Falk and Mauviel are the top two copper cookware competitors, and both manufacture 2.5mm thick copper cookware (but Mauviel does manufacture some lines of cookware with much less copper; see my notes below). Falk only sells directly to the public via their US distributor's website (you can search the web, and find their direct sales online at their website).
I purchased a 1.3qt Mauviel saucepan with lid and a Falk Sauciere 1.4qt with a lid. This was not a scientific test, nor was it a comparison of equals the sauciere is 7" (almost 7.5") in diameter, and the Mauviel saucepan is deeper and narrower, with a 5.5" diameter. I filled each with 3 cups of cold water, and timed their boil on low heat (warning high heat will discolor the copper!) on a large gas Jenn-Air cooktop (propane gas). With lids on (but checking frequently after the first 10 minutes), the Falk boiled at 14 minutes and the Mauviel at 14 minutes 30 seconds essentially a tie, since the Mauviel was deeper.
The Mauviel boiled more evenly throughout the pan, while the Falk boiled in only three spots. I did not wait for a roaring boil from either (I needed to boil the water to make iced tea, not just test the pots). I was impressed by the even heating of the Mauviel ... not just the bottom of the pot, but the sides of the pot were heating and producing bubbles evenly, as well. Very impressive, and shows the Mauviel experience in producing chef-level copper cookware.
EASE OF USE: Both items are HEAVY. You will build upper body strength just lifting these saucepans and I'm speaking of the smaller pots! If you have any physical limitations (e.g., slipped discs in your neck), then consider buying a lighter set of pans, such as the non-stick Calphalon. With these copperware makers, you're paying for the heft which will ensure even, constant distribution of heat. These pots are professional quality items.
COPPER FINISH: This Mauviel saucepan has a mirrored or brightly burnished copper finish, unlike Falk which has a brushed or matte finish. I GREATLY PREFER FALK'S MATTE OR BRUSHED COPPER FINISH EASY TO CLEAN, and NO FINGERPRINTS OR MARKS! Mauviel's bright finish, so subject to fingerprints and smudges although brand new it is a typical bright beautiful copper makes me wince to even look at, much less use. I gave the pot only four stars because the mirrored copper finish is so difficult to keep looking nice, unlike the Falk. Falk is a copperware you won't mind using on a daily basis.
EXPENSE: All copper cookware, if the copper is 2.5mm in depth which is what you should buy due to the greater conductivity is expensive. Falk is no different. My comparison shopping for Mauviel at Amazon showed similar prices, but look closely I'm sure it's intentional that the pan/pots offered by Mauviel and Falk are NOT the same size, varying by .1 to .3 quarts in most cases, to avoid direct price comparisons. Word of warning: If you find inexpensive "copper" pots, you can rest assured that the copper is applied in such a thin sheet over stainless steel that the copper is for aesthetic (looks!) reasons only, and will provide little or no conductivity improvement.
BIG PLUS FALK HAS ONLY ONE COPPER COOKWARE LINE, unlike Mauviel, which has started at least one (and maybe two) less expensive (which equals less copper) cookware lines. If you want Falk you have to buy from Falk directly, so you know you're getting the "real deal," not a knock-off AND not a less expensive line of copperware. If you buy Mauviel from Amazon, BEWARE and be careful to pick the correct pieces if you want the top of the line 2.5mm Cuprinox. I found many Amazon listings to be confusing as to Mauviel line/copper thickness.
Good luck and Happy Cooking! You won't go wrong either way, in all likelihood.
Update as of 6-23-09: The Mauviel pot tested in this review has developed serious water spots on its surface. The Falk still looks great even though we use it more often than the Mauviel. We only handwash our copperpots, we never use a dishwasher on them. The spots mostly disappear when the Mauviel pot is polished, but who wants to handwash AND constantly polish? I continue to prefer Falk for aesthetic and practical reasons.
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I have had several of the Mauviel pans for about 6 months and I am amazed at how nice they are to use. Even heat perfect every time. I was surprised at how easy they are to clean (hand wash obviously) I have no compulsion to shine my copper cookware but I understand the other reviewers preference. Dont mess about with cheap stuff if you like to cook go with the best.Best Deals for Mauviel M'Heritage M250C 6501.21 3-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
Solid, extremely well made, top of the line item. Can't be beat, but too pricey to have many of these around. Very heavy, so not suitable for someone with insufficient strength to hoist such a pan round the kitchen.Honest reviews on Mauviel M'Heritage M250C 6501.21 3-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
The first time you use this copper pan you'll see there is no comparison to any other one. [Okay, of course, there are copper pans lined with tin that I hear work better, but they are not offered by Amazon and, from what I read, they have to be tinned again.] Great tools don't make great chefs, but I find that this pot makes the job so much easier.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mauviel M'Heritage M250C 6501.21 3-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Lid
Candies are a snap. General cooking made so much easier. A pot actually becomes beautiful.Do I really need to produce 20 more words?
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