Why is Copper Cookware Used by Chefs Around the World
If you walk into the finest gourmet kitchens of the world, you'll find that many of the chefs who run those kitchens rely on copper cookware for their concoctions. The same holds true of the chefs you'll see on television or at demonstrations. So why is copper cookware used by chefs around the world? What makes it so special?
Copper Transfers Heat Smoothly and Evenly
Copper has the highest heat transfer of any material used for cookware. In other words, heat applied to the bottom of the pan through the burners is quickly and evenly spread throughout the pan. This is important to chefs because it means that every part of the pan remains at the same temperature, without hot or cold spots. This results in food that browns evenly without sticking or burning.
Copper Cookware Gives Chefs the Precise Control They Need
Another prizes feature of copper cookware is that it is highly responsive. It heats quickly, meaning less time waiting for your pan to reach the right temperature before starting. It also cools quickly, so that if you notice a sauce is starting to scorch or a piece of meat is getting too brown, you can quickly lower the temperature. This is especially important for gourmet sauces where a slight error can spoil the entire dish.
Beautiful Copper Gives a Kitchen a Professional Appearance
Being a great chef is mostly about the quality of your cooking, but it's also important to play your part well. A neat, tidy, and beautiful kitchen is inspirational for the cook, and it also gives visitors a good feeling about the food. Just as the uniforms of the chefs in many great kitchens are carefully regulated, so is the appearance and quality of the cookware. The beautiful glowing finish of polished copper is one of the most beautiful that can be found in a kitchen and it speaks of professionalism and quality cooking.
Copper Cookware is Built to Last
Another reason why so many chefs favor copper cookware is that, although the initial expense might be high, a good set can last for many years. This means that chefs can avoid the hassle of having to shop for new cookware and the learning curve of familiarizing themselves with pots and pans that are slightly different than they are used to using. Copper pans are usually lined with stainless steel, which is very durable but which cannot be replaced if scratched or chipped, or tin, which is softer but which can be replaced.
Copper is popular among the world's chefs for a variety of practical reasons, both in terms of cooking quality and professional reasons like appearance and durability. Whether you are an aspiring professional chef or a stay-at-home gourmet, copper can be a great choice for your cookware.