What’s the Difference Between de Buyer’s Affinity and Prima Matera Lines?

Key Takeaways

• Affinity and Prima Matera are both premium cookware lines crafted by de Buyer for high-performance cooking.
• Affinity features 5-ply stainless steel with an aluminum core, offering quick responsiveness, even heat distribution, and modern stainless aesthetics.
• Prima Matera is made with 90% copper and a 10% stainless steel interior, combining the elegance of traditional French copper with unmatched heat control and rare induction compatibility.
• Affinity is best for cooks seeking versatility and precision, while Prima Matera excels in delicate techniques like sauces or sugar work and appeals to those who appreciate luxury craftsmanship.
• Both lines are induction-compatible and oven-safe.

At de Buyer, every cookware line is designed and crafted with purpose, but Affinity and Prima Matera represent the pinnacle of precision and performance. Both lines are induction-compatible and made for serious cooks, but they serve distinct needs. 

Affinity is made of high-performance stainless steel, built for responsiveness and versatility. Prima Matera is the peak of French copper craftsmanship with unmatched heat control and luxury aesthetics. This article will explore these cookware lines in-depth, giving you the information you need to make a purchase. 

Meet Affinity: High-Performance Stainless Steel for Every Day

The Affinity line has a polished exterior made with 5-ply stainless steel. This means it has a five-layer construction, including a thicker aluminum core for superior heat conductivity and additional stainless steel layers for enhanced strength and durability.

The key benefits of Affinity are that it’s:

• Extremely responsive to temperature changes
• Capable of heat distribution across the entire surface
• Sleek with a professional-grade finish
• Induction-compatible and oven-safe

The Affinity line is ideal for:

• Searing proteins, reducing sauces, pan-frying, and general-purpose cooking
• Cooks who want control, speed, and versatility in a single set

Note that 5-ply cookware tends to be slightly heavier and more costly than 3-ply options (the common stainless steel construction option), but the benefits are innumerable. 

Meet Prima Matera: The Beauty and Precision of Copper

Prima Matera is a line of copper cookware with a 90% copper construction and a 10% stainless steel interior with a magnetic base. People have been using copper cookware for thousands of years for a reason—this material is naturally extremely conductive and aesthetically stunning in any kitchen.  

The key benefits of Prima Matera are that it has:

• Superior thermal conductivity—heats and cools instantly
• Classic French aesthetic with mirror-polished copper
• Induction compatibility (rare in copper cookware)

The Prima Matera line is ideal for:

• Precision techniques (sauces, sugar work, delicate proteins)
• Chefs and enthusiasts who want performance and statement-making design

Prima Matera's responsiveness is second to none. It's perfectly suited for techniques that require exact temperature control, like caramelizing sugar and whisking emulsified sauces. For culinary professionals and deeply passionate home chefs alike, Prima Matera is more than just cookware. It’s a commitment to craftsmanship and culinary excellence. 

What’s the Difference Between Affinity vs. Prima Matera?

Use this chart to compare the differences between these exceptional cookware lines. Consider which features are most important to you and will round out your existing cookware collection. 

Which One Is Right for You?

You need to choose between Affinity and Prima Matera based on your cooking style and preferences.

Choose Affinity if:

• You want a versatile workhorse for everyday cooking
• You value speed, precision, and clean lines
• You need induction compatibility without the weight of copper

Choose Prima Matera if:

• You love the artistry of copper and want the highest level of heat control and conduction
• You focus on techniques that benefit from ultra-fast temperature response
• You want a showpiece that performs as beautifully as it looks

It’s also important to consider your budget and needs. If you’re looking to buy multiple kitchen essentials on a limited budget, then choosing Prima Matera cookware may be a financial misstep. However, if you have the means and desire to cook truly exceptional dishes, then there is no better option than Prima Matera. 

On the other hand, for passionate cooks who are looking for fantastic, durable cookware for their kitchen without breaking the bank, Affinity may be the ideal fit. 

Two Icons, One Standard of Excellence

Affinity delivers everyday versatility and control, while Prima Matera offers elite performance for refined techniques. Both lines are exceptional cookware and have a place in your kitchen. The question is which line suits your unique cooking goals. 

Consider your needs and the features you’re looking for to invest properly in tools that elevate your everyday experience. Explore de Buyer’s Affinity and Prima Matera collections—engineered in France, built for culinary excellence.