The Best Copper Cookware Sets, Tested and Reviewed

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It’s expensive, but nothing rivals the even heating and beauty of copper cookware.

If you’ve never cooked with copper cookware, you aren’t alone. Copper cookware has been around for centuries, but due to its hefty price tag, it has generally been reserved for the top restaurant kitchens or those who hang their cookware as art. However, copper heats more evenly than any other metal used in cookware, creating a more even sear on seafood, meat and vegetables. In addition, it heats extremely fast—so much so that you barely need to preheat copper pans before cooking with them.

But even as a former restaurant cook, magazine test kitchen manager and now a professional food writer and recipe developer, copper pans are the cookware I've historically had the least experience with. Luckily, our test kitchen rounded up several popular copper cookware sets and gave them a trial run to see if they live up to the hype. After searing chicken and seeing how fast water can boil in these pans, I now understand why copper is the cookware of choice for those who can afford it. No other option makes cooking as fun and stylish as copper cookware.

If that’s not enough to convince you, read on to see our top picks from numerous rounds of copper cookware testing. Just be warned: Once you start using copper, it’s hard to go back!

Our Copper Cookware Set Recommendations

• Best Overall: Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

• Best Value: Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set 

• Best Large Set: Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

• Best Design: BergHOFF Vintage Copper Tri-Ply 10-Piece Cookware Set

• Best Small Set: Mauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set

Best Overall: Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set

$900 at Amazon

$1500 at Sur La Table

What we like: These pans have incredibly consistent heat conduction, and they're induction compatible to boot.

What to know: Slightly awkward handles.

Viking might be known for its high-end ranges, but its cookware is equally impressive. The pans from Viking exemplify all the attributes of copper cookware—conductivity, even heat distribution and beauty—but this set delivers on all three with a respectable price to boot, especially if you can find it on sale.

The nine-piece set has everything you need to outfit a kitchen. It includes two frying pans (one 10-inch and one 12-inch), a 3-quart saucepan, a 5-quart sauté pan, a steamer insert and an 8-quart Dutch oven. Add three lids, and you have a complete set that should satisfy the majority of your cooking needs. Plus, with the longevity of copper cookware, you could even pass this to the next generation, making this Viking set an investment worthy of its price.

While this cookware is lovely to look at, it’s also highly functional. When we put it to the test, we found that not only did our chicken cook easily with no sticking, but we also achieved a perfect golden brown sear on both sides that was truly restaurant-worthy. This is due to the four-ply construction of the pans—two layers of stainless steel, an aluminum core and the copper exterior—that allow for superior heat conduction across the bottom of the pan.

We also loved how easy these copper pans are to clean—in fact, we found them even easier to clean than stainless steel. Just a swipe with the soft side of a sponge, and these pans are ready for their next use. Additionally, while copper pans are not inherently induction compatible, these are, making this a truly versatile set that should last a lifetime.

One downside, however, is the steeply angled handles on these pans, which make them a bit awkward to hold. We'll also note that the larger size of the pans may not be the best fit for folks with smaller kitchens or who do a lot of cooking for one. However, these minor flaws weren't enough to deter us from crowning the Viking our favorite overall copper cookware set.

Pieces Included: 9 | Material: Stainless steel, copper, aluminum | Induction Compatible: Yes | Oven Safe: Yes, to 600°F | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Value: Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set

$350 at Amazon

$330 at Walmart

What we like: Price and ease of use make this set our runner-up.

What to know: Pans are smaller than other sets, and they're not induction compatible.

When it comes to value, Cuisinart is one of our long-standing favorites. This is because, while the cookware tends not to be as hefty as more expensive sets, it can still accomplish almost everything a home cook needs. These copper pans are no different.

We found this cookware to be easy to handle, easy to clean and easy to use. The pans conducted heat quickly and evenly, and the handles didn't retain much heat, making it easy to maneuver the cookware safely on the stove. When we tested these pans, our chicken seared perfectly and our water came to a boil quickly, showing just how responsive these copper pans can be. While these pans are slightly thinner than others we tested, this isn't necessarily a bad thing—especially if you have mobility issues or are simply looking for cookware that's lighter in weight.

This set includes two skillets (an 8-inch and a 10-inch), a small 2.5-quart saucepan, a 4-quart sauté pan, a 6-quart stockpot and three lids. However, we'll note that the pans and the stockpot are smaller than the other sets we tested. The stockpot is only a 6-quart (as opposed to the more standard 8 quarts), and the frying pans are also much smaller than those in the more expensive sets we tried.

That said, if you’re looking for all the benefits of copper without breaking the bank, there is no better set than this Cuisinart one.

Pieces Included: 8 | Material: Stainless steel, copper, aluminum | Induction Compatible: No | Oven Safe: Yes, to 500°F | Dishwasher Safe: Lids yes, pans no

Best Large Set: Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set

$1980 at Williams-Sonoma

What we like: Impeccable searing.

What to know: These pans are only oven-safe up to 450°F, and they're not induction compatible.

For the seasoned cook looking to graduate to a more upscale cookware set, look no further than this set from Williams Sonoma. In partnership with Ruffoni, the famous Italian maker of copper cookware, Williams Sonoma created this beautiful cookware with a copper exterior and stainless steel interior.

Included in the 10-piece set are two frying pans (a 10-inch and a 12-inch), two saucepans (a 1.5-quart and a 4-quart), a 4.5-quart sauté pan and an 8-quart stock pot, along with four lids. Altogether, this was of the largest copper cookware sets we tested. We particularly loved the addition of the small 1.5-quart saucepan, which we found perfect for heating sauces and keeping them warm.

We also loved how quickly the pans came to temperature, how evenly they seared meats and how easy they were to clean, even after searing chicken and having brown bits stuck to the surface of the pan. With a gentle scrub, everything came off with ease.

One thing to note is these pans are only oven-safe up to 450°F, so you won’t want to put these under the broiler or use them for high-heat roasting. They're also quite heavy—especially when they're filled with food—so if you have strength or mobility issues, this may not be the ideal set for you. But if you’re looking for gorgeous, heavyweight pans that hold heat incredibly well, this Williams Sonoma set is an excellent choice.

Pieces Included: 10 | Material: Stainless steel, copper | Induction Compatible: No | Oven Safe: Yes, up to 450°F | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Design: BergHOFF Vintage Copper Tri-Ply 10-Piece Cookware Set

$600 at Wayfair

$500 at West Elm

What we like: The hammered copper sides of the pans are stunning.

What to know: No frying pans in the set, and the cookware is only oven-safe to 400°F.

If you’re attracted to copper cookware because of its beauty on your stove, then take a look at this gleaming, hammered copper cookware set from BergHOFF. Its stainless interior and shiny exterior make quite the splash, whether sitting on your range or hanging from a pot rack.

Along with being visually appealing, this 10-piece set is reasonably priced, considering you get two skillets (an 8-inch and a 9.5-inch), three saucepans (1-quart, 2-quart, and 3-quart) and a 5.75-quart Dutch oven, along with four lids. The pans are constructed of a durable three-ply combo of stainless steel, aluminum and copper. They're also lightweight, and we found them quite easy to maneuver and carry.

When we tested this BergHOFF set, we were impressed by its even heat distribution and conductivity. Water boiled quickly in the pots, and our meats seared like a dream in the pans. And even after simmering food for over an hour, the handles of these pans stayed cool.

The skillets in this set are high-sided (also known as deep skillets), and they tend to hold in steam. Because of this, we think they're better suited for one-pot meals rather than complex cooking processes. These pans also can’t withstand oven temps over 400°F, so they are best reserved for stovetop use. While this may not be a huge deal for most cooks, it might be a deal breaker for more advanced home chefs.

Pieces Included: 10 | Material: Stainless steel, copper, aluminum | Induction Compatible: No | Oven Safe: Yes, up to 400°F | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Small Set: Mauviel Copper Triply M’3 S 7-Piece Cookware Set

$1370 at Williams-Sonoma

What we like: Lids are also made of copper and have large handles.

What to know: The pans are not designed for high-heat cooking, and they're difficult to clean.

Mauviel has long been the most well-known French producer of copper pans. To this day, finding a Mauviel pan in a yard sale is a steal since these pans are meant to last decades. This beautiful 7-piece set includes a 10-inch fry pan, a 2-quart saucepan, a 3.5-quart sauté pan and a 6.5-quart stockpot, along with three copper lids that add to the beauty of this set. Combined, these are essentially the only pans you need if you have limited space.

When we tested this cookware, we liked that the handles on the stockpot were larger than those on any other set we tested; this made it much easier to maneuver the pot from stove to countertop. We had no issues with our food sticking to the pans, which was another big plus.

That said, these pans took longer to heat than others we tested—and when they did get hot, they got very hot. Because of this, it took some time to get used to cooking with these pans. Additionally, if the pans overheat, they can be challenging to clean. Overall, if you’re looking for a small set that you’ll likely have forever, this is an excellent option. However, if you prefer a set that requires less finesse, you may want to consider other choices from our list.

Pieces Included: 7 | Material: Stainless steel, copper, aluminum | Induction Compatible: No | Oven Safe: Manufacturer only advises not to use at “100% heating power” | Dishwasher Safe: No

The Bottom Line: The Best Copper Cookware Set

Even budget sets will require some serious cash when it comes to copper cookware. However, copper pans should last a lifetime while providing unmatched heat conduction, which is why the Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set (view at Amazon) is our best overall pick. However, if you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, we think the Cuisinart Copper Collection Tri-Ply 8-Piece Cookware Set (view at Amazon) is also an excellent choice.

Choosing a Copper Cookware Set

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re ready to outfit your kitchen in that shiny copper hue:

What’s Included in the Set?

Buying a cookware set is always a good idea since you’ll save money purchasing multiple pieces instead of individual pots and pans. That said, there isn’t much consistency in what a cookware set will contain. In each set we’ve tested, there are different sizes of frying pans, saucepans and stockpots, so it’s essential to consider what type of cooking you tend to do. If you are cooking for a lot of people, look for larger pot and pan sizes. If you’re usually cooking for one or two, smaller pots and pans will work. Additionally, keep in mind that the "pieces" in a cookware set usually include the lids as well, meaning that a 10-piece set won't necessarily include 10 individual pots and pans.

How Thick Are the Pans?

More metal equals better conductivity, but that generally equates to a higher price. When looking at copper cookware, the ideal thickness is between 2 and 3 millimeters (all the pans we recommend fall into this category). If it is less than 2 ml thick, performance will suffer. If your pan is thicker than 3 ml, it will take too long to heat, and the weight will increase significantly.

What Materials Do the Pans Include?

Copper is an incredibly efficient heat conductor, but it's toxic to consume. Therefore, copper pans are always lined with another nontoxic material—generally stainless steel, tin or aluminum—which is the metal that comes into contact with the food. Traditionally, tin was used because it’s naturally nonstick and is an easier metal to forge with copper, but most manufacturers use stainless steel these days. Additionally, copper does not work on induction stovetops, so you’ll want to look for a pan with a stainless steel bottom if you have an induction stove.

What Are the Dimensions?

The size of the pans coincides with the type of cooking you do most and the storage capacity in your kitchen. Since copper scratches and dents more easily than other cookware, it’s best hung from a pot rack or kept in a cabinet where it won’t be stacked with other pots and pans. If you’re cooking for a crowd, look for a set with larger pots and pans, such as a 10- or 12-inch fry pan, and a stockpot that’s at least 8 quarts.

Our Copper Cookware Tests

Our team evaluated nine copper cookware sets based on various factors like design, maneuverability, comfort and ease of cleaning. We brought copper pots full of water to the boiling point and judged them on how quickly the water cooled. We fried chicken in the copper skillets and fry pans to determine how quickly and evenly the food cooked. Finally, we took those oily pans and determined how easy they were to clean afterward. During our evaluation, we also considered each set's value, copper thickness and durability. Finally, we thoroughly analyzed the end results to determine the best options for home cooks.

We Also Considered

Mauviel Copper M’200 CI 10-Piece Cookware Set ($3,335 at Williams Sonoma): For over $3,000, this set should come with a chef who cooks for you. But we have to admit that, if cash were no object, we’d happily buy this set for the handles alone. Unlike other sets, these handles are made of cast iron and push this set into the gorgeous territory; however, the stock pot is on the small side, and for the price, it just feels like too much of a splurge.

Hestan CopperBond 10-Piece Cookware Set ($1,700 at Amazon): When it came to quick heating and visually pleasing design, this Hestan cookware set was on par with the Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad set on our list. However, the pans in this set are a bit clunky and awkward to maneuver, and our chicken breasts got burnt in some places while we were cooking it in the pans.

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper 11-Piece Cookware Set with Olivewood Tools ($1,600 at Williams Sonoma): Are the bronze acorns on the lids the most beautiful toppers to an already beautiful hammered pot? Yes. Did the tin lining of the pan degrade when it was cleaned after its first use? Also, yes. These pans are perfect for sitting, not cooking, on the stove.

Common Questions

How do I clean copper cookware?

It’s best to skip the dishwasher and hand-wash your pans with just soap and water to keep your copper cookware looking as good as possible. Putting copper cookware in the dishwasher can cause the copper to lose its beautiful shine and look dull after coming in contact with dishwashing detergents at high heat. Plus, since copper is a softer metal, you risk your cookware clanking into other dishes and becoming dented if you put it in the dishwasher.

Are copper pots and pans nonstick?

Copper pots and pans are not inherently nonstick, though copper's ability to conduct heat evenly minimizes the risk of sticking. Copper pans are generally lined with aluminum and stainless steel, not with a nonstick surface such as Teflon or ceramic coating. It's best to use proper cooking techniques, such as preheating and using adequate fats or oils, to optimize the performance of your copper cookware.

Is copper better for cooking than cast iron or stainless steel?

The benefit of cooking with copper lies in its impeccable heat conductivity. Unlike cast iron, which takes a long time to heat up but holds the heat for a long time, copper is the opposite. It heats up quickly and cools down when the heat source is removed. Stainless steel's cooking capabilities lie somewhere in the middle; it heats and cools slower than copper but faster than cast iron. In terms of durability, copper pans can last a very long time with proper care.

Are there some foods I should not cook in copper pots and pans?

Copper is a reactive metal, and if it comes into contact with acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, the copper can leach into the food. However, manufacturers are well aware of this. Copper pans are always lined with a nonreactive metal like aluminum or stainless steel, ensuring that the copper does not come in contact with the food. For this reason, as long as you’re using lined copper pots and pans, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Our Trusted Expertise

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian with over 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands. For 10 years, Breana was a food editor turned test kitchen and editorial operations manager for EatingWell magazine. Breana has seared, flipped, baked and edited over 2,500 recipes in home and professional kitchens—and thus has had her fair share of experience with all types of cookware.

This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a food editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, and it was updated by Kayleigh Drake, a former full-time baker and current EatingWell commerce editor.

Read the original article on Eating Well.