Copper Pans: Expensive Luxury Or Worthwhile Investment?

Copper pans are a beautiful and durable addition to any kitchen, offering excellent heat conductivity and precise temperature control for even cooking. They also have antibacterial properties, making them a hygienic choice. With proper care, copper pans can last for generations and develop a unique patina that adds character to your kitchen. The price of copper pans varies depending on the brand and the number of pieces included in the set. For example, a single copper pan can range from $475 to $1,380, while a set of copper cookware can cost anywhere from $148.49 to $2,298.

Copper pan sets

There are several options available when it comes to copper pan sets. For example, the Amoretti Brothers Copper Cookware Collection features hand-hammered solid copper pots and pans with a refined tin lining on the cooking surface, ensuring superior cooking performance. The collection includes sets of 7 and 11 pieces, with prices ranging from $1,579 to $2,298.

Another option is the Matfer Bourgeat Copper Cookware Set. This set combines professional-grade materials with two centuries of experience to create a perfect addition to any chef's cookware collection. The 10-piece set includes copper frying pans, copper saucepans, and more, with prices ranging from $526 to $1,380 for individual pieces.

The Mauviel M'Heritage Copper Cookware Set is also a great choice, with a range of sets available, from 2-piece frying pan sets to 16-piece cookware sets. The sets feature polished copper associated with stainless steel, enhancing the pleasure of cooking, and are easy to clean. Prices for the Mauviel sets range from $319.95 to $2,999.95.

Finally, Sertodo offers copper pan sets that are crafted from durable materials and designed to last a lifetime. The sets include classic and modern designs, with prices starting from $166 for individual pieces.

Price range

The price of copper pans varies depending on the brand, size, and number of pieces included.

For example, on Amazon, prices range from $10.96 for a 3-piece nonstick ceramic frying pan set to $1,699.95 for a 10-piece copper cookware set from Hestan. Other options on Amazon include the Legend 14-piece copper core stainless steel pots and pans set, which is free delivery, and the Gotham Steel Hammered Copper Collection, a 15-piece premium cookware set with a nonstick fry pan, which is also available with free delivery and costs $399.94.

Matfer Bourgeat copper cookware offers a range of copper frying pans, copper saucepans, and a 10-piece copper cookware set. Their prices range from $475 for a 9.5" copper frying pan to $1,092 for an 8" saute pan.

Sertodo offers a range of copper pots and pans, including a copper saute pan with a lid (3-quart) for $488, and a copper Dutch oven starting at $565. Their sets, such as The Whole Copper Kitchen Caboodle (6 pieces) and The Grand Copper Kitchen Caboodle (8 pieces), cost $1,579 and $2,298, respectively. The most expensive item offered by Sertodo is The Kingdom Copper Kitchen Caboodle, a 198-piece set priced at $5,020.

Brand options

There are several brands that offer copper pans, with prices varying depending on the brand, quality, and number of pieces included in a set. Here are some popular options:

Sertodo: Sertodo offers a range of copper pots and pans that are both beautiful and durable. Their products are known for their excellent heat conductivity, allowing for precise temperature control and even cooking. Sertodo's copper cookware also has antibacterial properties, making it a hygienic choice. The price range for their products starts at $132 for a petite French copper butter pot with a lid and goes up to $2,298 for their Grand Copper Kitchen Caboodle set.

Matfer Bourgeat: Matfer Bourgeat is a French brand that has established itself as an industry leader in cookware over the past 200 years. Their copper cookware combines professional-grade materials with their extensive experience, resulting in high-quality products. Matfer Bourgeat offers a variety of copper frying pans, saucepans, and sets. The price range for their products starts at $475 for a copper frying pan and goes up to $1,092 for a saute pan.

Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of copper cookware sets from various brands. The prices for these sets can vary significantly, depending on the brand, quality, and number of pieces included. For example, the Hestan CopperBond Collection 10-piece set is priced at $1,699.95, while the Moss & Stone Copper 5-piece set is available for $27.99. Other brands offered by Amazon include Mauviel, Viking Culinary, and Gotham Steel.

Duparquet: Duparquet offers a range of American-made heirloom copper cookware. Their products include various pans, such as an egg pan, fry pan, and saute pan, as well as custom lids and solid silver cookware. Prices for their products are not readily available, but they offer a range of options to choose from.

Pan types

Copper pans are available in a variety of types, including:

• Traditional Copper Cookware: This is the classic choice for professional chefs, with a solid copper layer and a lining of stainless steel or tin. The thickness of the copper can vary, with higher-quality pans typically having thicker copper. Handles can be made from stainless steel, cast iron, or bronze. Examples include Matfer Bourgeat and Mauviel M'Heritage.
• Unlined Copper for Specialty Uses: These are used for specific tasks such as making jam, candy, and other sugar-based foods. They have no lining, allowing the copper to react with the food. Examples include the de Buyer copper jam pan and Mauviel sugar sauce pan.
• Copper Core Cookware: This type of cookware has a copper or copper/aluminium interior and a stainless steel exterior. It is usually induction compatible and easier to maintain than traditional copper cookware. An example is the All-Clad Copper Core range.
• Tri-Ply Copper Cookware: This type of pan has three layers: a copper exterior, an aluminium centre, and a stainless steel cooking surface. It offers the beauty of copper at a lower price, but the quality can vary significantly. An example is the Mauviel Tri-Ply Copper range.
• Copper-Bottomed Cookware: This type of cookware has a disc of copper bonded to the bottom, which can enhance heating properties. It is usually induction compatible. An example is the Anolon Nouvelle Copper range.
• Copper-Plated Cookware: This type of pan is made from another metal, typically stainless steel, with a thin layer of copper applied to it. The copper plating is primarily for appearance and does not significantly affect heating performance. An example is the Revereware copper bottom saucepan.
• Copper-Coloured Cookware: This type of cookware has no actual copper content but is designed to look like copper. It can be made from stainless steel or aluminium and may have a non-stick coating. An example is the Copper Chef range.

Benefits of copper pans

Copper pans can be an elegant and functional addition to your kitchen. Here are some benefits of copper pans:

Excellent Heat Conduction

Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing for even cooking and precise temperature control. This makes it ideal for cooking temperature-sensitive foods and achieving perfect browning and braising. The superior heat conductivity means that you can be extremely precise with your heat choices, and the pan will respond almost immediately to any changes in temperature.

Durability and Longevity

Copper pans are known for their durability and can last for generations with proper care. Copper is also an excellent undercoat for pans, providing a uniform coating that reduces corrosion and keeps your pans looking almost new even after some wear and tear.

Antibacterial Properties

Copper has natural antibacterial properties, making it a hygienic choice for cooking. This helps to prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause health issues, similar to the reason why hospitals use copper piping in their systems.

Health Benefits

Cooking with copper can have several health benefits. Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including the creation of red blood cells, the maintenance of the immune system, nerve cell function, and the absorption of iron. Additionally, copper is believed to aid in weight loss, improve digestive health, and promote healthy skin.

Unique Design and Aesthetics

Copper pans offer a unique and elegant look to your kitchen. The rich and distinctive appearance of copper cookware can make you excited to use your pans and showcase them in your kitchen.

Ease of Cleaning

Copper pans are easy to clean and maintain. Their rustic and elegant aesthetic means that scrubbing out burn marks is much less effort.

Energy Efficiency

Due to copper's excellent heat distribution, your food is less likely to burn, and you may even save energy while cooking.

Copper pans are a beautiful and functional addition to any kitchen, offering a range of benefits from improved heat conduction to antibacterial properties. With proper care, they can last for generations and provide a unique cooking experience.

Frequently asked questions