When it comes to cookware, copper is a classic material. It's a timeless showstopper beloved by professional chefs and culinary legends, gracing the walls of Julia Childs' iconic kitchen and hanging luminously from Martha Stewart's ceiling pot rack. Given copper's sustained popularity and pretty patina, home cooks may be curious about its uses, cost, and care — all important factors that will ultimately help determine if the rose-colored cookware is right for their kitchen.

Copper is a naturally-occurring, highly-conductive metal that's very responsive to heat changes. It's twice as conductive as aluminum and 10 times more conductive than stainless steel, according to chef Kysha Harris of personalized cooking service SCHOP!.

This responsiveness and conductivity makes copper cookware perfect for cooking foods that require steady heat and precise temperature control, like a high sear or quick simmer. Think: delicate proteins such as fish, finishing sauces, caramels, and emulsions.

Quick tip: If you're looking to invest in a copper cookware, Insider Reviews has selected the best sets at every budget.

Copper has been used to make tools — cooking and otherwise — for thousands of years. There's evidence that it was used in the Middle East more than 10,000 years ago, replacing stone as the cookware material of choice because of its malleability. Examples of copper cookware have also been found in China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia and has strong culinary roots in Spain (paella pans), Mexico (cazo de cobre), and India (kadhais).

French brand Mauviel — one of the biggest names in the copper cookware scene — was founded in Normandy during the 1800s. Copper cookware's popularity exploded in France, since the flexibility allowed chefs to create specialized kitchen equipment (batterie de cuisine) to suit specific dishes and recipe needs. Copper came stateside by way of Chuck Williams — yes, of the kitchenware retailer Williams-Sonoma — who wandered into a Paris cookware shop post-World War II and fell in love with the glowing copper pots.

Copper is valued more than stainless steel due to high demand and limited supply. They're usually handcrafted and hammered, which ups their price point. Very few professional kitchens have copper pans due to their price tag; if used, they're usually at fine-dining establishments, since a single pot typically runs at least $100. The price of a copper cookware set or full-on batterie de cuisine set can easily reach thousands of dollars.

It is — if used properly. Copper reacts to acidic foods and needs a greater level of care when cooking to ensure the lining doesn't get damaged. You don't want to scrape it or chip the inside of your copper pan and expose the copper underneath, which can then react with your food. 

One common question that comes up when shopping for copper pots and pans: to go bare or lined? Because of its luxe look, copper is often used on the exterior of the cookware, "either as a thin decorative layer or as a thicker, functional layer, particularly on the bottom of the pan," says Harris.

Traditionally, tin is the go-to lining for copper cookware because it's also malleable, mostly non-stick, and doesn't react with acidic foods. There's also a stainless steel lining option for extra durability. 

"Vintage and classic French brands are lined with tin on the inside and over time with repeated usage, need to be re-tinned or re-stained to prevent the copper from leaching into the food," says Palak Patel, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education.

Unlined or "bare" copper cookware is often found in the form of mixing bowls since copper helps with tasks like stabilizing egg whites. This option tends to be the least expensive.

So, you're already mesmerized by copper cookware's beauty, but is it worth the price tag? We consulted culinary experts about the qualities that make copper cookware worth the investment — as well as some things to consider when deciding to add to your cart.

Chocolate in copper pot Laura Reid/Getty Images

Aged copper cookware REVNATE/Getty Images

While copper might not fit with everyone's budget and requires some love and attention, they can last for generations if well-taken care of. Due to the high price of copper pots and pans, Blodgett advises getting one if your budget allows as an additional pot or pan to your arsenal. They're an investment best for professional or serious home cooks — not for the novice chef — and can add some drama to your kitchen.