Falk and Mauviel are the top two copper cookware competitors available in the US, and both manufacture 2.5mm thick copper cookware (please note 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 a 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!
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.
There really is a difference - A reader - San Francisco, CA USA
Copper cookware is a luxury, not a necessity. Having said that, there is definitely a difference in how it performs compared to all other cookware. I'm not going to pull out a copper pot to boil water or heat soup, but for sauteeing, sauce-making, or slow roasting I've found it unbeatable. All of my copper is Mauviel 2.5 mm (purchased in France when the dollar was at its strongest) and it performs flawlessly. As for cleaning, a little Barkeeper's Friend on a very wet sponge maintains the interior and exterior in like-new condition, although some people like the look of well-used copper (like an old penny). In short, if you plan to splurge, you really do get extra performance for your money with 2.5 mm copper.
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