Gleaming copper utensils are arguably some of the most beautiful items you could have in your kitchen. These pots are widely recognized as a benchmark of quality, thanks to their warm, soft hue and superior temperature control. If you’re interested in copper cookware, it would help to familiarize yourself with a few basic points.

How to Buy the Right Copper Cookware

Generally, the 2 most important considerations when buying copper cookware are lining and thickness. Pots that are lined with stainless steel are usually preferred for the combination of benefits they offer. Copper offers stellar thermal properties, while steel enhances the hardness and durability of the pots. But the most crucial aspect to look for is the thickness of the copper. When shopping, look for cookware whose copper layer is at least 2.5mm thick. This will offer optimal thermal conductivity, which is what you’re buying copper pans for in the first place.

Cooking with Copper

As you may well know, copper is an excellent conductor of heat. You could thus be in for a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used copperware to prepare food before. Most experts recommend taking some time to discover the appropriate temperatures for cooking with this metal.

When getting started, you might want to use about 50% of the flame/heat that you’d use on a regular pan. In addition, copper pans should never be heated while empty. So if, for instance, you currently cook a certain kind of food on medium, you may want to reduce the heat to low when using a copper pot. Besides minimizing the risk of scorching your food, this will also prevent the interior tin layer of your pot from melting.

Maintaining Your Kitchen Copperware

While polishing copper cookware will not necessarily improve its performance, it’s vital in maintaining the metal’s natural appearance. As such, it’s largely up to you to figure out whether this matters to you. If you do decide to proceed, you don’t really need to use specialized products.

In fact, you may already have items in your kitchen that could work just as effectively. Examples include half a lemon with some coarse salt, vinegar and flour, or just regular ketchup, straight from the bottle. Once you’re done, remember to wash your items in soapy water, and rinse them thoroughly afterwards.

Not only is copper an excellent conductor of heat, but the pots and pans can also enhance the visual appeal in any kitchen. Professional cooks often use copper cookware for foods that need to be prepared at controlled temperatures. To enhance the look and longevity of your cookware, always follow the care and use instructions provided by the manufacturer.