Because of the way copper warms up quickly and evenly distributes heat, it has been the preferred metal of cookware for hundreds of years. There are no hot spots within the pots that can burn or scorch food during cooking.

James Peterson, chef and author of Glorious French Food uses copper pots for three important reasons: food rarely burns, the metal is so lovely the meal can be cooked and served in the same pot, and most copper cookware will last a lifetime. "You can keep your copper pots your entire life, because they are virtually indestructible," he says.

Peterson offers suggestions for cooks looking to purchase copper cookware:

• Make sure the pots have iron handles rather than brass because they do not get as hot. This is also a sign that they are made for professionals and not just for decoration.
• Find pots that are oval or unique shapes because they are attractive and can be used to serve the food.