a soft cloth.
• Avoid using stainless-steel wool, abrasive scouring pads, or harsh scrubbers, as these can scratch the surface.
• To remove stuck-on food, fill the copper pan with water and a bit of dish soap and simmer while cleaning the rest of the kitchen. You can also use a scraper made of bamboo or wood to loosen any cooked-on food.
• Copper will naturally develop a patina over time, but if you prefer a shiny finish, you can polish your cookware. It is recommended to polish every six months or whenever you notice a buildup of tarnish.
• To polish copper, create a paste with equal parts acid (lemon juice or vinegar) and salt. Rub the paste into the copper surface with a sponge and buff until shiny. Rinse with warm water and dry completely.
• For a more natural option, Giulia Ruffoni, president of Ruffoni, a family-run copper cookware company, recommends using lemons and fine salt to clean and polish copper.
• Avoid using bleach or other corrosive cleaning products, as these can cause pitting.

Cooking with Copper

• Copper is highly conductive and responsive to heat changes, so it's important to use a lower heat setting than you would with other cookware.
• Copper cookware with a tin lining should be used with care, as tin has a low melting point of around 450°F. Always preheat tin-lined copper pans with oil or butter inside to prevent overheating.
• Stainless steel-lined copper cookware can handle higher temperatures and is better for searing and broiling. Metal utensils can be used with stainless steel-lined pans but should be avoided with tin-lined pans.
• Copper is not suitable for induction cooktops and is best used with a gas flame for optimal responsiveness.

Storing Copper Cookware

• Copper cookware should be stored in a cool, dry space to prevent oxidation, which occurs when copper reacts with water or humidity.
• For a dramatic presentation, consider displaying your copper pots and pans on wooden open shelving, under a kitchen island, or on hooks.

Retinning

• Over time, the lining of copper cookware may need to be replaced, especially with tin-lined pans. This process, called retinning, should be done approximately every 10-20 years or when the copper showing through the lining is about the size of a US quarter.
• To find a professional retinning service, contact companies such as East Coast Tinning or Rocky Mountain Tinning.

Other Tips

• Avoid preheating or using dry heat with copper cookware, as this can damage the sensitive tin lining.
• Use wooden or silicone utensils with copper cookware to prevent scratching the soft tin lining.
• Avoid cooking with highly acidic ingredients such as lemon, tomatoes, and vinegar in copper cookware, as these can react with the copper and cause discolouration.

By following these care and maintenance tips, your dark copper cookware set will last for generations, providing both functionality and beauty in your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions