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Many have clamored on about how much better copper cookware is than stainless steel products. However, does the price tag really match the quality? Let's find out...
The History Of Copper Cookware
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You should know, copper cookware is far from some fancy new metal. In fact, humans started working with copper some 11,000 years ago, although it did take a few thousand years for people to start making copper out of cookware. Why? Well, until then, scientists had not discovered how well copper performs under heat. According to the co-owner of Brooklyn Copper Cookware, Mac Kohler, copper's excellent heat conduction has always been one of its biggest pros.
Precisely, copper cookware not only heats up faster than other cookware, but also cools down much quicker. As such, cooks worldwide love that they have such control over the temperature in their pots and pans when using copper. Copper also distributes heat much better than other metals, meaning food will be cooked more evenly.
Still, that does not mean that there are no cons to copper cookware...
Taking A Look At The Cons
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The biggest con of copper cookware? The price, hands down. Copper pots and pans can often cost double or triple what the same piece costs in stainless steel. In fact, brands like Mauviel 1830 can charge up to $150 for a small copper bowl. That's right!
Owners also need to treat copper with the utmost respect and gentleness, as it can ruin easily. Maintaining them often becomes a chore. Remember: copper can green. The green bits, called verdigris, can then end up in food. Unfortunately, they are poisonous when ingested! This is why few pots and pans are 100% copper and usually come with a partial lining or tin or stainless steel. However, the lining does not prevent verdigris entirely, meaning those that own copper cookware needs to remain constantly vigilant about the condition of their pots and pans.
Still, Beth Sweeney of Coppermill Kitchen wants people to know that it's not that much extra work. "Copper will clean up very easily," she said. "I just clean with soap and a sponge. Fill the pan with water and dish soap and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Your copper should be washed with non-abrasive products and sponges. The key is to dry right away."
So, should you pick up some copper cookware? Well, if you're ready to make an investment, cook frequently or are learning to cook well, and don't mind a little extra cleaning work, then it might just be time to upgrade to some copper cookware. However, if you still only break out the pot once a week for Kraft Mac and Cheese night, then stainless steel will treat you just fine!
Sources: Serious Seats, The Takeout
