Throughout the world, copper has a long history of use in cookware.

Copper pans are sometimes of higher quality than their stainless steel or aluminum counterparts, due to their niche place in the market and the discerning customers that they are targeted towards.

If you’re looking for durable and unique pots and pans for your kitchen, copper cookware is worth a closer look.

Before you invest in your next set, take the time to consider the question: how long do copper pans last?

What is Copper Cookware?

Copper cookware, despite the name, isn’t made entirely from copper.

Pots and pans typically use non-toxic copper in the base and side material, but the pans are sometimes coated to allow for a non-stick surface that is less reactive and safer for food.

Copper can also be combined with stainless steel.

This Gotham Steel Pots and Pans Set, as an example, is made from a combination of hammered copper, stainless steel, and a granite stone coating for non-stick performance.

Durability: How Long do Copper Pans Last?

Ignoring manufacturer claims, most cookware, copper or otherwise, will last for at least five years with regular care.

The most reliable sets will last longer, with many pots and pans lasting for at least ten years.

The key is to take good care of copper pots and pans, avoiding metal utensils whenever possible.

Wooden or silicone utensils will prevent damage to the finish and prevent chipping of any coating that is used.

Pots and pans should be hand-washed, even when they are indicated as being dishwasher safe.

This will prolong their life while keeping them looking great without streaks or watermarks.

Copper pots and pans, when they’re of high quality, can last longer than comparable stainless steel sets.

They are almost always more durable than aluminum pots and pans.

The Gotham Steel Pots and Pans Set mentioned above is a quality set that comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and material problems.

However, the warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by utensils or misuse.

To answer the question, how long do copper pans last, it depends.

If the set is of high quality and you take good care of each piece, then pots and pans could potentially last for decades.

If the set is of low quality (beware of unbelievably affordable sets) then you might only get two, three, or five years from your investment.

It’s Worth Spending More for Copper Cookware

If you really want your copper cookware to last, it’s worth spending more to get a reliable set from a top brand.

The Gotham Steel Pots and Pans set sits in the entry-level or midrange of copper cookware.

Spending more on this Lagostina Martellata Hammered Copper Tri-Ply cookware set will result in a longer life with excellent cooking performance.

The inside of the pots and pans is stainless steel so there’s no coating to wear down.

Metal utensils can be used without any risk of damaging the interior finish.

The hammered copper outer sides look impressive, while the stainless steel used for the cooking surface is mostly inert and can result in safe meals no matter the ingredients you are cooking.

This set could last a lifetime with no special care requirements outside of handwashing and avoiding intentional damage or overheating.

Copper is a beautiful material that can look impressive in the right kitchen.

It was widely used for cooking throughout history, although today stainless steel is now considered the industry standard.

Sets that combine the two materials are the most practical.

If you want copper pans lasting longer than the average budget set, you’ll need to spend a little more for reliability and durability.