Tillie Doyle
Copper pans are making a comeback in kitchens, with many cooks and chefs swearing by them. Copper is the best conductor of heat of any metal used for cooking, 25 times better than stainless steel. This means that once the heat hits the pot or pan, it heats evenly and immediately. Tin linings are non-toxic, non-stick, and food-safe. They also prevent copper oxides from forming when cooking acidic foods, which can make food taste strange and cause mild poisoning. If you have an old copper pan, you can re-tin it yourself, but it's a tricky process involving cleaning, pickling, and melting tin granules. There are also companies that offer retinning services, with prices calculated based on the size of the pan.
Characteristics and Values Table for Re-tinning Copper Pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Tinning | To prevent copper oxide formation from the reaction of bare copper with acidic foods |
| Benefits of Copper Pans | Best conductor of heat, superior cooking performance, even heat distribution, non-stick properties, and improved health |
| Tin Benefits | Non-toxic, non-stick, and 100% food-safe |
| Tin Impacts | Trace amounts of tin oxide are absorbed, offering potential health benefits like improved fatigue, depression, energy, and more |
| DIY Tinning Process | Cleaning, pickling, applying sal ammoniac, adding tin granules, heating, and wiping |
| Professional Services | Gameson & Sons, Newlyn Tinning, Sherwood Tinning, Ruffoni US, and more |
| Cost Calculation | Multiply the diagonal dimension of the pan (base to top) in mm by the cost per mm (e.g., £0.24/mm including VAT) |
| Weight and Quality | Heavier copper pans with thicker walls generally indicate better quality |
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What You'll Learn
Why retinning is necessary
Copper pans are often lined with tin to prevent acidic foods from reacting with the copper and producing copper oxides (also known as verdigris), which can make food taste strange and even lead to mild poisoning if consumed in large quantities. This is why retinning is necessary—to ensure that the copper pan remains safe for cooking and does not affect the taste of food.
Tin is also a non-toxic, non-stick, and food-safe material that is 25 times more conductive than stainless steel, allowing for even heat distribution and responsive temperature control when cooking. This makes it a popular choice for chefs and cooks who demand the best. Additionally, tin is a safe metal element that does not impart any flavour or harmful by-products into food, making it a healthier option compared to other materials like PTFE, which has been linked to health risks.
Another reason why retinning is necessary is to restore and refurbish old copper pans. Antique copper pans with worn-out tin linings can be given a new lease of life through the process of retinning, making them functional and safe for cooking once again. This is especially true for copper pans that are well over 100 years old, which are often used not just for display but also in professional kitchens.
Furthermore, retinning can improve the overall appearance of copper pans. The process involves deep cleaning, dent removal, and exterior polishing, transforming grungy and scary-looking antique pans into beautiful and functional cookware. This is especially important for those who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of copper cookware.
Finally, retinning can be a cost-effective solution for those who want to continue using their old copper pans. While professional retinning services can be expensive, ranging from $4 to $10 per square inch, it is still a more economical option compared to constantly buying disposable cookware items. Additionally, for those who enjoy DIY projects, it is possible to retinn a copper pan at home with the right research and materials, further reducing costs.
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How to clean an old copper pan
Copper pans are highly sought after by cooks and chefs due to their superior heat conduction and even heat distribution. They are also aesthetically pleasing. However, old copper pans can look grungy and unappealing. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean an old copper pan:
First, assess the quality of the pan. Older copper pans usually have "'dovetail' or "'finger' joints where hammered copper sheets were joined together. The thickness of the walls and the overall weight indicate the quality of its construction. Thicker walls and heavier weight are better.
Next, thoroughly clean the pan. Soak the pan in hot vinegar or water for 30 minutes to remove grime and restore shine. Scrub the pan until it is completely clean. If there is still grime or verdigris (green copper oxide) remaining, use a Brillo pad or fine steel wool to scrub it away.
After the pan is clean, it needs to be degreased. Soak the pan in an acid pickle solution. Always use a plastic container, such as a 5-gallon paint bucket, and pour the water in first, followed by the muriatic acid.
Once the pan is clean and degreased, it is ready for retinning. You can either send it to a professional retinning service or attempt to retin it yourself using tin granules and sal ammoniac. If you choose to do it yourself, wear a mask as the reaction between sal ammoniac and heat creates harmful smoke. The tin will stick to the pot due to the sal ammoniac acting as a flux. As the pot gets hot, add the tin granules, and keep mixing the liquid tin. Use a plumber's wad and gloves for this step. Make sure the pan is heated properly so that the tin and copper can bond.
Retinning copper pans can be a fun process, but it is important to follow the correct procedures for the best results.
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Pickling and acid pickling
Pickling is a crucial step in the re-tinning process for copper pans. It involves soaking the pan in an acidic solution to remove any remaining grease, carbon build-up, and old tin lining. This step ensures that the pan is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the new tin coating.
One common method for pickling is to use a plastic container, such as a 5-gallon paint bucket, and fill it with water and muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid). It is important to always pour the acid into the water and never the other way around for safety reasons. The pan is then soaked in this solution for a period of time, which helps remove any impurities and leftover residue. After pickling, the pan should be thoroughly rinsed to remove any traces of the acidic solution.
Some people also mention using an additional acid flux, such as liquid zinc chloride acid flux, in their process. This is a standard body shop material that aids in the tinning process. It is important to work with these acids in a well-ventilated area or outdoors due to the strong and corrosive fumes they produce.
Acid pickling is an important step in the re-tinning process as it ensures the pan is free of any substances that might interfere with the new tin lining. It is a crucial preparation step that helps achieve a smooth and even coat of tin. After the pickling and rinsing process, the pan is ready for the application of the new tin coating.
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Applying the tin lining
The first step in applying the tin lining is to clean the copper pan thoroughly. This can be done by soaking the pan in hot vinegar or water for 30 minutes to remove any grime and then scrubbing it until it is completely clean. It is important to ensure that all the verdigris (green copper oxide) is removed from the pan. After cleaning, the pan should be soaked in an acid pickle to degrease it and make it spotless. Always use a plastic container and follow safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and a mask.
Once the pan is clean and dry, the next step is to heat the pan over a fire or with a plumber's torch. It is important to ensure that the pan is heated evenly and accurately to facilitate proper bonding between the tin and copper. Be careful not to overheat the pan, as this can burn the cloth used in the next step.
As the pan is heating, add sal ammoniac, which acts as a flux and helps the tin stick to the pot. The sal ammoniac will create smoke, which is harmful, so ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a mask. Once the smoke starts to increase, add tin granules to the pan. The tin will melt as the pan heats up and will take on a shiny, transitioning colour.
Using a plumber's wad and gloves, mix the liquid tin and add a bit more sal ammoniac. Continue heating and mixing until the tin and copper bond properly. It is important to note that the first attempt at tinning may not be perfect, and you may end up with excess tin or uneven coating. With practice and trial and error, you will improve your technique and achieve better results.
To facilitate even heating, you can try moving the pot around, but be careful not to overheat specific areas. The process of hand-wiped tinning requires patience and practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Remember that your results may vary, and it is always an option to seek professional retinning services if you are not comfortable with the process.
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Cost of retinning
The cost of retinning a copper pan can vary depending on the size of the pan and the service provider. Some companies charge by the diagonal dimension of the pan in millimetres, while others charge by the inch. For example, Gameson & Sons charges £0.24 per millimetre, including VAT, for the diagonal dimension of the pan from the base to the top. They also charge £0.18 per millimetre for round flat lids. On the other hand, East Coast Tinning charges $8.00 per measured inch, with free inbound shipping. Rocky Mountain Retinning charges $5.50 per inch for smaller items and $8.00 per inch for larger items over 18 inches.
The cost of retinning a copper pan can also depend on the condition of the pan and the level of service provided. Some companies offer additional services such as deep cleaning, reshaping, dent removal, and rivet tightening. Newlyn Tinning, for instance, offers a full service that includes deep cleaning to remove all carbon and grease, reshaping and dent removal, rivet tightening, and mechanical stripping of the old tin lining.
It is worth noting that retinning a copper pan is a specialised skill and there are only a handful of companies that offer this service. As such, the cost of retinning may reflect the time, expertise, and craftsmanship involved in the process.
While it is possible to retinn a copper pan yourself, as demonstrated by the Instructables guide, it may not yield the same results as a professional service. Additionally, the cost of materials and equipment, such as tin and muriatic acid, should be considered when opting for a DIY approach.
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Frequently asked questions
Copper pans are often lined with tin to prevent acidic foods from reacting with the copper and producing copper oxides, which can be harmful to health.
If you're looking to buy a copper pan to re-tin, pay attention to the thickness of the walls and the overall weight as these indicate the quality of its construction. The heavier the pan, the better. Older pans often have "dovetail" or "finger" joints where hammered copper sheets were joined together.
The cost of re-tinning a copper pan depends on the size of the pan and the company doing the re-tinning. Some companies offer cost calculators on their websites, while others charge a flat rate per millimetre.
Yes, it is possible to re-tin a copper pan yourself. However, it is a tricky process that requires several steps, including cleaning the pan, pickling it in an acid solution, and applying a new layer of tin.
