Copper tableware is enjoying increasing popularity. Admittedly, the valuable metal has no competition when it comes to thermal conductivity. But the copper cookware also looks good. Pots, pans and even teapots look very decorative and fit into both the country house and theminimalist kitchenharmoniously. For many hobby chefs, however, the question arises as to whether copper dishes are healthy. We will give you an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the material and explain what is important when caring for it.
Is copper tableware healthy? What advantages does the material offer?
A set of dishes made of copper not only looks good, but also scores points with its high thermal conductivity. But what other advantages does the metal offer compared to other classics likefor example stainless steel?
1. Copper is a rust-proof, very durable and long-lasting metal. Investing in copper tableware is definitely worth it and will pay off over time. Copper pots and pans also impress with their timelessly beautiful look and are a real eye-catcher in every kitchen.
2. Pots and pans made of copper also score points with their optimal weight. On the one hand, they are light enough to be easy to handle. On the other hand, they are heavy enough to stand stably on the hotplate. On average, copper weighs more than stainless steel and less than cast iron. Its weight is comparable to that of functional ceramics.
3. Copper is the perfect material for cooking because it distributes heat evenly throughout the pot. Even more so: the heat in copper pans and pots can be regulated quickly and effectively so that the dish does not burn. This also saves energy and shortens preparation time. The dishes keep the food warm for a long time.
4. The copper tableware is also considered very hygienic as most pathogens such as bacteria cannot survive on the copper surface. The antibacterial properties of the metal have been known for a long time. That's why professional chefs like to use copper dishes in their restaurants.
5. Thanks to the even heat development, different dishes can be prepared in copper pots. Compared to stainless steel and cast iron, a copper pot can not only boil water quickly. The dishes also have very good frying properties. From risotto to schnitzel to fries: the copper cookware is a true all-rounder.
Is copper tableware healthy: The disadvantages
A copper cookware set also has several disadvantages. We also list them for you.
- First comes the price. A copper cooking pot costs twice as much as an iron pot. The price difference between copper and functional ceramics or copper and stainless steel is even greater.
- Even if the handles of the cooking pot are made of copper, they get very hot when cooking.
- The copper dishes cannot be washed in the dishwasher as they will discolor.
- With frequent use, copper oxidizes with oxygen and tarnishes. The good news: this can be avoided with regular care. For this purpose, chemicals and expensive cleaning products are not used, but rather home remedies that are harmless to health.
- To prevent them from discoloring, most pots and pans are either tinnedCeramic coatedor lined with stainless steel. Tinned copper pots and pans should never be heated empty as this would damage the coating.
- The bottom of copper pots and copper pans can deform when heated on the stove. If it curves inwards, the pot will still be stable on the stovetop. However, if it bulges outwards, you should use a hammer to bring it back into the correct shape.
Tinning copper dishes or lining them with ceramic or stainless steel? The variants at a glance
If you have decided on a copper tableware set, there are several variants to choose from. The first option is to buy uncoated copper pots. Alternatively, you can opt for a coating made of tin, stainless steel or ceramic. Each of the four variants has a use in everyday cooking.
- Copper pans and pots without coating are suitable for melting sugar, syrup and preparing jams and marmalades. Even at high temperatures, copper distributes the heat evenly in the pot, which is particularly important when preparing caramel, for example. Tin is damaged at temperatures above 160 degrees Celsius, stainless steel or ceramic are much less able to distribute heat.
- Tinning copper pans: A tin-plated copper pan is suitable for preparing dishes with lemon juice and salt. Both the citric acid and the salt can discolor the copper surface. A tin coating prevents this and also allows the food to remain in the pot after preparation. The dish is often even served in a pot on the table.
- Copper dishes with a stainless steel coating allow a certain degree of freedom when cooking. This means that the hobby chef can also use other metal objects, such as a fork, to stir without damaging the surface. Perfect for cooking pasta, sauces or soups.
Is copper cookware suitable for induction?
Copper dishes, whether alloyed or not, are perfect for preparing dishes on an electric or gas stove. However, the copper tableware is little or not at all suitable for induction. This is because an induction cooker heats the dishes using an electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field is absorbed by the bottom of the pot and converted into energy. As a result, the bottom of the pot heats up and the hob stays cool. But for it to work, the dishes must be made of a feromagnetic metal. However, copper is not magnetic. Pots and pans made from a mixture of stainless steel and copper are partially suitable for an induction hob. Another option would be to opt for stainless steel pots with a copper cladding.
How good are copper pans actually?
Copper pots are real all-rounders. But how good are copper pans actually? Like copper pots, copper pans have excellent thermal conductivity. This means that they heat up quickly and then cool down very quickly. This means you can generate heat with little energy. Perfect for quickSearing fish fillets, for flambéing or for preparing fruit puree and caramel. Due to the high maintenance required, copper pans are not suitable for everyday use. It also remains questionable whether copper pans are healthy or not.
Is copper tableware healthy or poisonous?
Copper is a delicate metal that reacts with many foods such as salt, citric acid and certain vegetables.Jams and jellies, which are cooked in uncoated copper pots, are still considered harmless. However, the remaining copper pots, which are used for preparing complicated dishes, are coated with stainless steel. This stainless steel coating prevents chemical reactions and protects the sensitive metal from discoloration and verdigris formation. Verdigris is formed when metals such as copper or brass corrode. The patina looks particularly attractive on statues and decorative pieces. However, you should regularly check the copper dishes in the household and combat verdigris as quickly as possible. Although you can find chemicals commercially that will remove the patina, there are also home remedies that can easily accomplish the task.
Copper tableware care: This is how you can clean your pots and pans!
In order for the copper tableware to last a long time, regular care is essential. The material is very sensitive to scratches, so you should use soft sponges and cloths for wiping. Steel wool is also unsuitable for cleaning copper dishes. A stainless steel fork, knife or scourer will leave visible marks on a tinned surface and can damage the coating. You can also clean stainless steel coatings with a scourer.
You can find numerous chemical cleaning products commercially that will remove water stains and verdigris from copper. Alternatively, you can opt for a home remedy. Whatever you decide, you should stick to these basic rules:
Cleaning copper dishes: This is how you can remove the verdigris
If you want to clean copper dishes, first read the manufacturer's instructions regarding cleaning. There is a wide variety of pots available on the market and it matters whether it is a pot made of stainless steel with a copper coating or a pot made of copper. For copper dishes without a coating, most manufacturers recommend that you clean them by hand immediately after use. Simply wash the dishes under running lukewarm water with a dishwashing sponge and detergent, rinse and then carefully wipe with a soft cloth. If the pot or pan is completely dry and clean, you can polish its surface with a special polishing paste. To do this, put a bit of polishing paste on a polishing wheel and use circular movements to remove water deposits and verdigris. Then all that remains is to put the dishes in a dry place.
This is how you can clean copper: These home remedies easily remove traces of water and verdigris
Alternatively, you can also use the copper dishesclean with home remedies. Here are several options:
- Mix lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar) and baking soda and place on a clean, soft cloth. Rub the dishes with the lemon juice mixture, rinse and dry.
- Rub ketchup onto the copper surface. The tomatoes in the ketchup help remove the verdigris.
- Half a lemon and salt. Halve a medium-sized lemon and sprinkle one half liberally with salt. Then rub the dishes with the lemon. Rinse the dishes under running water and dry them with a clean, soft cloth.
- If you have purchased stainless steel dishes with a copper coating, then you should definitely not use salt to clean them. Although it cannot damage the copper layer. However, it often penetrates the stainless steel layer through tiny scratches and damages the stainless steel.
- Alternatively, you can avoid polishing completely and instead leave the copper dishes untreated. Professional chefs often allow their copper dishes to develop a patina over time. This makes the pots more durable and efficient.
Copper tableware is not only energy efficient, but also looks great. But many hobby chefs are not sure whether it is safe for their health. The answer to this question is yes, as long as you use the dishes properly and clean them regularly.
