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All-Clad Copper Core Cookware Set Review

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All-Clad Copper Core Cookware SetsFor serious cooks and professional chefs, copper is the cookware material of choice. Copper contains superior heat conductivity properties and is ultra-sensitive to temperature changes. For these reasons, copper is one of the best materials for cookware.

The All-Clad Copper Core set combines the heat conductivity properties of copper with aluminum and stainless steel to create a professional cookware collection that’s easy to maintain.

The Copper Core collection is available in 7-piece, 10-piece and 14-piece sets. Each of these sets includes the following pieces:

  • 7-Piece: 10-inch frying pan, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid and 3-quart stockpot with lid.
  • 10-Piece: 8-inch frying pan, 10-inch frying pan, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart sauté pan with lid and 8-quart stockpot with lid.
  • 14-Piece: 10-inch frying pan, 12-inch frying pan, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, 6 quart sauté pan with lid, 2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 12-inch chef’s pan with lid and 8-quart stockpot with lid.
Red Check GET DISCOUNT PRICE: ALL-CLAD 7-PIECE COPPER CORE COOKWARE SET
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Functionality

Designed for the true connoisseur, Copper Core is a collection of high performance cookware. Much like the Stainless Steel and d5 Brushed collections, Copper Core is versatile and a smart choice for the well-equipped kitchen.

  • Fry and sauté pans are ideal for browning and searing.
  • Saucepans are perfect for cooking sauces, boiling and reheating.
  • The stockpot is the optimal choice for cooking large meals and stock.
  • The chef’s pan can be used for virtually any cooking job from sizzling vegetables to making sauces.

Features

The Copper Core collection features a special 5-ply construction to create the best All-Clad cookware for professionals. The 5-ply core consists of the following layers:

  • 18/10 stainless steel interior surface
  • Aluminum layer
  • Copper core
  • Aluminum layer
  • Magnetic stainless steel exterior

The combination of aluminum and copper allow for quick and even heat distribution.

Thanks to a magnetic stainless steel exterior, this cookware is compatible with:

  • Electric cooktops
  • Gas cooktops
  • Induction cooktops
  • Broilers

You can also place each piece in the oven (under 800 degrees Fahrenheit) or the freezer. This is an extremely versatile collection that can take on any cooking task.

Each piece in the collection features an exposed copper band for an elegant, distinctive design. The long stick handles and loop handles stay cool and make the cookware easy to handle.

Price

The Copper Core cookware set is the most expensive collection in the All-Clad lineup, but don’t let this scare you. This set is priced high for a reason. It has all of the bells and whistles you would expect in a high-end copper cookware set and as long as you take good care of everything, it should last a lifetime. If you are looking for an All-Clad set that is slightly lower in price, but still has superior features and functionality, I’d recommend checking out the d5 Brushed or Stainless Steel collections.

Durability & Maintenance

Anyone who is familiar with copper cookware understands just how delicate and high-maintenance this material can be. However, All-Clad’s inner core design surrounds the copper core with layers of aluminum and stainless steel to make this cookware easy to clean and maintain.

While it may not be dishwasher safe, the cookware in this set is less susceptible to warping and does not require frequent polishing like other copper cookware collections. Because All-Clad products are built to last, you can enjoy your cookware for a lifetime if you care for it properly.

For serious and professional cooks, it’s hard to beat the performance and durability of the All-Clad Copper Core collection.

Why I Like & Recommend It:

  • High performance, professional cookware
  • Copper core for quick and even heat distribution
  • Easy to maintain
  • Maximum temperature responsiveness
  • 5-play inner core
  • Durable
  • Versatile
  • Compatible with all cooktop surfaces

The only downside in my opinion is that this set isn’t dishwasher safe. The Stainless Steel and d5 collections include cookware that is dishwasher safe, so cleaning and maintenance is a slightly easier. This does not reflect on the cookware’s performance, but it may be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Red Check GET DISCOUNT PRICE: ALL-CLAD 7-PIECE COPPER CORE COOKWARE SET
Red Check GET DISCOUNT PRICE: ALL-CLAD 10-PIECE COPPER CORE COOKWARE SET
Red Check GET DISCOUNT PRICE: ALL-CLAD 14-PIECE COPPER CORE COOKWARE SET
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What Is The Best Type Of Cookware?

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Best ImageNot all cookware is created equal. Finding the best type can be a challenge simply because what one cook considers the best may not be the best option for another cook. While you should take your cooking style into consideration when purchasing cookware, understanding which materials perform better than others can help you make a smart purchasing decision.

Best Type of Cookware Overall

The absolute best cookware type overall would have to be copper. It’s pricey, but copper cookware provides unmatched heat distribution and temperature control. It responds almost immediately to temperature changes, so it’s ideal for cooking temperature-sensitive dishes and delicate sauces.

The biggest gripe with copper cookware, aside from the cost, is maintenance. Pure copper pans are reactive to food and can discolor if they are overheated. On top of this, regular polishing is necessary to keep the pan’s natural shine and to remove tarnish. To make matters worse, pure copper is not compatible with induction cooktop surfaces.

The good news is that most modern copper cookware sets are lined with stainless steel. This ensures that the pan is non-reactive while still preserving the beneficial qualities of copper. Polishing is still necessary in most cases, and some manufacturers also sell accessories that allow the cookware to be compatible with induction cooktops.

Copper is, hands down, the best type of cookware as far as performance is concerned, but its high price tag often puts it well out of reach of the everyday consumer. Unless you’re a professional or a very serious cook, copper cookware may not be the best option for you.

Best Type of Cookware for Everyday Use

For the everyday cook, stainless steel is often the best choice. Not only is stainless steel durable, it’s easy to care for and is often constructed with other metals to improve the pan’s heat distribution.

Today, you can find stainless steel cookware sets that feature copper or aluminum cores surrounded by layers of stainless steel. This combines the heat distribution properties of these two materials with the easy maintenance of stainless steel. Unlike other cookware materials, stainless steel is non-reactive and resistant to rust, corrosion and stains. You can even find pans with non-stick coatings for even easier maintenance. As an added bonus, most stainless steel cookware is compatible with induction cooktop surfaces.

Even serious cooks often prefer stainless steel. It gets the job done, and it does so with ease. Plus, stainless steel pots and pans are often far more affordable than copper. Even high-end stainless steel sets are much more affordable than professional copper cookware. With stainless steel, you’ll find cookware sets in every price range from under $100 to $500+. Stainless steel may not beat copper in performance, but it’s the preferred choice of cookware for the everyday consumer.

Remember, the best type of cookware is one that works well with your own cooking style. Copper is the best performance cookware, but if you don’t have the budget or time to maintain this type of cookware, it will not be the best option for you.