Should You Buy a Real Copper Cookware Set?
There are plenty of cookware sets on the market that use copper coatings to provide a unique esthetic.
However, these sets sometimes lack a copper core that can improve thermal conductivity.
A real copper cookware set is more than just a look.
There are useful thermal advantages that are preferred by many home cooks and professional chefs.
Let’s take a look at why you should consider real copper cookware, and see one set that is authentic, affordable, and ideal for any home.
Copper is the Best Heat Conductor for the Kitchen
Although it’s not used as often as stainless steel or even high carbon steel, copper is still preferred by many professional chefs.
It is the most efficient conductor of heat for the kitchen, with properties that other materials struggle to provide.
With a real copper cookware set, you will find that:
- Pots and pans get up to temperature quickly, and it’s easy to maintain a consistent temperature.
- When reducing the heat or turning it off completely, the pot and ingredients cool quickly.
With these properties, copper is the functional opposite of cast iron.
While cast iron is prized for its heat retention, copper is prized because it responds to temperature changes rapidly.
It’s the ideal material for searing, frying, and sautéing.
While it doesn’t provide as many benefits for other styles, it’s still useful in the way that it allows for consistent temperatures.
When you adjust the gas or the heat setting on your stove, you want those changes to be reflected quickly.
Copper ensures that they are.
The Downside to Copper
Of course, like most materials, copper isn’t perfect. The biggest disadvantage is that it’s incredibly expensive.
Because it is used in vast areas of industry, and because it’s more difficult for manufacturers to work with, real copper cookware sets can cost much more than aluminum, stainless steel, or other similar sets.
You Don’t Need Cookware to Be Made Entirely from Copper
Copper is beneficial but expensive, so we need to find a middle ground.
Thankfully, you don’t need your cookware to be made entirely from copper.
It’s incredibly rare to see anything but most boutique cookware using solid copper.
It’s a reactive metal so it becomes impractical when it’s the only material used.
A reliable real copper cookware set can use copper in the base of pots and pans, and sometimes in the sidewalls to create the highest thermal efficiency without the high cost or inconvenience.
Real copper cookware sets make up the rest of the construction with stainless steel layers, and sometimes an extra aluminum core.
When copper is combined with aluminum, it can have some heat retaining properties, but not quite at the level of cast iron.
The Best Real Copper Cookware Set for Discerning Home Cooks
The All-Clad Copper Core Bonded Stainless Steel Cookware Set has a significant price tag, but it’s important to consider the value that it represents.
The set includes two frypans, a large sauté pan, two saucepans, and a large stockpot.
The lids used are made from stainless steel so they’ll never break like tempered glass can.
This real copper cookware set uses copper in the base as well as on the sides of the pots and pans.
It is bonded with 18/10 stainless steel, as well as an aluminum layer.
This set brings together all the most efficient cookware materials in a package that can last for a lifetime.
There are no plastic pieces, the handles are steel riveted, and the materials are thick and weighty.
So should you buy a real copper cookware set?
A real copper cookware set makes cooking more efficient and you’ll be inspired to hone your skills in the kitchen.
All-Clad offers a lifetime warranty on its copper and stainless steel products, so the investment you make in such a premium set can pay for itself over time.