An American Classic: Revere Ware Pots and Pans
When my husband and I were married 25 years ago, our newly merged kitchen overflowed with duplicates of everything from rolling pins to spice racks.What we did not have was a decent set of matching pots and pans. So one Thursday night a year after the wedding we bought our first and only set of classic Revere Ware on sale at the old H.C. Prange Co. in downtown Green Bay.
It was just like the stuff my mother bought in the late 1950s and was still using in the 1990s. I've added to my supply over the years, and recently augmented it with vintage pieces from my late godmother and Aunt Dorothy's copper-bottom collection, but I have no intention of ever replacing it with a higher-price, higher-status product. It has served me well over the past 24 years.
Durability, Value and History
Apparently I am not alone. For many vintage lovers, Revere Ware is a desirable find at yard sales and resale shops. Devotees say the newer products are not made as well as the vintage products - no surprise there.
For more information of the value of using Revere Ware, read this. Also, check out this Facebook page, devoted to Revere Ware.
Revere Ware is, like Paul Revere himself, an American original. Read more about its history here.
Caring for Vintage Revere Ware
As for keeping those copper bottoms shiny, my preference is baking soda and white vinegar. But there are several other methods, including lemon and salt.
Here's an interesting discussion on cleaning copper and the properties of popular kitchen abrasives.
The Revere Ware I bought in 1990 is in excellent shape. The black handles are intact. But handles on the older pots and pans often come apart - literally - at the seam. You can buy new handles and hardware here.
When we sold my mother-in-law's house, my husband found a set of three Revere Ware canisters. I use those, too. I like knowing my collection has been well used and well loved by my other mothers.
This is not a sponsored post. I have no affiliation with Revere Ware. I just like using it.
Comments
I'm down to one pot from the original set (purchased in '92), though if I came across vintage pieces I would buy them. I'm partial to cast iron for frying pans, and enamel coating for everything else, but oh the nostalgia of popcorn made in the Revere. Dad burnt it most of the time, but scouring the pot was well worth it.
I love cast-iron pans for omelets and other dishes made with eggs and I have a few enamel pieces as well, but it seems Revere Ware is what I turn to for everyday use.