Pros And Cons Of Copper Cookware
Many factors must be taken into consideration when deciding what type of cookware to purchase. You need to consider what type of cooking you will be doing as well as your personal preferences and tastes. Some people want their cookware to be decorative as well as functional. With the wide variety that is available today, cost is another major factor in this decision. One of the more popular options for home and gourmet cooks alike is copper cookware. As popular as it is, it still has some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here is a look at some advantages and disadvantages of copper cookware.
The Pros
The main reason that copper cookware is such a popular choice is it's unrivaled heat conductivity. This is an advantage for a number of reasons. A copper pan will heat up quite quickly, which drastically reduces cooking times. This makes it very useful in restaurant settings, where meals must be prepared in a timely manner. This conductivity also allows for more precise cooking. If you adjust the heat on your burners, the temperature of the pan will respond almost immediately.
Another reason people are drawn to copper cookware is the fact that, if it's cared for properly, it is quite attractive. Often, you will see copper pots and pans displayed as decorations when they are not in use. There's no denying the beauty and shine of copper cookware.
The Cons
Even with it's superior heat conductivity and precision in cooking, copper cookware is lacking in some other areas. Copper is softer and not as strong as some other metals, such as stainless steel. Thus it is very vulnerable to scratching and warping under high temperatures. Another problem with copper cookware is tarnishing, when used frequently for acidic foods. Copper can also leach into whatever you're cooking, affecting the taste and possibly introducing harmful toxins into your food. Caring for your copper cookware can be a bit of a hassle as well since it is not dishwasher safe. You'll also need to polish it frequently to prevent corrosion and maintain the beautiful look. The last, and often the deciding disadvantage, is that copper is among the most expensive types of cookware on the market.
Whether or not you decide to purchase copper cookware is going to depend on your specific needs. If looks are not that important to you and you're not going to be doing much precision cooking, then the investment is probably not worth it.
