At Xtrema, our goal is to relieve you of unwanted and unknown toxins so you can slip into the ease of wholesome cooking through one of the oldest and purest methods, reimagined for the everyday kitchen.

Teflon came into commercial use in the 1940s. It is the brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Consisting of carbon and fluorine atoms, PTFE is used in various applications to coat surfaces and create a barrier between the surface and any outside elements. Once coated, the surface is baked, resulting in a frictionless product that is nonreactive, nonstick, noncorrosive and waterproof. 

Many people know Teflon as the coating that makes their cookware nonstick. However, Teflon's applications span many industries, having been used in craft supplies, cable coatings, fabric protectors and waterproof clothing. Even NASA uses Teflon!

So why is Teflon popular for cookware? Essentially, the smooth surface makes Teflon-coated cookware easy to use and clean. Plus, you don't need to use a lot of oil or butter to cook your food with nonstick tools, which is appealing to people looking to lower their fat intake. 

The Impacts of PFOA

Until 2013, Teflon was manufactured using a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA gave Teflon its miracle nonstick ability, but it is also linked to health concerns like thyroid disorders and chronic kidney disease. 

One case that demonstrates the dangers of PFOA involves DuPont, a large chemical company that produces Teflon. DuPont has faced multiple lawsuits due to PFOA from one of their West Virginia manufacturing plants polluting the water supply. People in West Virginia and Ohio claimed to have suffered illness as a result of the contamination. These lawsuits date back to 1998, and as recently as 2017, DuPont settled more than 3,550 lawsuits for over $670 million. 

DuPont also settled a major class action lawsuit in 2005, and in 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the PFOA Stewardship Council. Each participating company, including DuPont, successfully met program goals, and as a result, PFOA has not been used in cookware since 2013. 

Is Teflon Toxic?

While PFOA is no longer a concern, other chemicals in Teflon products, namely per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are not fully understood. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals found in countless products, so it's challenging to assess their potential risks to health and the environment. However, notably, the EPA did make a bold statement in 2022 that even small amounts of PFAS can pose risks. 

Additionally, when Teflon is overheated, PTFE breaks down into toxins, which could be released into the air or leached into the food. So, Teflon is likely safe to use at cooking temperatures that do not exceed 570 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures greater than 570 degrees F cause the Teflon coating to break down and release harmful polymer fumes. 

What Does Teflon Do to the Body?

If you overheat Teflon, the polymer fumes that it releases can lead to polymer fume fever, otherwise known as Teflon Flu. The flu-like symptoms typically begin four to 10 hours after exposure and usually last about 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms may include the following: 

• Body aches
• Chest discomfort
• Chills
• Headaches
• Fever

It's important to consult your doctor if you don't feel relief after 48 hours or if your symptoms worsen.

The PFAS in Teflon products can also lead to complications like: 

• Increased blood cholesterol levels.
• Decreased vaccine response in children.
• Liver enzyme changes.
• Increased chances of pregnant women experiencing preeclampsia.

Humans aren't the only ones who experience adverse side effects from Teflon. The Environmental Working Group has documented several incidents where Teflon and the PTFE chemical were linked directly to the death of birds. They identified the cause of their death as "Teflon toxicosis." In the 20th century, coal miners used canaries to act as an early warning sign for toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide. Let's take a lesson from that age and realize that if PTFE is causing toxicosis in birds, what is it doing to our bodies?

What Are the Environmental Implications of Your Cookware?

We should also consider energy usage when talking about environmental concerns. Teflon-coated pans and pots heat up fast, but the pan or pot stays hotter than the food you're cooking. You'll have to turn the pan up higher to get your food hotter — and we've already talked about what happens when you turn up the heat too high.

Ceramic pots and pans naturally retain heat more efficiently. They use less energy to heat your food and keep meals hotter for longer, which may be important in preventing food-borne illnesses. Food heats evenly thanks to the cookware's natural thermal conductivity, giving you more control over your cooking and ensuring your food is cooked correctly all the way through. Plus, ceramic cookware lasts longer than Teflon cookware, which you have to throw away when the coating wears off. 

Speaking of throwing Teflon cookware away, one major concern about using nonstick Teflon and coated pans is the inability to dispose of them in a truly environmentally safe way once they have reached the end of their life span, which can be anywhere from one to five years.

Once you toss your nonstick pan, it most likely ends up in a landfill, so the earth absorbs these harmful and damaging chemicals. These chemicals and toxins can and will then end up in our soil and in nearby bodies of water, which then tampers with the overall pollution of the world's water supply. 

It is encouraging to know that it is possible to rid some of these forever chemicals from the earth, but unfortunately, many countries do not have the funds to do so. Our choices matter, and choosing cookware that lasts for generations will impact your health and the health of the earth.

Ceramic is an inert material and a natural product, so it may be less harmful. It will not emit fumes, even if it does end up in a landfill. And since Xtrema ceramic cookware can last for many years, you'll also be tossing less of your cookware away, which will save you money and be gentler on the environment.

Switch to Xtrema Cookware for Healthy Cooking

Even though Teflon cookware no longer includes PFOA, it still poses a risk to you and your family's health. A big step you can take at home is switching to nontoxic cookware, like the ceramic pots and pans offered by Xtrema.

Xtrema provides safe and healthy cookware for your family. Healthy choices are our focus, both in and outside of the kitchen. Shop our range of ceramic cookware online for safe and healthy cooking.

Why so many are Switching from Nonstick to Xtrema All Ceramic Cookware

By  Jessica Rose  On  September 16, 2022

Imagine spending your hard-earned money on healthy food to prepare a nourishing meal for your family, and you find out that your cookware is leaching toxins that can harm their health. Because many people use their cookware multiple times a day, it can be a source of frequent toxin exposure and have a greater capacity to cause harm. For this reason, switching from nonstick cookware to healthier options is essential for optimum health.

For a long time, nonstick cookware has been promoted as an easier way to cook; however, convenience generally does not equate to long-term health. As more people become aware of the health concerns associated with nonstick cookware, they are switching to healthier options such as Xtrema 100% all ceramic cookware. Nonstick cookware is easy to clean, and so is Xtrema without using an unhealthy nonstick coating. Xtrema won't leech harmful chemicals into your food, is easy to clean, durable, and provides a seamless cooking experience.

 Nonstick vs. Xtrema All Ceramic Cookware

Nonstick Cookware

Nonstick cookware is made with a metal base and a coating containing harmful chemicals. Most nonstick cookware is coated with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic plastic fluoropolymer that has been used since the 1940s. It is used in a wide variety of products, including nonstick cookware, to create a slip-resistant cooking experience. Another harmful chemical, PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), has been used to develop PTFE in the past.

Since PFOA was so widely used, it is now a contaminant in the environment that does not break down and can still make its way into products that contain PTFE, such as nonstick cookware. Most nonstick cookware, known as Teflon, will quickly degrade with each use. When the nonstick coating is scratched, it can end up in your food which is very unhealthy to consume.
 
Health Concerns Associated with Nonstick Cookware

Because nonstick cookware degrades with each use, the harmful materials can easily make their way into your food. Most people want to prepare meals in their cookware, not eat their cookware. Using cookware that contains PTFE and PFOA can contribute to health issues such as endocrine disruption, reproductive health issues, prostate issues, thyroid issues, neurodevelopment issues, weight management issues, suppressed immune health, and even cancer. Switching from nonstick cookware to Xtrema 100% all ceramic cookware is an excellent way to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals and support your health.

Is Xtrema Cookware Nonstick?

Xtrema cookware does not use nonstick cooking on their cookware because it is not healthy. Using cooking oil is the safest method for creating a nonstick surface. Their cookware is designed to be non toxic and safe for the everyday home cook. When Xtrema cookware is used correctly with the right amount of healthy cooking oil, you can prepare recipes without worrying about sticking.
 
Durability

Nonstick cookware does not last very long. It usually lasts no longer than three years. The nonstick coating generally degrades with each use, throwing your money down the drain. Most people don't want to purchase cookware they have to replace frequently. For this reason, nonstick cookware is not durable, sustainable, or eco-friendly.
 
Air Quality

Clean indoor air is essential for overall wellness. Most people spend a great deal of time indoors, which can expose them to frequent toxin exposure. When traditional nonstick cookware is used on high heat, generally 500F, it can produce harmful fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms. Cookware should support your family's health and contribute to a non toxic home, not harm it.
 
Pro tip: It is a good idea to use the overhead fan on the stove, open the windows daily, and use an air filter when cooking. These healthy practices can minimize the number of pollutants in the air in your home.

Nonstick Cookware vs Healthy Cooking oils

Many people rely on nonstick cookware because they believe using less cooking oil is healthy. However, you might be surprised that preparing meals with healthy cooking oils can offer many health benefits. Instead of relying on nonstick cookware, use Xtrema with healthy cooking oil for a seamless cooking experience. Healthy cooking oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, grass-fed butter, and ghee are an excellent addition to a well-balanced diet. These fats help regulate hormones, insulin response, satiety, and weight management. The body needs healthy fats with every meal and snack to release the hormonal signal leptin, which is sent to the brain to indicate when we are full. Meals void of healthy fats can contribute to overeating and weight gain. The healthiest option is to avoid nonstick coatings and use oils in your cooking with all ceramic cookware.
 
Versatility

When using nonstick cookware, you are limited in your cooking methods. It cannot be used in the microwave, unlike Xtrema cookware. Xtrema can be used from the stovetop to the table, in the microwave, and on the barbecue, giving you more cooking options.
 
What About Nonstick Ceramic Cookware?

You might be surprised to know that ceramic nonstick pans are not ceramic. They are ceramic coated. There is a significant difference. Nonstick ceramic cookware is generally made from a metal core and a thin ceramic layer on top. Most ceramic coatings are made from "Sol-gel" coatings consisting of silica and other inorganic chemicals. The issue is that the coating degrades over time, especially with higher-temperature cooking. Using a metal base cookware with a ceramic coating is not your healthiest option. When the coating gets scratched, it can expose you to toxins from the base metal beneath the ceramic coating and leech into your food. The healthier choice is Xtrema 100% all ceramic cookware. Xtrema is constructed with all ceramic materials, a solid ceramic core, is non-reactive, and made without using unhealthy coatings that can chip off into food.
 
The Benefits of Switching to Xtrema All Ceramic Cookware

Xtrema all ceramic cookware is inspired by the art of healthy, conscious cooking designed for the everyday kitchen. It is safe, non toxic cookware made by hand and safe for your family's table. Xtrema cookware is made from 100% all ceramic, all-natural, non-toxic, inorganic, and non-reactive. It contains no PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings, or dyes from the glaze to the core. Xtrema cookware will never leach chemicals, metal, cadmium, lead, or change the taste of your food. Xtrema cookware is also FDA compliant and meets California Prop 65 standards, certifying that it is free of more than 800 compounds that may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.
 
 
 Xtrema Cookware Supports Health

Xtrema all ceramic cookware is endorsed by physicians, homeopathic providers, integrative medicine practitioners, nutritionists, health coaches, and wellness bloggers worldwide. Wellness enthusiasts understand that what we cook our food in is just as important as the food itself. Healthy and nourishing ingredients are only one piece of the puzzle that makes up optimum health. The products we use daily are an integral part of supporting the health of our family and friends. Switching to non toxic cookware helps to minimize the body's toxic load, encouraging better health and vibrancy.

"While nonstick, metal, and ceramic-coated cookware can leach metals and toxic chemicals into foods, Xtrema 100% ceramic cookware was developed by experts to give home cooks a healthier alternative."
 
Xtrema Cookware Creates a Better Cooking Experience

The fantastic thing about using Xtrema all ceramic cookware is that it provides consistent heating for a smooth cooking experience. Because it can hold a steady temperature, unlike nonstick cookware, foods are more evenly cooked, flavorful, and healthy. Let's face it: flavorful foods are more enjoyable. Pure ceramic cookware helps meats cook more tender, juicy, and deliciously. Bread will be moister and fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. Vegetables will be more flavorful and retain their nutrients. Because Xtrema all ceramic cookware is best used in low to medium heat settings, you will inevitably be preparing healthier and tastier meals.
 
 
Xtrema Cookware is Versatile

From the stovetop to the table to the fridge, Xtrema cookware makes preparing a healthy meal easy. Xtrema is versatile cookware and bakeware that is safe on the stovetop, oven, microwave, and barbeque grill, giving you many options when preparing meals. Because Xtrema cookware and bakeware are so stylish, you can use them as a serving dish from stovetop to table. Its sleek black design makes a beautiful serving dish that adds style to any table setting.
The 12-Inch Versa Pan can be used for various healthy recipes such as soups, pasta, risotto, stir fry, stews, roast chicken, lasagna, and casseroles. You can even bake desserts in it.
 
Xtrema Cookware is Durable

There is a lot of cookware on the market to choose from. One question to consider is how long do you want your cookware to last? Who wants to replace their cookware every few months or years? Doing so can be expensive and contributes to environmental waste. Most nonstick cookware has to be replaced every few months or three years. Xtrema cookware is made with the purest intentions and is meant to last. It is made from all ceramic, so you don't have to worry about it being scratched or stained from various foods, unlike nonstick cookware. The natural ceramic glaze delivers a smooth, high-gloss, scratch-resistant ceramic cooking surface. Xtrema cookware provides a healthier cooking experience that can stand the test of time. Xtrema may be a bit of an investment initially; however, you will save money in the long run because it lasts, unlike nonstick cookware. When you purchase Xtrema cookware, you will receive a 10-year warranty. That's how confident they are in the durability of their cookware. Many Xtrema customers have had their cookware for over a decade.

Every Shipment is Tested for Heavy Metals

Many brands get away with claiming that they are green, clean, non toxic, healthy, and free from harmful chemicals but do they test for heavy metals? Xtrema has the highest standards and performs the most rigorous tests to ensure its cookware is free from toxic chemicals. Xtrema 100% pure ceramic does not contain extractable lead or other heavy metals in its cookware or labels. Before leaving the manufacturing facility, every shipment of Xtrema Cookware is tested for heavy metals. Xtrema is FDA compliant and meets California Prop 65 standards, certifying that it is free of more than 800 compounds that may cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. To learn more about Xtrema's rigorous testing process and to view their results click here
 
To recap, the next time you search for new cookware, you want to make sure that it is made without nonstick coatings, non toxic, made without PTFE, PFOA, is durable, versatile, and 100% all ceramic. The healthy and long-lasting choice is Xtrema 100% all Ceramic Cookware.

In 2010, just a few months after my daughter was born, I was struggling with a handful of unexplained symptoms. From low energy, difficulty losing the rest of my pre pregnancy weight, joint pain, hair loss, increased sensitivity to the cold, bloating and skin irritations. Switching to non toxic cookware has been a major part of my healing journey from the perils of a diagnosis with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis; an autoimmune disorder.

Great testimony of the health and cooking benefits of Xtrema 100% Ceramic Cookware by Ivy Larson of Clean Cuisine.

“Xtrema by Ceramcor is truly the greenest and best healthy cookware on the planet. It is 100% ceramic and does not leach toxins or metals into your food, which means your “Clean Cuisine” meals will actually taste better!

Xtrema cookware is …