The 4 Best Copper Cookware Sets of 2024, Tested by Allrecipes

Our Takeaway

After hours of testing, we love the beautiful and durable Williams Sonoma Thermo-Clad Copper 10-Piece Cookware Set. But if you need induction-compatible cookware, the Viking 4-Ply Contemporary 9-Piece Copper Cookware Set is nearly perfect as well.

How to Pick the Right Copper Cookware

Construction

Interior Lining: There are two main issues with copper: it's reactive and can leach into the food, and it's a softer metal that damages easily. These are both reasons why the interior of copper cookware is usually constructed with a nonreactive metal. Lining copper cookware's interior with tin or stainless steel is the most traditional design. The cookware will have optimal conduction thanks to the copper, while the lining adds extra durability and, of course, doesn't react to your ingredients.

Copper Core: When cookware is described as having a "copper core," this means it has a thick layer of copper sandwiched between layers of nonreactive metals (usually stainless steel) that is then bonded to create a new, single sheet of metal. In some cases, copper is sandwiched between layers of conductive aluminum and then bonded together with a stainless-steel exterior. "Ply" describes the number of layers in a pan's build. Sometimes these pans may have a thin copper finish for aesthetic purposes.

Copper Bottom: This is similar to a copper core, but it's a smaller amount of copper. It refers to cookware where the interior and sides are made with a non-copper metal, while the base of the pan features a layer of copper for conduction.

Design

When it comes to copper cookware's design, thickness is key. A pan that's not thick enough won't perform well and won't hold up over time. But a pan that's too thick will make the copper less conductive (and possibly heavier than you'd like). Most top-rated copper cookware is between 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters thick.

Handles are another important design feature. Traditional and vintage copper cookware was often made with cast iron, bronze, or iron handles. These tend to be heavy, can get too hot very quickly, and require special maintenance to prevent rust. Most copper cookware sets instead now feature stainless-steel handles, which lead to a better weight balance, are more ergonomic, and are more durable.

Maintenance

For everyday cleaning, you'll want to use a soft sponge and regular dish soap on your copper cookware and dry each piece immediately. What you cannot do is place copper cookware in a dishwasher, and you should avoid any harsh abrasives including bleach and steel wool.

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to the look of copper is that it will tarnish with age, forming a brown or green patina, and darkening the pan overall. There will also be effects seen on the bottom of your cookware from the heat, and on the sides as spills and splatters react with the copper. For copper aficionados, these can all be desirable as they're the signs of a truly well-loved pan.

At-home polishing, whether that's with lemons and salt or a copper polish, can be done to remove any tarnish and prevent the need for a professional cleaning. Our advice? If you decide to convert to copper cookware, you'll have to get on a regular cleaning schedule.

The Leftovers: Other Copper Cookware Sets We Tested

In our first round of testing, Alexandra Emanuelli enjoyed the performance and look of the Viking Culinary 3-Ply Stainless Steel Hammered Copper Clad 10-Piece Cookware Set. The attractive copper hammered set is durable and highly conductive, heating up quickly and without hot spots. But this cookware does require your full attention, as Emanuelli found that "the difference between cooking and burning is a very fine point."

We also originally gave high marks to Made In's The Copper Set, and it heated and cooked evenly during our second round of testing. But that's when we noticed the interior and exterior are too easy to damage. We also feel that the price-per-piece is a tad too high and the set lacks versatility (there's no large stockpot and only one saucepan).

Common Questions

What's the best way to store copper cookware?

We highly recommend putting your copper cookware on display! Whether that's a hanging pot rack or on pegboard, it will not only show off your cookware, but will also prevent any scratching from nesting the pots and pans together. If you do decide to stack everything away in a drawer or cupboard, you should place protectors between the pieces.

Why aren't copper sugar pots or mixing bowls lined?

You'll often find an unlined copper interior with sugar pots and mixing bowls since these are to be used with basic (as in, not acidic) ingredients. Chefs will use sugar pots for making things like caramel, jam, or preserves, delicate recipes that are relatively high sugar/low acid and won't react with the copper. Copper mixing bowls, meanwhile, are great for making whipped cream or meringues, which also won't react with the copper.

Why Take Our Word For It?

Siobhan Wallace is the senior commerce editor for Allrecipes. She compiled data from our testing lab as well as insights from our first round of home testing to update this roundup.