De Buyer Inocuivre Copper Sauté Pan with Brass Handle 20cm

The De Buyer Inocuivre 20cm sauté pan is a copper cookware piece from De Buyer's professional Inocuivre range. Built primarily from copper with a tin-lined interior and fitted with a solid brass handle, it is a traditional French-style pan designed for precise, controlled cooking on professional ranges. At 1.8 litres capacity, it sits in a practical mid-size position — large enough for single portions or small batch saucing, compact enough for close work on a busy pass.

Copper conducts heat faster and more evenly than most cookware materials, which gives chefs direct, responsive control over temperature. This makes it particularly well suited to tasks where precision matters — reducing sauces, cooking eggs, glazing vegetables, or finishing proteins. Unlike heavier stainless steel pans, the heat response is almost immediate, which reduces the risk of overcooking during a busy service when attention is split across multiple sections.

• Copper construction delivers rapid, even heat distribution across the base and walls
• Responsive temperature control supports precise sauce work and delicate cookery
• Brass handle stays relatively cool on the stovetop and provides a secure grip
• Tin-lined interior is non-reactive and suitable for acidic ingredients
• Compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic hobs — not suitable for induction

It is worth noting that tin-lined copper pans require a degree of care that stainless-lined alternatives do not. Tin is a softer material and can be damaged by metal utensils, very high dry heat, or abrasive cleaning. For kitchens running at sustained high volume with less controlled handling, this is a consideration worth weighing. The pan carries a 940g weight, which is manageable for most chefs but heavier than similarly sized aluminium or tri-ply options. Induction hobs are not compatible.

This pan is best suited to brigade kitchens where copper cookware is already part of the operation, or to smaller establishments — private dining rooms, chef's table settings, or specialist restaurants — where quality of finish and precision of cooking are priorities. It also works well for oven-to-table presentation where the appearance of the cookware matters. For high-volume operations requiring a pan that can withstand sustained heavy use without specialist care, a stainless-lined or heavier-gauge alternative would be a more practical fit.

If you are building out a copper cookware set or unsure whether this size suits your menu requirements, the team is happy to help you think it through before you order.