If we were to conjure up our dream kitchen in our mind’s eye, it would be a replica of Julia Child’s exemplary space. We’re certainly not the only gourmands who feel this way, and her iconic culinary set-up has been memorialised in the National Museum of American History for this precise reason.
At 6ft3 inches, Julia Child was a tall chef who had consistently struggled with standard-sized kitchens. As such, her husband Paul designed the kitchen in their Massachusetts home to accommodate the beloved chef, both in terms of her height and her style of cooking.
To this day, Child’s highly organised kitchen serves as a paragon of high-level home cooking by embodying the distinctly comforting feel of a traditional American homestead with made-to-measure utilitarian features. Yet no single design feature or device in the beloved kitchen is more captivating than the incredibly modern hook system for the chef’s array of gleaming copper pans.
What are the benefits of copper pans?
Brilliant looks aside, copper pans are prized for their invaluable conductivity which helps to cook food evenly. It’s why you’ll see them hung on the walls of famous kitchens across the globe – particularly those which have the odd Michelin star. According to Garrett Wade, the world’s best chefs have relied on copper cookware for over 200 years.
Because of copper’s unmatched ability to conduct heat, you also won’t have to cook on mighty high heat, making the existence of that not-so-non-stick pan obsolete. Say goodbye to scraping a sad, charred piece of garlic into the bin.
How do you care for copper pans?
Contrary to popular opinion, copper pans are also surprisingly easy to care for if you purchase the real thing. So long as you ensure that you’re washing your pans with no more than warm soap and water, as well as properly drying them before hanging them up or putting them away, your beloved copper won’t tarnish.
If, however, you’re tidying up in a rush and miss the odd water droplet running down the side of your beloved pan, caring for tarnished copper is easier than it seems. A popular method involves a dash of lemon and a sprinkling of table salt rather than baking powder.
Keep scrolling for the best copper pans to buy now and use for a lifetime. Make Julia Childs proud.
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Samuel Groves Copper Induction Chef's Pan, 26cm
This 26cm chef’s pan by Samuel Groves is the crème de la crème of copper pans. Crafted with a unique four-layered design which encompasses a stainless steel interior and gleaming copper exterior, you’ll reap the benefits of Michelin-level heat conduction no matter what kind of hob you’re using. Particularly brilliant for searing meats, fish and vegetables, this gorgeous pan is complete with an ergonomic handle to protect your wrists.
Buy now £165.00, F&M
Scanpan Maitre D' Copper Mini Saucepot Set & Slate Board
Complete with an 18/10 stainless steel interior, this delightful set of three mini copper saucepans comes with an attractive slate board for displaying your spanking-new copper cookware. Perfect for bringing from oven to table, these pans are ideal for serving appetisers, dips and desserts. Each pan is oven-proof up to 260°C, suitable for all hob types and measures 6cm in diameter.
Buy now £98.95, Harts of Stur
Hestan CopperBond Stainless Steel Saute Pan & Lid, 26cm
Hestan CopperBond pans feature an eye-catching, two-tone copper exterior and a polished stainless steel interior. Fear not, for these luxurious artisan pans still benefit from a copper core for premium heat conduction. We’re personally big fans of the flushed rivets which help with seamless cleaning and cupboard stacking. Oven safe up to 315°C and suitable for use on all hobs.
Buy now £400.00, John Lewis
Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Braiser Pan with Lid (28cm)
Heritage cookware brand Ruffoni produces copper pans at such a gloriously premium level that it’s difficult to comprehend putting one to use, for they make such lovely display pieces. The price is reflective of the solid copper construction, which true culinary enthusiasts simply couldn’t resist cooking with. This 28cm braiser pan has been hammered for added durability, is oven save up to a whopping 430°C and is suitable for all hobs except induction. With handmade Italian pans by Ruffoni, you’re also given a lifetime warranty.
Buy now £650.00, Harrods
Set of 5 tin plated copper pans with gilded brass handles & metal rivet
This set of five vintage tin-plated copper pans features beautiful gilded brass handles and metal rivets for an incomparable French style. The graduated copper pans are ideal for budding pastry chefs, and this set in particular is said to be from the 1950s.
Buy now £392.74, Etsy
Mauviel, Lefevre or Havard 2qt / 20cm, 2.7qt /22cm, or 3.3qt / 24cm restored vintage copper sauté pans
A known favourite of the beloved chef Julia Child, Mauviel is a classic Parisian cookware brand which specialises in copper pans. Yet this restorative Etsy seller doesn’t just work on old Mauviel pans, for they also have a selection from Lefevre and Havard too. Simply scroll through the variety of diameters on offer and choose which copper specialist stamp you’d like to adore your brand-new piece of luxury cookware.
Buy now £206.36, Etsy
Amoretti Brothers Hammered Copper Fry Pan
This 9” copper frying pan by the Amoretti Brothers is in pristine vintage condition. Hand-hammered by skilled artisans, this beautiful, deep pan is set to improve your next meal tenfold – and not just from looks alone.
Buy now £283.02, 1st Dibs
Mauviel M'150S 6 Piece Cookware Set with Copper Lids
The price may be eye-watering, but it simply doesn’t get much better than a Mauviel six-piece cookware set with Copperbrill cleaner included. Fit for any Michelin-star restaurant or vintage-inspired farmhouse kitchen, these pans are made from all made with 1.5mm thick French copper which makes them relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Meanwhile, the stainless steel interior is easy to maintain and perfectly polished.
Buy now £1549.00, Borough Kitchen
