Making the most of any type of cookware can be fraught with things to remember and things to avoid and copper cookware sets are no different!  So if you want to be able to cook up a storm whilst getting the best from your set, read on for some useful copper cookware dos and donts:

DO

  • Unless your set is a gift, do try before you buy.  Some copper pans can be incredibly heavy even before having any ingredients in them, so it’s useful to hold some to check whether the weight will suit you, as a pan of boiling gravy that is too heavy to lift safely can be a real issue in the kitchen!
  • Do want copper but it’s just too heavy?  Do shop around, as there is now an increasing range of pans available that are manufactured from stainless steel with a copper bottom, giving you the efficiency and durability of a copper base, but with a reduction in the weight!
  • Shop around anyway!  There are some very well known and highly respected brands of copper cookware that can last forever but are incredibly expensive. However, this is money well spent if they are going to be in daily use and last you the lifetime that they promise (most respectable sets come with a lifetime warranty).  As value for money, this works out to be very cost effective indeed, but often it’s buying the set all in one go that can make such ranges seem too expensive.  So, if you have decided that it’s the cookware for you, shop around department stores, kitchen specialist stores and on-line as the price can vary by a surprising amount.  If you are in no particular hurry, it may pay you to wait until your desired cookware set is on sale or you could buy one item a month until you have completed a set of items that are just what you want!

DON’T

  • Forget that cookware ranges are wider than just pans.  Modern copper cookware ranges include baking trays and cake pans.
  • Forget that as well as their durability, copper cookware is a cook’s favorite because it holds heat well and is therefore very energy efficient.  You will need to take this into account when cooking with your new copper pans, as you may well need to reduce the cooking time for some dishes (particularly when using copper oven cookware) because of the improved efficiency of the cooking process.  There may be a little trial and error or ‘stove-watching’ until you get used to your cookware.
  • Worry about having to take extra special care of copper cookware items: polishing the copper looks lovely but isn’t necessarily essential for performance.  However, do ensure that you clean your pans thoroughly after each use to avoid the development of dark spots in the copper, which can reduce efficiency and lead to ‘hot spots’ and the burning or sticking of food. Washing in warm soapy water should be sufficient for cleaning from daily cooking, with a rub with a soft cloth as needed.
  • Never scour your copper cookware with a nylon or wire wool pad as this can scratch the copper surface.
  • Lastly, never just pop your copper cookware into the dishwasher without checking the manufacturer’s guidelines – of the cookware and of your dishwasher detergent, as sometimes it’s the detergent that can cause harm to your pots!  If in doubt, handwash!