Michelangelo Cookware Set, are they any good? Michelangelo started their company in 1931, they use to known as Michelin and was one of the biggest manufacturer in Europe. They specialized in cutlery but has since expanded their offering. Their current product, the Michelangelo Copper Pots and Pan set is one of Amazon best seller. However, the question remains, is it any good? There has been many similar product such as the copper chef or Gotham Copper Cookware. They both have a “Copper” non stick finish. But in reality, the copper is more of a marketing gimmick then actual copper. This review will take a closer look at how their cookware is made and see whether its any good.

Michelangelo Copper Pot and Pan Cookware Set Quick Summary

Categories	Michelangelo Copper Pot and Pan Cookware Set 12 Piece
Performance	Great
Compatibility	Gas, Electric, Halogen, Glass Top, Induction
Colors	Black and Copper Interior
Oven Temperature	400 degrees Fahrenheit
Warranty	Unclear
Brand Awareness	Europe and America
Country of Manufacturer	Unclear Probably China
Thoughts	Nonstick cookware with induction capability. The overall design and construction is good. However, the ceramic nonstick coating in general are known to be issue. Like all ceramic cookware, expect to replace it with 1 or 2 years. Unless you baby it. The price makes up for this issue though.
Reviewed Cookware	Michelangelo 12 Piece Copper Cookware Set

Is it really copper?

No, its just a color. The Copper is more of a marketing gimmick than anything. Real copper cookware are efficient heat conductor. They get hot fast and cook food evenly. The downside to copper is that its really expensive to manufacturer. You typically only find them in high end french restaurant. Ever since the copper chef pan craze, a lot of manufacturer like to use the word “Copper” in their cookware.

Michelangelo Copper Pot and Pan Cookware Set Design

This section will take a closer look at its design and features. We will see how the handle is designed, their shape and performance.

Handle

The handle on their cookware set is made of stainless steel. Since its a poor conductor of heat, it should stay relatively cool. This also allows the pan to reach a higher oven safe temperature of 450 degree Fahrenheit. If you compare this with a Silicone covered handle, they only have a oven safe temperature of 400 degree fahrenheit and lower. Some all metal pans have an even lower oven safe temperature.

In terms of design, the handle tapers inward allowing for a comfortable and ergonomic grip. However, this handle is not without fault. Due to the round shape of the handle, it can slip and rotate. While it might not do this when your hand is dry, doing it with a greasy hand is another story. Incorporating a texture or a slightly more flat shape would improve it.

Shape

The shape of their skillet resembles that of a traditional french skillet. However, what sets them apart from other manufacturer is that their sidewall is a lot lower. Usually with these type of skillet, the sidewalls are too high. That slows down liquid evaporation and make it difficult to use a spatula. You have to rely on flipping food with your wrist, which not a lot of cooks can do.

The corner is also really well done. There is a smooth gradient from the bottom to the top. Some skillets has a really sharp corner causing food to get stuck. What it does lack is a rolled lip. Odd enough, only some of their pots have a rolled lip and others do not.

Without a rolled lip, pouring becomes difficult. Their sauce pot which actually would benefit the most does not have it. Yet their saute pan has it…why. It would have been better if all of them had some kind of pouring spout. Their manufacturing process makes no sense to me.

That aside, their pot does what it needs to do. It boils liquid and its not some odd shape. Just a straight simple cylinder. It is also more wide than tall letting you sear larger batch of food. Narrow pots forces you to cook food in multiple batches extending cooking time.

Tri Ply Base

The tri-ply base looks to be a disc bottom construction. By adding a layer, they increase the overall thermal mass of the pan. This means that the pan should hold heat than a traditional pan. It also improves the heat distribution of the pan. However, they are very vague about its construction. In their graphic, it shows a copper core, yet they do not explicitly state it. This makes me assume that its not actually copper. More than likely, they just used a aluminum core. Overall, this is better than nothing. But an Fully Cladded construction would have been better.

There is another reason why they used this type of design. The stainless steel bottom is magnetic making it compatible with induction stove top. If the pan does not have a magnetic pull, it will not be compatible with induction stove tops.

Non Stick Finish

The non stick finish is made of ceramic that is reinforced with titanium. While I cant say for sure I believe what they did is sprinkle flakes of titanium in the coating. Because ceramic is a poor conductor of heat, that extra bit of metal improve searing capability.

A note about Ceramic Nonstick

Ceramic nonstick finish has been picking up in popularity throughout the years. Often time manufacturer would market them as healthy but its not really. They are trying to capitalize on people fear of Teflon. The issue with ceramic coating is its durability. They fare much worse in terms of durability. Teflon usually last one or two year before you have to replace it. Where as ceramic needs to be replaced within the year.

You can extend the life by not using metal utensils, but expect to replace it within the year. For that reason, its not wise to spend 1 thousand dollar on a pan. Luckily Michelangelo Cookware Set is quite affordable.

Glass Lid

Glass lids lets you look inside and see the food cook. However, once it steams, it fogs and blocks your view. This essentially renders it pointless. An all metal lid would have been better. They dont shatter nor do they crack under thermal shock. They did add a metal ring around it to try to improve its durability. But you cant beat an all metal construction. There is a vent hole though, it will stop the lid from popping.

Michelangelo Copper Cookware Set Thoughts

Overall Michelangelo copper pot and pan cookware set is pretty well designed. Handle is comfortable, the shape is good and its induction capable. They fall in line with other nonstick cookware but with a better fit and finish. You will pay more for similar qualities from other manufacturer. My biggest issue though is the ceramic nonstick durability. However, this issue is inherent with all ceramic cookware.

I hope you like this Michelangelo Cookware Set Review, If you would like to see more, please visit our Pots and Pans Review page.