A Comprehensive Guide to Copper Vessels
Introduction
Copper vessels are some of the most popular and well-loved utensils in kitchens all over the world. They have been used for centuries for various purposes as they are considered to be some of the most versatile and useful utensils that you can own. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are used for a variety of purposes.
Whether you're just starting out your collection or you're looking to expand it, this comprehensive guide is for you! In this article, we will discuss the different types of copper vessels, their history of use, and everything else you need to know before making a purchase.
Table of Contents
- The History of Copper Cookware
- Types of Copper Vessels
- 4 Facts to Know About Copper Vessels
- Why Consider Cooking in Copper Vessels?
- What NOT TO store in Copper vessels?
- The Best Copper Vessel to store water
- Choose Wisely - Why Buy from Peaklifestore
- Key Takeaways
The History of Copper Cookware
Copper has always been a popular choice for both kitchenware and decoration, but did you know that it's also survived on Earth for millennia? Yes, you read that right, 1000's years. Copper was one of the most utilized metals in history, especially in Asia, Europe, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, before moving into the Bronze Age.
Let's go back in time and find out how copper smiths turned this soft, pink metal into everything from simple pots and pans to more elaborate works of art.
Proof of its use traces back to over 10,000 years ago in the Middle East where it replaced stone as the go-to material for cookware due to how easy it is to mold.
Copper cookware also has a long and storied history, with examples being found in China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Spain, Mexico, and India.
The first known use of copper was in the Middle East around 8000 BCE when people started fashioning jewelry, tools, and weapons out of the naturally occurring metal. Fast forward a few thousand years into early China and you'll find that the Chinese were using copper to create everything from bells and gongs to coins. One of the first known examples of metallurgy (the science of working with metals) comes from China in the form of a cup made out of copper and tin. This discovery dates back to around 1700 BCE, marking the beginning of the Bronze Age.
While the Chinese were busy creating new alloys and objects out of copper, people in Europe and the Middle East were also taking advantage of this malleable metal. Some of the earliest examples of copper cookware come from these regions in the form of kettles, pots, and pans.
The Mesopotamians, for example, would construct drinking pots, glasses, jugs, trays, plates, pans, and other items from copper, back in the day.
By the time the Roman Empire came into power, copper was so commonly used for cooking that the Latin word for copper (cuprum) became synonymous with "pan".
Over time, copper made its way into India. The lustrous metal was used to make vessels that became part of many Indian families' religious ceremonies; the scientific belief at the time being that copper could purify water.
Copper wasn't only recognized for its beauty, but also for its power to cleanse water and fight against sickness. Even now, there are religious ceremonies that use copper vessels and coins.
Copper has antibacterial properties that make it still widely used in a variety of tools, cutlery, and water-storage containers today.
Its usage is owed to copper's high resistance to corrosion and durability, making it an ideal metal for use in cookware.
Types of Copper Vessels
There are all sorts of different types of copper vessels, from simple pots and pans to more ornate pieces like vases and urns. Copper is used to make everything from copper water bottles, Cups, Mugs, Pitchers and many more vessels.
Let's take a closer look at some of them.
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Copper Bottles
There is no doubt that copper water bottles are some of the most popular copper vessels today. Copper is known for its antimicrobial properties, which means it can help purify water and fight off sickness.
Looking for a stylish and unique water bottle that will make you stand out from the rest? Look no further than our collection of Copper Bottles! Whether you prefer a simple and sleek design or something more eye-catching, we have the perfect water bottle for you.
Our Warli Print water bottle is decorated with traditional Warli art, while our Hammered water bottle features a textured finish that is sure to turn heads.
For something truly special, check out our Mandala Print water bottle – perfect for yoga lovers and spiritual seekers.
Don't forget our All Time Classics copper water bottles – perfect for those who want the classic look without any frills.
And last but not least, our Sleek Tower water bottle is perfect for those who want a modern and chic design.
So what are you waiting for? Order your Copper Bottes today!
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Copper Mugs and Cups
Another popular vessel made from copper is the Moscow Mule Mug. This type of mug is used to serve a refreshing cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. The copper helps keep the drink cool and gives it a unique flavor
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Pots and Pans
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which makes it ideal for use in cookware. It's also one of the most beautiful materials to use in the kitchen.
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Copper Water Pitchers
Copper water pitchers (or containers) are the best way to store water. They can hold large amounts of water and still be portable enough to serve your daily needs. The fact that water stays in contact for longer times in copper water pitchers, which inturn increases copper infusion, makes it an ideal vessel for water storage.
4 Facts to Know About Copper Vessels
Before you purchase any copper cookware, here are a few things you should take into account.
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Because copper is a good conductor, it heats up quickly.
Copper is one of the greatest heat conductors in the realm of metals. Unlike cast iron, copper heats up quickly, so you don't need to preheat it. It's also a good idea not to heat an empty pan.
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Even-Heat distribution
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, so it evenly heats up. You don't have to be concerned about any hot spots burning your food. For when you need consistent temperatures, copper cookware is the way to go.
- Copper cookware is often lined
Copper vessels are often lined with nickel, tin, or stainless steel to prevent a reaction between the copper and other elements. This helps keep your food safe and healthy.
- Copper Vessels are easy to revive
The metals most commonly used to line copper cookware are very tough and resistant to corrosion. However, if you have tin-lined copper, it will eventually wear away, no matter how well you take care of it. If the tin lining is damaged, you can always get your copper pots and pans re-tinned as needed.
Why Consider Cooking in Copper Vessels?
Copper isn't only beautiful; it also helps you while you cook by offering an assisting hand. Copper is a wonderful heat conductor: It warms quickly and remains warm, ensuring an even heat distribution and ultimately uniform cooking of your dish. This means you'll never have to worry about black burnt spots on utensils or scalding again, which is why we referred to as an assisting hand.
While we have you here, there's one thing we'd like to set the record straight on: Copper may be safely cooked in as long as it is encased in another, non-reactive metal lining. The majority of the time, linings are composed of nickel, tin, or stainless steel. Anything goes into these pots; the metallic lining will keep you and your meal safe.
Before you store or cook your meals in copper vessels, there are a few precautions to take.
Let's take a closer look.
What NOT TO store in Copper vessels?
There are a few things that you should be mindful of, before storing food in copper vessels. Acids, in contact with copper, cause corrosion and help to form copper salts such as blue vitriol (bluestone), copper sulfate, and verdigris, which can contribute to copper toxicity.
Consuming these harmful substances can result in short-term and long-term issues such as stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, excessive thirst, and other health problems.
When there is an excess of copper in the body, it becomes difficult for the body to get rid of it all. If this happens, it could lead to copper toxicity.
As a result, we advise against storing acidic products in copper containers.
Acidic products which should be avoided to be stored in copper vessels include dairy, processed foods that are high in sodium, soy sauce, fish, and red meats.
The Best Copper Vessel to store water
With so many different copper vessels on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here's a brief to help you choose the most effective vessel for storing your water.
Any copper vessel is preferable to no copper vessel for storing water, regardless of how large or small it is. If you want to receive the maximum benefits from storing water in a copper vessel, opt for a copper bottle or pitcher.
Because these vessels can store more water, they allow the copper to be in contact with the water for a longer time. This process infuses the water with copper ions, which have many benefits.
Check out our blog on Benefits of Using Pure Copper Water Bottle
Hammered copper bottles have a more textured surface, which can increase the number of copper ions that are released into the water. This is because the ions have more surface area to interact with. If you're looking for a copper vessel that will infuse your water with the maximum amount of copper, you should surely go for a hammered copper bottle.
Check out our collection of Hammered Copper Bottles.
Choose Wisely - Why Buy from Peaklifestore?
Beware of retailers who oversell their copper cookware. Many sellers purport to have authentic copper vessels when they are merely plated metal containers. Because of this, the metal itself develops a patina over time as well as from continual exposure to a metallic surface, which may be harmful to one's health.
In addition, some vendors use a harmful lacquer on their copper vessels, which can contaminate the water or any food stored inside.
Another aspect you might want to think about is if the copper utensils were manufactured correctly. With pitchers and mugs, for example, the handles shouldn't be screwed or glued onto the vessel since it could result in being exposed to other materials which can taint water quality. Furthermore, poorly constructed copper vessels can peel away the surface of the pieces, releasing copper shards into the water.
At Peaklifstore, we take great care of everything mentioned above. We pay close attention to our customer's needs and ensure that they receive exactly what they want.
We use genuine copper in the manufacture of all our products, ensuring that they are safe and long-lasting.
Key Takeaways
For a long time, copper vessels have served their purpose. They are long-lasting and safe, and they allow for the storage of water. Drinking water from a copper vessel has many advantages, and it contributes to the reduction of plastic pollution in our environment.
Check out our comparison guide between Copper Vs Plastic Vs Steel Bottles
There are various types of copper vessels like - copper bottles, pitchers, pots, pans, cups and mugs out there.
However, you must be wary of where you acquire your copper vessel from, since some vendors may try to hide other metals beneath the surface or coat them in deadly lacquer. Always go with a reputable supplier of high-quality copper water vessels when buying.
Feel free to comment below if you would want us to cover a specific topic on Copper and its usage.