Stainless Steel Thermal Conductivity:

• Conducts heat quickly and evenly
• Ideal choice for flat-top stoves
• Great for low to high temperature cooking

Copper Thermal Conductivity:

• Offers the best heat conduction of any material
• Responds quickly to temperature changes
• Maintains thermal consistency

Copper has exceptional thermal conductivity, making it an excellent choice for cookware. Its high thermal conductivity allows for quick and even heat distribution, making it ideal for quick frying or boiling water. 

However, lower thermal conductivity materials may be more suitable when it comes to slow cooking or stewing. 

Stainless Steel Ease of Use:

• Oven-safe
• Safe to use with induction cooktops
• No seasoning required
• Not completely non-stick, requires some getting used to 
• Very durable

Copper:

• Oven-safe
• No seasoning required
• PRIMA MATERA line is safe to use with induction cooktops

Copper cookware is easy to use due to its excellent heat conductivity and responsiveness to temperature changes. Its ability to distribute heat evenly allows for precise cooking control, making it ideal for quick frying or boiling tasks.

Additionally, copper cookware's natural non-stick properties and durability make it convenient and enjoyable to use in the kitchen.

Both copper and stainless steel cookware are relatively easy to use since they don't require seasoning and are oven safe. However, it’s important to remember that they are not non-stick.

If induction cooktop use is a priority, choosing either stainless steel or the copper Prima Matera line is important, which is induction-compatible. 

In conclusion, copper and stainless steel cookware are all excellent choices depending on personal preferences and specific cooking needs.

Stainless Steel Maintenance & Clean Up:

• Easy to clean
• Dishwasher safe
• Low maintenance
• Susceptible to fingerprints and smudges

Stainless steel cookware is durable and easy to care for. Here are some critical points for caring for stainless steel:

• Hand-washing: Stainless steel cookware can be easily cleaned by hand using warm water and mild dish soap.
• Non-abrasive cleaning: Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface of stainless steel.
• Regular drying: Thoroughly dry stainless steel cookware after washing to prevent water spots and maintain its shine.
• Stainless steel cleaners: Commercial stainless steel cleaners or homemade pastes made from baking soda and water can remove stubborn stains or restore shine.
• Dishwasher safety: Dishwasher safe, but handwashing is recommended to keep your pan in it’s best shape. Continuous use of the dishwasher can lead to potential alterations of the material.
• Maintenance: While stainless steel is durable, it may develop a patina over time. Polishing with stainless steel cleaner can help maintain its appearance.

Copper Maintenance & Clean Up:

• Must be hand-washed
• Should be hand dried to prevent spotting
• Requires occasional polishing 
• Susceptible to fingerprints and smudges

Copper cookware requires proper care to maintain its appearance and performance. Here are some key points for caring for copper:

• Hand-washing: Copper cookware should be gently hand-washed using warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
• Drying: After washing, it is crucial to thoroughly dry copper cookware with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and tarnishing
• Polishing: Occasional polishing helps maintain the shiny appearance of copper. Commercial copper cleaners or homemade pastes made from lemon juice, vinegar, and salt can remove the tarnish and restore the luster.
• Preventing scratches: Since copper is a soft metal, it is important to use gentle utensils and avoid harsh scouring pads or abrasive materials that can scratch the surface

In terms of maintenance and durability, stainless steel cookware is generally easier to care for and more durable than copper cookware.

While copper cookware may require more attention and maintenance, its superior heat conductivity and unique aesthetic may make it worth considering for certain individuals.

Ultimately, the choice between stainless steel and copper cookware depends on balancing the ease of care with other factors such as heat conductivity, cooking preferences, and personal preferences for appearance.

Related: SKILLET VS. PAN: THE DIFFERENCES AND USES

Oven Safety:

• Both are oven safe on their own but are impacted by their lining
• Copper lined with tin isn’t very oven-safe and has problems at 450°F.
• Copper lined with stainless steel is better and goes up to 800°F
• Stainless steel can be anywhere between 500 to 800°F

Stainless steel cookware is generally oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures ranging from 500°F to 800°F, depending on the specific grade and construction. It provides versatility for various cooking techniques, including baking and roasting.

On the other hand, copper cookware is oven-safe up to an average of 500°F, with variations depending on the brand. It is important to check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe oven use with copper pans, especially considering factors like handle materials and non-stick coatings.

Induction cookware is specifically designed for induction cooktops, which rely on magnetic induction to heat the cookware directly. 

Induction cookware must have a magnetic base or core that can interact with the electromagnetic field generated by the induction cooktop. This construction allows for efficient and precise heating, with the cookware heating up quickly and evenly.

• Not all cookware works with an induction stovetop. It has to be magnetic. 
• Copper cookware is not usually induction compatible unless it includes other materials.
• Stainless steel can be induction compatible depending on the type. You have to check the brand to find out. 

Induction cooking utilizes electromagnetic energy to heat the cookware directly, bypassing the cooktop surface. This efficient method offers rapid heating, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency.

When comparing the induction capabilities of different materials, it's essential to consider their magnetic properties. Cookware made of ferromagnetic materials, such as cast iron and some stainless steel, is highly compatible with induction cooking. 

Non-ferromagnetic materials like aluminum, copper, and glass are not induction-compatible unless they have an induction-friendly layer or core. 

The choice of cookware material should align with its magnetic properties for optimal performance on induction cook tops.

Take a look at de Buyer’s complete collection of cookware to fulfill your culinary dreams!

• Stainless steel is typically cheaper than copper. 
• It can be under $100 dollars on the low end but much more on the high end. 

Stainless steel cookware prices range from $135.00 to $450.00, offering options for different budgets and preferences. 

With various collections available, customers can find high-quality stainless steel cookware that meets their needs while providing durability and performance in the kitchen.

Copper Price:

• Copper is typically much more expensive than stainless steel. 
• Most copper pieces start at a few hundred dollars for each piece. 
• Some pans are listed as “copper” and seem very affordable. However, these are often aluminum pans with a ceramic coating. Check how much copper is actually in the pans if the deal seems too good to be true. 

Copper cookware prices vary, with the highest-priced product reaching $1,300.00. The price range reflects the quality and craftsmanship of copper cookware, making it an investment for serious chefs who value its exceptional heat distribution and performance in the kitchen.

Customers can choose from various copper cookware types, including pans, stockpots, and saucepans, to suit their cooking needs and budget.

• Stainless steel is usually more affordable.
• You must ensure your price is worth it for the specific set/pans you are getting.
• It may be worth it to jump up in quality for either material. 

Stainless steel cookware prices range from $135.00 to $450.00, while copper cookware reaches a higher price point, with the highest-priced product listed at $1,300.00.

The price difference between stainless steel and copper cookware reflects each material's distinct qualities and properties, with copper being a premium choice known for its exceptional heat conductivity and performance. In contrast, stainless steel offers durability and versatility at a more affordable price.

Stainless Steel:

• For cooking food evenly food without burning it
• Great for cooking on flat-top stoves
• Browning and braising meats
• Boiling and reducing soups and sauces
• Sautéing vegetables

Stainless steel cookware is well-suited for a variety of foods and cooking tasks. Its even heat distribution makes it ideal for searing meats, sautéing vegetables, and browning ingredients.

Stainless steel is excellent for making pan sauces and deglazing, as it allows for easy scraping of browned bits. Its non-reactive nature makes it perfect for cooking acidic foods like tomato-based sauces and citrus-infused dishes.

Overall, stainless steel is a versatile option that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks with precision and reliability.

Copper:

• Delicate dishes that require controlled temperatures 
• Searing and browning meat and seafood
• Cooking delicate proteins like fish and seafood
• Thickening sauces, caramels, and jams
• Soups and stews 
• Acidic dishes are not the best, as it can lead to a metallic taste, unless you use lined cookware

Copper cookware excels at tasks that require precise temperature control and quick heat responsiveness. It is particularly well-suited for jobs such as sautéing, searing, and caramelizing, where even heat distribution is crucial. 

Copper is also excellent for delicate tasks like making sauces, where rapid cooling is necessary. Its conductivity makes it ideal for tasks that demand quick adjustments and fine-tuning heat levels. 

Overall, copper cookware is highly versatile and preferred for professional chefs and experienced home cooks who value its exceptional heat performance.