Podcasts by Cookware Doctor

Episode 25: Copper as a Contact Killer from 2022-06-01T21:46:52

What does it mean that copper is a "contact killer" or that the metal is anti bacterial / anti viral? Host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen discusses the molecular properties, interaction with oxygen...

Episode 24: Patching Tin Linings on Copper Pots from 2022-05-17T19:47:48

Ever wonder if you can patch a hole in your tin lining by "spot tinning"? What are the possibilities, pros, and cons to do so? Host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen goes over the basics on how you mi...

Episode 23: The 3 Kinds of Cookware Iron from 2022-05-07T00:53:46

Cookware typically uses grey iron, ductile iron, and cast steel (in the old days there was wrought iron from blacksmiths, but that time is pretty much gone for mass production of cookware). Host...

Episode 22: What is a Tinsmith Convergence? from 2022-04-30T23:13:51

If you wish to meet other tinsmiths or coppersmiths, get hands-on experience, crash courses in building cookware, and the history of cookware making, consider learning what a convergence is, how...

Episode 21: Apprenticeships: What they mean today from 2022-04-26T02:08:18

Host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen talks about how she found her apprenticeship, the misconceptions of today’s society about what an apprenticeship should look like, and how these hands-on experie...

Episode 20: Seasoning Stainless Cookware - How it Works from 2022-04-18T15:49:10

While everyone is aware cast iron cookware should be well-seasoned, the information about how to season and properly use stainless cookware is less known, even though many of us have stainless c...

Episode 19: Polishing and Cleaning Copper Cookware from 2022-04-12T01:32:53

There are several different methods to cleaning and polishing copper cookware exteriors. From the natural method, to chemical, to mechanical, host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen walks you through a...

Episode 18: Bake in Copper: Cookies, Pizza and More from 2022-04-02T04:21:27

Ever wonder if copper works as a baking surface? Is it better or worse or different from other types of baking sheets out there? Join host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen as she discusses the pros, ...

Episode 17: Cooking in Copper with Tomatoes and Acids from 2022-03-11T19:09:40

If you wonder if copper cookware (especially tin-lined) can hold up to acidic foods, tomatoes, or, heck, even be good for baking lasagna, here's a discussion on how and why you'd be using copper...

Episode 16: Discussing Copper Cookware Handle Types from 2022-03-05T17:44:49

Host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen discusses the different types of handles found on copper cookware, what it can signify in terms of age and dating cookware, and the pros and cons of the multiple...

Episode 15: The Four Kinds of Cookware Seams from 2022-02-18T16:34:51

Vintage cookware was hand-built for centuries (OK, it's still done!) and there are four seams that make up the trade - butt, lap, crimp and cramp. Coppersmith Sara Dahmen discusses the strengths...

Episode 14: Copper Cookware's Riveting Rivets and Why They Matter from 2022-02-11T05:41:03

They're a small thing, and a tiny part of cookware building, but rivets really matter! The science of what rivets to use, why they work the way they do, and what it takes to replace and restore ...

Episode 13: Copper Cookware Tin Lining Troubles, Tips and Use from 2022-02-05T04:58:23

Hello after a hiatus (I'm blaming the pandemic!)! This first episode of 2022 covers copper cookware tin linings. They come off fragile and precious, but they're not.  Coppersmith and host S...

Episode 12: All About Saucepans with Vertical or Horizontal Handles from 2021-03-24T19:39:02

This episode we answer more listener questions and discuss why some vintage copper sauce pans have handles that are vertical and some are horizontal. What was the purpose of this discrepancy, an...

Episode 11: Is My Copper Pot Fixable & What's a Tinker's Dam? from 2021-03-08T20:31:47

This episode host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen tackles the question she gets on a daily basis: is my copper pot fixable? The answer, as always, is a little bit complicated, but in the end, it's a...

Episode 10: How to Use Copper Moulds from 2021-02-21T22:38:41

Answering some questions again about copper moulds! From soufflé to canele, and all the decorative ones in between, host and coppersmith Sara Dahmen discusses the ins and outs of the moulds typi...

Episode 9: What's a Bail? Plus Revereware and Lots of History! from 2021-02-08T19:44:29

Covering some questions sent in: what's the thing that swings from hinges on a pot? And what's the deal with Revereware - is it still made? Can it be dated? How is it linked to Paul Revere? Our ...

Episode 8: Is Vintage Copper is Food Safe or Restorable and How to DIY from 2021-01-18T05:35:11

If you inherit or purchase copper cookware and are uncertain if it’s usable, food-safe, needing retinning, repairs or restoration, this is the episode for you. Sara, coppersmith and host, discus...

Episode 7: Tinning Copper Cookware and Unusual Shapes from 2020-12-21T04:31:43

Diving into more questions from listeners, Episode 7 discusses what "flux" is in regards to copper cookware - the different types available to smiths now, and what is considered all-natural and ...

Episode 6: Enameled Cast Iron & Cooking with Tomatoes from 2020-12-06T17:47:51

Is cast iron safe for cooking tomatoes? What about enameled ironware? Why do people often say you should only cook certain things in cast iron, enameled iron, and tin-lined copper? Want to know ...

Episode 5: Tips to Determine the Age of your Copper Pot from 2020-11-22T03:08:16

Have a burning question on whether your copper pot is vintage, new, or super old? Host Sara gives you an overview of some pretty obvious ways--and some lesser known tricks--to determine the aver...

Episode 4: What's Your Handle Made Of? from 2020-11-09T02:38:04

I can't believe I named this episode as a prepositional phrase! But it's the most concise question: what's your cookware handle made of? Cast iron or wrought iron? Stainless and aluminum and cop...

Episode 3: The 3 Types of Cookware Rivets from 2020-10-26T14:03:32

This episode is all about...rivets! That's right - the tiny pieces that make it all come together are far more intricate and important for a variety of reasons - and are also one of the reasons ...

Episode 2: Identifying Iron Cookware Plus Smoke Rings! from 2020-10-06T03:22:27

Welcome to episode 2 of Cookware Doctor!

Diving into iron cookware this week! We identify the ways iron - wrought and cast - is used in cookware, both vintage and modern pieces. Plus some...

Episode 1: Windsor Copper & Fry Pan Fixes from 2020-09-18T03:55:25

Welcome to episode 1 of Cookware Doctor! 

On our first podcast, I'm discussing why the Windsor copper pot design is one of my favorites. We also dive into why you should NOT grill gr...