Copper Cataplana (9.5 in)

I wanted a copper Cataplana pan, handmade in Portugal. I only found two, this and one from SurLaTable (which looks machine made) this one has a more natural hammed look .I got the biggest and I think smaller would just become an ornamental shelf display. It is fair quality and has good balanced weight. It is suitable for making a dish for four to 8 people, it's not a huge pan. The tinning, which has a hexagon texture from the hammered exterior, looks complete and substantial. The rounded bottom is flat enough to sit on a gas burner, but no way would it work on electric or induction. This is not substantial cookware, it is not a saute pan, it is not Mauviel, Ruffoni or AllClad --- if they had made this it would cost 1K and of course be a lifetime piece. It is a gorgeous lite-cookware/serving pan. The rivets for the hinge and handles are a little funky and will require gentle handling always. I feared that at this price, I would be getting a piece of junk and I am pleased with the quality for the money and happy to give this review.I will be sauteing in a skillet and adding everything to this pan which will slowly finish my dish on low heat and then be served in the pan at the table. You are supposed to open it and use the top half of the clam shell as a heaping bone dish for the seafood shells of your Cataplana recipe. The removable copper plated pin allows the lid to easily separate from the bottom, it fits snugly. The pan halves can nest..I give 5 stars because for this money for a hand-made pan shipped from Portugal, its well worth it. Judging as a quality piece of cookware, I would give 3.I will update as I use this more. Shipping was $4.49 and NO sales tax was added-good! NOTE TO SHIPPER: Your box was very inadequate, especially for international shipping. Mine arrived OK, but it might not have.

Ordered as a wedding gift along with a Portuguese cookbook. They look great and work like they're supposed to. Bought one for ourselves years ago at Sur Le Table for a lot less money but they don't carry this item any longer. Recently travelled to Portugal and found them at a fraction of the cost. The middleman, once again, is making a lot of jack while cataplanas cross the ocean.

This item worked great and turned out just like the meal we had in Portugal however when I received the item the two sides clamp down like they are supposed to but the back one did not line up so I couldn’t close it on the back one but since the sides ones worked I used it anyway. It probably would work even better if all the clamps worked properly.

I was able to fit 2 pound each of clams and mussels in the 10.6 inch cataplana. Based on the recipe I used from Ming Tsai's cooking show, the meal was out standing. What an interesting cooking vessel. The meal and the presentation were the stars of the party.

I bought it for a gift ..just like mine...they are great.!!!

Used it for the first time to cooked clams and mussels worked perfect

Love it

Just what I ordered. Perfect!