Copper cookware is more than a showstopper when displayed on a stovetop—it can be a gamechanger for home cooks and pro chefs alike. Because of its heat conducting and reacting properties (don’t worry, we’ll skip the science talk), copper pots and pans heat up swiftly, maintain a precise temperature without hot spots and even cool down quickly.
Choosing the right copper cookware set—especially given its often-steep price tags—can be intimidating. That’s why we’re here to help. Keep reading for everything to look out for while searching, how to care for it once you’ve chosen the one you want and the top-reviewed options on the market.
Scroll down for in-depth reviews of each.
Most Budget-Friendly: NutriChef 8-Piece Tri-Ply Copper Non-Stick Cookware Set
Best Overall: Viking Copper Clad 3-Ply Hammered 10-Piece Cookware Set
Suitable for All Cooktops: RFN by Ruffoni Copper 7-Piece Cookware Set
Easiest to Clean: All-Clad Copper Core 7-Piece Cookware Set
Best Under $500: Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper 18/10 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Best Individual Pot: Made In 2-Quart Copper Saucepan
Splurge-Worthy: Mauviel Copper Triply M'3 S 10-Piece Cookware Set
Best for the Pros: Hestan CopperBond™ 10-Piece Cookware Set
Vintage-Inspired: Homary Tri-Ply Bonded Copper Cookware Set Stainless Steel Interior
Best of Both Worlds: Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Steel Cookware
Best Bakeware: Copper Bakeware Set
Best Roasting Pot: Mauviel Copper Tri-Ply Roasting Pan
Most Unique: Amoretti Brothers Copper Set with "Fiore" Signature Lid
RELATED: 16 Types of Pots (and Pans) Every Cook Should Know
When choosing copper cookware, the two most important things to look out for, Serious Eats notes, are the thickness of the copper itself and the material with which it is lined.
For starters, in order to be safe to use (cooking directly on copper can cause risks of toxins seeping into your food), the copper pots, pans and other cookware you choose must be lined. This lining will typically be a non-reactive metal like stainless steel, tin, or aluminum.
In addition to a strong lining, it is said that the top-performing copper pots will also have a copper thickness between 2.5 and 3 mm. The thicker the copper, the better (read: more effective, longer lasting, and likely more expensive it will be).
Like many other cookware materials, copper is prone to discoloration and tarnishing over time. In fact, as it ages, it is natural for this patina to occur. However, the color can be prolonged if each item is properly cared for and cleaned.
Before cleaning copper pots, pans, or other cookware, you’ll want to first learn whether the copper exterior is lacquered, which you can find out from its cleaning manual. (And if you’ve thrown yours out, you can often find it online by Googling the brand and model, or by reaching out to the manufacturer.)
If it is lacquered, gently wipe the copper with a soft dish rag and gentle dish soap and rinse it thoroughly. Keywords: soft and gentle. If it isn’t lacquered, though, you’ll need to be especially careful and use a store-bought copper cream or polish or create your own cleaner using an acid such as tomato paste, lemon, or vinegar plus some salt.
To clean the non-copper interior lining and handles, simply use a soft sponge or dish rag, dish soap and warm water to clean. Dry the entire pot thoroughly and avoid using any abrasive brushes or sponges on any of the surfaces to help keep it all tarnish-free.
Now that you have an idea of what you are looking for, here are 13 of the best copper cookware sets of 2021, according to reviews.
This NutriChef set includes eight pieces of cookware that are all designed with stainless steel, heavy gauge aluminum and copper-coated layers for just over $150. At that price point, it’s the perfect starter set for rookie cooks.
Not as non-stick as they claim
A beautiful copper set by Viking, this three-ply, hammered set is worth every penny if you’re looking for long-lasting cookware. (Plus, right now, it’s more than 50 percent off!) But be aware: It will change color into a rich patina over time and, yes, the discoloration is normal.
Oven safe up to 500 degrees
Will change color into a rich patina
Ruffoni has been known for their elegant Italian cookware since 1931 and this seven piece copper set with stainless steel interiors, rims, handles, and base, does not disappoint. Though on the pricier side for seven pieces, it perfectly combines “timeless beauty and modern technology.”
Stainless steel, not copper base
Featuring a multi-layer stainless steel exterior and copper core, this beautiful cookware set will give you the best of both worlds: the heat-conducting power of copper with less worry of discoloration or tarnishing over time.
Suitable for all cooktops, including induction
Though many of the highest-quality copper cookware sets cost more than a grand, this elegant, 10-piece collection by Lagostina is under half the price while offering the same three layers of stainless steel, aluminum and hammered copper.
Robust set of cookware and sizes
Don’t need a whole set? This two-quart copper saucepan by Made In is a must-have for anyone looking to begin cooking with copper. Reviewers rave about its sleek design (peep that copper exterior) and heft. Plus, it features a stainless steel lining (no aluminum) and is oven safe up to 800 degrees.
90 percent copper, 10 percent stainless steel
Oven safe up to 800 degrees
Go big or go home with this brilliant, French-made copper cookware set by Mauviel, a legendary company known for its high-quality this set is sure to be a kitchen workhorse. Not only is it durable, but it features 10 of the most commonly used cookware, including 10- and 12-inch fry pans, 2 and 3 ½-quart saucepans, a 3 ½-quart sauté pan and a 6 ½-quart stew pan.
Experienced chefs need a set that can keep up with their complex (and often technique-intensive) meals. This five-layer copper cookware set by Hestan is just that. Clad in copper and stainless steel, it is the ideal combination of the two, making it exceptionally conductive, responsive, durable and easy to clean. (Plus, you can currently score it for $800 off.)
Thick 100 percent pure copper core
Oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees
Decorated with beautiful stainless steel handles worthy of a spot on your Instagram feed, this vintage-inspired copper cookware set is certainly a showstopper worth displaying on your stove. Aside from its undeniable beauty, though, the 3-ply design of copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, gives it the high quality necessary to cook to its fullest potential, quickly and evenly.
With this cookware set, you get the stellar heat control that copper’s famous for combined with the durability of stainless steel. It’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about scratching or staining their expensive copperware. Plus, unlike most copper cookware, it’s dishwasher safe (an absolute blessing).
Dessert lovers, this one's for you. Should you be looking for the perfect even bake for your cakes, cupcakes, breads, pies and other pastries, this copper-infused bakeware set is about to be your best friend. Unlike the other cookware on this list, though, this bakeware set (square pan, two round pans, rectangle pan, muffin pan, loaf pan and cookie sheet included) is copper-infused with a ceramic coating for even heat distribution. It’s designed to ensure an even bake every time.
Turn dinners up a notch with this 15 ¾-inch by 11 ¾-inch copper roasting pan by Mauviel. The aluminum core and copper exterior work together to roast meat and veggies to caramelized perfection. Bonus: The stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean, so you spend less time scrubbing, more time enjoying a cozy night in.
If you’re looking to free up space in your wallet for the most unique, quality copper cookware set you can find, this one by Amoretti Brothers is HOT, albeit expensive. Featuring floral pot handles and an intricately hammered exterior, it’s pretty much impossible not to love. Plus, it’s lined with tin, which is great for cooking, though it does make it slightly less durable than its stainless steel-lined competitors.
RELATED: The 14 Best Cookware Brands for Every Type of Cook and Kitchen
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The best cookware sets feature pots and pans that nestle together. The best cookware sets feature a variety of pots and pans in one bundle, ensuring you stock up on the essentials all in one go. While price point often drives what we end up purchasing, there’s more to consider when looking for the best cookware sets than simply choosing what’s most affordable.
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