Cookware that uses copper in their construction has been shown to create more even cooking temperatures than cookware without this important metal. While you probably don’t need any convincing as far as why copper might be good for your kitchen appliances, here are 6 advantages you may not know about.
Why is copper used for cookware?
In total, there are 6 main advantages to using copper cookware, below I will cover each one and explain why it’s beneficial to your cooking.
Heat conduction
Copper has excellent thermal conductivity and is one of the best heat conductors available for cooking use.
In-fact copper conducts heat five times better than stainless steel, and roughly twenty times better than stainless steel.
This means that the copper pan will be able to spread heat evenly across its surface and throughout the food.
This even cooking is not only great for making sure that your food cooks quickly, but also makes it so that your food will cook evenly, so you don’t have any burnt or undercooked spots.
In addition to this,
So heat conduction is a major strength of copper cookware.
Temperature control
The rapid response rate of the thermal conductivity allows your to change the temperature quickly, so if the pan gets too hot or the food starts to burn, you can quickly lower the temperature, where as with stainless steel and cast iron this is not possible.
Copper has a beautiful appearance
Copper has a beautiful appearance that can add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Its natural color can also help to brighten up a dark kitchen. Plus, copper cookware is easy to clean and polish, so it will always look its best.
Copper has a natural anti-bacterial properties
Copper has been used for centuries as a material for water pipes and cooking utensils because of its natural anti-bacterial properties. These properties are due to the release of copper ions when the metal is in contact with water or other liquids.
When bacteria come into contact with copper, the copper ions bind to proteins on the surface of the bacteria. This disrupts the function of important enzymes, causing the bacteria to die.
This is beneficial for cooking because it means that copper cookware can be used without the need for harmful chemicals, such as soap.
Copper is durable
Copper cookware is an excellent choice for those who want durable cookware that will last for many years. The average lifespan of copper cookware is roughly 5-10 years, which is much longer than other cookware materials.
However be careful not to buy copper cookware lined with another material, as the lining can break down much quicker and require you to throw the cookware away or get it repaired as it can become unsafe depending on the material used to coat it.
Copper cookware is easy to care for
To clean your copper cookware, simply wash it by hand with hot soapy water and a soft sponge. If you have any stubborn stains, you can use a mild abrasive cleaner like Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend. Rinse your cookware thoroughly after cleaning and dry it with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
It is best to store your copper cookware in a cool, dry place. If you must stack your pots and pans, be sure to use pads or separators between them to prevent scratching.
This makes copper cookware quite easy to care for in comparison to other cookware such as cast iron.
What are the disadvantages of copper cookware?
Copper cookware needs to be polished regularly to maintain its shine. Tarnishing occurs when the copper reacts with oxygen in the air, causing it to turn a greenish-black color.
Reactivity
Copper is a reactive metal, which means it can leach into food if not properly coated or cared for. This can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems. The only way to avoid this when using copper cookware is to buy copper cookware coated in a material that will act as a barrier between the food and the copper.
Cost
Copper cookware is generally more expensive than other types of cookware, such as stainless steel or aluminum. However depending on the quality of the cookware you can find it cheaper, but overall compared to most cookware sets, copper is considered an expensive material, especially for a quality cookware set that’s going to last a long time.
What are some popular copper cookware brands?
There are many brands that produce copper cookware on the market today. Some of the most popular brands include Mauviel, All-Clad, Anolon, Ruffoni, Cuisinart, Farberware, KitchenAid and Rachael Ray.
The brand that’s considered the best is probably Mauviel or Ruffoni.
Is it safe to cook in unlined copper pots?
Unlined copper pots can be safe to cook in if they are used properly. Copper is a naturally occurring element that is found in many foods. It is an essential nutrient for human health, but it can also be toxic at high levels. When copper pots are used to cook food, the copper can leach into the food. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as copper is an essential nutrient and can actually be beneficial in small amounts. However, too much copper can be toxic and cause health problems.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using unlined copper pots to cook:
– Avoid cooking acidic foods (such as tomatoes) in unlined copper pots, as the acidity can cause more of the copper to leach into the food.
– Don’t overheat the pot, as this can also cause more of the copper to leach into the food.
– If you are concerned about getting too much copper from cooking in unlined pots, you could try using lined pots or cooking with other materials such as stainless steel or glass.
