Have you ever wondered what dishes a copper pan is suitable for and whether there is any difference between cookware made from this metal and those made from more common materials?
The price of copper cookware – compared to those made of stainless steel and other metals – might make your eyes pop with surprise. But this is by no means a whim, especially when it comes to pots, pans, and other cookware used for preparing meals, as the material they are made of matters. Copper, in particular, has properties that are valued not only by electrical industry specialists but also by the most renowned chefs. They are well aware of the advantages and features of the various materials their cookware is made from. They know which dishes can be cooked in regular stainless steel pots and which are best suited for copper pans. Where do these differences come from?
Why do top chefs fry on copper pans?
Copper is rightly called a semi-precious metal. It is underrated compared to gold and silver, but while with silver and gold we can at best eat, it is copper that ensures the high quality of the prepared dish. Why is that? Just as electricians value copper for its excellent electrical conductivity, chefs adore this metal for its superb heat conduction properties. Copper is an excellent heat conductor. As a result, pots and pans made from it have different, superior properties compared to traditional cookware! And this quality has been confirmed by over 9000 years of history of using this metal in the kitchen.
Compared to a regular pan, a copper pan heats up faster. Well, for this price, you can wait a little longer. But that’s not all — because not only does a copper pan heat up faster, it also heats more evenly. This is a key, but not the only, wonderful feature of copper cookware. Even heat distribution across the pan allows for better control of the cooking temperature, thus minimizing the risk of burning the food. This often also determines what kind of dishes a copper pan is suitable for.
Save on bills and medication with a copper pan?
According to data, copper heats (conducts heat) five times better than iron and even twenty times better than stainless steel! Note that this not only shortens the time needed to start cooking your next delicacy. That is the least important aspect. The most important — especially nowadays — is energy savings. A faster and more evenly heated vessel helps reduce the amount of electricity or gas used for cooking.
Is that all? Not quite. Due to its thermal properties, copper also stores heat very well, which affects how long a dish stays hot. Some dishes don’t taste good when they cool down, and reheating them can alter their flavor. However, it’s important to note that copper is a reactive metal, so it’s good to know which dishes are suitable for copper cookware. Heating acidic citrus, tomatoes, or using vinegar on copper can cause the dish to develop a metallic taste. It’s worth paying attention to this!
There is another feature of copper that is especially important in the kitchen. This metal – like silver – is antibacterial. Microorganisms have a tough time surviving on a copper pan – and their time is short. For these tiny organisms, copper is toxic, so ultimately they die. This is good news for us, because bacteria can be harmful, and copper poses no health risk. That’s why water pipes and door handles in hospitals are often made of copper – this metal prevents the spread of microorganisms.What dishes is a copper pan suitable for?
Unfortunately, copper is not suitable for cooking every type of dish. As mentioned earlier, an uncoated copper pan can react with acidic fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, lemons, and other commonly used ingredients in the kitchen. Besides, most dishes can be prepared in regular cookware. It’s better to reserve a copper pan for the best delicacies. And what dishes is a copper pan especially good for? It’s particularly well-suited for cooking dishes that require constant temperature, intense heating, or quick cooling. Its excellent thermal conductivity works both ways – a copper pan can also be cooled quickly, which has its advantages for certain recipes.
Chefs in the kitchen often use copper pans for delicate dishes such as fish, tender meats, and sauces. It is also a classic choice for confectioners who prepare various preserves – e.g., jams – in copper pans. A copper pan is also perfect for making caramel. Pans made from this metal are an ideal choice if you enjoy the sautéing method – cooking with a small amount of oil in its own juices. Now that we know what dishes a copper pan is suitable for, it’s time to look for recipes and grab the pan!
