Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

• Where are your products made?
  • We produce all of our products at our workshop in Mexico, which has a history of working with copper that goes back over 1,000 years.  Our team of highly skilled master artesans brings many generations of experience to producing the highest quality copper products that you can find anywhere in the world.  We operate our office and warehouse in Austin, Texas, where we also run our re-tinning and repair services. 

 

• Are Sertodo pieces solid copper or copper-plated?
  • We use pure copper with no lining, coating or lacquer.  There is a small amount of zinc added in the foundry process to assist in the workability; the quality and benefits of copper are not affected.  Because of the intense work and processes we put our copper through to form our pieces, any other impurities in the metal would make it too brittle to withstand the transformation into the finished pieces. No, we do not use any lacquer on our products.
    

 

• What are the benefits of using uncoated copper? How do I clean uncoated copper?
• • We never utilize any type of coatings or lacquers in our copper products, because we are dedicated to providing the highest quality pure copper products to our customers. While many other companies utilize coatings in their products, we choose not to. This is because once the lacquers chip off or deteriorates, there is no way to restore the coating. Since we use only uncoated copper, our products will develop a natural patina. 
    
    
  • To remove patina: After use, handwash your copper goods with a mild soap (avoid lemon or citrus scented products), rinse thoroughly, and towel dry completely to avoid spotting.  The chemicals in your tap water will spot the copper.  Spotting can be removed with a good copper polish.  Do not use any type of abrasive scrubber on the exterior of your copper, as it will dull the high polish finish.
    
    
  • With use ovetime the copper will develop a blue/green verdigris patina. Verdigris is a natural patina that forms as the copper oxidizes, especially with acidity or salts, and is prevalent in coastal climates and highly mineralized water.  It is the copper forming a protective outer layer.
    
    
  • For the best polishing results, we highly recommend using Wright's Copper Creme. It polishes out even the toughest patina with ease and is as simple as hand washing. Lemon juice, vinegar, and salt are good natural alternatives, especially for the interior of your copper water goods.  Finish any polishing process by hand washing with a mild soap and towel drying completely.  The soap will neutralize any of the residual acidity from the initial polishing.

 

• What are the do’s and don’ts for daily cleaning?
  •  For daily cleaning, we recommend to: Clean out your pieces with warm water and a mild soap, only cleaning with the soft side of the sponge. We always recommend towel-drying our products immediately after washing to avoid spotting.  The chemicals in your tap water will spot the copper. 
    
    
  • We do not recommend putting your copper in the dishwasher.  That said, it won’t ruin your copper; the heat and dishwasher soap will patina your copper.

Sana Vida Filtration System FAQs

• Who is the maker of the AquaCera filters?
• AquaCera® products are manufactured by Ceramic Filters Company.  www.ceramicfilterscompany.com 

  AquaCera® water filtration systems offer the latest technology and the highest quality filtration available for the 21st century.

  Improving your life, one glass at a time.

  All of our ceramic filters are registered with the EPA 

  EPA Establishment Registration Number 067142-MI-001

  EPA Registration is here -  Click here for Letter

  
  

• Is this comparable with the Berkey Water filters?
• AquaCera CeraMetix filters are far superior to Berkey filters.  Berkey is no longer allowed to sell their filters due to many unsubstantiated claims they made to sell their product. AquaCera's ceramic filters are designed for a more thorough filtration process, backed by NSF and EPA certifications.

 

• What do they filter?
• From any water source; municipal systems, wells, rivers, and springs - our filter candles deliver very clean, high-quality drinking water by filtering out contaminants that affect the quality and taste of water.  In addition to the filter, the containers for our system are made from pure copper, an inherently clean material with very strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties among its many benefits. Below is a list of test results showcasing the many filtration capabilities of the AquaCera filters.
  • Made in the USA
  • NSF Standard 42 Certified - Material Requirements
  • Cleanable for prolonged life
  • 0.5 Micron absolute
  • >99.9% Efficiency at 0.2 micron
  • Meets or Exceeds NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53 for the following:
  • >99% Chloramine reduction
  • >99% Chlorine reduction
  • >99% Lead reduction
  • >98% Heavy metals reduction
  • >98% THM's (Trihalomethanes) reduction
  • >98% VOC reduction
    
  • >98% Glyphosate reduction
  • >98% Pesticides & Herbicides reduction
  • >99% Pharmaceutical compounds (ANSI/NSF Standard 401)
    
  • >98% Fluorinated Organic Acids (PFOA & PFOS)
  • >99% Micro plastics
  • >94% Radionuclides reduction
  • >92% Nitrates reduction
  • >92% Fluoride reduction - All types - Fluorosilicic acid/hydrofluorosilicate, sodium fluorosilicate, and sodium fluoride
  • Filters should be replaced annually

• Do you have a lab report I can check out?
• Yes, feel free to read the report here: CeraMetix® Lab Report

• What is the main difference between the Imperial CeraMetix Fluoride filters and the CeraMetix 7" Slimline filters?  
• Both filters remove all the same contaminants, bacteria, microplastics, etc. While the 7" Slimline filters offer fluoride reduction, the Imperial CeraMetix Fluoride filters have the additional capability of completely removing all the chemicals added to Fluorinate municipal waters.

 

• How many filters do I need?
• Although two 7" Slimline filters work fine, it is recommended to use four (4) filters to increase flow rate and longevity. We include two plugs with the unit so you can use two filters at a time, or pop out the plugs and use all four spaces. *Please note*-only two Imperial Fluoride filters can be used at a time in the system.

 

• How long can my water stay in the copper unit?
• One of the added benefits of using  a copper system is that copper is inherently an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal metal, so your water can stay in the unit indefinitely and stay fresh and clean to drink. If you are headed out on vacation, we do recommend draining the system and removing the top lid so the filters can dry out.

 

• What are the health benefits of drinking water from Copper-made materials?
• The Ayurvedic practice of storing water in copper for improved health and water quality goes back thousands of years.  Modern science has recently come to understand some of these benefits and describe them as ‘the oligodynamic effect’ on bacteria and viruses.  Drinking water from copper can offer several potential benefits, including improved digestion and enhanced skin and joint health. We have written about the special effects of the Oligodynamic effect in detail and have included links in our research.

 

• What is the difference between the Niagara Water Dispenser and the Sana Vida Water Dispenser?
• Our Niagara Water Dispenser we first made about 10 years ago and is solely a water dispenser with no filtration capabilities, just a beautiful vessel we made specifically to hold 5 gallon water jugs, glass or plastic, as you find with water delivery services such as Mountain Valley Springs... The Sana Vida Filtration System is a two stage gravity water purification system for customers looking for the added level of protection, security, purity and taste for their water source, be that municipal, ground or surface water. This is ideal for those who wish to filter their own water and not have to buy it.

 

• How can I clean my filtration system?
• We recommend cleaning your system at least once a year. It really depends on many factors, such as your preference for shine or patina and the quality of your water (some minerals in water will cause the interior to patina more quickly.  This does not adversely affect your water!)

• • We clean our copper two or three times a year with Wright’s Copper Crème.  It is a fast and effect way to remove any patina that can form both inside and out, and can be completely rinsed free.
    
  • We also remove patina from the interior of the vessel by adding the juice of a few lemons or a cup of vinegar in addition to a tablespoon of salt while the vessel is filled completely with water.  Let this sit overnight and it is a quick and easy way to bring back the pink bare copper surface free from patina.  If there is a very heavy patina, you can also use the scouring side of a sponge (on the interior only!  It will scratch the high polished exterior), or use the Wright’s copper cream.
    
  • After any of these processes, be sure to thoroughly rinse with mild soapy water after you have poured out and rinsed the polish or acidic solution.  This will neutralize any residual acid that may quickly patina your vessel. 
    
  • After a final rinse with pure water, thoroughly towel dry your copper (just as you would with silver or crystal) to avoid any spotting!

 

• Is the Sana Vida an electric system?
• There is no power required for the Sana Vida gravity filtration system. Just add your water into the top unit with the filters and let gravity do its work! The water will pass through the filters and down the filter stem into the dispenser for your use.

 

• Can I keep water in the top unit so it can filter down as needed?
• You cannot keep water in the top unit! It does not work as a reserve.  Any water added to the top filtration section, will be filtered into the lower dispenser and can OVERFLOW if the capacity of the lower unit is exceeded!  We do sell a site tube spigot that can be used to see the water level in the lower unit.

 

• How often do I need to replace my filters?
• Depending on the quality of your water,  it is recommended to replace your filters every 6 to 12 months. Each candle filters 400 gallons of water, so it depends on how often you are filtering your water and the contaminants the filter is removing.

 

• How do I install the filters?
• We prefer to give our filters a first rinse to remove any of the porcelain dust before placing them in the unit.  Unscrew the wingnut from the stem of the filter, and make sure the silicone washer is sitting flush to the base of the filter pushed up the stem so it is flush with the base of the filter. Insert the stem through the hole so that the filters are standing upright in the top unit.  Secure the filters by tightening the wingnut on the bottom side of the top unit. Be sure to flush the system at least twice before drinking. This initial flush will take time as the filters can be slow to saturate with water.

 

• Why is my water filtering slowly after the initial setup?
• The first 3 filtration cycles will be slow as the filtration candle saturates with water. This process may take up to 12 hours for the initial flushes and is completely normal; the flow rate will quickly improve with subsequent fillings. We recommend filling and flushing your system overnight or while you are away at work. After the first 3 flushes, each filtration cycle will take roughly 2-4 hours.

 

• Can I use the filters with well water?
• Yes, these filters are great with well water.  The filters will not remove the naturally occurring minerals in your water.  The filters will not ‘soften’ your water.

 

• What is the shelf life?
• The shelf life of the AquaCera CeraMetix filters is indefinite. In other words, they will last until you need them.

 

• Where are these filters made?
• All AquaCera filters are created and developed by the Ceramic Filters Company, Inc. Located at 9800 Wamplers Lake Road, Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA. 

 

• Can I use another brand of filters in your copper system? Do you sell the system without filters?
• We do sell the system without the filters listed on our site as the ‘Bare Bones’.  You can use any brand of gravity filters with our systems.  The pass-through holes are a standard industry size.  Just be sure to check that the filters have similar dimensions to the filters we use in our systems, approximately 2” diameter and 7” tall. 

 

Copper Cookware FAQs

• Why use copper cookware?

  • Aside from the beauty of copper pieces, copper is the ultimate conductor of heat! Copper is twice as thermally conductive as aluminum, and twenty times more conductive than stainless steel, meaning the pan heats up quickly and evenly without hot spots. Copper’s excellent conductivity also means that the cookware will cool down quickly after it’s removed from a heat source. This property gives increased control when cooking dishes that are temperature-sensitive, such as sauces, risottos, and tempered chocolate. The increased precision that copper cookware grants makes it the perfect tool for any chef, beginner or expert.

•  Is your copper coated and/or lined?

• • Our pure copper pieces are never coated with lacquers. Because of this, our products can be polished as desired and will develop a beautiful living patina with use. When copper is lacquered, it maintains a uniform shine; however, it chips easily and is often used to present a cheap product as a higher quality than it truly is. 

    
    

    The only lining that we use in our copper pieces is for our cookware; we utilize a pure tin lining. Tin is a naturally non-stick material, which is what makes our cookware the perfect choice for anyone avoiding Teflon, or who wishes to cook with ease and minimal cleanup time. If your tin ever needs a touch-up, we offer yearly re-tinning services, which will have you pan looking brand new and extend its longevity for years to come.

   

• Tin-lined cookware: heat limits, utensils, and when to retin
  

  • Tin lining has been used in copper cookware for centuries because it complements the conductivity of copper and is a naturally nonstick surface. 

  
  

  • You should not exceed 425°f when cooking with tin-lined products. This typically only happens by mistake, such as forgetting about a pot while the burner is on.  The tin will bubble when exposed to prolonged heat over 425.  This is only cosmetic and does not ruin your pan.  Copper will preheat much quicker than other cookware.  

  • When you begin to see copper exposed through the tin that is approximately the total size of a quarter, it is time to retin.  We are here to re-tin your cookware when you need it.  Unlike chemical non-stick coatings, your tin-lined copper cookware can be used for many generations with proper care and maintenance.  

   

• What should I know before cooking with copper?

  • We recommend cooking a fattier protein for the first few uses. To ensure the longevity of the pan, the key is to have plenty of liquid in the pan while cooking, such as butter, oil, or sauce. You don't want to let the pan stay on a stovetop, oven, or grill without anything inside while you are chopping, as the copper will conduct the heat from the stove immediately. The tin needs oil or some kind of liquid to transfer the heat to; otherwise, if it is dry and the heat is high, you can run the risk of bubbling the tin. If your tin bubbles, it is not dangerous and won't ruin your cookware; it will just cause small cosmetic bumps and inconsistencies in the tinning.

 

• Can I use my cookware in the oven? What is the maximum heat that I can use on a tin-lined pan? 

  • Yes, you can use your tin-lined cookware in the oven as long as the heat does not exceed 425°F. Tin has a melting point of 450°F. using heat that exceeds 425°F runs the risk of bubbling or completely melting the tin lining. A pan will only reach a temperature of  450°F on the stove if it is heated empty, which far exceeds the smoke point of most cooking oils. Please use caution when putting your cookware in the oven in order to maintain the longevity of your beautiful pieces.

 

• How do you maintain the tin on your cookware? What is a seasoning? 

  • The tin will 'season' with use, becoming darker. It's best to deglaze the pan when browning or searing, which removes the caramelized bits from the pan and can create a great sauce. Otherwise, soaking in warm water will help remove any food stuck to the pan. A natural bristle brush is best for scrubbing the pan.

    Don't use anything abrasive to clean with, such as Scotch Brite pads or the green side of the sponge, as it will scratch and wear away the tin lining. For the same reason, it is best to use wooden or silicone utensils with your copper cookware.  

•  How do you clean copper cookware?

• • It's best to wash the pan with mild soapy water, using only a natural-bristle brush or sponge, and then towel-dry it completely. Avoid allowing your pieces to drip-dry, as water can cause spotting to occur. Don't worry, if this happens, the spots can be easily polished away with Wright's Copper Creme. Always use only the soft side of the sponge, as the abrasive side will cause scratches that cannot be removed. If any food remains stuck, simply heat some water inside the pan and use a wooden or silicone spatula to loosen any remaining food.

 

• What is a ‘peacock’ patina? How do I care for it?

  •  A heat patina, otherwise known as a ‘peacock’ patina, is a natural discoloration that occurs in copper once it is exposed to high heat; it often appears as beautiful green, pink, and blue glazing on the bottom of cookware. The peacock patina is designed to be relatively maintenance-free, other than normal washing. These pans are made to last generations, however you use them. We make all of our products to be used, look good, and last a lifetime. The peacock patina requires no polishing - soap, water, and a sponge work great.

    
    

    ONLY WITH THE PEACOCK PATINA do we recommend occasionally using a Scotch Brite or the green abrasive side of a sponge. This will actually 'polish' the exterior of the pan. The abrasion removes the patina from the 'ridges' of the hammer marks and leaves a beautiful copper accent on the patinaed 'valleys' of the hammer marks. It's a nice look and can be repeated whenever you like, or not done ever. 

 

•  Can you use the cookware on an induction stove?
  • Unfortunately, copper cookware cannot be used on an induction stove unless a plate adapter is utilized (stainless steel and heavy carbon steel work best). For cookware to properly work on an induction stovetop, it needs to be magnetized, which is not a property of pure copper or tin. We recommend cooking with stainless steel on an induction cooktop for best efficiency.