Retinning Your Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Copper pans are a favourite among chefs, and many choose to get their pans retinned to give them a new lease of life. There are several companies that offer retinning services, including East Coast Tinning, Atlantic Retinning, and Rocky Mountain Retinning. The cost of retinning a copper pan depends on its size and can range from $4/inch to $10/inch. Some companies offer discounted shipping for return carriage. When deciding whether to retin a copper pan, it is worth considering that the process involves grinding out the interior and thoroughly polishing the exterior.

Shipping costs can be a major part of the overall expense

Some retinning services, such as Rocky Mountain Retinning, include the return shipping cost in their invoice, so you know exactly what you're paying for upfront. Others, like East Coast Tinning, offer free inbound shipping but require an additional fee for the return. This can range from a few dollars for pick-up to a more substantial sum depending on the weight and dimensions of the package.

To save on shipping costs, some people choose to send their newly purchased copper pieces directly to the retinner. This eliminates one leg of the shipping journey and can result in some cost savings. However, this option may not be feasible if you want to use the item before it is retinned.

When dealing with multiple pieces, shipping costs can add up quickly. Some companies offer discounts for larger quantities, so it's worth inquiring about potential bulk discounts before committing.

It's also important to note that the cost of shipping can vary depending on the size and shape of the pan. For example, oval or rectangular pans may be calculated differently than round pans, and larger items over a certain size threshold may be charged at a higher rate.

In conclusion, while retinning services can vary in price and quality, shipping costs are an important consideration that can significantly impact the overall expense. It is advisable to research and compare different providers, taking into account their location, shipping policies, and any potential hidden costs, to make an informed decision that balances quality, speed, and budget.

Prices are calculated based on the size of the pan

The price of retinning a pan is often calculated based on its size, with larger pans typically costing more to retinn than smaller ones. Some companies calculate the size of a pan by adding the diameter and height together, while others may use the diagonal dimension from the base to the lip of the pan.

For example, East Coast Tinning and Atlantic Retinning in New York charge $4 per inch, with "inches" computed by multiplying height by diameter. So, a 12 x 2 skillet would cost $96 to retinn. Rocky Mountain Retinning in Colorado charges $5 per inch but computes size by adding the height to the diameter. So, the same 12 x 2 skillet would cost $70 to retinn at Rocky Mountain. For pots larger than 18 inches, they charge $10 per inch.

Gameson & Sons in the UK calculates the retinning cost by multiplying the diagonal dimension of the pan (in millimetres) from the base to the top by £0.24 including VAT. So, a 200mm diameter lid would cost £36 to retinn.

It's worth noting that some companies may include additional services such as dent removal and polishing in the price, while others may charge extra for these services. Shipping costs can also vary depending on the company and location. When considering the price of retinning a pan, it's important to take into account the specific measurements and services offered by the retinning company.

The traditional hand wipe method uses the purest grade A tin

The traditional hand wipe retinning method uses the purest grade A tin. This process is used by Rocky Mountain Retinning, a company based in Denver, Colorado, which has been praised by customers for its "unbelievable job" and "totally pleased" customers. The cost of retinning copper cookware, including polishing, is $7 per inch, with larger items over 18 inches charged at $10 per inch.

Retinning is a physical process that involves grinding out the interior of the pan to remove the old tin and thoroughly polishing the exterior. This can be costly, so it is worth considering the condition of the pan and whether it needs to be refurbished. If you are happy with the semi-restored state of your pan, you may decide to skip the process.

However, if you are looking to give your copper pans a new lease of life, retinning is a great option. Companies such as Gameson & Sons in the UK and East Coast Tinning in the US offer this service. Prices vary depending on the size and shape of the pan, but it is generally calculated based on the pan's dimensions. For example, Gameson & Sons charge £0.24 per millimetre for round pans, while East Coast Tinning charges $4 per inch for pans with straight sides and $5 for those with splayed sides.

When choosing a retinning service, it is important to consider the company's reputation and whether they offer additional services such as dent removal and polishing. Shipping costs can also be a significant part of the overall expense, so it may be worth looking for a local option or enquiring about shipping costs upfront.

Tin melts at a temperature of over 450°F

Tin melts at a temperature of over 450 °F. This property of tin is important to keep in mind when considering tinned copper cookware. While tinned copper pans are popular among chefs, the tin coating melts at relatively low temperatures. This means that cooking with vegetable oils, which have a smoke point above 450 °F, could cause the tin to melt.

Tin is a soft, silvery-white metal that is malleable and ductile. It is soft enough to be cut with little force, and a bar of tin can be bent by hand with minimal effort. Tin has a variety of applications, including in alloys such as bronze and pewter, and in tin-plating to prevent corrosion in steel.

Retinning copper pans involves applying a new layer of tin to the cookware. This process can be done by hand, using the traditional method of wipe tinning with molten pure tin. There are companies that specialize in retinning copper pans, and they typically charge based on the size of the pan.

When considering retinning copper pans, it is important to keep in mind the melting point of tin. While tin is useful for its protective properties, its low melting point means that it may not be suitable for use with certain cooking oils or at high temperatures.

Some companies offer a next-day tracked and insured service

Newlyn Tinning, also based in the UK, offers return shipping via ParcelForce for parcels up to 30kg. Their prices are £11.00 with insurance up to £100, and £16.50 with insurance up to £500. For higher values, they suggest arranging additional insurance yourself.

It is worth noting that these prices are for return shipping within the mainland UK, and that non-mainland UK postcodes may incur extra charges.

Frequently asked questions