Looking for something that removes burnt-on food without scratching your cookware?
A copper scourer might be exactly what you're after.
Biome customers regularly describe the Redecker Copper Cleaner Scourer as “every bit as effective” as steel wool for removing stuck-on food, but much gentler on pots, pans and hands. They also love that food debris doesn't get trapped in the mesh and that it's completely plastic-free.
Why copper scourers work so well
Copper is softer than stainless steel, which is why many people find it removes cooked-on food without the same scratching risk as steel wool or harsh green scourers.
One Biome customer explained it simply:
“Copper scourer gets stuck on food off pots and pans with far less scratching the surface than other scourers.”
Another said it was:
“Very effective at getting stuck on bits off without damaging pots.”
That is the main reason people switch. They still need something strong enough for baked-on food, but they do not want to damage the pots and pans they use every day.
What makes it different from steel wool?
Steel wool can be effective, but it can also be rough on cookware, unpleasant on hands and prone to rusting.
Customers who previously used steel wool often describe copper scourers as the better everyday option:
“I normally use a steel wool scourer… but the copper scourer is every bit as effective, and doesn’t scratch pots if used as suggested.”
“Way better than steel wool, doesn’t rust and isn’t prickly on the hands.”
The Redecker Copper Cleaner Scourer is also loosely woven, so food particles rinse out more easily. One reviewer said:
“The copper mesh is loosely woven so debris does not get caught in it, and it is readily rinsed clean.”
What can you use a copper scourer on?
Customers have used the Redecker Copper Cleaner Scourer on:
- Stainless steel pots and pans
- Enamel cookware
- Le Creuset enamel cookware
- Metal sinks
- Roasting pans
- Plates and dishes with cooked-on food
- Burnt butter, baked-on sauce and stubborn residue
For lighter dishwashing, use a softer brush, sponge or dish cloth first. Keep the copper scourer for the stubborn jobs. You can find more plastic-free washing up tools in Biome’s brushes, sponges and scrubbers collection.
Can you use a copper scourer on Le Creuset?
Yes, customers specifically mention using Redecker copper scourers on Le Creuset enamel cookware.
“I have been using Redecker copper scrubbers on my Le Creuset enamel cookware for several years… Copper is great for enamel as it’s softer than steel scrubbers so doesn’t mark or damage it.”
Use gentle pressure and avoid scrubbing aggressively. As with any valued cookware, test first on a small area if you are unsure.
Can you use a copper scourer on non-stick pans?
Some customers have used the copper scourer successfully on non-stick cookware.
“Used this on a nonstick pan and metal sink with no scratches on either.”
That said, non-stick coatings vary, and many manufacturers recommend very soft cleaning tools only. For non-stick pans, use light pressure and avoid using any scourer if the coating is already worn or damaged.
Does a copper scourer scratch stainless steel?
Copper is softer than stainless steel, so it is generally less likely to scratch stainless steel than steel wool or highly abrasive scrub pads.
Several reviewers mention using it on stainless steel pots and pans with good results:
“No more stains on my stainless steel pots and pans.”
“I use these for cleaning my stainless steel pots… gentle enough not to cause scratches on surfaces but still do a great job on cooked-on food.”
Why people are moving away from green scourers
Green scourers are usually made from synthetic plastic fibres combined with abrasive minerals and bonding resin. Each time they wear down, tiny plastic fragments can wash down the drain.
They can also be too abrasive for many household surfaces, including non-stick pans, polished stainless steel, glass, plastics and delicate porcelain.
If you are trying to reduce plastic in the kitchen, swapping out green scourers is a practical place to start. One Biome customer described the copper scourer as:
“Totally plastic-free, works well and gets the job done.”
For a deeper look at plastic-free washing up, see Biome’s related guide: Can you wash dishes without plastic?
Shop the copper scourer
The Redecker Copper Cleaner Scourer is a plastic-free option for removing stuck-on food from pots, pans and cookware.
How to use a copper scourer
- Soak the pot or pan first if food is badly burnt on.
- Add a little dishwashing liquid or use with a solid dish block.
- Scrub gently in circular movements.
- Rinse the scourer well so food does not remain in the mesh.
- Let it dry between uses.
For dishwashing liquids and Biome’s dishwash block, browse the dishwashing collection.
How to make your copper scourer last longer
A few customers mention that copper scourers can wear out faster if they are used too roughly or on the wrong job. One reviewer said theirs did not last as long as a previous copper scourer, while another said someone in their household “managed to kill each one in 3 days” by using them too aggressively.
To help your copper scourer last:
- Use it for pots and pans, not BBQ grills or heavy outdoor cleaning.
- Soak burnt cookware first so you do not need to scrub as hard.
- Do not pull, twist or stretch the mesh.
- Rinse it thoroughly after each use.
- Let it dry between uses.
- Use a softer brush or sponge for everyday washing up, and save the copper scourer for stuck-on food.
Used this way, many customers find they last well. One reviewer said:
“They last and they don’t scratch pots and pans.”
Is a copper scourer worth it?
If you regularly deal with burnt-on food, baked-on sauce or stubborn residue, a copper scourer is a simple and useful kitchen tool.
It is especially worth considering if you want:
- A plastic-free alternative to green scourers
- Something less scratchy than steel wool
- A scourer that rinses clean easily
- Something effective on cooked-on food
- A scrubber that is gentler on hands
As one customer put it:
“Gentle but clean really well.”
Shop the copper scourer
The Redecker Copper Cleaner Scourer is a plastic-free option for removing stuck-on food from pots, pans and cookware.
Quick answers
Are copper scourers better than steel wool?
For many kitchen jobs, yes. Customers say copper scourers remove stuck-on food effectively but feel gentler on cookware and hands than steel wool.
Do copper scourers rust?
Copper does not rust like steel wool, though it may naturally darken or change colour with use.
Can copper scourers be recycled?
Copper is recyclable. Check your local recycling options and make sure the scourer is clean before recycling.
Do copper scourers trap food?
The Redecker copper mesh is loosely woven, and customers say food debris rinses out more easily than with many conventional scrubbers.
What should I use instead of green scourers?
For stuck-on food, a copper scourer is a strong plastic-free alternative. For everyday washing up, use a dish brush, cellulose sponge, loofah or soft cloth.
