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62 Comments
indianartvillaa
June 28, 2023
Yes, Cooking food with a Copper utensil rather than a normal utensil is good for your health, but be careful about the cleaning of copper utensils.
indianartvillaa
June 28, 2023
Yes, Cooking food with a Copper utensil rather than a normal utensil is good for your health, but be careful about the cleaning of copper utensils.
Hammersmith C.
November 8, 2021
Have you tried Hammersmith Copper Cookware? We just relaunched a new line of pans for 2021 / 2022. https://hammersmithcookware.com
jimmyman
September 28, 2021
Copper cooking pots are definitely one of the most impressive items, in terms of material properties, in the realm of copper products. For example, it is true that copper has an extremely high thermal conductivity. It’s right below diamonds in this respect, and good for 5 times better than steel (the second best conductor). So when you take an old copper pot or pan and put it to use, you can bet you’re already getting excellent heating properties. The fact that old copper is often thick and weighty just makes it even more appealing. here you can visit for copper cookware: https://bestcookwareshome.com/french-copper-cookware-reviews
christina44
September 18, 2020
Hi, I like to make hot chocolate (typically regular cow milk, occassionally almond milk) and its in small amounts, 1-2 cups for me and my partner. I would love to have a copper pot with a spout to make pouring the hot chocolate into a mug a bit easier (think Juliette Binoche's character in Chocolat). I was looking at getting the Mauviel 100% copper (unlined) 1.9qt pot (Amazon title: Mauviel Made In France M'Passion Copper 1.9-Quart Sugar Saucepan with Copper Handle). Would it be safe to heat milk in this pot or would the milk react with the inside of the pot and make the milk & chocolate taste nasty? Omg, could the milk "eat" through the copper? I've tried looking up typical pH and all that jazz but I'm still confused.
Leona R.
September 4, 2020
Can you put in the refrigerator after my tomato sauce has cooled completely? Hate using a bowl then put back in pot in morning to continue cooking. Thanks
ChrisFrederich
February 24, 2023
Nope. Tomato is particularly corrosive and if left on copper, will create an acid that will corrode your copper AND render your sauce inedible.
Slow cook over a 10 hr cycle, or scrape out the sauce into either glass or stainless (I prefer glass). Anything else can be toxic (Transl: potentially poisonous).
Slow cook over a 10 hr cycle, or scrape out the sauce into either glass or stainless (I prefer glass). Anything else can be toxic (Transl: potentially poisonous).
Mariann
July 18, 2019
I have a beautiful copper Augratin pan which I would love to use. Do I use the oven temp recommended in recipe and do I have to alter cooking time as well ?
John
June 7, 2018
Hi. We bought a copper pan from a very high end restaurant that was closing. I went to heat some water and turned on the wrong burner, heating the dry copper pan by mistake.
It turned a very dark gray, which mostly wiped out with a paper towel, although some remains after washing.
Is it safe to cook in?
Thanks
It turned a very dark gray, which mostly wiped out with a paper towel, although some remains after washing.
Is it safe to cook in?
Thanks
Robert R.
June 7, 2018
If you don't see any exposed copper it's safe. Even copper the size of a quarter showing is okay (one tinning company wouldn't even do it until more copper showed). No idea if yours is lined with tin or stainless steel, but if the lining is still there, just clean it out with Barkeepers Friend or Comet or something and carry on.
Andrea A.
July 21, 2017
taking care of you copper cookware it is easier than a lot of people think. I manufacture copper cookware, www.amorettibrothers.com, and by my experience copper is not only a beautiful living metal, which adapts and changes depending of external conditions, but it is also pretty easy to shine if you just follow a little care: salt and lemon in a bowl, mix it up, use it to clean your copper, then fresh water. That's it. My grand-mom trick it is always valid. Better than chemicals, which are always useful in case of emergency!
Robert R.
December 13, 2016
This place does great work on retaining copper pots. They also sell vintage copper in recent years. http://eastcoasttinning.com
Susan L.
December 13, 2016
Great advice and comments on how to best clean copper cookware. After working in a cookware shop for several years and having had the pleasure to own several dozen copper pans I thought I would add to this by saying we used Bar Keepers Friend to clean copper lined with stainless and the exterior of tin lined pots. I've used lemon and salt which is great for removing oxidation but not so much for cleaning (and lemons aren't always available or cheap). If you want them shiny and polished, we used Wenol metal polish (I still have a jumbo tin I bought 15 years ago!) This works great after the Bar Keepers. I like my hammered copper polished with slight oxidation and use a large hammered roasting pan to serve oysters or salt roasted Sea Bass during the holidays. Also consider that retinning is great but can be more than the cost of the pan as its toxic and hard to find people who will still do it. The stainless lining (in French pans at least) is so thin its hard to tell the difference between that and the tinned other than ease of use. A tinned pan's lining can melt on the stove if the pan is left empty for too long under high heat.
Barbara R.
October 16, 2016
I recently purchased a copper, glass lined casserole with lid and would like to use it! Not sure if oven temp should be different from recipe or not. Thanks for a,y help.
Meenu
April 4, 2016
How do you care for Hard Anodized aluminum cookware? The outer surface always gets grease and no matter how hard we scrub...can never the grease out. Any tips will be appreciated. TIA!
Mike K.
March 9, 2021
Try using copper polish like Twinkle. I use glass cook-top cleaner to remove cooked-on cooking residue from glass baking loaf pans and anodized aluminum pans, as well as the porcelain-enameled cooking top. Ultimate would be oven cleaner, but the lye in it will damage the anodizing on aluminum. The historic method to remove oxidation is to combine vinegar with salt, and then thicken with flour, and rub on the pan until oxidation is removed.
Ann L.
January 24, 2016
What should I do about the film on the pot before using?(the protective film..is there something one must do lst?)....I have gotten some pots and put them aside...over l0 years...waiting for "later"....now's the time. Please help..so I can begin..they are from France.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Robert R.
January 24, 2016
What kind of pots? Mauviel doesn't have a "film," you just use them. My cataplana came covered with a varnish that had to be removed. See:
http://fantes.net/copper-lacquer-removal.html
See also:
https://www.cataplana.com/docs/instructions/instructions.pdf
http://fantes.net/copper-lacquer-removal.html
See also:
https://www.cataplana.com/docs/instructions/instructions.pdf
Scribbles
January 24, 2016
I remember reading this article when it first came out and thinking, maybe, someday, I would polish my copper...nah! I'm of the school that they are beautiful with their patina of use. I use my copper everyday along side cast iron skillets and dutch oven and my enameled dutch oven. This may be obvious to some, however, the comments about cooper cooling quickly is in regards to the unlined pots. The ones that are lined with stainless remain hot for a long time and that needs to be taken into consideration when cooking. I bought most of my copper pots on a trip to France about 18 years ago. One pot came from Germany when we lived there in the late '80s early 90s - lovely memories every time I use them.
Lo T.
July 11, 2014
I have a thing about Poached eggs and Im very particular that they must be "Medium".. thats firm whites and runny yolks! Im Gluten Free so I toast up a multigrain slice of bread and I sometimes butter it! I poach up 2 eggs and place them atop of baby spinach and or baby kale barely heated in a small pan which has a tsp of finely chopped garlic and a TBS of coconut oil in it! I place a lid on it to steam and wilt for a few minutes, then plate it all up. I drizzle over a little Trader Joes Cilantro dressing and Volia!! I often season with lemon pepper and alittle pink Himilayan Salt A beautiful, tasty and nutrious breakfast, lunch or dinner... Couldnt be easier
blazabla
April 7, 2014
LG Gonzales in New Orleans is the best at re-tinning copper cookware. It's all he does and his is the most affordable pricing structure in the game. Best part, you have to call him, no online presence for this guy. He doesn't even have a cell phone! (504) 944-7825 and check out this article about him - he's a hoot! http://www.myneworleans.com/New-Orleans-Homes-Lifestyles/Fall-2011/copper-standard/
Robert R.
February 20, 2014
In response to Siouxiq on where to get copper retinned, I've had good luck sending it to East Coast Tinning. See: http://www.eastcoasttinning.com
Siouxiq
November 14, 2012
Do you know where to get copper pots retinned?
AntoniaJames
November 14, 2012
As noted below in response to a similar question:
This question was one of the first I asked on the old foodpickle (the prior name of the Hotline), while it was still in beta.
Here is the thread, where you'll find a lot of useful information, including a specialist who will be very frank with you about whether you actually need to re-tin, or not. http://www.food52.com/foodpickle/199-how-do-you-know-when-it-s-time-to-have-a-french-copper-gratin-pan-re-tinned ;o)
This question was one of the first I asked on the old foodpickle (the prior name of the Hotline), while it was still in beta.
Here is the thread, where you'll find a lot of useful information, including a specialist who will be very frank with you about whether you actually need to re-tin, or not. http://www.food52.com/foodpickle/199-how-do-you-know-when-it-s-time-to-have-a-french-copper-gratin-pan-re-tinned ;o)
Bella F.
October 26, 2012
Nice article - I appreciate all the cleaning tips! Droplet's mention that copper does not hold heat is an important note; because it is an excellent conductor, it heat very evenly, quickly, and the moment you remove it from the heat, it cools, which gives you good control over delicate items like caramelizing sugar, and cooking eggs, fish, fruit... It would be great to chat a little too about unlined copper, it's benefits and how to use it safely - sugar pots, meringue bowls, preserving pans and the like :) Cheers!
CoppermillKitchen
October 26, 2012
Very good points Bella! I could never see a traditional copper mixing bowl lined with tin as its excellent and safe to use unlined and same with a sugar pan! I would love to chat about this because its a stigma copper has gotten over time and the items you mentioned are normally used unlined.. I especially like to use my preserve pan as a serving piece to serve a side dish when have a dinner party! Thanks Bella!
Bella F.
October 26, 2012
Cook's Illustrated had a succinct piece on copper years ago. Here is an excerpt of the article, particular to unlined copper uses: "With regard to sugar syrups, confectionery and cookware industry experts agree that copper’s outstanding heat conductivity and quick reaction to temperature changes offers precise control over the different stages of sugar syrup, caramel, and chocolate preparation. Copper’s speedy distribution of heat is also considered an advantage when making jam and preserves because the fruit and sugar reach the desired consistency quickly, before the fruit loses its natural color and fresh flavor."
I think the key things to remember when using unlined copper are: have a good reason to use unlined (the reactivity of the copper to your ingredients i.e., egg proteins pick up copper ions while you whip, strengthening their bonding; and quick heat control i.e., caramelizing sugar perfectly) and make sure the copper is extremely clean before you use it. I detail my pots with lemon and salt, and rinse and dry thoroughly just before cooking so there is no tarnish on the cooking surfaces. I only have one lined piece - an 8" Mauviel saute pan which I love for eggs, fish, scallops and the like. I use a preserve pot I found in France all the time (J.Pouteau is the mark - very pretty, very heavy, hammered piece. I have been wary of dovetailing as I thought the seam might eventually come apart, but I notice you are a fan and it is gorgeous). I also use a sugar pot for ganaches, caramels, etc. So, ha, I am certainly a fan!
And I love your site, Beth Ann - so appreciate your pursuit of your copper passion!
I think the key things to remember when using unlined copper are: have a good reason to use unlined (the reactivity of the copper to your ingredients i.e., egg proteins pick up copper ions while you whip, strengthening their bonding; and quick heat control i.e., caramelizing sugar perfectly) and make sure the copper is extremely clean before you use it. I detail my pots with lemon and salt, and rinse and dry thoroughly just before cooking so there is no tarnish on the cooking surfaces. I only have one lined piece - an 8" Mauviel saute pan which I love for eggs, fish, scallops and the like. I use a preserve pot I found in France all the time (J.Pouteau is the mark - very pretty, very heavy, hammered piece. I have been wary of dovetailing as I thought the seam might eventually come apart, but I notice you are a fan and it is gorgeous). I also use a sugar pot for ganaches, caramels, etc. So, ha, I am certainly a fan!
And I love your site, Beth Ann - so appreciate your pursuit of your copper passion!
Virginia H.
January 17, 2020
My father was a candy maker (Philadelphia) and used these enormous unlined copper cauldrons, I can remember watching him when I was a child (a long time ago) making so many types of filling for his chocolates in those cauldrons. One of my favorites was "honeycomb". My favorite was dipping pretzels in dark chocolate on the marble at the dipping table. Was I ever ahead of the curve! I am sure that is why I love cooking with copper (fond memories and scents) and making angel hair for my cream puffs.I love this site and suggest it to others. PS, I do use some of these methods for cleaning, but bartenders friend is at hand.
katstreet
October 25, 2012
We love our copper pans, and these tips for shining are great. However, we need to have two of them re-tinned on the inside. Can you talk about that a little? Are there any go to sources that we can send them too? THANKS!
AntoniaJames
October 25, 2012
This question was one of the first I asked on the old foodpickle (the prior name of the Hotline), while it was still in beta.
Here is the thread, where you'll find a lot of useful information, including a specialist who will be very frank with you about whether you actually need to re-tin, or not. http://www.food52.com/foodpickle/199-how-do-you-know-when-it-s-time-to-have-a-french-copper-gratin-pan-re-tinned ;o)
Here is the thread, where you'll find a lot of useful information, including a specialist who will be very frank with you about whether you actually need to re-tin, or not. http://www.food52.com/foodpickle/199-how-do-you-know-when-it-s-time-to-have-a-french-copper-gratin-pan-re-tinned ;o)
CoppermillKitchen
October 25, 2012
This is a excellent link! Thanks for sharing!Yes all the information is spot on! If you see any copper showing through your tin you may want to consider re tinning for safety. Glad you love your copper pans!!
Robert R.
February 21, 2014
I've had good luck sending mine to East Coast Tinning. See: http://www.eastcoasttinning.com. Very nice work, and a fairly quick return in the post.
Andreas D.
October 25, 2012
Copper isn't right for everything. It should not be compared to steel or cast iron because it does a very different job. I would never use a copper pot for a slow stew, that's where cast iron shines. On the other hand, when cooking a piece of fish au point, copper is in its element.
As far as cleaning is concerned, sorry for the detour, I don't really worry about it. My copper is old, stained and bashed about and that's the way I like it. Every now and then I scrub it with soap and water, but it would never occur to me to polish it.
As far as cleaning is concerned, sorry for the detour, I don't really worry about it. My copper is old, stained and bashed about and that's the way I like it. Every now and then I scrub it with soap and water, but it would never occur to me to polish it.
CoppermillKitchen
October 25, 2012
Andreas thank you for your fun comment! Beside my business I own a little collection for my own personal use and I too keep it looking used because I cook with them so much. Because of their origin and character polished or not they always look beautiful and always serve their function for me. Glad to hear you use yours!
Andreas D.
October 25, 2012
There's something deeply pleasurable, at least to me, about cooking with an old copper pot. I make porridge for my family every morning that way. A great way to start the day.
CoppermillKitchen
October 25, 2012
YES indeed! Or lately I have been making hot chocolate for my son in my mini pot bellied saucepan. I used my pie tart two weekends ago to make a apple pie it worked brilliantly .
cara592
October 24, 2012
I have one fairly blackened pan that i have tried to get back to its original shine for a long time. It's blackened on the inside and the outside. Is it a lost cause? or just a matter of time and elbow grease before it is restored? I'm worrried that constant rubbing on the tin with Twinkle or Bar Keeper's friend is going to render the inside unusable (unless I get it re-tinned).
CoppermillKitchen
October 24, 2012
Hi Cara! I'm happy to introduce myself as the pictures of these copper pieces in this article are my collection! May I ask what you have used on this pot so far? Any discoloration from heat use? Twinkle is a good cleaner however mainly is a cleaner for silver but can work on easy cleaning surfaces of copper.Bar keepers can also be a bit abrasive on the copper itself. Have you tried a piece of wool and detergent on the inside? Do you prefer to use all natural method of cleaning or will you use a non homemade option for the outside? Kind Regards Beth
cara592
October 25, 2012
I've only used the Twinkle and BKF so far. I don't need to use a homemade methos to clean it. The black stuff just doesn't want to come off. I think heat it the main reason it's discolored. I'm more concerned about the inside of the pan than the out side. I have other copper pans, and i definitely don't want to create this problem for myself again. What is a good daily cleaner that is gentle as well? I use them all the time.
CoppermillKitchen
October 25, 2012
Hi Cara! A few tips
With copper try not to heat empty as this will cause that discoloration whether you pre heat or leave it sitting on a flame empty.
Have you tried a piece of wool (from hardware store) and scrub with detergent?
Glad to hear you are getting good use with them!
With copper try not to heat empty as this will cause that discoloration whether you pre heat or leave it sitting on a flame empty.
Have you tried a piece of wool (from hardware store) and scrub with detergent?
Glad to hear you are getting good use with them!
AntoniaJames
October 23, 2012
Is there any way to improve the look of aged tin linings, where that tin is still fine for cooking, but looks rather battered, is discolored, etc.? ;o)
paseo
October 24, 2012
Have you tried baking soda (2T-1c water) simmered? Might help a bit. Tin is so soft, it's easy to damage with enthusiastic cleaning as I am sure you know. I think it's the nature of the beast to look well used - as it should be.
paseo
October 24, 2012
Try simmering baking soda in water (2T -1c) might help a bit. But it's the nature of the beast to look well used - as it should be.
AntoniaJames
October 23, 2012
Regarding your comment at the outset that one might dream of having a lot of copper hanging over the stove: I cannot imagine a worse place to hang any pan. Whenever I see that in a photo, I think that whoever is using that kitchen must not be using their stove. Or else they don't mind looking at the dull finish of a greasy coating on their pans (because even the best hood cannot prevent that) or they like taking them all down and washing them, often. My all-time favorite copper cleaner is Twinkle cream. My father has used it since my mother first started her collection of French copper in the sixties, and I prefer it, too. I've tried all sorts of products and home ingredient cleaners, but always go back to Twinkle. Bar Keepers' Friend polishes copper, too, so when I have some really tough spots -- stuff cooked on -- I use that. ;o)
Kenzi W.
October 23, 2012
Thanks for your cleaning tips! Regarding the placement of pots and pans in kitchens, I think that wherever you may put them ("somewhere, above, or beside the stove") is simply not the point of the post. Like people have preferences on their cookware, they also have them on where to store it well. Consider yours known!
AntoniaJames
October 23, 2012
Thanks for the not-so-subtle reminder to seek to understand before seeking to be understood. ;o)
paseo
October 24, 2012
Wow, what a snarky and disappointing response from Kenzi. AJ's comment may not have "been the point of the post" but was perfectly legitimate - to say nothing of being right.
Kenzi W.
October 24, 2012
So sorry if my comment was taken as snarky -- that's not how it was intended! I was trying to bring the focus back to copper. Pretty, lovely copper. That's all! Apologies to all who took it for more than that.
AntoniaJames
October 24, 2012
And for the record, the topic of the piece includes "caring for copper," and my point was largely about just that. Given the extensive content here on "first kitchens" and on kitchen design / makeovers, I respectfully suggest that my comment could be helpful for those who might not otherwise realize the potential cleaning issues associated with that design feature. And how it might make it difficult to keep copper pretty and lovely. I realize in retrospect that I could have stated the comment more diplomatically, to avoid a defensive reply. Next time I'll know better. ;o)
Kat
October 13, 2015
I, for one, found AJ's comment useful and it IS on-point with the purpose of the article.
Susan M.
January 25, 2016
I thought "Yes! Yes!" when I read Antonia's comment. I was given a hanging pot rack in 1978 and found it got greasy/dusty every week. Then I moved my pots to an adjacent wall, where they looked lovely, but the same thing. I had to plan on re-washing every pot and ladle just as I grabbed it.
Droplet
October 23, 2012
I believe the physical characteristics of copper as described above are in part incorrect--exactly because of copper's outstanding conductivity, it heats quickly and it cools quickly, which is what allows for a greater control and precision when dealing with temperature sensitive food such as sauces, chocolate...but it does not stay warm as stated. Whoever shined these pots did a great job, though. I have wondered whether old tin lined copper cookware has a greater tendency to warp in general, since both metals are soft? Does anyone who owns a well loved set have observations?
FancyFood
October 23, 2012
I own several pieces that are very old and have not noticed any warp..They have been very good to me! :)
matthewcarberry
October 23, 2012
I've cooked with copper and stainless steel and aluminum and cast iron before, and I've found that copper offers near no advantage to the other three. It does heat up quickly, but not any faster than aluminum, and copper itself doesn't actually retain heat well. Also, copper is a reactive metal, so wouldn't you want to avoid using acidic substances on it as much as possible? I've found through my uses that copper provides a lot aesthetically, but very little anywhere else. Oh, and they're expensive.
Kenzi W.
October 23, 2012
When it comes to cookware, I've found that people draw hard lines in the sand -- it looks like you may not be on copper's side, but there are plenty out there who are. I was lucky enough to receive a Mauviel pan as a gift, and it far outshines all of the other pots on my shelf. And note the section where we talk about copper being unsafe to cook in -- you're right, it's reactive, but so long as your pan is lined, it's safe to cook whatever you please.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.