How Copper Pots Are Made

An expert shows how this classic cookware is spun on a lathe, tinned, and finished.

By Daniel Gritzer

Daniel Gritzer Daniel is the editorial director of Serious Eats, where he leads the site's editorial strategy and oversees everything from recipe development to articles on food science, cooking techniques, and more. He's a former food editor at Food & Wine and has cooked in New York City restaurants.

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Updated on October 27, 2026

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How Copper Pans Are Made

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In ancient times, copper was worked by hand with a hammer. But most copper pans aren’t made that way today—it’s simply too laborious. That leaves two preferred methods for creating most pan shapes: spinning on a lathe or forming in a press.…