Containers: Cooking Containers: Pewter

Pewter is a relatively soft metal, composed mostly of tin. The addition of small amounts of antimony and copper produce a somewhat stiffer alloy, but it is still easily bent or dented. Historically, pewter was made in two grades: fine or hard pewter, which was lead free, and common pewter, which had some lead substituted for tin to lower the price. Pewter has little effect on food flavor and oxidizes very slowly. This makes it a popular choice for plates, tankards, teapots, spoons, and other common eating utensils. Its low melting point and softness make it unfit for cooking utensils.