Discovered my affection for classic French copper cookware during a visit to Monet's home in Giverny, and now I've found an affordable alternative
Paragraph 1: Famed impressionist painter Claude Monet lived in a pastel-pink cottage in Giverny, France, from 1883 until 1926, surrounded by the wildflower gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces. Fast forward to the present day, and we can bring a piece of that French charm into our own kitchens with the help of affordable French-style cookware from IKEA, or the more traditional, professional-grade copper cookware from brands like Mauviel.
Paragraph 2: IKEA's FINMAT pots, developed in-house, are quick to heat up and maintain an even temperature throughout cooking, according to customer reviews. They are also examples of good induction pans, making them a versatile choice for modern kitchens. Priced affordably, these pots capture the warm, golden glow that makes copper appealing, while offering easy care thanks to the stainless steel interior.
Paragraph 3: For those who prefer the authentic French copper cookware, Mauviel, founded in 1830, continues to make cookware in Normandy. Their five-quart pot can be used for boiling pasta or cooking a one-pan casserole for the family. However, it comes at a higher price point, with a two-quart pot costing nearly $300.
Paragraph 4: Hestan offers a professional-grade copper cookware with copper that is both decorative and structural, delivering legendary responsiveness. Authentic copper cookware, like Hestan's, is made from thicker, solid copper and lined with stainless steel. This ensures even heat distribution and durability, but comes at a premium price.
Paragraph 5: Back in Giverny, Monet's kitchen was swathed in blue and boasted a large collection of French copper cookware. This, coupled with the wildflower gardens, makes for a mesmerising countryside house and garden that has captivated many, including this author. For those inspired by Monet's French countryside home, our guide on how to design a French provincial garden might be of interest.
Paragraph 6: In the meantime, while we can't all live in a pastel-pink cottage in Giverny, we can certainly bring a touch of French charm into our own kitchens with the help of affordable French-style cookware from IKEA or the more traditional, professional-grade copper cookware from brands like Mauviel. This author, for one, is planning to simmer ratatouille in one of IKEA's copper pans. Bon appétit!
