Copper Cookware Overview
Copper cookware is said to be the suitable food preparation utensils for the kitchen as many cooking experts agree on its advantages compared to other cookware sets made of aluminum and other types of metal. As you can see in cooking demonstrations performed by well-known chefs in the cooking industry, most of them are using copper cookware for their demos. Even in the ordinary home kitchens many cooking enthusiasts or chef wannabes are already switching to make use of copper cookware instead of the traditional kitchen utensils. Let’s find out why copper is the best type of metal for cookware.
Generally, the most common types of metal used for cookware are aluminum, cast iron, carbon or stainless steel, and copper. Every metal has its own thermal or heat conductivity. And it is a very important factor in cooking to get the best results.
High Heat Conductivity
According to metal experts, copper has a high level of heat conductivity which is incomparable to other metal types. When you apply heat to the copper cookware, for example, a frying pan, the heat transfer is very fast and will be spread evenly throughout the utensil. There’s no hot or cold spot if you use copper cookware, which means that every part of the pan have equal heat and browning the food becomes easier and with less worries. That is only of the big advantages when you use copper cookware and there are more you have to learn.
Less Cooking Time
Since the heat conductivity in copper cookware is the highest against the other cookware sets for the kitchen, this also means that you can save a lot of time on your cooking sessions. If in the past you need to wait for several minutes before the pan can reach the right temperature, using copper cookware can provide you less time for your waiting as it heats up faster so you can start cooking without more ado. Time is essential in cooking, the faster you can finish then you also save in energy consumption, and you can get it from using copper cookware.
Classy and Chic
Most chefs and food experts are amazed not only by the quality of cooking that cooking cookware can provide them but also to its classy and chic appearance. You can enjoy much inside your kitchen once you see your copper cookware glowing due to their shiny finish, seems like it’s always attracting you to cook more and impress your house guests. Because of their elegant look, displaying the copper cookware also adds up on the elegance and good ambiance in your kitchen.
Durable
Moreover, another benefit of copper cookware as the best cooking utensils inside the kitchen is its durability. This cookware can last for several years if properly being taken care of.
More Expensive
However, the only drawback of buying copper cookware is in terms of its prize. It is typically expensive when you compare it with other cookware sets. But, because of its unbeatable toughness, this will limit you from buying new cookware set from time to time that also saves your money in effect. Therefore, in terms of practicality, copper cookware is truly the appropriate food preparation utensils for home use and professional application. Let’s find out the best brands of copper cookware for your main reference.
The Best Copper Cookware
When you buy copper cookware, it is better to purchase them in a set rather than buying them piece by piece which can save a lot on your budget. Nevertheless, once you preferred to buy a complete set, there is no way you can choose for the utensils. So try to buy first your basic set and add the other utensils to complete your copper cookware set.
Just always put in your mind that the best brands normally come with a high price tag. And choosing the wrong ones will just provide you disappointment. Thus, to reduce your burden in selecting the best copper cookware, here is the list of the famous brands in the market today.
Brands
Topping in the list is Mauviel, which is one of the oldest manufacturers of copper cookware in the industry. Mauviel is famous for its energy-efficient copper cookware (with lifetime warranty). Having thick copper which is industry-standard and preferred by most chefs. On the other hand, Falk is next to Mauviel when speaking of quality and durability; as you can find in most copper cookware reviews on the internet that these two famous brands are always on the top three.
Other well-known copper cookware brands are Calphalon, Ruffoni, Revere, Baurnalu, Bourgeat, Chefmate, Cuisinart, and All-Clad Cookware. Bear in mind that buying copper cookware is an investment; so choose only the brands which have limited warranty on their products and with good linings as well.
Copper Cookware Care and Safety
Furthermore, there are people that have sensitivity to certain types of metals which causes allergic reactions. Nickel, for example, can cause allergy to some individuals and must be avoided when buying copper cookware sets that have nickel linings on the utensils. Even the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) already warned the public against purchasing a cookware set with unlined copper as it can be dangerous when cooking; hence an ideal copper cookware has protective lining like stainless steel.
Copper poisoning can be possible also if there is a case of damaged lining. Damages might happen due to excessive scrubbing or prolong cooking of acidic foods. That’s why thickness is a big factor to consider prior to your purchase of cookware set, particularly to copper cookware.
Copper cookware is typically constructed using other metals such as stainless, nickel or tin as interior lining. The reason for this is because copper reacts to the acids found in food such as tomatoes and citruses to name a few. When the cookware is lined with stainless steel, almost always the lining need not be replaced. This is not the case with tin-lined cookware. The tin will wear out and we need to re-tinned the cookware when it happens. Tin, however, is a better conductor of heat than stainless. But because of maintenance required by tin-lined cookware, stainless lining is preferred by many.
Safety Guidelines
Normally, the manufacturer itself will provide you safety guidelines for the maintenance of the cookware set. From cleaning the items up to their proper storage. Read carefully the instructional manual included in the package. As well as the terms and conditions that cover the warranty of the cookware set. When cleaning, it advisable to use anti-tarnish cream instead of abrasive cleaners to avoid damage or scratches on the utensils. And also, let the pan cool first before you proceed in washing.
Copper cookware comes from the manufacturer with a very shiny finish. You will need just a little bit of copper cleaner, copper paste or elbow grease to maintain the luster and shine of the cookware. The cookware may need to be hand-washed because most of the soaps found on dishwashers have acids which may cause discoloration or tarnishing–with that little detail out of the way. It is very easy to keep the cookware shining and sparkling. Copper cookware is almost indestructible and could last a lifetime. You can pass it on to the next generation of chefs in the family. It makes a good decorative display as well in the kitchen.
How to Choose the Best Copper Cookwares
Lifetime warranty is very important when choosing your copper cookware, this protects you from any construction of material defects in the cookware that you buy. It is best to choose one that covers a lifetime because this shows that they are confident in their products. Most of these leading brands carry that feature.
The lining of the cookware is important, while tin is considered as a better conductor of heat than stainless, it is also worn out faster. Stainless, on the other hand, is very durable as a lining. And also it will not need any maintenance due to wear and tear. Quite a few recipes call for a 2 stage cooking process. You will need to start cooking on the stovetop and then finish it off inside the oven. You need to choose the cookware which is oven safe. The higher the tolerance in the oven temperature, the better. Thickness is a very important consideration, the thicker the copper the better. Because heat is distributed uniformly across all the surfaces of the cooking area.
Of course, another major consideration is the cost. Since this is made from unique and fine materials, copper cookwares are considered high end. Most of the sets are on the thousand range so they are normally for the professionals and serious cooks. The majority of the brands we reviewed here are reliable and durable, it is all up to your own brand preference and budget.
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