Let’s be actual — for those who’re nonetheless cooking on scratched-up Teflon pans, it’s time for an intervention. Over the past handful of years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in kitchens throughout America. Well being-conscious foodies are ditching their typical PFAS nonstick cookware quicker than you may say “endocrine disruptor” and embracing one thing much more enduring: ceramic.
Pure ceramic cookware isn’t simply one other passing wellness pattern. It’s a back-to-basics strategy that conjures up you to decelerate and be extra aware, not nearly your meals but additionally the cookware you prepare dinner it in. I personally have been utilizing Xtrema pure ceramic cookware for over 10 years, and I’m an enormous fan. It seems, I’m not the one one.
“Like most inexpensive choices, comfort reigns in a single regard, however there’s a sacrifice in one other. My emotions about nonstick cookware went from ease of use to sick comfy instantly after I examine endlessly chemical compounds.”
— Ciara, Xtrema Buyer
We caught up with three Xtrema converts who not too long ago made the swap from poisonous PTFE pots and pans, they usually couldn’t be happier about their resolution.
Meet Michelle, whose 12-year battle with chemical sensitivity had her primarily homebound (assume pandemic lockdown, however for 4 years); Ciara, a younger skilled navigating her wellness journey one kitchen improve at a time; and Renay, a full-time RV dweller who’s proof that you simply don’t want an enormous kitchen to commit to wash cooking. Right here’s what they needed to say about their expertise with Xtrema pure ceramic cookware.
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The Considerations That Prompted the Change to Ceramic Cookware
Nothing ruins a scrumptious, home-cooked unfold like the belief that your cookware is likely to be including a facet of PFAS (in any other case often known as ‘endlessly chemical compounds’) to your favourite meals. These three dwelling cooks weren’t having it anymore.
“Nonstick pans weren’t even an possibility for us due to the chemical compounds concerned. It felt like it doesn’t matter what we selected, there was all the time a ‘however.’ Xtrema was the primary cookware that didn’t go away me second-guessing or worrying.”
— Renay, Xrema Buyer
Q: Have been there any particular well being or security considerations that pushed you to modify out of your earlier cookware to Xtrema ceramic cookware?
Michelle: “I had beforehand been utilizing some nonstick cookware that was very scratched, although I solely use picket utensils. I’d learn that endlessly chemical compounds had been launched into meals from poisonous cookware and eaten, which is what prompted my seek for a more healthy cookware possibility. I began studying about stable ceramic cookware from Xtrema. And if I used to be going to spend cash on cookware, I needed the actual deal, not ceramic-coated cookware.”
Ciara: “I used to be anxious in regards to the scratches on my nonstick-coated pans. Additionally, as a result of most of them should not made to final, it was getting costly to interchange my pans each different 12 months (as an alternative of three to five years like they declare). We don’t even have chrome steel utensils to scratch them up — they’re simply that poorly made.
Renay: “We’re extraordinarily intentional in regards to the issues we enable into our kitchen as a result of they find yourself in our our bodies. I turned increasingly involved about nonstick coatings, aluminum, and even forged iron leaching chemical compounds or metals into our meals. We work exhausting to supply clear substances, so it didn’t make sense to prepare dinner them in one thing that might undo that. Discovering a cookware possibility that’s actually non-toxic — with no metals, coatings, or endlessly chemical compounds — was actually vital to us, and that’s what led us to Xtrema.”
How Xtrema Differs from Their Earlier Cookware Experiences
We get it — shopping for new cookware is hard. When confronted with a mountain of cookware analysis (or focused Instagram advertisements), it may be tempting to stay together with your standard pots and pans and name it a day. However shopping for those self same previous low cost, poorly made, nonstick pans is in the end hurting your well being, and also you’re not even saving cash in the long term!
Plus, spending extra doesn’t all the time imply getting extra, both — even costly cookware can use poisonous nonstick PFAS coatings. Listed here are a number of the different cookware choices these three ladies had been utilizing earlier than making the swap to Xtrema.
“Xtrema utterly modified my cooking expertise! The items are straightforward to make use of, and I now not should stress about coatings flaking off into our meals.” — Michelle, Xtrema Buyer
Q: Are you able to describe your expertise with different cookware you’ve used up to now?
Michelle: “We had bought a Breville Wok, Zojirushi Rice Cooker, not precisely low cost items. These are what had the nonstick coatings that had been being scratched by picket spoons. The purpose was to prepare dinner wholesome meals for me and my husband, however we couldn’t try this with peeling coatings.”
Ciara: “I’ve used largely conventional nonstick cookware my complete life. It’s largely been low cost, straightforward, and never a lot fuss. However I began to get anxious when articles within the mainstream media began throwing out titles mentioning endlessly chemical compounds. Like most inexpensive choices, comfort reigns in a single regard, however there’s a sacrifice in one other. My emotions about nonstick cookware went from ease of use to sick comfy instantly after I examine endlessly chemical compounds.”
Renay: “Earlier than switching, we used forged iron, glass, and chrome steel. Forged iron was superb for some time, nevertheless it requires numerous upkeep. Even when it’s well-seasoned, there are nonetheless limitations (like with acidic meals). Stainless-steel appeared like a greater possibility at first, however I later realized it will possibly nonetheless leach nickel and chromium, particularly when cooking for lengthy intervals of time.
Nonstick pans weren’t even an possibility for us due to the chemical compounds concerned. It felt like it doesn’t matter what we selected, there was all the time a ‘however.’ Xtrema was the primary cookware that didn’t go away me second-guessing or worrying.”
How Ceramic Modified The Manner These Residence Cooks Prepare dinner
Gradual cooking is the unique mindfulness apply. Who wants a meditation app when you have got dinner to make with contemporary substances? These three have turned their cooking routines into one thing near kitchen remedy, proving that generally, the wellness trade’s subsequent large factor is definitely returning to one thing people have been doing for 1000’s of years.
“It’s actually made life simpler and extra peaceable. I don’t should babysit my pans or take into consideration what I’m cooking in them.” — Renay, Xtrema Buyer
Q: How has cooking with Xtrema ceramic cookware modified your day by day cooking expertise?
Michelle: “Xtrema utterly modified my cooking expertise! The items are straightforward to make use of, and I now not should stress about coatings flaking off into our meals and poisoning us. It’s great cooking with utterly wholesome cookware items for each stovetop, broiling, or baking want I’ve. Even our Tea Kettle! It stays on our entrance burner 24/7, so we have now scorching water for tea anytime we wish it.
I additionally use citrus marinades extra usually now with Xtrema, with out the fear of it reacting like it could with steel cookware.”
Ciara: “Utilizing Xtrema has slowed my husband and I down in the very best approach. It was, admittedly, an annoying adjustment. My husband and I seasonally work lengthy hours, which suggests we fell into the ‘fast and simple’ cooking routines rather a lot. However after we modified our meals from quick to home-cooked, we began to decelerate.
And switching to ceramic cookware means slowing ALL the way in which down. This, nonetheless, has been a web constructive. We consciously select what we’re going to arrange, and as a result of nature of ceramic cookware wants, we now slowly and consciously prepare dinner the meals we’ve chosen for the week.”
Renay: “It’s actually made life simpler and extra peaceable. I don’t should babysit my pans or take into consideration what I’m cooking in them. And with no dishwasher, hand scrubbing pots and pans could be burdensome. Xtrema reduces the variety of dishes I want to scrub as a result of I can go from stovetop to oven now with no second thought.
Plus, clean-up is a lot easier. It’s given me one much less factor to fret about in a life the place I already spend a lot time deliberately sourcing and getting ready our meals.”
Why Ceramic Was the Proper Selection
Q: What elements had been most vital in your resolution to decide on ceramic cookware on your meals?
Michelle: “I needed pans that didn’t comprise endlessly chemical compounds. I made a decision on ceramic, after which I discovered Xtrema as a result of I most well-liked stable ceramic to ceramic-coated merchandise.”
Ciara: “I needed cookware that was each sturdy and simple to look after. I really like that these pans can face up to meals that takes time to make and could be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. I additionally love a pan that takes effectively to each soaking within the sink but additionally could be put within the dishwasher if wanted. It’s the perfect of each worlds.”
Renay: “Well being was primary. I wanted to know no doubt that our cookware wasn’t secretly harming my household. Sturdiness was subsequent — if I’m going to spend money on one thing, I would like it to final. And eventually, versatility. Dwelling and touring full-time in an RV, we want instruments that may multitask so we aren’t carrying round 1,000,000 totally different cookware items. The truth that Xtrema works on the range and within the oven makes it an ideal match for our life-style.”
Does Meals Style Totally different?
Bear in mind when everybody began carrying chrome steel water bottles, swearing they might style the distinction of their water? Seems they may have been onto one thing. The cookware equal of these water bottles is alive and effectively in these kitchens.
Q: Have you ever seen any variations within the style or high quality of meals ready with Xtrema ceramic cookware?
Michelle: “I’m a tea drinker, and have seen water from the kettle tastes cleaner than water from the Breville Tea Maker we used to make use of.”
Ciara: “I haven’t seen any taste variations, however I do know that my meals cooks extra evenly general due to the fabulous warmth distribution and retention.”
Renay: “Sure! Meals simply tastes clear — there’s no metallic or chemical aftertaste that you simply generally get with different cookware. I additionally really feel like the way in which it heats extra gently and evenly brings out higher taste, particularly in issues like sauces, stews, and sautéed veggies.”
Different Compelling Causes to Change
Q: Past well being concerns, had been there different elements (environmental, sturdiness, aesthetics) that influenced your resolution to decide on Xtrema?
Michelle: “I appreciated that it was stable black. Once I obtained my first piece, I appreciated the burden of the merchandise. I additionally just like the alternative program. They get very slippery when moist, so I’ve needed to exchange one piece resulting from a dish-washing mishap.”
Ciara: “I selected Xtrema as a result of the corporate genuinely believes in its merchandise and the common shopper’s capability to make use of them. I investigated SO MANY manufacturers that had been ‘skilled grade,’ however they made me really feel like I wasn’t sufficient of a chef to make use of and look after them.
Xtrema touts skilled efficiency, however is notably designed for ‘actual folks,’ because it states on their homepage. I felt like I used to be getting a excessive performing product with out having to be a high-performance chef. It’s great to buy from an organization that believes within the shopper of their merchandise.”
“Meals simply tastes clear — there’s no metallic or chemical aftertaste that you simply generally get with different cookware.” — Renay, Xtrema Buyer
Renay: “Completely. Sturdiness was enormous — I don’t wish to hold rebuying cookware each few years. I additionally recognize that Xtrema’s merchandise are higher for the planet. They’re designed to final; they received’t simply turn into landfill waste a 12 months from now. Plus, they’re lovely!
I really like that one thing so simple as cookware can look timeless and chic whereas additionally being utterly useful. I really like sharing our meals and cooking experiences on social media and with health-minded shoppers. Exhibiting off our lovely cookware is so enjoyable, and everybody all the time asks the place we acquired it!”
Fan Favorites: Most-Used Xtrema Merchandise
Transfer over, forged iron cult — there’s a brand new cookware obsession on the town. When you’re contemplating taking the plunge, listed below are some stand-out items to start out your assortment. (P.S. My favourite is Xtrema’s Dutch Oven — you may learn all about why I adore it in my detailed overview!)
Q: Which Xtrema merchandise do you utilize most often, and for what sorts of cooking?
I like to make use of the Grill Pan to heat up bread, pastries, and meat — it’s a really versatile piece! The 7-inch Skillet is ideal for omelets and scrambled eggs.”
Ciara: “We primarily use the 11-inch Signature Skillet and the 12-inch Versa Pan. Because it’s solely my husband and I, we make primarily ‘one pot’ meals for the week.
For instance, we make dishes like beef stroganoff, kielbasa pasta, and on the weekends, sausage gravy for biscuits and gravy.”
Renay: “We use our 12-inch Versa Pan and lid actually on daily basis. It’s our go-to for all the things from browning floor beef to sautéing greens.
We love that we will make one-skillet meals that begin on the stovetop and end within the oven. Sourdough Dutch infants are a favourite as effectively! It’s actually the workhorse of our tiny RV kitchen!”
Cleansing and Upkeep
Q: How straightforward is Xtrema cookware to wash and preserve?
Michelle: “Xtrema could be very straightforward to wash! If my pans have caked-on residue, a soak softens it. I exploit baking soda to wash greasy pans, and it additionally works effectively as a scouring powder with an natural Bambu scraper for baked-on residue.”
Ciara: “Manner simpler than you assume! Their merchandise are dishwasher-safe and could be soaked. ALL of their merchandise additionally include detailed cleansing directions within the package deal, or you may look them up on Xtrema’s web site. We ordered these items understanding they’d be an funding, so we comply with the care directions to a T and have had no issues to date.”
Renay: “A lot simpler than I anticipated. I used to be a bit of nervous at first, however actually, clean-up is normally only a fast spray earlier than a soap-up, or generally a short soak. No fancy cleaners, no particular strategies. And since nothing is flaking off or carrying down, it stays lovely and useful over time.”
Favourite Dishes to Put together With Xtrema Cookware
Q: What’s your favourite dish to arrange utilizing Xtrema cookware?
Michelle: “My favourite dish to make is a marinated, roasted complete hen within the Versa Pan.”
Ciara: “Our favourite dish to make is kielbasa pasta — kielbasa, egg noodles or bowtie pasta, hen broth, tomatoes, heavy cream, and spices are the principle substances. All of it matches within the 11-inch Signature Skillet or 12-inch Versa Pan.“
Renay: “It’s exhausting to select only one, however I’d say sourdough Dutch infants within the Signature Skillet. I begin them out on the stovetop after which toss the skillet within the oven to complete.
Inside half-hour we’ve acquired a formidable and mouthwatering breakfast we will prime with blueberry compote and a home made whipped cream. It’s easy, nourishing, and hits the spot each time.”
Recommendation for These Contemplating the Change
Q: When you might share one piece of recommendation with others contemplating a swap to ceramic cookware, what would it not be?
Michelle: “My one piece of recommendation could be to take the leap. Attempt buying only one piece of Xtrema cookware to expertise what it’s like.”
Ciara: “Think about investing in your kitchen, as a result of it’s an funding in your well being.’ Your kitchen is the place a lot love is infused into your life — meals fuels your life and household.
When you’re utilizing cookware that breaks down and continuously wants changing, your well being will endure regardless of making wholesome meals. When you begin together with your cookware, your meals high quality and nutrient retention will enhance, which immediately advantages your physique and well being. It’s a long-term funding that can reap long-term advantages. That’s an everlasting form of love I may give to my household and mates.”
Renay: “Don’t overthink it. When you care about your well being and your loved ones, investing in non-toxic cookware is among the easiest and most impactful adjustments you may make. It’s an upfront funding, nevertheless it’s one you’ll be ok with each single time you prepare dinner a meal. Prioritize your well being!”
The Backside Line
What emerges from these conversations is a transparent image of why persons are making the swap to pure ceramic cookware. Whereas the preliminary motivation is usually health-related — considerations about chemical compounds leaching from conventional cookware — the explanations folks stick with ceramic lengthen far past that.
For these three clients, Xtrema’s pure ceramic cookware represents extra than simply pots and pans; it symbolizes a dedication to intentional dwelling, to creating meals with care, and to investing in merchandise that align with their values. Cookware is an extension of our life-style decisions, whether or not which means having fun with scrumptious clear tea, slowing down to understand the method of cooking, or having the flexibility wanted for all times on the highway.
Because the dialog round “endlessly chemical compounds” continues, extra customers are in search of alternate options that supply peace of thoughts. Pure ceramic cookware, with its non-reactive, non-toxic properties, is positioning itself as not only a pattern, however a elementary shift in how we take into consideration the instruments we use to arrange our meals.
