Kitchen experiments: Does copper cookware live up to the hype?

Copper cookware is expensive. The price tag alone is the biggest detractor from those itching to go in for a kitchen overhaul right from scratch. The labels of 'healthy eating' and 'healthy cooking' have been illusive enough off late, courtesy of the over-abundant fountain of information panning out contradictory lists of pros and cons. While it may be a tedious task to sift through it all, copper cookware is an option worth exploring.

The Pros

To begin with, for all those who place immense importance on the visual dynamics of the kitchen, coppers ranks high in terms of the aesthetic value it offers. Coming down to more functional terms, copper cookwares usefulness in the kitchen stems from its immaculate heat conducting ability. What is even more interesting about this is, that copper loses heat as quickly as it retains it.

The great thing about this feature of copper cookware is that it is a perfect fit for cooking delicate produce like fish and seafood and recipes that need to be immaculately timed - namely, caramels and sauces. Additionally, the even heating makes for a much more seamless cooking experience. The pros listed here however, will evidently only find favour who find joy in the kitchen and are particular about their kitchen experiments.

The Cons

For all the delicious cooking that copper can shoulder, it is definitely a tedious metal to contend with. While it may heat and cool evenly ensuring a uniform cook time for the produce, copper cookware, essentially needs to be babysat. If you tend to be absent minded while cooking, copper is not a good fit for you as it can irretrievably burn in the blink of an eye if left unattended and empty, even for a bit.

Thus, ultimately, investing in copper cookware is more about the subtlety of the experience as opposed to efficiency.