This article is a review of Ruffoni Copper Cookware.
There’s a timeless elegance about professional copper cookware. That showstopping shine can instantly give warmth and a professional look to any kitchen.
Not only is it beautiful, but copperware has superior heat conductivity, which makes cooking easier and faster.
I found the Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra set to be a solid investment. Although it’s pricey, it has excellent craftsmanship and cookware reviews.
With that said, I wouldn’t buy Ruffoni cookware without first understanding what that entails. Learning how to properly cook with and clean copper cookware is a must before adding it to your kitchen repertoire. After all, copperware is definitely not for everyone.
Is Ruffoni Cookware right for you? Keep reading my Ruffoni cookware review to find out.
Contents
Copperware Buying Guide
What is copper cookware?
Copper cookware is cookware that includes–you guessed it–copper.
Few pots are exclusively copper. Even though they have extraordinary heat conduction and superb heat distribution, copper is highly reactive with acidic food.
The result is that it leaches into the food, giving it a metallic taste. It can even be toxic in excessive amounts. For that reason, most copper pieces are lined with tin or stainless steel.
A tin lining bonds well with copper, and it’s non-reactive and more stick-resistant than stainless steel. But tin has a melting point of 450°F (232°C), so it’s not feasible for dishes that require high heat.
A tin lining also wears out quickly and has to be replaced more often. In fact, it’s common to send out your copperware to be re-tinned. This process involves the manufacturer, or a workshop, removing the worn-out tin and applying a new layer of tin.
A stainless steel lining is more durable than tin and can handle higher heat. But it doesn’t bond with copper as easily, so it has to be mechanically bonded. If it ever separates from the copper, the pan is ruined. Another thing? Stainless doesn’t conduct heat as well as copper, so it could offset some of the benefits of having copper.
Still, stainless steel’s non-reactivity and excellent durability make it a popular lining choice for copper pieces.
Why does some copper cookware not include copper?
Some cookware sets are advertised as copper cookware, but they don’t contain any copper. You may be thinking, so what gives?
This cookware is actually ceramic non-stick cookware. It typically has an aluminum base with a ceramic non-stick coating. The use of the word copper comes from the copper coloring of the non-stick coating.
If you’re unsure whether a cookware set is actually copper or just copper-colored ceramic non-stick, check the manufacturer’s product description for materials.
How to choose good copper cookware
There are several reputable brands that manufacture high-quality copper pots and pans. Mauviel, Ruffoni, Viking, All-Clad, and Falk are just some examples. These brands typically manufacture their products in France, Italy, Belgium, or the USA.
When choosing the right pan, you’ll want to consider the thickness of the copper layer. A thin layer (1.8mm or less) will heat up and cool down rapidly, making it preferable for sauces or other dishes where heat control is essential.
For searing and other dishes that require heat retention, a thicker (3mm or greater) layer is best. However, this thickness will be slower to heat. And if your pan is stainless steel lined, that could slow it down even more.
Most cookware features a copper layer between 1.8mm and 2.5mm thick. This happy medium gives you the benefits of copper’s heat conductivity while still heating within a reasonable amount of time.
What is professional copper cookware worth?
There’s no doubt about it: copperware is expensive. Expect to pay significantly more for a copper pot than any other cookware material.
But there’s a reason it’s worth so much more. Copper’s heat conduction and responsiveness are unparalleled, giving the cook unmatched temperature control.
Additionally, this metal will last for generations if properly cared for. Other cookware sets have to be replaced every few years.
Lastly, copper’s timeless beauty looks great on any kitchen table. It’s great for cooking and serving, making it ideal for those who like to go from stovetop to oven to table. A copperware set is one of the best cookware sets you can have, but you will pay top dollar for that quality.
How to clean copperware
Copper will naturally darken and develop a patina over time. As the copper interacts with water, light, salt, and air, it will eventually begin to tarnish. And while that green verdigris looks neat on the Statue of Liberty, no one wants to cook with that.
So it’s important to properly clean and polish your copperware to keep it looking its best.
For everyday cleaning, simply wash with warm water and dish soap. Make sure you towel-dry your pots immediately after washing. Letting copper air dry will leave water spots.
Copper cookware is not dishwasher-safe. The dishwasher will scratch and/or tarnish the cookware.
How to remove tarnish from copperware
If you notice brown or black spots developing on your copper pans, it’s time for a polish.
You can use Wright’s Copper Cream or Brasso to polish your cookware every so often–about twice a year. However, you can also use some household ingredients to polish your cookware naturally.
One of the most common ways is to use lemon and salt. Simply stir three parts lemon juice with one part salt in a bowl. Use a cloth to wipe the solution over the cookware.
This works because the acid in the lemon juice combines with the salt to remove the tarnish. You can use another acidic citrus, like an orange if you don’t have a lemon.
Another common method is to use ketchup or tomato paste. Rub the ketchup over the copper and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then rinse the cookware and hand-dry.
Lastly, you can also use vinegar to polish your copper cookware. Boil three cups of water in a non-reactive pot and add a cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt, and then place the cookware in the water. The tarnish should flake right off.
One important note: These methods are designed to remove tarnish from unlacquered copper. If you’re unsure whether your cookware is lacquered, check with the manufacturer or the product description. It’s recommended to remove lacquer from copper you plan to use for cooking (as opposed to purely decorative pieces).
Ruffoni Cookware Review
About Ruffoni Copperware
Ruffoni cookware has been made in Italy by the Ruffoni family since 1931. The company prides itself on handcrafting premium quality copper pots and pans, with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, beauty, and entertaining.
Ruffoni is carried in big-name stores like Williams-Sonoma and Harrods. The Meyer Corporation is the parent firm for Ruffoni products.
Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra Stainless Steel Triply Copper Cookware Set Overview
This Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra cookware set features a hammered copper exterior with an aluminum alloy core and stainless steel lining. The set includes 7 pieces:
- 1.5-quart (1.42 liters) saucepan with lid
- 3.5-quart (3.31 liters) saucepan with lid
- 3.5-quart (3.31 liters) covered soup pot
- 10-inch (25.4 cm) fry pan
- 5-quart (4.73 liters) covered braiser
This Ruffoni cookware set has favorable reviews. Users loved the beauty of the copper finish along with the kitchen functionality. For a breakdown of the Symphonia Cupra’s features, read on.
Ruffoni Symphonia Features
Hammered Finish
The Ruffoni cookware set sports a hammered copper finish. Not only does this look nice, but the hammering process helps the pot retains its shape and strengthen the structure.
This copper layer appears to be relatively thin, although it’s almost impossible to find the exact thickness. I suspect the hammering helps prevent the pot from warping when cooking with high heat.
Regardless, customers raved about this beautiful cookware set. They consistently said that in addition to cooking, this cookware is a stunning piece of kitchen decor or as serveware on the table.
To keep that pristine shine, be sure to polish your cookware periodically to get rid of any tarnish.
Stainless Steel Interior
The stainless steel interior of this Ruffoni cookware offers a couple of advantages. First, it’s a non-reactive surface, so you can cook tomato or lemon-based recipes worry-free.
Secondly, stainless steel provides extra durability and scratch resistance, making it great for everyday use. Despite that fact, Ruffoni still recommends using wooden or plastic cooking utensils over metal tools.
Lastly, stainless steel cookware retains heat well. That gives this cookware the versatility to go from simmering sauces to searing steaks.
It’s important to realize that stainless steel will stick more than a basic T-fal non-stick pan. However, adding a little liquid to the pot while cooking will help release food.
Aluminum Alloy Core
Each piece of this Ruffoni cookware set has a thick aluminum core. When combined with the outer copper layer, the aluminum core gives this cookware unsurpassed heat conductivity.
Afraid of aluminum leaching into your food? No worries here. The stainless steel cooking surface means your food will only come into contact with a non-reactive material.
Handles & Lid
This pots and pans set includes ergonomically-designed stainless steel handles. The lids are crafted in clad copper with stainless steel handles. All handles feature stamped copper signets for authenticity.
The stainless steel makes the handles more heat resistant, but you should still use oven mitts when handling a hot pan.
The Symphonia Cupra handles are an improvement, in my opinion, over the original Ruffoni Historia line. The Historia set has brass handles, which dig into your hands while cooking and are generally uncomfortable.
The stainless steel handles on these pots are much more comfortable and user-friendly.
Maximum Oven Temperature
This Ruffoni cookware set is oven-safe for temperatures up to 450°F (232°C). That makes this set ideal for stovetop to oven dishes. And the copper’s beautiful finish looks great on the table for serving, too.
Stovetop Compatibility
This set is compatible with gas, open flame, and even electric cooktops. You can’t use these pots with induction cooktops, however. Ruffoni recommends a gas stovetop, if possible. They also recommend using a burner similar in size to the pan.
It’s important to remember that copperware should not be preheated. This can damage the pan. Instead, add oil or butter upon heating. Start on low heat and adjust as necessary to reach the desired temperature.
Cleaning
Like all copper cookware sets, the Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra set must be hand-washed. No tossing these pots in the dishwasher. To clean your Ruffoni cookware, simply wash with warm water and dish soap.
To remove tarnish, rub a solution of lemon juice and salt on the cookware exterior and rinse clean. Watch to see how simple the process is:
Limited Lifetime Warranty
All of Ruffoni cookware comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty, like most, covers only defects in the manufacturing. It does not cover normal wear and tear, accidents, or misuse.
That’s why it’s essential to follow the recommended use and care instructions.
Cost
Ruffoni cookware sets are not starter sets. It’s not an all-purpose set for every day (and dare I say, careless?) use. This beautiful copper stainless steel cookware is also handcrafted in Italy by the Ruffoni family workshop.
When you consider those facts, it’s easy to see why this copper cookware set is so pricey. However, those facts may not make the price tag worth it for you.
That really depends on your budget and what you plan to cook.
Single Pan Review
Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra Frying Pan
For those who don’t want to purchase an entire cookware set, Ruffoni does make individual pans. This frying pan is 10.25 inches (26 cm) and has the same copper stainless steel construction as the 7-piece set.
Customers loved this pan’s beauty and its functionality. One reviewer even mentioned that food did not stick with this piece.
Nonetheless, I have some reservations. The outer layer is thin, which won’t hold in heat as well. The stainless steel is also prone to sticking. Heat retention and food release are among my top must-haves for a frying pan. Plus, it’s oven-safe but not broiler-safe.
The bottom line? Even though this frying pan has good reviews, I am hesitant to recommend it. I would definitely need to see more reviews first.
Are there alternative cookware sets?
For a different approach (multi-ply with copper sandwiched by other metals) see my All Clad Copper Core Review. Below I’m included a couple of similar style cookware sets to Ruffoni.
Mauviel M’heritage 9-Piece Cookware Set with Cast Iron Handles
Mauviel is another to name in copperware. This 9-piece set includes a skillet, two saucepans with lids, a covered sauté pan, and a covered stockpot. It also includes a bonus cleaner.
Overall, this set is very similar to the Ruffoni. It’s oven-safe but not dishwasher-safe, and it’s not compatible with induction stoves. The copper layer is thicker, coming in at 2mm. The handles are cast iron, as opposed to stainless steel. And this set is manufactured in France rather than in Italy.
It’s also quite a bit more expensive. I cannot find evidence that this set is superior to the Ruffoni set, although Mauviel does have an excellent reputation.
Viking Culinary 3-Ply Cookware Set, 10 Piece
This Viking Copperware set is all-clad and has a layer of aluminum between the outer coppery layer and the interior stainless steel cooking surface. It comes with 10 pieces, including a covered stockpot, two frying pans, a sauté pan with a lid, and two saucepans with lids.
This set has 18/8 surgical stainless steel, but the hammered copper layer is thin. It’s oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C), higher than the Ruffoni set. It isn’t dishwasher-safe, and it’s not compatible with induction.
This Viking set doesn’t match the quality or durability of the Ruffoni set, but it does come at a fraction of the price. If you have your heart set on a copperware set, but can’t afford the steep price tag, this set might be a good option for you.
Ruffoni Copperware: The Last Word
When it comes to artistry and quality, it’s tough to beat the craftsmanship of Ruffoni copper cookware. The Symphonia Cupra set is no different, but with the added durability of stainless steel.
If you love the idea of copperware or cook a lot of dishes that need precise heat control (caramel, fish, sauces, etc.), this Ruffoni copper set is a great option.
If you can manage the extra cost and maintenance, a Ruffoni Symphonia Cupra set will be a beautiful addition to your kitchen.
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