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Discoloration of stainless steel utensils with copper bottoms

I have a couple of stainless steel utensils. Each has a copper bottom. After a few years I have noticed that the inside of the utensil has turned blackish - like it has oxidized. I am not able to remove this discoloration. I have other such utensils that are perfectly alright - without any discoloration. Can anyone tell me what might be the cause of this discoloration?

Thanks.

MN Parthasarthy
- Bangalore, India
July 1, 2008

July 7, 2008

There are two things that come to mind.
1) The inside of the utensil may not be stainless steel, or the same grade as stainless as the outside of the utensil.
2) Acid (from certain foods) and alkalies (soaps) can get trapped inside causing corrosion. When you dry after washing, or place in dishwasher, make sure the inside of the utensil can drain completely. Place upside down to dry. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
process engineer - Malone, New York

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