7 Best Copper Cookware Sets For Your Next Cooking Masterpieces
Whether you’re still learning to cook or you’re a professional chef, having the right cookware is essential. While there are plenty of stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans on the market, it’s no secret that many chefs prefer copper cookware. Not only does it conduct heat well, but copper makes it easier to handle delicate proteins like seafood or fish.
However, not all copper cookware sets are equal in quality. Depending on what you’re looking for, finding the right copper pot and pan set can be tricky. Luckily, we’ve made the process a little easier for you by compiling a list of the best copper cookware available:
1. Best Value: SHINEURI RCS-Tech Real Copper Infused Coating Cookware Set
Although many cooks consider copper cookware to be top-notch, the downside is that they often come with hefty price tags. It can be difficult to find a copper set that’s high-quality and still fits within your budget. Fortunately, the SHINEURI RCS-Tech Real Copper Infused Coating Cookware set is all about providing the best value.
With a special copper coating, this 10-piece set is designed to be non-stick and lightweight. Unlike some copper pans, which might be bulky to try and move around while you cook, many of the pieces in this set only weigh a few pounds.
For people that plan to cook foods at high temperatures, it’s worth noting that this set also has a temperature-resistant coating up to 450-degrees. When you’re finished cooking, there’s no time-consuming cleanup either. All you need to do is wipe the cookware down and put it in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick
- Lightweight
- Has a temperature resistant coating
Cons:
- Doesn’t come pre-seasoned
- Might not be as scratch-resistant as other choices
2. Best Non-Stick Choice: MICHELANGELO Copper Pots and Pans
One issue that some cooks might have with their copper cookware sets is food sticking. Unless it has the right coating, some copper pans might be prone to sticking, especially during the first few uses. A pancake or an egg that refuses to leave the pan can be challenging, but it shouldn’t be an issue with the MICHELANGELO Copper Pots and Pans.
While this 12-piece set contains copper, the titanium and ceramic coating on each piece helps prevent sticking or scratching. Over time, it’s not unusual for copper pans to get scratched in the dishwasher or cabinet. Since it has the ceramic coating, this set shouldn’t get scratched as easily as some others.
One interesting feature that some cooks might enjoy is the flavor locking lid that comes with some of the pieces. For instance, if you’re trying to saute something, you can place the glass lid on top of the pan to prevent flavor or nutrients from escaping.
Pros:
- Titanium and ceramic coating can decrease the risk of sticking or scratching
- Some pieces include a flavor locking lid
- Ergonomic handle makes the pans easier to hold
- Non-toxic
Cons:
- Not as lightweight as some options
- Won’t work on an induction cooktop
3. Best Design: Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set
While some copper cookware sets are designed for convenience or value, others are meant to give you the top-of-the-line cooking experience you desire—and that’s the case with the Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set. Along with its copper construction, this luxurious set also comes with stainless steel and aluminum layers for added durability.
Unlike some pans, which might not conduct heat throughout the entire surface, the tri-ply construction of the Lagostina heats up the entire pan equally. This can decrease the risk of not getting certain meats or dishes cooked all the way through.
Besides its durable interior, the hammered stainless steel exterior of these pans can make them a stylish addition to your kitchen. One of the only downsides of this set is that it’s not as easy to clean as some other choices. To prevent the copper from getting discolored over time, buyers will need to rinse the pan thoroughly and then clean it with a copper cleaning solution.
Pros:
- Has a stainless steel design
- More durable
- Conducts heat thoroughly
- Eye-catching
Cons:
- Not as easy to clean
- Some cooks might want a bigger set than ten pieces
4. Best Variety: Home Hero 23-Piece Copper Cookware Set
Some of the best copper cookware sets might have all the qualities you desire, but lack the variety you need to cook the dishes you want. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be an issue with the extensive Home Hero 23-Piece Copper Cookware Set. From copper pots and pans to bakeware, this might be the right option for the chef who wants to do it all.
Along with the pans and bakeware, it’s worth noting that purchasing this set also comes with three pan protectors, two pan scrapers, and two cleaning sponges. Whether you’re trying to scrape off a piece of chicken that’s stuck to the pan or clean it after you’re done cooking, these little add-ons could come in handy.
Unlike some copper sets, which don’t work well on induction cooktops, the Home Hero set is induction compatible. It’s also already been chef-tested and is free of potentially harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium, or Teflon that you wouldn’t want getting into your food.
Pros:
- Induction compatible
- Comes with cleaning sponges, pan scrapers, and pan protectors
- Versatile
- Includes bakeware
Cons:
- Not as lightweight
- Some cooks might not need this many pieces
5. Best Beginner Option: Gotham Steel Premium Hammered Cookware
For beginners that have never used a copper cookware set before, purchasing a set with twenty or even ten pieces can be intimidating (and pricey). Designed for practicality, the Gotham Steel Premium Hammered Cookware set only has five essential pieces, such as a skillet, a frying pan with a tempered glass lid, and 2-quart stockpot.
Unlike some pots and pans, the aluminum and copper construction of this set helps distribute heat evenly and cook delicate dishes all the way through. While many copper sets are usually resistant to temperatures up to 450-degrees Fahrenheit, this cookware is resistant up to temperatures of 500-degrees.
Along with being scratch-resistant and easy to use with metal utensils, the Gotham set is fairly lightweight. Moving these pieces around while you’re cooking or trying to transport them shouldn’t be too much of an issue. When you’re done cooking, all you need to do is place the pots and pans in the dishwasher.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dishwasher safe
- Evenly distributes heat
- Resistant up to 500-degrees
Cons:
- Intermediate or professional chefs might want more pieces
- Copper coating might wear down over time
6. Best Scratch-Resistant Option: BulbHead Red Copper 10-Piece Set
Two of the biggest problems that people tend to have with copper cookware sets are scratching and discoloration over time. Even new copper pieces can easily get scratched if you use metal utensils while you’re cooking or set them too closely to another pan inside the dishwasher. One scratch might not make too much of a difference, but multiple scratches can begin to affect the performance of the pan. Discoloration doesn’t always affect how well the copper pot or pan works, but it can wear them down.
Fortunately, the BulbHead Red Copper 10-Piece Set takes specific measures to help prevent these issues from occurring. The coating on each piece is a fusion of copper and ceramic that makes the surface a lot more scratch-resistant than some other options. The surface is also meant to be non-stick as well, so that you don’t have to end up scratching the pan while you’re trying to remove a stubborn egg or chicken breast.
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant
- Non-stick
- Safe to put in the oven
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Might not be as durable as some choices
- Don’t come pre-seasoned
7. Best Oven-Safe Choice: T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom Cookware Set
Not all copper cookware sets are safe to put in the oven. Some pans might only be able to tolerate low temperatures before you risk damaging them permanently. For cooks that already know they’re going to use the oven, the T-fal Ultimate Stainless Steel Copper Bottom Cookware Set might be the right option. What looks like a complete stainless steel set is actually a copper set in disguise.
The copper on the bottom of the cookware is combined with several layers of steel and aluminum to help distribute heat evenly, which is especially important for dishes that you might be cooking in the oven. Unlike some options, the steel on the interior of the pots and pans won’t react poorly to acidic foods or cause issues with the pan’s performance.
When one of these pieces is placed in the oven, it can usually tolerate temperatures up to around 500-degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also worth noting that this set is suitable for use on an induction cooktop if buyers have one.
Pros:
- Safe to put in the oven
- More durable
- Distributes heat evenly
- Has sturdy handles
Cons:
- Not as lightweight
- Uses less copper than some other sets