Pros and Cons of Using Copper Cookware
Copper cookware is widely used by most professional cooks, especially with regards to heat conductivity. It is usually in line with nickel, tin, stainless steel or a combination of these three metals.
Copper is used on the outside and stainless steel is on the cooking surface. To distinguish its effectiveness in kitchen cooking, below are some pros and cons of having copper cookware:
Pros
It is widely used by certain industries. Copper is malleable and ductile. This is the reason why many companies chose copper to be used in kitchen wares.
It is popular among chefs and culinary experts. Copper cookware has gained popularity amongst professionals because of its stylish look. Pots and pans have a distinct appeal of elegance.
Its silvery white and pinkish luster enhances the cooking experience of most cooks in various parts of the world. Most French use copper cookware in their traditional French cuisine.
Excellent heat conductivity. Copper distributes heat better than aluminum. Its conductivity is ten times higher than glass or stainless steel. It quickly responds to temperature changes as compared to other metals.
The heat and cooking time is being reduced when using copper cookware. From this, copper cookware prevents burnt spots which show that the cooking equipments are sub standardized.
Saves on polishing. There are models that come up with a brushed texture. Cookware does not need to be shiny. Some prefer their cookware to be bruised or scratched. It gives an antique and classy look. However, shining may prevent a copper cookware from developing a patina or green look.
Easy to clean and maintain. The smooth structure of a copper cookware helps easily remove small pieces of food from the pan’s surface.
It is in lined with other metals for protection. High quality cookware is usually in line with other metals like stainless steel. The lining protects the food, avoiding copper to react with it. The combination also allows precise cooking time for food to become cooked evenly.
Thus, copper cookware also has its downside. Some features may not be adequate enough for most cooks, in which, manufacturers tend to get up with a solution for these shortcomings. Here are some of the cons of copper:
Cons
Easily scratched and is naturally soft. Copper, when combined with other metals, make it more durable. Its sandwich layers of metals such as tin and nickel are not as strong as stainless steel. Nickel may be reactive because it is hard and ductile, while Tin may become unstable at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Heavy. Copper cookware possesses the heaviest metal among all cook wares. It is more prone to dents.
Changes in color and appearance. A copper cookware may change its color, especially when cooking in deep pink, orange or purple colors. Hence, heat and humidity can alter the appearance of copper cookware, especially when it is not cleaned properly.
Prone to tarnishing. Acidic foods may lead to the tarnishing of copper. The metal may leach into foods and can cause illnesses.
More cost. Copper is much more expensive as compared to other metals. Copper cookware collections cost several hundreds of dollars per piece.
Used with thorough care. Copper is sensitive to acidic foods. The pan cannot be used again when foods are cooked on the surface or the tin on the top has worn-out through the mentioned copper base. It can lead to toxicities.
There are people who can fix the polishing and even repair worn out copper cookware. A copper cookware requires proper maintenance in order to keep it looking like brand new.
Despite a copper cooker’s downsides, most gourmet chefs still prefer this kind of cookware. This is due to their great features such as its heat distribution system that are unmatched. Aside from this, cookware is an investment, offering very effective functionality for kitchen owners.