Copper is used for a lot of high end cookware on the market. But most cookware made with copper has a cooking surface made of stainless steel, nickel, or tin. And while cookware made of copper is excellent for heat conductivity, there are some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
Because copper is a malleable and ductile metal, it is used in a lot of high end cookware, which is why high end cookware manufacturers prefer it above other materials. And of course, the look of copper is distinct and very attractive, making copper cookware the popular choice of many households.
But cookware made from copper does have functionality purposes too. When compared to stainless steel, glass, and aluminum, copper cookware distributes heat much more effectively, sometimes ten times as much. And it does not take long to prepare food in copper cookware than other types, reducing the amount of burn spots that are unfortunately seen on non copper cookware.
This kind of cookware made from copper is easier to clean and maintain. Although shiny copper looks amazing, there are plenty of people who prefer the aged look of scratched copper. Some models of copper high end cookware have a brushed look to them, which saves the user from the time it takes to polish.
As mentioned before, copper cookware is usually lined with a separate, different metal. By making cookware of copper in this fashion, the copper will not be able to react with the food and it can cook evenly.
Disadvantages:
Although there are many great aspects of copper cookware, there are some downsides experienced by amateur and professional chefs alike. First of all, because of the malleability of copper high end cookware, it tends to easily become scratched, and this is why manufacturers reinforce their copper cookware with other metals. However, metals like tin can become unstable at higher temperatures.
Heat can alter the color and appearance of copper. And since copper high end cookware will often be exposed to heat, there is no avoiding this. Most of the time, the beautiful copper color will change to orange, purple, and dark pink, but you can help slow this effect down by cleaning your copper cookware properly and regularly.
Acidic foods can also tarnish copper high end cookware, allowing the metal to seep into foods. Copper's acid sensitivity can eventually render the copper cookware useless if it is lined with tin and the tin becomes worn all the way to the copper on the bottom; cooking on it will make your food toxic.
Of course, copper is heavier than tin and aluminum, so it is easier to dent high end cookware of copper. And the cost of copper far outweighs any other type of metal used to create cookware. You must care for your copper cookware properly in order to make it look the same as the day it was purchased.
Even with all of this cookware's disadvantages, it is still the metal cookware of choice for chefs across the world as copper high end cookware can distribute heat better than any other type of cookware metal. And the beauty of copper cookware is unmatched, making it a household investment instead of a kitchen utility.
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