An All Clad Copper Core cookware review from the owner of Chef’s Resource.
All Clad Copper Core is All-Clad’s flagship line of cookware. It’s their very best cookware, and their most expensive. This All Clad copper core cookware review is for the 3 quart saute pan which comes in many of the cookware sets and is probably the most common sized saute pan, but it also applies to the sauce pan we have as well. In general, it applies to the whole line.
The differences between the most popular All-Clad stainless line and the copper core collection is visible: copper. The reason the All Clad copper core line is higher performance is that the core of the pan is made of copper and aluminum. Copper is an extremely good conductor of heat so the pan reacts quickly to temperature changes up or down, giving excellent control. Pan too hot? When you turn it down the pan will cool down more quickly than most pans. The heat conductivity works both ways.
One thing to remember is to use lower heat. The All Clad Copper-Core line conducts heat so well that you’ll probably want to use a lower stove setting than you might be used to.
Appearance
5 stars new, 4 1/2 stars over time. My copper core pieces look great, even when I’m too lazy to bring a shine to the copper band (more on that below). The cookware-body shapes, lids and handle match my other All-Clad pieces. A timeless look. I love the riveted handles on the pan and lid.
Performance
4 1/2 stars. I’m reserving 5 stars for solid copper cookware, which would be a different review. The All Clad copper core is extremely high performance, it doesn’t get much better. The brushed stainless cooking surface is very durable, as is the polished stainless exterior.
Lids
The All Clad Copper-Core line had mixed reviews with its original copper lids. The lids were more difficult to maintain and keep looking nice. A number of years ago, All-Clad went to stainless steel lids, the same lids the other cookware lines use. This was a big plus. The lids are easier to maintain, match any other All-Clad cookware pieces you have and are dishwasher safe. I think it’s a big improvement.
Downsides
It’s not a balanced All Clad Copper Core review without covering the downsides of the line. The cutaway section going around the pan does reveal the inner copper core. It’s a lovely design touch, but the copper band is a bit more difficult to keep clean instead of an all-stainless layer. Copper doesn’t stay the shiny bright color on it’s own, it gets a more subtle patina. I’m personally fine with it. You can use barkeepers friend or any quality copper cleaner to clean that part if you want it to look shinier.
Another downside of the cookware line is that it’s not completely dishwasher safe. Sure, it can be nice to throw a pan in the dishwasher, but my I try and avoid putting ny of my nicest cookware pieces or kitchen knives in the dishwasher even if they are officially called dishwasher safe. You CAN put copper core pans in the dishwasher, but the copper band will tarnish.
A previous downside is that Copper Core pans weren’t capable of being used on magnetic induction stoves. Now the problem has been fixed in later productions. If a magnet will stick to the exterior stainless of the pan, it’s induction capable. It’s not an issue for most people, but I do use a portable induction stove sometimes, so it’s nice to have the option. I haven’t had the chance to use a copper core piece on induction yet.
And of course, the price is a downside. It’s expensive. But it’s an investment that lasts for many years.
Overall Review
All Clad Copper Cookware is fantastic cookware, among the best money can buy. It’s a great mix of the benefits of copper without (as many) of the drawbacks and the durability and cleaning ease of stainless steel.
