All-Clad Copper Core Review: Is It Worth It?

Tara Williams

Food Writer & Editor For KitchenSanity

Tara Williams is a seasoned food writer and editor who's been with KitchenSanity since its beginning. With a knack for experimenting with food and creating delicious recipes, she's your go-to for straightforward kitchen advice and practical tips from personal experiences. As a mom of two, Tara understands the value of time. She crafts articles that enhance your cooking skills and free up time for what matters most—like family moments.

Learn more about KitchenSanity's Editorial Guidelines.

Copper, stainless steel, and nonstick aluminum cookware are among the top types of cookware for the average home kitchen. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, so it begs the question, what happens if you combine all three?

All-Clad has developed a line of clad cookware that combines the best properties of multiple types of cookware into 5-ply All-Clad Copper Core Cookware.

The idea is to help take your cooking to the next level with even superior and heat distribution, but does it work, and is it worth it?

In this All-Clad Copper Core review, we will explore three cookware sets in this. We’ll also explain features and answer your questions to help you make a better purchasing decision.

All-Clad Copper Core | Product Summary

Is All-Clad Copper Core Worth It?

All-Clad copper core cookware is worth it for those who can afford its higher price tag. As an investment, the multi-clad construction and superior quality produced by Metalcrafters All-Clad is an excellent choice. Have confidence with its limited lifetime warranty and be proud that it’s a product 100% made in the USA.

All-Clad Copper Core Cookware: Features

Copper Core 5-Ply Bonded Construction

All-Clad’s copper core cookware combines the best types of cookware by sandwiching 5 layers of material together, including aluminum, stainless steel, and a copper core. The patented construction goes through to the rim and not just at the bottom of each piece.

More is not always better, but in this case, it makes sense. Here’s why:

  • Copper pots and pans distribute heat better than those made only with either aluminum or stainless steel.
  • Better heat distribution allows you to cook evenly with less heat, preventing your food from turning out burnt on the outside and raw inside.

Stainless Steel Starburst Finish Cooking Surface

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

The 18/10 stainless steel finish of the cookware makes it possible to cook eggs without sticking, providing you’re using a good dollop of butter or searing steak and deglazing the pan to make a pan sauce which is hard to do with most nonstick cookware.

It’s not impossible to have food stick to this clad cookware because sometimes it will if you’re not careful.

Related | Best Nonstick Cookware

The instructions tell you that it’s essential to use a lower heat setting and let the pan preheat before adding anything. This is a good rule for most cookware but especially important when using stainless steel and copper.

It would be best if you never used cooking sprays because they contain other chemicals that burn and stick.

Another advantage of the stainless surface is that acidic foods like tomato sauce won’t react with the cookware. Other types of copper cookware are known to have issues with acidic food.

With those precautions above, you should be able to cook pretty much anything with minimal sticking.

Long Stay-Cool Handles – Helper Handles

Both the pots and pans will feel heavy if you’re used to cheaper aluminum cookware, but the helper handle on the lip will help you bear the extra weight by allowing you to use both hands.

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

All-Clad advertises that this set has “stay-cool” stainless handles. This means that the parts of the pots and pans you’re likely to grab are specifically engineered to transfer heat less effectively to shield your hands.

In practice, if you cook for more than a few minutes, both the handles and the lid will get fairly hot. We recommend using potholders or heat resistant gloves to prevent any accidents.

Broiler And Safe For The Oven

If you do a lot of oven to stove-top cooking, you’ll be pleased to know that this cookware is oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C).

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

The stainless-steel lids can be put in the oven because they don’t contain rubber or glass. But if you’re concerned about the potential of warping, consider using aluminum foil instead.

Related | Can All-Clad Go In The Oven?

Ready For Induction Cooking

All-Clad has covered their bases with this clad cookware set because each pot and pan are induction compatible.

This means that your pots and pans heat up quickly when you put them on the burner and cool off very quickly when you take them off.

Related | How To Use Non Induction Cookware On Induction Cooktop

You might require a more attentive hand on the temperature controls at first to avoid burning food.

This can save time when boiling water, but it also means that you will better control your temperature when cooking heat sensitive food.

Foods that require a specific internal temperature should be easier to cook once you have practiced with copper core cookware.

There is a learning curve if you’re coming from traditional nonstick cookware. So, in the beginning, we recommend using lower temperatures than you’re used to.

And finally, this cookware heats pretty evenly so that your food cooks at the same temperature no matter where it is in the pan.

Manufactured In The USA

Yes, 100% of All-Clad is proudly made in the USA, and you will find “Made with pride in Canonsburg, PA” on the box under their logo.

They source metals from various US suppliers, and it proudly employs American workers to handcraft this cookware.

All-Clad Copper Core Reviews

All-Clad Copper Core 7 Piece Set

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 7 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

What’s In The Box | 7 Pieces

  • 10” Fry Pan
  • 2 Quart Sauce Pan With Lid
  • 3 Quart Sauté Pan With Lid
  • 8 Quart Stockpot With Lid

Review

Once you get past the price, you’ll quickly fall in love with copper core cookware.

This set contains the basics and maybe a great place to start if you’ve never cooked with a stainless steel surface or don’t have the budget for a complete set.

All-clad is confident in their product and offers a limited lifetime warranty for your peace of mind. Just remember to take care of each piece as instructed.

Bottom Line

Because of the craftsmanship and materials used to construct All-Clad Copper Core 7 Piece Cookware, it should be considered a lifetime purchase rather than something that needs to be replaced in a couple of years.

All-Clad Copper Core 10 Piece Set

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 10 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

What’s In The Box | 10 Pieces

  • 8” Fry Pan
  • 10” Fry Pan
  • 2 QT Covered Sauce Pan
  • 3 QT Covered Sauce Pan
  • 3 QT Covered Sauté Pan
  • 8 QT Covered Stockpot

Review

This set has an extra frying pan and covered saucepan so that you can cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Pop one in the oven, two on the stove, and you’re good to go!

No matter which set you decide to buy, you should be aware that these pots and pans are hefty just on their own. Once you load them up with your concoctions, those with a weaker grip might find it challenging to move them around from oven to stove-top to countertop.

Bottom Line

The only thing that could make All-Clad Copper Core 10 Piece Set better would be to include a steamer insert. However, this is our favorite set to recommend because it allows you to prepare dinner for the whole family without scrambling around and cooking multiple things in the same pan.

All-Clad Copper Core 14-Piece Cookware Set

All-Clad Copper Core 5-Ply Stainless Steel Cookware Set 14 Piece Induction Oven Broiler Safe 600F Pots and Pans Silver

What’s In The Box | 14 Pieces

  • 10 Inch Fry Pan
  • 12 Inch Fry Pan
  • 2 Quart Covered Sauce Pans
  • 3 Quart Covered Sauce Pans
  • 3 Quart Covered Sauté Pans
  • 6 Quart Covered Sauté Pans
  • 12” Covered Chef’s Pan
  • 8 Quart Covered Stockpot

Review

Do you need a pan for something? This set has you covered with the top of the copper core set line in this cookware series. While heavy, they are very balanced overall.

You’ll inevitably burn food in the pans throughout your ownership. But with a little bit of care and a good soak, you’ll be able to bring this cookware back to looking new.

Our favorite points are quality construction, excellent warranty, made in America, and induction compatibility.

Bottom Line

The All-Clad Copper Core 14 Piece Set is expensive and not within most home cooks’ budget. However, those who consider it an investment and have the means should serve you very well over the years.

All-Clad Copper Core Pros And Cons

Pros

  • Easy to Clean
  • Fantastic Heat Conduction
  • Built To Last
  • Made In The U.S.A.

The quality of the stainless steel makes every piece of this cookware set a breeze to clean. For those stubborn areas, a soak in hot water should do it.

All-Clad offers a lifetime warranty to cover any manufacturing defects you might uncover. If you follow their instructions, your cookware should last a very long time.

The copper core of each pot and pan let it heat up and cool down quickly and evenly. This reduces cooking times, gives you better temperature control.

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Copper Ring Can Tarnish
  • Hard to clean around handle rivets

If you’re looking to replace your current, this cookware copper core line may be out of the range of smaller budgets.

The solid metal construction of these pots and pans means that they’re heavy. For those without the strength, you might want to consider a lighter cookware set instead.

While the stainless in this cookware is easy to clean, there’s a copper band on the outside that can tarnish if you’re not dutiful about cleaning it. You can be lazy about this without affecting how well your cookware cooks, but then you can’t be proud of how beautiful your set looks.

All-Clad Copper Core FAQs

Is All-Clad Copper Core Safe?

Yes. Unlike many other products on the market which are produced overseas, this set is manufactured in the USA and held to high standards.

Stainless steel is a non-reactive cooking material and covers the copper layers so that you get the best of both worlds.

The cookware is dishwasher safe, but it’s highly recommended to handwash instead.

Is All-Clad Copper Cookware Oven Safe?

Yes, it can go in the oven up to 600F, as All-Clad states on their website.

However, we don’t recommend using high temperatures. Over time, multiple exposures to high temperatures can affect your nonstick treatment or cause the cookware to warp.

Do All-Clad Copper Core Lids Fit The Fry Pans?

If you’re like me, you find it handy to have lids for both pots and pans. The lids are not explicitly designed to be swapped, but they will still technically fit.

Is All-Clad Copper Core Better Than D5?

We can’t say that the All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware Set is better, but the main difference is that it is layered with stainless steel and aluminum and doesn’t contain a copper layer.

How Thick Is The Copper In All-Clad Copper Core?

Unfortunately, All-Clad doesn’t disclose this anywhere on their 5-ply charts.

After digging across patents and forums, the consensus is that the thickness is between 0.91mm and 0.889mm after metal bonding.

In comparison, very few brands reach the 1.5mm to 2.5mm thickness, and others that are well under what All-Clad is offering here.

How To Care For All-Clad Copper Core?

While this cookware is technically dishwasher safe, All-Clad strongly recommends hand washing.

Dishwashers can be harsh on anything put in them, so we recommend carefully handwashing expensive cookware items.

It’s worth noting that an exposed copper band on each piece will tarnish over time. To clean or help prevent this tarnishing, you can use a copper polish that is safe for cookware.

All-Clad Copper Core Review: Final Thoughts

The unique design of these pots and pans can make cooking easier by putting you in control of heat and without the hassles that come from cleaning pure copper pots and pans.

We think that the 10-Piece All-Clad Copper Core Cookware Set is best for families or aspiring professional cooks. We trust that it has the potential to last for years because a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty backs it.

Unfortunately, none of the sets reviewed are for those on a tight budget. However, we have a complete guide on the best induction cookware that might fit your needs for a fraction of the price.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quality set of cookware to hold on to for a while, All-Clad’s Copper Core cookware lineup might be the choice to consider.

Written By Tara Williams

Tara Williams is a seasoned food writer and editor who's been with KitchenSanity since its beginning. With a knack for experimenting with food and creating delicious recipes, she's your go-to for straightforward kitchen advice and practical tips from personal experiences. As a mom of two, Tara understands the value of time. She crafts articles that enhance your cooking skills and free up time for what matters most—like family moments.

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