Is Copper Cookware For You?
Copper cookware is not only beautiful, it is a great way to cook. Copper is a little more expensive than some cookware and it takes some extra maintenance but it is a popular choice among cooks.
One of the advantages of copper cookware is that it is the best conductor of heat among all cookware. Many of the world's professional chefs swear by copper cookware and will not use anything else.
You can find every kind of copper cookware online. Look for a starter set of copper cookware or buy the pieces individually. You will be able to find copper cookware like sauce and frying pans, stock and soup pots and skillets and roasting pans.
Copper cookware is an especially good choice for stovetop cooking because the food is cooked at very controlled temperatures. You should buy copper cookware that is lined with stainless steel or tin. Be aware that the copper cookware lined with tin will require retinning from time to time. You can purchase copper cookware that is lined with stainless steel. This type of copper cookware will not need retinning but it is more expensive.
Tin is usually the best choice for the copper cookware linings except for the pieces which will be used for frying. If you plan to use a copper pan at temperatures above 450 degrees a stainless lining is preferred. When you are careful and use wooden utensils or other non-abrasive tools, your tin-lined copper cookware should last for years without needing retinning. Using moderate heat also helps.
Another advantage of copper cookware is that it needs only low to medium heat to obtain the best cooking results. It is very responsive to most cooking needs and has about 10 times the heat conductivity of glass and stainless steel. It has twice the heat conductivity of aluminum. This is great but if you have never cooked with copper before, be careful when you turn on the heat.
Look for copper cookware that is made from heavy gauge copper. Copper is a soft metal so a heavier gauge or copper that has been hammered is a better choice.
You don't have to keep your copper cookware totally shiny and bright. You will want to keep it clean and copper cleaners work very well. You can also clean your copper cookware with a paste of salt, water and flour.
Copper cookware is one of the finest choices available.