Antique Copper Pots

History

• Copper pots and other kitchen tools have been in use for over 3,000 years. Hearty meals were cooked by American settlers in copper pots that hung over a fire all day long. Copper was an excellent choice not only because it conducts heat very well, but people did not have a lot of choice of materials for cooking. Before the invention of machinery that could manufacture copper cookware, it was created from copper sheeting. Blacksmiths heated it and shaped it over anvils into pots. This was followed by a process of "tinning," a thin layer of tin which created a coating on the cooking side of the pot.

Types

• Antique copper pots come in a variety of types, some of the more common being the copper teapots and kettles of nearly every size and shape. There are also a wide variety of cooking pots and frying pans. Antique copper also comes in the shape of watering pots, copper ladles, engraved copper flower vases, cauldrons, buckets, jelly molds, log holders, jam pans, measuring cups, pitchers and antique copper ceiling tiles.

Function

• Antique copper pots can be used in every day cooking, but should be "retinned" every fifteen years or so to replenish the coating on the interior surface. Because of the potential toxic chemical reaction between acidic foods and copper, copper pots must have a stainless or tin lining.
  Collectors display their pots proudly, for their aesthetic qualities. If you do not plan to use your antique pots for cooking, you can have your pots coated with a clear lacquer to protect them from oxidation.

Considerations

• The best antique copper pots are very heavy. Try to pick pieces that show a minimum of wear. The copper color should be on the reddish side rather than pink. Pinkish copper is a telltale sign that it is a newer piece, and may have an aluminum core. This is not to be confused the rose color glow found in quality antique copper pots.

Prevention/Solution

• Copper pots should be polished three to four times each year for maximum appearance.
  Never put your copper pots, old or new, in the dishwasher, as the harsh chemicals will react to the copper.
  Several commercial polishes do a good job of cleaning and conditioning antique copper pots, each providing a different type of glow to the copper. Red Bear imparts a pinkish glow. For a pot with a burned area, Copper Brite will bring it back to the right color.
  Or, if you prefer natural cleaners you can just as easily make a little solution of lemon juice or white vinegar mixed with a bit of salt. Use a soft brush or cloth to apply it, then rinse clean, and dry.