Copper cookware is priced at a premium, but many home cooks swear by it.
As you search for your next cookware investment, you’re probably wondering, are copper-based pans any good?
Let’s take a look at the benefits of copper and see if it’s right for your kitchen.
What are the Advantages of Copper-Based Pans and Pots?
Copper heats up quickly, retains heat quickly while cooking, and cools down faster than aluminum or pure stainless steel.
Unless you’re dealing with a recipe that requires residual heat (cast iron is perfect for this) copper has the exact properties that you need.
If you are searing or sautéing food, you need the heat to be immediate and consistent.
Copper is ideal for this.
Other forms of cooking, such as simmering or slow frying, won’t benefit from copper as much.
Knowing this, it’s obvious that copper is something of a niche material for cooking. It does one thing well but doesn’t provide vast benefits for every cooking style.
That’s why modern copper cookware isn’t made only from copper.
Instead, manufacturers insert copper cores to bases and the sides of their pots and pans and then layer these with stainless steel.
The result is versatile cookware that has the fast heating and cooling properties of copper, but the product ends up being much more affordable.
Copper is an expensive material because there is a limited supply, and it has vast industrial uses.
Copper pans are sold at a premium but can be worth it if you choose the right product.
The Perfect Copper Core Pan for Home Cooks
You’ve asked the question, are copper-based pans any good?
The answer is yes, due to the impressive heat control and fast response to temperature changes.
Copper is most beneficial in a pan where you will be searing, frying, and sautéing.
You don’t need copper in every piece of cookware, so make it count with a premium pan.
The All-Clad Copper Core Bonded Fry Pan attracts a premium price, but it’s worth it if you want to get serious about your cooking.
It’s made with four layers of stainless steel, with a core layer of copper.
Copper allows for even heating, while the special bonded design prevents warping and damage over time.
All-Clad uses high-grade 18/10 stainless steel with a steel riveted handle.
This copper-based pan is designed to last a lifetime, which is why it comes with a lifetime warranty.
This pan will outperform any similar stainless steel pan that uses an aluminum core.
Heating is rapid and consistent.
The pan will respond to your heat controls almost instantly.
As you develop your skills as a home cook, you will appreciate the responsiveness.
With all-metal construction, this pan can be placed in an oven or under a broiler at temperatures of up to 600°F.
While some would consider this pan pricey, its durability helps to offset the initial investment.
If you want to cook with copper-like many professional chefs and foodies, you will love this pan for years to come.
The Bottom Line: Are COPPER-BASED Pans Any Good?
If rapid heating for searing and sautéing is what you’re looking for, then a copper-based pan will see frequent use in your kitchen.
Perfectly sautéed vegetables, crisp seared steaks, and countless other ingredients will come out better when you use a premium copper pan.