Hand raised vs spun copper pans.

Tin-lined copper pans have a long history, crafted for thousands of years with meticulous care. In the earliest days, all copper pans were "raised" by hand—a process that involved hammering sheets of copper in concentric circles, gradually shaping the metal into the walls of the pan. This method required great skill and patience, resulting in stunning, one-of-a-kind cookware.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, a more efficient technique emerged: spinning copper disks at high speeds on a lathe. These disks were then bent around a mold to form the pan's walls, allowing for faster production and more consistent shapes. This innovation made it possible to produce copper cookware on a larger scale, without the labor-intensive hand-raising process.

Which technique is superior largely comes down to personal preference. Hand-raised pans are unique, often displaying subtle hammer marks and an even thickness of copper from base to rim. They are highly prized by chefs and collectors for their craftsmanship, but the labor-intensive nature of their production means they come at a premium price. Enthusiasts argue that the hand-hammering process compresses the copper, leading to more even heat distribution—a quality that sets these pans apart. The geometry and tolerances of hand-raised pans are determined by the individual craftsperson, which further adds to their distinctiveness.

On the other hand, spun copper pans are more affordable and widely available. While they lack the individuality of hand-raised pieces, they are still beautifully functional and suitable for everyday use. Spun pans are typically made in larger batches, so there may be slight variations in their tolerances from one batch to the next. The copper's thickness is generally uniform across the base and walls, though it can vary by as much as 1.5mm, depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers even use texturing hammers post-production to mimic the hammered appearance of hand-raised pans, though this does not replicate the work-hardening effect of the hand hammering process.

For those new to tin-lined copper cookware, a spun pan is often a good starting point. It offers a lower-cost entry into the world of copper cooking, allowing you to experience its unique properties without the significant investment required for a hand-raised piece. However, for those who already know they love cooking with copper, a hand-raised pan can offer unmatched quality and performance. In the world of tin-lined copper cookware, it’s difficult to find a better choice than a well-crafted, hand-raised pan.