Non-Stick Copper Pans: Why Do They Fail?

Non-stick copper pans are marketed as revolutionary cookware with non-stick coatings that require no clean-up. However, many consumers have reported that these pans stop working as advertised after a short period of use, with food sticking to the pan and the coating wearing away. This is due to the non-stick coating degrading over time, and improper use such as overheating or using aerosol oils. While some suggest replacing the pan, others recommend alternative materials such as cast iron or carbon steel for more durable non-stick properties.

Non-stick coating wears away

Non-stick coatings on copper pans wear away over time, and this is accelerated by improper use and cleaning. Copper pans are aluminium pans coated with a copper-toned ceramic non-stick finish. While they release food well when first purchased, their release properties will wear off over time. This means that food will start to stick to the pan, and it will become harder to clean.

Copper pans are not dishwasher-safe, and harsh cleaning products and abrasive cleaning tools can damage the non-stick coating. For example, sprays like PAM contain a lecithin additive that ruins non-stick coatings.

To preserve the non-stick coating for as long as possible, it is recommended that you preheat the pan gently before adding oil and ingredients. At no point should anything smoke.

Food sticks to the pan

Non-stick copper pans are aluminium pans coated with a copper-toned ceramic non-stick finish. While they release food well when first purchased, their non-stick properties will wear off over time. This means that food will start to stick to the pan, and it will become harder to clean.

There are a few reasons why food may be sticking to your non-stick copper pan. Firstly, it could be that the non-stick coating has worn away. This can happen quite quickly, even within a couple of weeks or months of daily use, and can cause food to stick and the pan to become more difficult to clean.

Another reason could be that the pan has been overheated. Copper pans distribute heat evenly and absorb it quickly, so leaving them on the stove for too long or letting them catch fire can cause a burnt smell and taste, and food to stick.

Additionally, using certain cooking sprays, such as aerosol canola oil, or cleaning the pan with steel wool or abrasive wool, can damage the non-stick coating.

If the non-stick coating on your copper pan has worn off, there are a few things you can try to restore it. One method is to create a paste with white vinegar, table salt, and flour, rub it into the bottom of the pan, and leave it to dry before rinsing with hot water. You can also try using lemon and table salt to rub away burnt residues and stubborn stains.

However, if these methods don't work, you may need to buy a new pan or consider investing in a different type of cookware, such as cast iron or carbon steel.

Pans burn

Copper pans are popular for their stylish, timeless look and their ability to distribute heat evenly. However, they require careful maintenance to keep them in good condition.

Common Causes of Burning

Copper pans can burn due to various reasons, including:

• Leaving the pan on the stove for too long
• Leaving the pan empty on the fire for an extended period
• The pan catching fire

If any of these situations occur, the pan may develop an unpleasant burnt smell and taste.

Steps to Fix a Burnt Copper Pan

If your copper pan has burned, don't despair! Here are the steps you can take to try and fix it:

• Remove burnt residue: Fill the pan with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and let it soak for at least an hour.
• Sand off the burnt residue: Use a soft scouring pad to scrub off any remaining residue. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive wool.
• Ketchup treatment: Cover the burnt area of the pan with a thick layer of ketchup and let it sit for an hour. Then, wash the pan with hot water and scrub gently.
• Salt, flour, and vinegar paste: Mix these three ingredients to form a paste and rub it into the bottom of the pan. Let it dry, then wipe off the remnants and rinse with hot water.
• Lemon and salt treatment: Cut a lemon in half and rub the sliced portion on some table salt. Use this to scrub away any remaining burnt residues or stubborn stains. Rinse the pan with hot water and wipe it dry.

Preventing Future Burning

To prevent your copper pan from burning in the future, it is essential to follow proper maintenance practices. Always clean your pan promptly after use and avoid leaving it on the stove or empty on the fire for too long. Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and use.

When to Replace

While the above steps can help restore a burnt copper pan, there may be cases where the damage is too severe. If the burnt parts cannot be removed, it is time to invest in a new copper pan. Remember that copper pans are a costly investment, so choose a reputable brand and maintain your pan properly to ensure its longevity.

Pans scratch easily

Copper pans are a popular choice for home cooks due to their quick and even heating capabilities, but they require careful maintenance to prevent scratching. Scratches can occur if copper pans are not cared for properly, and this is true of almost all cookware, from stainless steel to cast iron. The quality of the pan is a significant factor in scratch resistance, as poorer-quality pans are more prone to scratches.

To prevent scratches, it is recommended to use non-metal utensils such as wooden or silicone tools when cooking with copper pans. Metal utensils are a guaranteed way to scratch cookware, including cast iron. Stacking copper pans in a cupboard will also likely result in scratches or dents, so it is best to hang them or use fabric liners between pans if stacking is necessary. Copper pans should also never be put in the dishwasher, as the high temperatures and jostling movement can cause scratches and dents.

Even with proper care, scratches may still occur on copper pans. Exterior scratches can often be buffed out using copper cookware cleaners, and these scratches do not affect the pan's functionality. However, deep scratches that expose the copper part of the pan render it unsafe for use. For tin-lined copper pans, re-tinning is required before using it again, while stainless steel pans cannot be recovered and must be discarded.

Some consumers have reported issues with non-stick copper pans, including chipped coating, sticking food, and scratched surfaces. It is important to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of copper pans and prevent scratching.

Pans are difficult to clean

Non-stick copper pans are known for their superior heat conductivity and durability, but they can be prone to discolouration and burning if not properly cared for. Copper is a soft metal that can scratch easily, so abrasive cleaning tools should be avoided.

To prevent scratching, it is important to be extra careful when cleaning copper pans and to avoid using too much pressure. Soft brushes and cloths are recommended, as well as non-metal, non-abrasive cleaners.

Copper pans should be cleaned regularly to avoid cross-contamination. If you are using a copper pan for the first time, it should be washed in warm water with soap to remove any grease and dirt.

For tough stains, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be used. Lemon juice can be used instead of vinegar, and a soft cloth should be used to rub the mixture onto the pan in a circular motion. The pan should then be rinsed and dried.

Another method for removing tough stains is to fill the pan with water and about 1/4 cup of baking soda, then put it back on the burner and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. The pan can then be washed with soap and water.

For burnt copper pans, a paste of salt and lemon juice can be applied to the bottom of the pan and scrubbed in a circular motion with a dish scrubber. The pan should then be rinsed with warm water and dried with a cloth.

A commercial copper cleaner can also be used on burnt pans. The cleaner should be applied to the bottom of the pan and scrubbed with a soft cloth, then rinsed with warm water and dried.

It is important to note that copper pans should not be cleaned in the dishwasher, as the detergent can damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions