Essteele's own store no longer lists the Australis range. When it was on sale, Australis was a stainless range with a copper-bonded base, much like Per Vita. The choice Essteele sells today is between Per Vita, with copper and aluminium in the base, and Eternità, with an aluminium core that runs from the base up to the rim.
Both current ranges are made in Italy, work on induction, go in the oven to 260°C, are dishwasher safe and carry Essteele's lifetime warranty. At Essteele's current prices, the 30cm Eternità skillet costs less than the 28cm Per Vita.
The ranges at a glance
| Per Vita | Eternità | Australis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | On sale | On sale | No longer on Essteele's store |
| Construction | Copper and aluminium base | Aluminium core, base to rim | Copper-bonded base |
| Made in | Italy | Italy | Italy |
| Induction | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oven-safe to | 260°C | 260°C | 200°C |
| Handles | Stainless steel | Stainless steel, stay-cool | Riveted, silicone grips |
| Dishwasher | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skillet price | $150–200 (28cm) | $150–200 (30cm) |
Per Vita and Eternità figures are from Essteele's own product pages. Australis figures are from a retailer's listing for the last Australis set. Prices were checked on Essteele's store on 26 September 2026.
Per Vita
Per Vita is 18/10 stainless steel with a sheet of solid copper in the base, which Essteele says spreads heat across the base and around the corners, over aluminium discs sealed in stainless steel. The rim is shaped for pouring. It is made in Italy, and the 28cm skillet is in the $150–200 range on Essteele's store. A five-piece Per Vita set is also sold there.
What We Like:
- Copper in the base
- Oven-safe to 260°C
- Made in Italy
What We Don't Like:
- Copper stops at the base and corners
- Costs more than the Eternità skillet
Eternità
Eternità is Essteele's clad range: the aluminium core runs through the whole pan, from base to rim, under a polished stainless steel exterior, according to Essteele. The rims are flared for pouring and sealed, so Essteele rates the pans dishwasher safe, and the stainless handles are designed to stay cool. The 30cm skillet has a helper handle and is in the $150–200 range.
What We Like:
- Clad from base to rim
- Stay-cool handles
- Cheaper than Per Vita at current prices
What We Don't Like:
- Stainless needs preheating and oil
What happened to Australis
Australis no longer appears on Essteele's own store. The last Australis set on sale had a copper-bonded base with aluminium discs sealed in stainless steel, riveted handles with silicone grips, and an oven rating of 200°C, according to the retailer's listing. That makes it closest to today's Per Vita, which has the same kind of copper base, stainless handles and a higher oven rating of 260°C.
Anyone replacing an Australis piece will find Per Vita the nearest match, and Eternità the step up in construction.
What actually differs
Construction. Per Vita puts copper and aluminium in the base. Eternità runs an aluminium core from base to rim, so the sides heat as well as the base.
Handles. Per Vita and Eternità both have stainless handles; Eternità's are designed to stay cool. Australis had silicone grips.
Oven. Per Vita and Eternità are both oven-safe to 260°C; Australis was rated to 200°C.
Price. At Essteele's current prices, the 30cm Eternità skillet costs less than the 28cm Per Vita.
Which suits which cook
Per Vita suits cooks who want Essteele's copper-base design and are replacing or adding to an Australis or Per Vita set.
Eternità suits cooks who want heat through the sides of the pan as well as the base, and a polished finish, at the lower current price.
FAQs
Is Essteele an Australian brand?
Essteele was founded in Melbourne in 1950. Meyer Cookware Australia acquired it in 1998 and moved production to Italy, according to Essteele's history page.
Is Essteele cookware made in Italy?
Yes. Essteele says Per Vita and Eternità are made in Italy.
Does Essteele have a lifetime warranty?
Yes, for cookware bought in Australia. Essteele's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, asks you to register the product online and keep proof of purchase, and excludes normal wear, scratches, stains, discolouration and damage from overheating.
Is Essteele dishwasher safe?
Essteele rates both Per Vita and Eternità dishwasher safe.
