Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/5/2006

Question
One pan has a knick in bottom imterior, and all look rather dull.  Maybe a little cleaner would help there, but they don't become shiny again.  Thanks for previous reply.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

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I have been married 58 years and have used the same Revere pans with copper bottoms.  Are they still safe?  I hope so as I have become rather attached to them.
Thanks
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Hi Shirley,

Yes, Revere ware are excellent pans that do a great job of conducting heat.  

I'm suprised you've been able to keep the same pans for 58 years -- that's remarkable. There used to be a Revere Ware plant near my home town when I was growing up and we would go to the factory outlet and buy pans.  Unfortunately, those days are long gone.

I'm curious why you thought your pans are not safe to use? The copper on the bottom is designed as a heat conductor since stainless steel is not a good conductor of heat. The copper can become tarnished but I doubt that your's has since they've been in constant use all these years.

I hope this answers your question.  If you have additional questions, please let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension

Answer
Hi Shirley,

Knicked stainless steel is not harmful to use. However, it makes it more difficult to clean.

58 years for one pan is a long, long time -- maybe a record!!!  Maybe you should ask Santa for a new set of pans! I went to the Revere Ware website: www.revereware.com and found that they are still making the pans (they come with a 25 year warranty).

Good luck Shirley,

Carol