A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) unit is constructed with Ni‐Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 – δ (GDC) as the anode, yttria‐stabilised zirconia (YSZ) as the electrolyte and Pt, Ag or Cu‐added La0.58Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 – δ (LSCF)–GDC as the cathode. The current–voltage measurements are performed at 800 °C. Cu addition leads to best SOFC performance. LSCF–GDC–Cu is better than LSCF–GDC and much better than GDC as the material of the cathode interlayer. Cu content of 2 wt.‐% leads to best SOFC performance. A cathode functional layer calcined at 800 °C is better than that calcined at higher temperature. Metal addition increases the O2 dissociation reactivity but results in an interfacial resistance for O transfer. A balance between the rates of O2 dissociation and interfacial O transfer is needed for best SOFC performance.