Revere Ware Pans: Stainless Steel?

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of kitchen cookware that traces its roots to American patriot Paul Revere. The earliest utensils were crafted from copper and stainless steel, but today, the brand offers a range of materials including stainless steel, copper-clad, and anodized non-stick aluminum. Stainless steel Revere Ware is known for its durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to rust. The brand's stainless steel products are made from 18/6 or 18/10 stainless steel, which provides even heat distribution and easy cleanup. While Revere Ware has gone through several ownership changes and production pauses over the years, it remains a recognisable name in kitchenware.

Revere Ware's history

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of kitchenware, including skillets, saucepans, stock pots, and tea kettles. The company traces its roots to American patriot Paul Revere, who started making copper sheathing for naval vessels in 1801. Paul Revere established a prosperous business with shops in and around Boston, MA, and his company eventually merged with others to form the Revere Copper Company.

Over time, the company changed hands and names several times, becoming the Revere Copper and Brass Corporation in 1929, then the Revere Brass & Copper Corp. in the 1950s. In 1939, the company introduced its Revere Ware line, which featured stainless steel construction with copper-clad bases and rounded interiors for easy cleaning. The line was an immediate success, and the company expanded it to include 15 distinct pieces of cookware.

In the 1950s, Revere Ware began to face increased competition from other manufacturers of aluminium and stainless steel cookware. To stay competitive, the company introduced new series at various price points and for specific specialty markets. However, by the early 1960s, the profitability of Revere Ware began to level off, and the company implemented cost-cutting measures, such as reducing the thickness of utensil walls and copper cladding. Despite these challenges, Revere Ware remained a popular and recognisable brand, and pieces from this era are still sought-after by collectors.

In the 1970s, the parent company, Revere Brass & Copper Corp., experienced financial issues due to failing aluminium operations. By 1982, these issues forced the company to file for bankruptcy. The cookware division, Revere Ware Incorporated, remained profitable and was sold to Corning Glass Inc. in 1985. Under Corning's ownership, the number of Revere Ware lines expanded, and the brand was reintroduced with select variations, including copper-cored stainless steel and anodized non-stick aluminium. However, by 2018, the Revere Ware line was no longer in production.

Stainless steel vs. aluminum

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of cookware that initially crafted utensils from copper and stainless steel. Today, the brand produces four lines of distinctive stovetop cookware, some of which are made of stainless steel and some of which are made of aluminum.

Now, here's a comparison between stainless steel and aluminum:

Strength and Weight:

One of the most significant differences between stainless steel and aluminum is their strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum is typically not as strong as steel but is also almost one-third of the weight. This makes aluminum ideal for applications where reducing weight is crucial without compromising structural integrity, such as in aerospace, automotive, and architectural designs. Stainless steel, while stronger and more durable, is also heavier.

Corrosion Resistance:

Both stainless steel and aluminum offer excellent corrosion resistance when exposed to water or neutral fluids. Aluminum does not rust but corrodes when exposed to salt. On the other hand, stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant and does not easily rust due to its non-porous structure.

Thermal Conductivity:

Aluminum has superior thermal conductivity compared to stainless steel, which is advantageous in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where rapid heat dispersion is required. Stainless steel's lower thermal conductivity can be beneficial in situations where insulating properties are desired, such as in certain cookware and thermal processing equipment.

Electrical Conductivity:

Aluminum is an excellent electrical conductor, while stainless steel is a poor conductor compared to most metals. This makes aluminum suitable for electrical applications, while stainless steel is often used in components and housings for electrical equipment where preventing electrical transmission is essential.

Malleability:

Aluminum's lower tensile strength makes it easier to form, cut, press, bend, or shape compared to stainless steel. If you need to create customized shapes, aluminum's malleability can be a critical advantage.

Cost:

Aluminum is typically cheaper than stainless steel. Its lower cost, lightweight properties, and good corrosion resistance make it popular in various industries, including automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Stainless steel tends to be more expensive due to its higher strength, durability, and exceptional corrosion resistance.

Welding:

Welding stainless steel is relatively easier than welding aluminum due to their thermal traits. Aluminum's lower melting point and higher thermal conductivity require specific techniques and equipment, such as inert gas welding methods like TIG or MIG.

Food Service Use:

In culinary applications, stainless steel is less reactive with foods, making it a safe and hygienic choice. It does not impart any flavours or odours to food and resists corrosion from acidic or alkaline substances. Aluminum is more reactive with acidic and alkaline foods and may lead to a slight metallic taste or discolouration.

Applications:

Aluminum is commonly used in applications where weight reduction is essential, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and transportation industries. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is favoured in environments that demand high strength and resistance to heat and chemicals, including construction, industrial machinery, and culinary applications.

In summary, the choice between stainless steel and aluminum depends on the specific requirements of your project. Both materials have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.

Bakelite handles

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of cookware that traces its roots to American patriot Paul Revere. The earliest utensils were crafted from copper and stainless steel. The Revere Company introduced the unique idea of combining the two metals in the 1930s to create durable and easy-to-clean cookware. The copper bottom conducts heat quickly and evenly, while the stainless steel ensures the pan's longevity.

To complement this innovative design, Revere Ware incorporated heat-resistant Bakelite handles, one of the first heat-resistant plastics. These handles were a significant feature of vintage Revere Ware cookware, contributing to its overall functionality and performance.

The Bakelite handles of Revere Ware cookware not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the retro-chic aesthetic of the vintage pieces. Their distinctive appearance complements the classic design of the cookware, adding to its overall appeal.

Today, Bakelite handles remain sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts of vintage Revere Ware. These handles are often offered as replacement parts for modern cookware, allowing individuals to experience the unique benefits of this classic design.

Copper-bottomed pans

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of cookware that traces its roots to American patriot Paul Revere. The earliest utensils were crafted from copper and stainless steel. Today, Revere Ware is the number one brand of stainless steel cookware in the US.

In the 1930s, the Revere Company had the unique idea to combine copper and stainless steel to get the best of both metals. Copper conducts heat quickly and evenly, while stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. This concept, along with heat-resistant Bakelite handles, made for excellent cookware.

W. Archibald Welden designed the copper-bottom, stainless steel Revere Ware line, which was introduced in 1939. This line offered several advantages over its competition, including being lightweight and having rounded edges that were easy to clean. The copper bottoms heated quickly and evenly, while the stainless steel made for a durable, easy-to-clean pan.

However, in 1968, the company decided to cut costs by using less copper in the copper bottoms. As a result, Revere Ware made after 1968 doesn't distribute heat as well as the vintage cookware made between 1939 and 1968.

Today, you can find copper-bottom pans from various brands on the market, including vintage Revere Ware. These pans offer the benefits of even heat distribution and easy maintenance.

Revere Ware's current availability

Revere Ware is a well-known brand of cookware that traces its roots back to American patriot Paul Revere. The earliest utensils were crafted from copper and stainless steel, and the brand is best known for its copper-bottom, stainless steel pots and pans. The combination of stainless steel and copper allowed for a durable, easy-to-clean pan with quick and even heat distribution.

The brand has changed hands several times and is currently owned by Corelle Inc, which purchased it in 2018. Unfortunately, the company shut down the Revere Ware brand, and it is no longer manufactured. However, vintage pieces remain popular and are available through various sources.

For those seeking to purchase vintage Revere Ware, online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy often list pieces, with varying conditions and prices. Thrift stores, garage sales, and specialty collectors are also good places to find these coveted items.

While new Revere Ware is no longer available, the brand's legacy endures, and its cookware is still celebrated for its heat distribution, timeless design, and quality.

Frequently asked questions