Copper cookware has been a staple of the modern kitchen for many years. But what about copper cookware draws people to it? Even with the dawn of stainless steel cookware, copper cookware is still very popular. This article aims to inform the reader of the variety of reasons that copper cookware is the way to go.

When you’re spending a lot of money on any product, a prime concern is getting your money’s worth. One aspect of this is how long your product is going to last. Will it stand the test of time? Or is it yet another cheap piece of junk that seems to be flooding the market today.

When it comes to copper cookware, you’re most certainly getting your money’s worth. Copper cookware has been proven to last for just about as long as you want it to. Copper pots tend to require a bit more care and maintenance than a standard stainless steel pot, but they will last just as long. A copper paste or non-coarse cleaning detergent can be used to safely clean and upkeep your copper pots. This also has the benefit of keeping the pots exceptionally shiny, providing a nice aesthetic for your kitchen.

Copper’s unique heat conduction properties make it the most attractive metal to use in cookware. Copper tends to react to changes in heat very quickly making small adjustments to the stove top more quickly noticed. Copper also tends to distribute heat in a very even manner, allowing you to cook your food thoroughly. Many other types of cookware like aluminum or steel have hot spots at the edges or the center of the pan (depending on the manufacturer). Copper on the other hand has a constant temperature from the center of the pot or pan all the way to the edges. Any experienced cook is well aware that even heat distribution in key to proper food preparation.

Another unique quality is that a copper pot can be extremely thick and heavy, allowing it to sit solidly on the burner, without having any negative effects on the heat distribution. Some thin aluminum pans tend to be very thin allowing for quick heat changes, but they’re so light that it can be a pain to cook anything significant in them.

Many copper pots come with a steel or tin lining to protect the copper from harsh foods such as those that have high concentrations of acids. These acids are very damaging to the copper surface, so make sure you either cook only appropriate food in your copper cookware, or at least make sure you buy ones with a tin or steel lining.

We covered a bit of the upkeep that copper cookware demands in the first section. A copper paste and/or non-coarse detergent is pertinent for keeping the pots clean and glossy. They also prevent any discoloration that a harsher detergent can cause. Besides this, there a few other things to keep in mind.

Firstly, copper cookware must be dried immediately, or as quickly as possible. Mineral deposits in the water and the water itself can cause serious discoloration to your cookware.

Copper pots are typically not dishwasher safe either. Dishwasher detergents are very harsh and can permanently damage your pots. The pause between rinsing and drying cycles also tends to leave mineral deposits on the copper, which as stated, can cause discoloration.

Copper cookware is by far the best cookware to prepare food in. Heat distribution is the best of any cookware material including steel, tin, and aluminum. Copper has a higher upkeep than most other materials however. Steel, tin, and aluminum can be placed in the dishwasher, and don’t require special detergents. If you’re looking for the very best for your money, you’ll want to buy copper cookware.