Copper Core
Cook like a pro! You get exceptional performance and style from All-Clad's hand-crafted Copper-Core Cookware collection. Whether you're looking to take your cooking to the next level or just want to add a little flair to your kitchen, the added copper core combines the responsiveness of copper with the durability of stainless steel to create an unmatched combination of performance and style. Copper Core is made in the U.S.A. from a 5-layer sandwich: stainless, aluminum/copper, aluminum, stainless, and aluminum (from inside to outside).
All-Clad removes some outer steel to expose the copper core for decorative purposes. So, the decorative band is thinner and is missing the outer aluminum and stainless layers. The result is a thinner band of copper exposed around the edge of the pot or pan, giving the appearance of a thicker band of copper.
Copper Core has about 90% copper, which is slightly more conductive than the All-Clad Stainless Steel Collection. This set’s primary claim to fame is the addition of copper, which is far more conductive than aluminum, and thus allows the pan to heat up and cool down faster. Because the copper core is sandwiched between two layers of aluminum, every piece of All Clad Copper Core Cookware heats up and then cools down extremely fast. In fact, this set heats up so fast that it drops food temperature by almost half in just 10 minutes.
However, the nominal downside (which many actually prefer) is that copper doesn't have as much thermal mass as heavier-duty pots and pans. So, a particularly thick piece of meat will drop the pan's temperature by about half in 10 minutes. That means you'll need to crank the heat back up to bring the temperature back up. Fortunately, this cookware collection from All-Clad heats up and cools down quickly, but the initial drop in temperature will still happen.
The flared rim design helps prevent drips down the sides of the cookware while pouring. And the finger guard on the bottom of the handle is nice! The handle does not heat up too quickly, but the helper handle can get hot on gas stoves, so keep that in mind. Overall, this is a great cookware collection for anyone who wants to take their cooking to a new level using one of the best conductive metals around Copper Core!
