Copper pots and pans are incomparable when it comes to heat responsiveness. When lined with stainless steel – as opposed to the more traditional tin, which needs to be re-tinned every few years – they offer durability. While the majority of our range is comprised of stainless steel–lined copper cookware, we also carry a few tin-lined heritage pieces as well as unlined copper pans for jam and confectionary-making.
Due to the nature of copper as a soft metal, it tarnishes easily. This is a part of its charm, but the occasional polish with Mauviel Copperbrill Copper Cleaner will make it shine like new. Copper is not suitable for dishwasher-use.
Below, we have broken down our range of copper pans into two key categories: traditional (not induction compatible) and induction-compatible.
Traditional Copper Pans (No Induction)
Since copper is not a ferritic (magnetic) material, it is not naturally compatible with induction hobs. We carry traditional copper pans from Mauviel; all of them are made in France.
Mauviel M'Heritage (M'150S, M'150B, M'200B)
The Mauviel M’Heritage range of copper pans are made from a combination of 1.5mm thick copper (90%) and stainless steel (10%). We believe this is the perfect amount of copper for home cooks, as it has near-perfect heat responsiveness and the pans are not too heavy to wield. The M'200 collection has a thickness of 2mm copper; this heavier style of copper pan makes it a popular option for chefs because the additional copper makes it slightly more heat-responsive. Handle options include practical stainless steel, which stays cool on the hob and does not tarnish, or bronze, which has a gold sheen. Bronze handles get hot and need the occasional polish, but they provide a wonderful traditional aesthetic.
M’Heritage cookware is suitable for all hobs except induction, and is oven-safe. For use on induction hobs, the use of an induction plate is required. (For induction copper pans, please visit our page for the Mauviel M'6S range.)
Mauviel M'Tradition
The Mauviel M’Tradition range is lined with non-reactive, lead-free tin. The tin makes the pieces excellent for browning and caramelisation of sugars, which is particularly noticeable in a tarte tatin pan. Food also lifts off easily from tin as it has a slight stick-resistance. Tin requires a bit more care in cleaning than stainless steel, and you will not want to use harsh scrub pads or abrasive cleansers. (Read more about tin-lined copper pans on our blog here.) M'Tradition cookware is suitable for all hobs except induction, and is oven-safe.
Mauviel M'Passion
The Mauviel M'Passion range of pans is dedicated to baking and confectionary. They are either lined with tin (such as in the Mauviel M'Passion Tarte Tatin) or unlined. Unlined copper should only be used for recipes involving lots of sugar (such as jam), as the sugar prevents the copper from leeching metal onto food. M'Passion cookware is suitable for all hobs except induction, and is oven-safe.
Induction Copper Pans
Induction copper pans feature copper that is bonded to a ferritic (magnetic) metal at the exterior base of the pan, such as stainless steel. We carry induction copper pans from Mauviel, De Buyer, All-Clad, and Hestan. They are all oven-safe, and must not be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Mauviel M'6S
The Mauviel M'6S range of induction copper pans has five layers: three core layers of aluminium and two exterior layers of stainless steel, with a copper polish on the exterior. It's performance is super-fast, providing perfect heat control and a traditional aesthetic for modern hobs. Drip-free pouring rims and curved stainless steel handles make them user-friendly.
De Buyer Prima Matera Induction Copper Cookware
Also composed of 90% copper and 10% stainless steel with a stainless steel interior, the items in this range are equipped with an innovative iron-magnet stainless steel base. This means the cookware is suitable for the oven and all hobs, including induction. Riveted long handles and side handles are in stainless steel and designed to be ergonomically comfortable. These pans are also available with cast iron handles for a more traditional aesthetic. (Cast iron handles, unlike stainless steel, do not stay cool on the hob, so caution should be exercised when cooking.) These pots and pans are to be hand washed, and we recommend you use a copper cleaner from time-to-time to keep it looking its best.
All-Clad Copper Core
Made in the USA, the All-Clad Copper Core range features a bonded five-ply construction that combines the superior heat conductivity of copper with the cleaning ease of 18/10 stainless steel. The stay-cool stainless steel handles have a small vent at the base that reduces weight and makes the handle stay cooler. The copper is not visible on the outside, except for a thin band on the exterior. This distinctive exposed copper band adds design elegance. The stainless steel magnetic exterior allows compatibility with all hobs including induction.
Hestan Copperbond
Made in Italy, the Hestan CopperBond range features five layers of metal: outer layers of stainless steel, supporting layers of aluminium, and a core of copper. The wraparound stainless steel base creates greater contact area with the heat source, which is particularly useful for induction hobs. With copper sides and a hanging loop, this pan is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, with user-friendly features like a flared rim for drip-free pouring and flat rivets that are easy to clean around. The ergonomic handle is contoured, which prevents slippage, and includes a finger guard that protects your hand from getting too close to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean and maintain copper cookware?
It's not advised to use a dishwasher as harsh chemicals can shorten its lifespan. Copper is a "soft metal" and therefore requires a little more care than most other cookware. Hand wash your beautiful copper cookware with washing up liquid and warm water. Though letting the copper exterior darken with age does not harm its performance, a quality polish is recommended to maintain its warm glow. Using Copperbrill will maintain a shiny surface. Never use cleaners containing bleach to clean copper cookware - as the corrosive nature of bleach will cause your cookware to pit.
Are copper pans safe to use?
Copper pans are safe to use as long as they are lined with a non-reactive metal like stainless steel or tin. There is one exception, and that is when cooking food that is high in sugar. This is because high sugar content prevents copper from leeching. Using unlined copper for confection-making is still practiced widely today because the heat-responsiveness significantly shortens cooking times, allowing jams and preserves to retain colour and natural flavour.
Can copper pans be used on induction?
Copper is non-magnetic and therefore cannot be used on induction hobs unless supplied with a special magnetic induction bottom. All the copper pans we carry, with the exception of Mauviel M'Heritage, M'Tradition, and M'Passion pans, are induction-compatible.
What are the benefits of copper cookware?
Copper has remarkable thermal properties. It is the most responsive metal to temperature changes and allows for very even heat distribution. Chefs love it because it allows for maximum control. It is ideal for reducing and simmering as well as browning and braising.
Can I use copper pans in the oven?
Yes. Copper pans are oven-safe up to 300°C or higher. The exact degrees vary by brand, but 300°C is standard and more than enough for home ovens, which generally do no exceed 250°C. However, use caution with pieces having a tin interior (such as those in the M'Tradition collection). Tin will start to blister at approximately 235°C and will subsequently need to be re-tinned.
Where are your copper pans made?
De Buyer and Mauviel production take place in France – De Buyer in Faymont-Val d'Ajol (Vosges) and Mauviel in a Normandy village called Villedieu-les-Poêles. All-Clad Copper Core is handcrafted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, while Hestan pans are made in Bergamo, Italy.