PanSpanBaumalu
BAUMALU S A Baumalu Skimmer, Copper
Is the Baumalu copper skimmer a useful upgrade for skimming broth and frying, or is it mainly a decorative copper utensil?
It is both a working skimmer and a handsome copper utensil: use it to lift food from liquid or skim a pot, then let it earn its place on a pot rack. The copper head and cast-iron handle give it a traditional look, while its 31.5 cm length makes it a practical everyday reach rather than a tiny display piece. I’d choose it if you cook stocks, soups or fried food often and enjoy caring for classic cookware. If you want a low-maintenance utensil you can toss in the dishwasher, this is the wrong one.
From the Amazon listing
- ✓Copper
- ✓Cast iron handle
Will it do the jobs of a skimmer spoon or spider?
Yes: a skimmer is the right kind of utensil for lifting food out of hot liquid while letting liquid drain away, and it is useful for clearing foam from broth. It also gives you a gentler way to lift poached eggs than a solid spoon. For frying, use it to retrieve pieces from the oil, but work carefully and let them drain over the pot before transferring them. If most of your cooking is stirring and serving, a solid spoon will get more use.
Is copper hard to keep looking good?
Copper naturally changes appearance with use, so expect it to lose some of its bright new shine and develop a patina. That is part of the appeal of a hanging copper utensil, not a sign it has stopped working. Hand-wash it, dry it promptly and avoid leaving it soaking; polish only when you want to restore more shine. The hand-wash routine is simple, but it is not a utensil for someone who wants every tool to go straight into the dishwasher.
Is it safe around food, and will the handle get hot?
Use it as a utensil for brief skimming and lifting, rather than leaving it in a pot or using it to store acidic food; copper can react with acidic ingredients during prolonged contact. The handle is cast iron, which conducts heat, so keep it away from the hot pan and use a dry cloth or mitt if it has been resting near heat. Treat it like a metal cooking tool, not an insulated handle.
Is it a good copper cookware gift?
It makes a more useful gift than a purely decorative hanging spoon for someone who regularly makes stock, soup or fried food. The copper finish suits a kitchen with copper cookware on display, and the hand-wash care is manageable for someone who already looks after traditional kitchen tools. If the recipient wants a specifically Mauviel or De Buyer piece, buy by that brand rather than treating this as a substitute.
Who it suits
This skimmer is for the home cook who regularly skims broth, lifts poached eggs or retrieves fried food, and wants the tool itself to look at home beside copper cookware. Pick it if you appreciate traditional materials and are happy to hand-wash and dry your utensils.
What you give up
- Copper needs more attention than stainless steel if you want it to stay bright; patina and hand-washing are part of owning it.
- A cast-iron handle is not a cool-touch grip. Keep it clear of the hot pan and protect your hand if the handle has heated up.
- The copper look is not proof of a particular French origin or brand heritage. Choose it for the material, use and style, not an assumption about where it was made.
You will also want
Because this skimmer needs hand-washing and is best kept close at hand, a drying towel and a place to set it down will make it easier to use and care for.
Homaxy 8 Pack 100% Cotton Kitchen Towels and Dishcloths Set, Rust | 12 x 12 Inches and 13 x 28 Inches Kitchen Towels Set, Ultra Soft Absorbent Dish Cloths for Washing Dishes
Keep a rust-coloured towel nearby to dry the hand-washed skimmer promptly; the warm tone also sits naturally alongside copper.
Beautiful Ceramic Spoon Rest for Stove Top Set of 4 - Holder for Countertop | Perfectly Sized, Easy to Clean and Dishwasher Safe - A Perfect Addition to Any Kitchen Counter for Everyday Cooking
A spoon rest gives you a clean place to set the skimmer between passes instead of laying it on the counter.
Bivvclaz Kitchen Utensil Holder, 6.7" Utensil Holder for Kitchen Counter, Cooking Utensil Crock with Cork Bottom, Modern Farmhouse Decor, Countertop Utensil Storage Organizer Caddy, Black
Use a countertop crock to keep the skimmer within reach, provided its opening and depth suit the utensil.
Questions buyers ask
What is a copper skimmer used for?
It lifts food from liquid while allowing the liquid to drain, and it is handy for skimming foam from stock or soup. It can also lift poached eggs and retrieve fried food from oil.
How do I keep a copper skimmer from tarnishing?
Hand-wash it, dry it promptly and do not leave it soaking. Copper changes appearance naturally; polish it when you want a brighter finish, rather than treating every bit of patina as a problem.
Is the Baumalu copper skimmer food-safe?
Use it for brief contact while skimming or lifting food, and do not leave it sitting in acidic liquid or use it to store acidic ingredients. Copper can react with acidic foods during prolonged contact.
Does the cast-iron handle get hot?
Cast iron conducts heat, so the handle can become hot if it is left near or in contact with a hot pan. Keep it clear of the cookware and use a dry cloth or mitt when needed.
How can I spot fake decorative copper cookware?
A copper-coloured finish alone does not establish what a utensil is made of. Check that the material is clearly identified as copper and look closely at the utensil’s overall construction; if you need proof of composition or origin, ask the seller for documentation rather than relying on appearance.
Is this a Mauviel or De Buyer copper slotted spoon?
No; this is the Baumalu copper skimmer. If the specific Mauviel or De Buyer name matters to you, choose a utensil sold under that brand and compare its construction and care requirements.
More in Kitchen Tools & Accessories
If the copper finish, hand-wash care or skimmer shape is not quite right for your kitchen, browse the other utensils in this category for a better match.
