It was well worn, with the lining gone, the exterior banged up from years of use. But something about the copper stockpot sitting in a Burgundy, France, antiques shop in 2004 called to Jim Hamann.

Lauded for its beauty and ability to conduct heat evenly, copper cookware is the tool of choice for serious chefs. The downside: The rosy-colored metal darkens with age and requires regular ...

Those gorgeous pots and pans will look brand-new again in no time—as long as you learn how to clean copper the right way There’s something about copper pots and pans that lures even novice cooks.