Copper Bathtubs & Cazos Question from Chris - Answered

Quoting Chris: "Out of curiosity how much would one of those copper bath tubs or cazos for cooking carnitas run if I went to Santa Clara myself?"

There are many factors controlling the copper products market these days - The wild swings in the price of copper and the desperation that has set in from a downturn in business are the two major ones. For those who haven't been to Santa Clara del Cobre, one would be totally amazed by the shear number of manufacturers and shops. Products are manufactured from recycled copper sheeting produced by about a half dozen local smelters and there is a bunch of family politics regulating who deals with which supplier/smelter.

At the present time, virtually none of the manufacturers publishes a price list and may only quote prices good for a certain 24 hour period. We haven't priced a bathtub in quite some time and have never had a call for a cazo. The pricing may depend on whether or not they have one on hand in the size and configuration you want and just what the cash flow means to them at that point in time. I am guessing but I would say that one can probably find a bathtub for around $2000 USD +/- but I will also warn you that one must take a very careful look at the gauge of the copper used in the tub. Thinner copper equals a flimsy tub, less heat retention and basically an inferior product. While I lay no claim to having much knowledge about cazos, I would bet that the same would apply to them. There are any number of manufacturers/shops who do display cazos and it is probably just a matter of finding a style and size you like. Getting to Santa Clara del Cobre is an easy drive and I made it in less than 5 hours from Lake Chapala last August.

Here is a link to a catalog which shows all types of sinks and bathtubs (towards the back):
https://picasaweb.google.com/113004810728401553444/COPPERKITCHENBATH#5549189640614548786

For anyone interested in going to Santa Clara del Cobre for copper products, I will be happy to share a couple of known contacts where Spanish is not required and I personally know that you will get a fair and honest product and price. From there on, you are on your own and it is up to the manufacturers and yourselves.

Gracias Neil

I am heading there next week and will check out what I can Chris. I'll take some pics too.

Lots to see so don't just stay around the Plaza. Tho there is a basic demonstration put on by the pueblo ... at least sometimes

http://sparks-patzcuaro.blogspot.mx/2006/02/santa-clara-del-cobre.html

Have fun Bob, they have some great stuff there.

I will probably be headed there next Friday so stay tuned.

Believe me, you can go absolutely wild in Santa Clara. Such beautiful craftsmanship and custom work. Worth every penny. Hope you will post photos. Have a great trip.

I never did make it there a few weeks ago however we have booked to go on Noe's bus tour to there at the end of July so will get a lot of pics and some prices.

Don't burn out on tourist trips. A few months or years down the line you may be looking for things you've never done