Copper Cookware
Many of today's cooks are choosing copper pots to cook with.
While copper pots are more expensive than pots of other materials,
copper is an excellent heat conductor, and is especially suitable
for range-top cooking. For this reason, chefs often prefer
copper cookware for delicate sauces and foods that must be cooked
at precisely controlled temperatures. Copper pots are also
beautiful to look at and can be proudly displayed in the kitchen.
In addition to common pots and pans, copper is used for fish poachers, fondue pots, crepe pans, and a whole host of other cookware. Copper pots vary in price from about $60 for a small pan to about $500 for a large pot. The best copper cookware is very heavy. Lighter cookware is less costly but is inferior in quality.
Small amounts of copper are good for everyday health. However,
large amounts in a single dose or over a short period can be toxic.
Furthermore, a study at the
University of Rochester Medical Center suggests that
copper may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
For these reasons, copper cookware should be lined with another metal,
such as nickel, stainless steel, or tin. Small amounts of the
coating can be dissolved by food, especially acidic food, when cooked or
stored for long periods. Therefore, anyone allergic to nickel should
avoid nickel-coated cookware. Don't use badly scratched or uncoated
copper cookware to cook or store food; even coated copper cookware can
lose its protective coating if scoured. Also, when the copper
begins to show through the lining, you should have your copper pots and
pans relined. There are companies that specialize in relining
copper cookware.
Copper pots can tarnish over time, especially if they are not used regularly. Use a commercial copper cleaner, or a paste of salt and lemon juice, to restore copper to its original state.
Copper Cookware Dealer
- Fantes
This Philadelphia kitchen wares shop features copper cooking utensils from France.
www.Fantes.com
Copper Cookware Manufacturers
- Falk Culinair
This Belgian firm offers commercial-grade copper pots, pans, kitchenware, and cookware.
www.FalkCulinair.com - Ruffoni USA
Find several lines of classic copper cookware from northern Italy.
www.RuffoniUSA.com - Mauviel
This French cookware designer features copper, aluminium, stainless steel, and black steel cooking and baking utensils.
www.Mauviel.com - All-Clad Metalcrafters
This premium cookware manufacturer offers several collections including copper-clad stainless steel cookware with aluminum cores as well as copper-core cookware.
www.All-Clad.com - Calphalon
Calphalon Copper unites centuries-old culinary tradition with premium performance and distinctive style. Offering superior conductivity and precise cooking control, it will satisfy your appetite for fine food as well as your eye for quality design.
www.Calphalon.com - Bourgeat
This leading French manufacturer of professional cooking utensils offers pots and pans with solid copper bodies and stainless steel interiors.
www.Bourgeat.fr