Are Copper Pans Oven-Safe? (With 9 Examples) - Prudent Reviews (2024)

Are you wondering whether copper pans are oven-safe?

The short answer is, yes, copper pans are oven-safe. In fact, brands such as Mauviel make copper roasting pans specifically for cooking in the oven.

On average, copper pans are oven-safe up to 500°F, but the maximum oven-safe temperature ranges from 450°F to 600°F, depending on the brand. Copper pans with silicone-wrapped handles or glass lids may not be oven-safe, so check the manufacturer’s instructions before you use your pan in the oven.

Averages are great, but real examples are even more helpful.

In this quick guide, you’ll learn:

• The maximum oven-safe temperatures of the best-selling copper pans
• Whether copper cookware is broiler-safe
• Whether non-stick cookware like Copper Chef and Red Copper is oven-safe
• And important precautions to take when cooking with copper pans in the oven

Let’s dive in!

Use the links below to navigate:

• Maximum Oven-Safe Temperatures by Brand
• Are Copper Pans Broiler-Safe?
• Are Copper Non-Stick Pans Oven Safe?
• Are Copper Chef Pans Oven-Safe?
• Are Gotham Steel Pans Oven-Safe?
• Are Red Copper Pans Oven-Safe?
• Precautions to Take When Cooking With Copper Pans in the Oven
• Do Copper Pans Have Any Limitations?
• Final Thoughts

Maximum Oven-Safe Temperatures by Brand

In the chart below, you’ll find the maximum oven-safe temperatures of the most popular copper pans on the market.

Are Copper Pans Broiler-Safe?

Yes, in addition to being oven-safe, copper pans are also safe to use under the broiler.

One word of caution: broilers get extremely hot, and it’s difficult to control the temperature because most only have high and low settings. Since copper conducts heat so efficiently, it’s easy to burn your food and scorch the pan if you’re not paying attention.

Watch your food closely and monitor the temperature with an oven thermometer. Most recipes only require a few minutes under the broiler, so stand by and be prepared to remove the pan if you smell smoke, burning, or notice a flare-up.

Are Copper Non-Stick Pans Oven-Safe?

There are two types of copper cookware.

First, there’s cookware made from actual copper, like the examples I shared in the chart (go back). This type of cookware usually has a copper exterior and a stainless steel cooking surface.

In some cases, copper is layered into the pan. For example, the All-Clad Copper Core frying pan has a copper middle layer sandwiched between two stainless steel layers making up the exterior and interior.

Another example is the Anolon Nouvelle Copper cookware set, which has a copper plate bonded into the base, but the exterior and cooking surface is stainless steel.

The other type of copper cookware has a copper-colored exterior and non-stick cooking surface, but it’s not actually made of copper.

Usually, the cooking surface is ceramic or Teflon, and the exterior is aluminum that’s painted to look like copper.

Brands that make this type of copper cookware include Copper Chef, Gotham Steel, and Red Copper.

It’s easy to tell if a pan is made with real copper or if it’s just copper-colored by looking at the price. Copper is an expensive material, therefore, copper pans typically cost $100 or more. If you come across a pan with “copper” in its name, but it costs significantly less than $100, there’s a good chance it’s not made of real copper.

Okay, back to the question: are copper non-stick pans like Copper Chef, Gotham Steel, and Red Copper oven-safe? Here’s the answer:

Copper Chef Oven-Safe Temperature

Copper Chef pans are aluminum with a steel-plated base and a ceramic cooking surface. Although they don’t contain an ounce of copper, Copper Chef pans are oven-safe up to 850°F, and the glass lids are oven-safe up to 500°F.

Gotham Steel Oven-Safe Temperature

Gotham Steel pans have a rose-colored exterior that appears copper, but, like Copper Chef, is made of aluminum with a ceramic non-stick surface. These pans are oven-safe up to 500°F.

Check out my in-depth review of Gotham Steel pans to learn more.

Red Copper Oven-Safe Temperature

Red Copper pans, which became popular thanks to infomercials featuring pitchwoman Cathy Mitchell, are oven-safe up to 500°F. These pans are made with aluminum, a steel-plated base, and ceramic non-stick coating. The ceramic non-stick coating is infused with copper to add strength and make it scratch resistant.

Precautions to Take When Cooking With Copper Pans in the Oven

Copper has an extremely high thermal conductivity. In other words, copper transfers heat incredibly fast, which is why it’s the preferred material for electrical wires, circuits, heat exchangers, motors, and, of course, cookware.

But, because of its ability to heat so fast, there are some precautions you should take to avoid damaging the cookware and injuring yourself, especially when cooking with your pan in the oven.

Hot handles

The handles on most copper pans are hollow or designed to disperse heat and stay cool when you’re cooking on the stove. However, when you put a copper pan in the oven, the handles will get scorching hot.

Always use potholders or oven mitts when you remove a copper pan from the oven. And use two hands to prevent the pan from slipping and the hot ingredients from spilling.

Remember, the handles will remain hot for a while even after taken from the oven.

When you take the pan out of the oven, turn the handle toward the wall and put an oven mitt over the handle as a reminder that it’s hot.

Burning food

As I mentioned, copper has high thermal conductivity, much higher than aluminum.

So, when you’re cooking with a copper pan in the oven, keep a close eye on it and be extra careful not to raise the temperature too high. Otherwise, you’ll burn your food, ruin your meal, and smoke up your kitchen.

Warping

Pans warp when they’re exposed to drastic changes in temperature. When a pan heats up or cools down too fast, the metal expands and contracts unevenly, resulting in warping. The scientific term for this is thermal shock.

Copper is a fairly malleable metal, so copper pans are more likely to warp than stainless steel or cast iron. So, when you’re cooking with copper in the oven, allow it to cool down gradually before you rinse it with cold water.

Overheating

If you’re using a copper pan with a non-stick coating, or a pan like Red Copper or Copper Chef that call themselves copper, be careful not to overheat it in the oven.

Even if the manufacturer says it’s safe, high temperatures (over 500°F) will break down and ruin the non-stick coating over time. Avoid broiling because it’s too difficult to control the temperature, and the direct exposure to the open flames will degrade the non-stick coating.

Do Copper Pans Have Any Limitations?

Now that you know copper pans are safe in the oven and broiler — even the non-stick options — what’s the catch? Are there any limitations with copper cookware? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Here’s what you need to know.

Induction

Copper is not magnetic, which means that copper pans are not compatible with induction cooktops unless they have a special induction plate. If you have an induction stovetop, make sure to read the fine print before buying copper pans

If you can’t find an induction-compatible copper pan that you love, check out my guide to the best cookware for induction.

Acidic foods

Copper reacts with foods like tomatoes, lemon juice, wine, and vinegar. The high acidity in these foods causes tiny bits of metal to break off, leaving behind an unpleasant metallic taste. Ingesting small amounts of copper isn’t a big deal, but larger quantities can become problematic.

Fortunately, the cooking surface of most copper pans (ex. Made In) is lined with stainless steel, a non-reactive material. With a copper exterior or core, you still get the heat conduction benefit, but the stainless steel makes the pan non-reactive and much more versatile.

Not Dishwasher-Safe

If you’re all about convenience, you’ll be disappointed to hear that copper pans need to be washed by hand. The high heat, steam, and prolonged exposure to moisture in the dishwasher will tarnish the copper.

Requires Polishing

No matter how hard you try to avoid it, all copper pans will tarnish over time. You can either embrace the patina or regularly polish the exterior with a product like Bar Keepers Friend (available on Amazon). That said, some experts suggest skipping the polish. They argue that the natural patina hardens the surface and enhances the heat conduction properties.

Final Thoughts

When a meal calls for a sear on the stove followed by a roast in the oven, rest assured knowing that your copper pan can handle the heat.

On average, copper pans are oven-safe up to 500°F, but the maximum temperature varies by brand. Before you start cooking, check the manufacturer’s website to confirm your specific pan’s oven-safe temperature.

If you can’t find the information, or you’re not sure which collection your pans are part of, stick to temperatures below 450°F; that’s the lowest oven-safe temperature I found after reviewing several dozen options.

When you’re cooking with a copper pan in the oven, remember to use oven mitts, keep a close eye on the temperature, and avoid drastic temperature changes.