If you are looking for some new cookware, you would be well advised to check out purchasing one or two items of choice copper cookware. Copper has twice the heat conductivity of aluminum and ten times more than stainless steel. This results in the ability to guide your cooking to an amazing degree, perfect for special recipes that require just the right amount of heat.

There are many choices to consider, but not all are the same and not all are of good quality. Many products are produced simply for decoration and not for use. Others are made with inferior material to meet trumped-up price requirements. Copper can be expensive.

So, based on these considerations, let’s develop a checklist to select what cookware to buy. We need products that can withstand high heat without abrasion or corrosion. We also need  products with high conductivity (granted, this is unlikely to be a problem). Finally, we need products that put you in control of your cooking at both low and high temperatures. Oh, and we need something that can do all of the above while still maintaining the characteristic copper shine.

So, here’s what to look for:

  1. Compare thickness — Why? Because there a lot of brands and all of them are not equal. Thickness of the copper makes a significant difference. Quality products will have at least 2.0 mm of solid copper and the better products will have 2.5 mm.
  2. Compare inside lining – The better products will use stainless steel or tin interior linings which are inert, taking care of any possible hazards with the range of foodstuffs you use. Linings of aluminum or iron do not offer this same protection and unlined copper products will react with acidic foods, as already said.
  3. Don’t buy too cheap — With the economic situation the way it is and the fact that we are just talking about cookware, it would be easy to go for the cheap items and protect your budget. However, copper products are unique and will last a lifetime. So choose your copper at the lowest price you can find combined with the highest quality.
  4. Check reviews — Making a selection among many products can be the hardest part. Fortunately, there are product reviews that can be found online. Be aware that some of the reviews are actually produced by the vendors and may not provide an accurate assessment. So find independent reviewers who test both US and European products.

Note: Do not rely on sales people. They’re trained to bring out the best features and hide others for the products they are featuring. Copper cookware is not as well understood as other materials. So check for a specialist.

Copper cookware is not for everyone.  But if you enjoy cooking, if you like sauces with an array of complex flavors, if you sometimes crave to make (or consume) confectioneries and exotic candies, then some copper items in your kitchen are indispensable.

Copper is probably too expensive for everyday use. But it is the best for certain things and, the rest of the time, it is a great looking addition to your kitchen that is sure to bring many compliments.