The 8 Best Copper Cookware Pieces of 2023
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Our top pick is the Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware Eight-Piece Set because of its budget-conscious price and high-quality design that’s a great intro to cooking with copper.
Better Homes & Gardens / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
When it comes to high-quality cooking utensils, copper cookware is an investment—it’s more expensive than basic non-stick cookware, and it requires a little more care to keep it looking good. But the trade-off is that it is excellent at heating quickly and retaining heat, making it a favorite of chefs around the globe.
Many chefs at fine restaurants around the world prefer copper cookware for its precise temperature control. Home chefs who are ready to make their meals a little more gourmet can invest in their own copper cookware. Generally, solid copper cookware is more expensive than non-stick ceramic cookware, but it’s also a higher quality product.
“Copper is great for cooking because it conducts heat better than other materials,” says Andrea Amoretti, founder and CEO of Amoretti Brothers. But you don’t have to be a five-star Michelin chef to appreciate the quick heat conduction and heat retention of copper cookware.
Our overall top pick for the best copper cookware is the Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware Eight-Piece Set, because it’s budget-friendly for home cooks who’d like to try cooking with copper. It also works with a gas, electric, or induction cooktop, making it accessible to use in any kitchen.
Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware 8 Piece Set
Best Overall
Why You Should Get It: It has a tri-ply material construction for excellent heat distribution.
Keep In Mind: Caring for copper pans takes more effort than other types of cookware.
Purchasing the best copper cookware for your kitchen is an investment, but we found that this eight-piece set offers a lot for the money. Some single pieces of copper cookware can cost several hundred dollars, and with this set you receive a stock pot, saucepan, and saute pan with lids for about the same price as a single high-end copper pan. Plus, you also get eight-inch and 10-inch skillets.
All of the cookware here is made with a tri-ply material construction, which simply means that it has a stainless-steel interior cooking surface, an aluminum core, and a copper exterior. This layered approach allows for good heat distribution along the base of the cookware and throughout the side walls, which home chefs will appreciate. This cookware can be used on an electric, gas, or induction cooktop, so it will work well in any kitchen.
Copper finishes require a little extra care compared to stainless steel or other materials. We recommend cleaning it with soap and water and drying it immediately after each use. You can also add a drop of olive oil to the cleaned pan and rub the oil onto the interior and exterior of the pan to preserve the look. Just don’t use too much oil or the pan will feel greasy. The copper exterior will oxidize over time, but you can restore the look of copper with metal polish (Brasso No Scent Metal Polish) or with natural cleaning products.
Price at time of publish: $330
Product Details: Included Cookware: 2.5-quart saucepan with cover, 4-quart sauté pan with cover, 6-quart stockpot with cover, 8-inch skillet, and 10-inch skillet | Maximum Oven Temperature: 500°F | Material: Stainless-steel interior, aluminum core, copper exterior
Lagostina Q5542364 Martellata Tri-ply Hammered Stainless Steel
Best Budget
Why You Should Get It: It’s oven safe up to 500ºF and safe to put in the dishwasher.
Keep In Mind: Some shoppers may not like the hammered copper look.
It’s hard to find quality copper cookware for less than $100, which makes this copper saucepan an exciting find. This hammered copper saucepan is made with a copper exterior, aluminum core, and stainless-steel interior for excellent heat distribution. The manufacturer says it is also oven-safe up to 500ºF and dishwasher-safe, although we recommend washing all copper cookware by hand. With a two-quart capacity, this kitchen tool is perfect for everyday use, and it’s made with high-quality materials that will serve your kitchen well for years.
If you’re interested in cooking with the best copper cookware, this budget-friendly saucepan is a great place to start. It won’t break the bank, but you’re still getting a solid piece of cookware that will last for many years under the right care. If you find that you like cooking with copper cookware and don’t mind the extra maintenance to keep it looking good, then you can always add more to your collection over time.
This saucepan has a hammered copper exterior, which has a less-sleek look than smooth cookware. If aesthetics are important to you and you dislike the textured appearance, we recommend skipping this option.
Price at time of publish: $76
Product Details: Included Cookware: 4-Quart saucepan | Maximum Oven Temperature: 500°F | Material: Stainless-steel interior, aluminum core, copper exterior
Mauviel Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set
Best Splurge
Why You Should Get It: This set of copper cookware is restaurant quality, with a heavy-gauge copper exterior and stainless steel interior.
Keep In Mind: Copper is meant to patina, even with an investment in high-quality copper cookware you should expect the appearance to change over time.
The Mauviel brand has been around since 1830, and its copper cookware has been used in professional kitchens—including fine dining restaurants and cooking schools in Paris—for decades. This cookware is still made in France, and it’s a worthy investment for a serious home chef who wants to replace their current utensils with copper.
All the pieces in this set are 2 millimeters thick, made with a heavy-gauge copper exterior and an 18/10 stainless-steel interior cooking surface. Additionally, the handles are made from cast iron. You can feel the quality of each piece just by picking it up.
Included in the set are two frying pans: one is 10.25 inches wide, and the other is 11.75 inches wide. There’s also a 2-quart and a 3.5-quart saucepan, each with its own lid. The 3-quart sauté pan is one of our favorites, and we predict it will become your favorite go-to pan as well. A heavy-duty 5-quart stew pot with a lid rounds out the set. You can use this splurge-worthy copper cookware set on a gas, electric, or halogen cooktop, but keep in mind that it doesn’t work with induction.
The manufacturer recommends washing this copper cookware by hand and drying immediately with a soft cloth. Don’t use scouring pads or steel wool on the cookware, but the manufacturer does recommend polishing it with lemon and salt occasionally to keep the finish looking new.
Price at time of publish: $2,000
Product Details: Included Cookware: 10.25-inch fry pan, 11.75-inch fry pan, 2-quart saucepan, 3.5-quart saucepan, 3-quart sauté pan, 5-quart stew pot | Maximum Oven Temperature: 600°F | Material: Stainless-steel interior, copper exterior, cast-iron handles
Hestan 8.5-inch CopperBond Skillet
Best Skillet
Why You Should Get It: The stainless steel base makes it easy to clean and use, even on induction cooktops.
Keep In Mind: It’s available in three sizes, but the larger skillets are up to $295 more expensive than the 8-inch version.
This skillet is built for performance and easy cleaning, thanks to its five layers of 18/10 stainless steel and a 100% copper core. The structure of this pan allows for quick, even heat distribution and excellent temperature control. This 8.5-inch skillet is ergonomically designed to be easy to handle when searing and sautéing, so you won’t feel unbalanced when handling it.
The cost comes with several signs of a high-quality piece, including flush rivets that prevent food from building up and make it easier to clean and store the pan. The rims are reinforced with stainless steel for added durability, and it makes it more effortless to pour sauce out of the pan without dripping all over. You can use this skillet in the oven up to temperatures of 600ºF, and it is compatible with an induction cooktop.
The Hestan 8.5-inch CopperBond skillet is also available in an 11-inch and 12.5-inch diameter if you’re looking for something bigger, but keep in mind that those options are also much more expensive.
Hestan is a Napa Valley company that works with chefs to create high-end cookware and cooking appliances. The cookware they design is manufactured in Italy and it’s designed to last for many years. If you’re a home chef who really wants to elevate your meals, then the Hestan CopperBond Skillet is a worthy investment. If you only cook occasionally and aren’t concerned with precise temperature control, then there are more budget-conscious options that might be a better fit.
Price at time of publish: $230
Product Details: Cookware Included: 8.5-inch skillet | Maximum Oven Temperature: 600°F | Material: Copper, stainless steel
Copper Dutch Oven 10.4-Qt with Flower Lid
Best Dutch Oven
Why You Should Get It: This high-quality copper Dutch oven with exquisite detailing is hand-crafted by artisans.
Keep In Mind: It is a hefty investment for one piece of cookware.
This hammered copper Dutch oven is sure to be a showstopper in any home chef’s kitchen. It looks like an heirloom piece, and with care, it can be passed down for many years to come. The hammered copper exterior and the sculptural floral handle on the lid set it apart from other copper dutch ovens we considered for this list of the best copper cookware.
When looking at this stately item, you may be surprised to learn that this copper dutch oven is actually handcrafted by artisans in Mexico and made from recycled copper. In addition to being extremely high-quality, this makes it a more sustainable and eco-friendly pick than other products on our list.
The structure of this high-end pan is 2 millimeters thick and has two layers—a hand-hammered copper exterior and a tin interior—that protects the flavors of anything you cook. Cast bronze handles are riveted to the pot ensuring that you can securely move the dutch oven around the kitchen for years. With a 10.4-quart capacity, there’s nothing you can’t cook with this cookware.
Overall, this is an excellent piece for a serious home chef who is really invested in preparing gourmet meals. The only downside is that it’s an expensive option for the average kitchen, however, if you’re looking for a luxurious addition to your kitchen cookware, this is a worthy purchase.
Price at time of publish: $683
Product Details: Included Cookware: 10.4-quart dutch oven | Maximum Oven Temperature: 500°F | Material: Copper exterior, tin interior, cast bronze handles
Made In Copper Saucier
Best Saute Pan
Why You Should Get It: This sleek saucier is just the right size for whisking up sauces and rouxs.
Keep In Mind: It weighs more than 6 pounds, making it feel similar in weight to a cast-iron pan.
While most residential ovens typically don’t get hotter than 500ºF, it’s comforting to know that this sauté pan has been tested and reported by the manufacturer to be safe up to 800ºF. Its durability and precise temperature control are what set this pan apart on our list of the best copper cookware.
It is made with copper and stainless steel, as the non-reactive stainless steel clads the interior of the pan. This pan doesn’t work with induction, but if you’re cooking on a gas cooktop you’ll notice how responsive the pan is, as it conducts and holds heat very well.
We also liked the size of this sauté pan as it has a 5-quart capacity. This makes it very versatile for weeknight cooking as well as prepping a fine holiday meal. And since it can easily travel from the cooktop to the oven, the cooking options are endless. The only drawbacks to this pan are the weight and the price. At more than 6 pounds, it’s not the heaviest pan out there, but its weight is something to consider. When it’s full of food, you may not be able to hold the pan with one hand. It also comes with a hefty price tag that makes sense for a serious cook to invest in, but it might be too much for others to spend.
To keep this pan looking its very best we recommend washing it by hand and drying it with a dry cloth. The manufacturer recommends using a copper polish, such as the Barkeeper’s Friend Soft Cleanser every three months to return it to its original golden color.
Price at time of publish: $440
Product Details: Included Cookware: 5.2-quart saucepan | Maximum Oven Temperature: 800°F | Material: Copper, stainless steel
Weston Table Vintage 1880s Small French Copper Stockpot with Lid
Best Stock Pot
Why You Should Get It: It is a vintage piece that will bring history and authenticity to your kitchen.
Keep In Mind: It is an antique item and may have blemishes.
Bring a bit of the Old World into your home with a vintage 1880s French copper stockpot. Weston Table sells traditional-style housewares including some antique pieces, such as this copper stockpot. While it is a distinctive piece, it isn’t meant to be left on a shelf; this stockpot was built to work in your kitchen as an active piece of cookware.
Double rivets secure the handles to the stockpot, making it possible to transport the pot even when it’s full of soup that’s been simmering all day. It may look fancy, but it’s also capable of handling everyday meals such as boiling pasta for a spaghetti dinner.
There are two elements that drew our attention to this copper cookware. First, purchasing a vintage piece of copper cookware is more sustainable than purchasing something that’s brand new, as it keeps high-quality pieces from being sent to a landfill simply because of age. Second, this copper stockpot is a long-lasting, expertly crafted piece that you won’t see in your neighbor’s kitchen. If you have an affinity for vintage items, this stockpot would be a handsome addition to your collection.
Of course, the drawback is the price. This is one of the most expensive single pieces of copper cookware on our list. While it’s not a good fit for every kitchen, it will certainly turn heads in the right home.
Price at time of publish: $610
Product Details: Included Cookware: Small copper stockpot | Maximum Oven Temperature: Not listed | Material: Copper, tin, brass
Copper Kitchen Hammered Copper Wok
Best Wok
Why You Should Get It: Woks are a versatile piece of cookware that make for a great investment.
Keep In Mind: It's a bit smaller than standard woks, which are usually 14 inches.
For those who love to prepare stir-fry dinners, this hammered copper wok will turn a simple weeknight meal into a showstopper. This eye-catching piece is hand-hammered by skilled artisans and features a double layer of tin on the interior. The tin layers protect the wok for years of high-quality cooking. Cast bronze handles are riveted to the sides with copper rivets for a secure hold.
With a diameter that’s more than 1 foot across, this copper wok is well suited for cooking for a crowd. If you love to host, this might be a piece of specialty copper cookware you should consider adding to your collection. Like the other pieces of copper cookware featured here, this wok will tarnish over time. The best way to keep it looking good for as long as possible is to hand wash it and dry it immediately. Never use harsh chemicals to clean the copper. Use natural cleaners, such as salt and vinegar, or a special copper polish to bring back its original shine.
Woks aren’t just for stir-fries, they’re also a great way to steam vegetables or cook soups. If you only use a wok for an occasional stir-fry, the price might be an obstacle, however, if you consistently cook several meals a week in a wok, this item is a worthy upgrade.
Price at time of publish: $390
Product Details: Included Cookware: 12.6-inch wok | Maximum Oven Temperature: Not listed | Material: Copper, tin, cast bronze handles
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best copper cookware is the Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply Cookware eight-piece set because it comes with several pieces of copper cookware at an accessible price, whether you’re a beginning chef or you’re an expert in the kitchen.
What to Know About Copper Cookware Before Shopping
Dimensions
The best copper cookware comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from small skillets to large stock pots. Consider the size of your cooktop, oven, and cabinets before purchasing specialty cookware. The length of the handles, for example, may prevent some large pieces of copper cookware from being stored in your cabinetry. It’s also important to note that copper cookware can scratch easily, so you’ll want to stack them with cloth in between or keep them separate in your kitchen.
Maximum Oven Temperature
All of the copper cookware on our list has an oven-safe temperature of at least 500°F. Some pieces listed oven-safe temperatures of 600-800°F, but since most residential ovens will only safely reach 500°F, it’s not always necessary to shop for cookware that has extremely high-temperature capabilities.
Material
Copper is ideal for cooking because it is a great conductor of heat. Most of the copper cookware on our list had stainless steel or tin interiors, while others may have handles made from cast bronze or brass. Some copper cookware, but not all, have a layer of aluminum in the core. According to Amoretti, this is because it prevents any reaction with acidic foods.
For the highest quality copper cookware, “it is important that you look for 100% copper, not copper plated materials,” Amoretti says. “Look for copper cookware that is 1.5-2 millimeters thick.”
Your Questions, Answered
Do copper pots change color?
One consideration when shopping for the best copper cookware is that it will naturally patina over time. Some people like the ever-changing look of copper and think that it gives the cookware an heirloom feel, but others may not enjoy the appearance of the patina.
You can use home remedies or copper polish to spruce it up, but it’s never a good idea to use harsh chemicals or scouring pads on copper cookware. If you’re interested in elevating your cooking game, and you don’t mind giving your cookware a little TLC, then copper cookware may be the right fit for you.
What are the benefits of copper cookware?
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing it to evenly and thoroughly cook your food. It’s been a popular material for cookware for centuries, and many chefs around the world prefer copper for its ability to heat quickly and retain heat well. For greater precision and temperature control, copper cookware offers many advantages.
Is copper cookware safe to use?
Ye, copper cookware is safe to use on most cooking surfaces (but check the manufacturer description for exclusions, just to be safe). Copper is a reactive metal, which means that acidic foods such as tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus, can react with the cookware and create a slightly metallic taste. To combat this flavor issue, most copper cookware is often lined with stainless steel or another metal.
Can copper cookware go in the oven?
Copper cookware can go in the oven, and most of the pans on our list of the best copper cookware are oven-safe from 500-600°F. However, copper cookware is best suited for stovetop cooking. Limit how long you use copper cookware in the oven. If you’re roasting something for an extended period of time, it may be better to use a roasting pan made with a different material.
How do you clean copper cookware?
One of the biggest concerns shoppers may have with copper cookware is how to keep it looking shiny and good quality for many years to come. The first thing to consider is that copper will naturally patina over time, and if you’re okay with its changing appearance, there isn’t much you have to do except hand wash and dry it after each use.
If you want to return your pan to its original color, you can use a copper polish or a natural cleaner such as vinegar and salt to help remove the patina. You never want to use a scouring pad or harsh cleaning products on copper cookware.
Who We Are
Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics, including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best copper cookware, she researched the ins and outs of copper cookware, comparing the latest features and product specifications. She also consulted with Andrea Amoretti, founder and CEO of Amoretti Brothers, for her expertise on copper cookware.
