7 Best Copper Cookware Sets

Though not entirely copper — it has five-ply bonded construction with a copper core sandwiched by two layers of aluminum and a copper and stainless steel exterior — testers call this Italian-made set "especially impressive." It's edged out competition in multiple rounds of testing, thanks in large part to its skillet.

This particular piece scored perfectly in heat distribution tests, because of a wide surface area (20% more than traditional skillets) that heats efficiently and evenly. All pieces also have comfortable handles and a rivetless design that's easy to clean just like the other cookware lines in their brand. This set performed most similarly to a good stainless steel cookware set, which made it easier to use with less of a learning curve.

Lagostina Martellata makes an exquisite set at a much friendlier price than other copper cookware sets. But you won't sacrifice too much on quality by opting for a cheaper set: These copper pots and pans have the same stainless steel cooking surface as other Lagostina Martellata's stainless cookware we've tested.

They're excellent at browning sirloin steaks and simmering sauces. Unlike some other copper sets, the handles also stay nice and cool while cooking.

In our tests, this copper core scored tops for cook time and cleanability. The set has an important claim to fame: Out of all cookware sets tested in 2021, it had the fastest boil time (6 minutes and 40 seconds compared to the next quickest, which was 6 minutes 56 seconds), which translates into a quick cook time.

It also scored high on scorch tests — after simmering sauce for 30 seconds, there was no sauce stuck to the bottom of the pan and minimal sauce on the sides of the pan, which means easier cleaner at the end of a meal. Like other All-Clad cookware sets, these were nice and sturdy — they're sure to stand the test of time.

If style is of utmost importance, consider this: One of our testers says "I can't stop staring at this set — it's so stunning." The pots and pans and the included wooden tools are both truly special pieces to add to your collection of cooking tools. But they're functional, too, perfect for foods like risotto that benefit from gentle cooking and stirring.

Though on the larger side, the pieces are delicate and tin-lined. (A copper set with fewer pieces and slightly smaller sizes is also available for purchase.) As such, they need to be treated with care, but have excellent heat efficiency and are relatively non-stick. Even if you're not a pro yet, you will be — the set comes with a pretty thorough user guide to give beginners the confidence they need to proceed. If there's any downside, it's that the handles get rather hot during cooking.

This cookware set is mostly hand-crafted in Normandy, France, using traditional processes passed down through generations of copper makers. Today, the pans have a more modern three-layer construction — a stainless-steel interior, a heat-responsive aluminum core, and .5mm copper exterior — to conduct heat rapidly and uniformly.

You'll love the traditional look, but appreciate the 18/10 stainless-steel interior, since it won't react with food and makes cleanup easier. Though you may miss the traditional gold handles, our testers note that get very hot during cooking.

Despite being one of the old-school makers of copper cookware, de Buyer is at the forefront of adapting the material for modern functionality. Though 90% copper (the other 10% is stainless steel), these pots and pans are outfitted with magnetic bottoms that provide induction compatibility.

No matter what sort of cooktop you're working on, the results are the same — the 2mm copper body heats rapidly and evenly, then cools just as quickly. This particular set also has easy-to-hold curved handles that stay cool to the touch.

If you have your heart set on vintage copper cookware, check out the Coppermill Kitchen. Owner Beth Sweeney sources and restores antique one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by European artisans.

While you won't get the same modern functionality as some other sets — induction compatibility or stainless cooking surfaces, for example — you will get an artful find with unique marks of craftsmanship and age that functions the way copper cookware was originally meant to.