This was a great review! I just bought a whole bunch of vision cookware, for my first apartment. I’m moving out of my mothers house so for me this is perfect 🙌🏽🙌🏽. Eventually, I would love to get a Xtrema pan. thank you for making this video. I appreciate you!🩵
It's actually a known "issue" with the larger Visions skillets (9" and 10") that they can remain cooler in the center. In fact, the care and use guide that accompanied most of them recommended placing foods off center when using them. I'm sure the design of the hob on the stove can effect this, though. On my gas stove, I notice it too but simply pre-heat the Visions skillet 3-5 minutes before adding food. That tends to even the heat out.
Xtrema cookware is entirely ceramic BUT what does "ceramic" mean? Organic clay from the karst hills of Guilin? Where is the clay sourced? What possible hazard materials are in the clay? Also, the ceramic is glazed with what coating? Is the coating food safe? Xtrema simply says, "ceramic" and we're blindly supposed to say, "O.K.?"
Good morning! Funny, my Visions is cool in the middle and hot on the sides, but I have an electric coil stove. I bought 1/8" thick aluminum discs 6.5 and 8.5. Sanded one side rough- helps keep it in place on the burner and the pans slide without moving the disc. Not expensive on ebay. Helps even the heat.
Thanks for the comment! If I didn't say so explicitly in the video, I've been cooking on a gas stove. That could certainly account for the differences in heat distribution.
Thanks for the tip! So far I hadn't really seen anyone cook on an electric surface. I know that has made a difference with me trying to figure it out. I have had not too great of experiences, but am determined to make my visions work. I am getting used to the heating factor. Can't wait to fry some eggs SUCCESSFULLY for a change!!! HA! I just saw a couple of easy looking egg frys. I do love that my skillet seems to cook meats as if I'm on a grill. I have noticed that when I finish messing up eggs, the skillet had constant even heat, so I might be starting too soon. It does cook hot once it is heated, so I know I need to preheat a bit longer then lower temp to desired level. I feel like I'm ranting...hope this made sense!?!
Sounds like a great idea. I'm not too keen on using aluminum because I'm afraid of any possible off gassing from it. Do you think stainless steel plates would be practical?
Thank you for your review. I think that, for many people, the reasons for having certain kinds of cookware comes down to cost, aesthetics, and 'chic'ness - but for others, issues of health are paramount. Having said that, I have used All-Clad, and feel comfortable using what I have for most cooking chores, and will continue to use those pans for some years- a really good set is better than cheap stuff from the bargain stores, any day. But even so, I am very seriously interested in getting assorted Extrema cookware for species-specific cooking, where having metal pots and pans could be more dangerous: i.e., acidic cooking (Tomato sauces for Mexican and Italian cuisine) and citrus cooking (Fish with lemon sauce, etc.). Then there is the issue of alkalinity using clay vs. metal for long/slow cooking- for that, I am looking at the VitaClay multi-cooker for bone broths, soups, making my own Greek yogurt, etc. One does not have to go crazy trying to be 'super safe' re: cookware. Just know which pan/pot goes with which food group to make it work... for you. Really appreciated this review.
this is a hilarious video, after the 6 min mark when he talks about the dangerously hot handles i burst out laughing. Very sad to hear the customer service of xtrema is poor. Very unfortunate
I’m pained having dropped my xtrema pan and it breaking immediately. Just spent another 70+ dollars on another one because I literally can’t find a single other product I can completely trust to be non toxic. The xtrema makes perfect eggs. Perfect. It also make great steaks. Not perfect, but great.
I know how you feel - I dropped one of my lids and was very disappointed, even though the replacement for mine was under $20. I wish they could make them more shatter-resistant, but for now I guess that's just part of the inherent risk of buying ceramic cookware. We're trading durability for health. Good trade, but would be nice to have both.
@@rufusreviews5526 FWIW- For those people who say this cookware [Visions] leaches lead- here's something from a website devoted to knowing about this cookware: "-Is vintage Visions cookware made with lead? No. The glass-ceramic material used to create VISIONS does not include lead or similar harmful metals, as a primary constituent. Visions cookware will also test negative for cadmium, mercury, arsenic, etc. The FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in 1971. This is over a decade before VISIONS was officially released in the USA. Additionally, the California law known as Proposition 65, dedicated to eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products, was passed in 1986. VISIONS has been produced under strict guidelines since introduction. …and VISIONS is non-reactive to typical acids and detergents, unlike most ordinary cookware. It's a non-toxic and very safe choice."- leclair.vision/Info/
Have had both the 1.5 liter Visions sauce pan and the Visions skillet shown in your video for 20+ years. I use the sauce pan constantly and would be lost without it, but found the skillet to be worse than useless because of the extremely uneven heating problem that you mentioned - haven't used it for many years. The sauce pan was part of a 3 pan set (1, 1.5 and 2.5 liters). Still have the 1 liter size but broke the 2.5 liter pan years ago. This is my 2nd set of these sauce pans - broke the 2.5 liter pan from the 1st set also. Did some research online some time ago and found that this product line has changed hands (more than once if I recall correctly). They may still be available in Europe - just can't remember for sure.
I'm pretty sure there is a similar amber-colored product available in Europe right now, though I couldn't tell you if it is a direct descendant or if it is just similar in appearance.
@@rufusreviews5526 These sauce pans were originally advertised to be impervious to temperature changes, but if memory serves, my research indicated that all vintages of this product line were not created equal in that regard, and that later versions were suscepible to being weakened by rapid temp changes. One of my pans broke just from hitting the side of the sink while rinsing it. So I suspect it had been compromised by rapid temp. changes.
@@barneygoogle2720 That's sounds plausible about the temperature change leading to the destruction of your pan. I read a few articles that said some pans were susceptible to similar fractures if they had any tiny bubbles trapped in the glass during the manufacturing process.
Is the Xtrema relatively non-stick for pancakes and maybe chick pea omelets...? i wish Visions still made the glass cookware, because that is also very expensive, even used, if you find them...They are the only ones i've been using for decades, but broke some and are also pricey to replace...also, the frying pan sticks too much, but i'm so grateful to have a few left...i've been meaning to call and or write to Visions to ask if they will ever make them again...i don't understand why companies often discontinue the best products....Thank you and thanks for the review....
I think the Xtrema pans are very non-stick, maybe not quite as slick as Teflon, but superior to Visions. I used them for eggs every day. By the way, if you are looking for Visions Cookware, there are still some companies manufacturing in in Europe under different brand names last time I checked. I don't know if they still make pans, but I've definitely seen some pots. Hope that helps.
So you use the discontinued Visions cookware as a comparison to Extrema. Therefore this is not a valid choice comparison. Instead it is actually an Extrema advertisement disguised as a review.
Hey Ron, I get where you're coming from and I think it might help if you knew the backstory. A few years ago I was looking for healthier cookware than the aluminum pans I was using, and I ended up getting a bunch of old stock Visions cookware because I liked that it was made from a non-metal material, and the fact that you could see through it. I didn't like how unevenly it cooked food though, so I started looking for a replacement and ended up buying some Xtrema products. I liked Xtrema better, so I thought I'd do a comparison video for anyone considering a similar journey. If I had the resources, I might do a more comprehensive video where I compare Xtrema to a dozen other varieties, but I'm just an average consumer with a modest budget, so I only review things I actually own. To be honest, I WISH this was an actual ad, because then I'd be getting paid for it, but i's really just a video sharing my experiences and opinions. For what it's worth, although I like the Xtrema products compared to visions and aluminum, they aren't a perfect product. You have to be really careful with them because if you drop them they shatter immediately, and one of these days I'm going to do a review of their teapot because I think it has some serious flaws that need to be addressed.
Although idioms is discontinued you can still buy them on Amazon, Etsy, and antique stores. They’re the most comparable to each other so this actually makes sense. This review is helping me choose which way to go, personally.
So far I'm satisfied with a GreenPan ½ sheet cookie sheet. Xtrema is junk. Super fragile. Isn't actually toxin free. Aren't BBB ACCREDITED Has no phone number listed under "contact us".
@@paul9156c Have you actually had any of these products tested in a lab to substantiate your claims? If not, I'd be careful about claiming they contain heavy metals or other harmful toxins.
BBB accreditation is a scam. Companies PAY the BBB for their accreditation and the BBB does little to help consumers. I went through that with Chick-fil-a years ago.
This was a great review! I just bought a whole bunch of vision cookware, for my first apartment. I’m moving out of my mothers house so for me this is perfect 🙌🏽🙌🏽. Eventually, I would love to get a Xtrema pan. thank you for making this video. I appreciate you!🩵
It's actually a known "issue" with the larger Visions skillets (9" and 10") that they can remain cooler in the center. In fact, the care and use guide that accompanied most of them recommended placing foods off center when using them. I'm sure the design of the hob on the stove can effect this, though. On my gas stove, I notice it too but simply pre-heat the Visions skillet 3-5 minutes before adding food. That tends to even the heat out.
use a stainless steel defusser plate for gas burner, works excellent for full bottom even heating with glass skillets, about $20-$30. (electric too)
what do you mean not produced anymore? the company produces until today. atleast the original company in france.
Xtrema cookware is entirely ceramic BUT what does "ceramic" mean? Organic clay from the karst hills of Guilin? Where is the clay sourced? What possible hazard materials are in the clay? Also, the ceramic is glazed with what coating? Is the coating food safe? Xtrema simply says, "ceramic" and we're blindly supposed to say, "O.K.?"
It’s been leach tested and meets California Proposition 65. Do you have anyth8ng to disagree with that?
The xtrema cookware are made in China. I would stay clear of anything from China.
Better not use modern electronics anymore…including the electronics in your car.
china is the pioneer when it comes to ceramic since ancient times. their modern electronics and rest are crap tho
Good morning! Funny, my Visions is cool in the middle and hot on the sides, but I have an electric coil stove. I bought 1/8" thick aluminum discs 6.5 and 8.5. Sanded one side rough- helps keep it in place on the burner and the pans slide without moving the disc. Not expensive on ebay. Helps even the heat.
Thanks for the comment! If I didn't say so explicitly in the video, I've been cooking on a gas stove. That could certainly account for the differences in heat distribution.
Thanks for the tip! So far I hadn't really seen anyone cook on an electric surface. I know that has made a difference with me trying to figure it out. I have had not too great of experiences, but am determined to make my visions work. I am getting used to the heating factor. Can't wait to fry some eggs SUCCESSFULLY for a change!!! HA! I just saw a couple of easy looking egg frys. I do love that my skillet seems to cook meats as if I'm on a grill. I have noticed that when I finish messing up eggs, the skillet had constant even heat, so I might be starting too soon. It does cook hot once it is heated, so I know I need to preheat a bit longer then lower temp to desired level. I feel like I'm ranting...hope this made sense!?!
Sounds like a great idea. I'm not too keen on using aluminum because I'm afraid of any possible off gassing from it. Do you think stainless steel plates would be practical?
Thank you for your review. I think that, for many people, the reasons for having certain kinds of cookware comes down to cost, aesthetics, and 'chic'ness - but for others, issues of health are paramount. Having said that, I have used All-Clad, and feel comfortable using what I have for most cooking chores, and will continue to use those pans for some years- a really good set is better than cheap stuff from the bargain stores, any day. But even so, I am very seriously interested in getting assorted Extrema cookware for species-specific cooking, where having metal pots and pans could be more dangerous: i.e., acidic cooking (Tomato sauces for Mexican and Italian cuisine) and citrus cooking (Fish with lemon sauce, etc.). Then there is the issue of alkalinity using clay vs. metal for long/slow cooking- for that, I am looking at the VitaClay multi-cooker for bone broths, soups, making my own Greek yogurt, etc. One does not have to go crazy trying to be 'super safe' re: cookware. Just know which pan/pot goes with which food group to make it work... for you. Really appreciated this review.
this is a hilarious video, after the 6 min mark when he talks about the dangerously hot handles i burst out laughing. Very sad to hear the customer service of xtrema is poor. Very unfortunate
I’m pained having dropped my xtrema pan and it breaking immediately.
Just spent another 70+ dollars on another one because I literally can’t find a single other product I can completely trust to be non toxic.
The xtrema makes perfect eggs. Perfect.
It also make great steaks. Not perfect, but great.
I know how you feel - I dropped one of my lids and was very disappointed, even though the replacement for mine was under $20. I wish they could make them more shatter-resistant, but for now I guess that's just part of the inherent risk of buying ceramic cookware. We're trading durability for health. Good trade, but would be nice to have both.
Rufus Reviews
Got my replacement and i use it everyday, 2-3 times a day. Such peace of mind,
@@DanielAquarian Yeah, I went 100% ceramic and it is nice to finally not worry about what is in my cookware.
@@rufusreviews5526 FWIW- For those people who say this cookware [Visions] leaches lead- here's something from a website devoted to knowing about this cookware:
"-Is vintage Visions cookware made with lead?
No. The glass-ceramic material used to create VISIONS does not include lead or similar harmful metals, as a primary constituent. Visions cookware will also test negative for cadmium, mercury, arsenic, etc. The FDA began enforcing limits on leachable lead in 1971. This is over a decade before VISIONS was officially released in the USA. Additionally, the California law known as Proposition 65, dedicated to eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products, was passed in 1986. VISIONS has been produced under strict guidelines since introduction. …and VISIONS is non-reactive to typical acids and detergents, unlike most ordinary cookware. It's a non-toxic and very safe choice."- leclair.vision/Info/
@@moirbasso7051 Thank you for sharing your research!
Have had both the 1.5 liter Visions sauce pan and the Visions skillet shown in your video for 20+ years. I use the sauce pan constantly and would be lost without it, but found the skillet to be worse than useless because of the extremely uneven heating problem that you mentioned - haven't used it for many years. The sauce pan was part of a 3 pan set (1, 1.5 and 2.5 liters). Still have the 1 liter size but broke the 2.5 liter pan years ago. This is my 2nd set of these sauce pans - broke the 2.5 liter pan from the 1st set also. Did some research online some time ago and found that this product line has changed hands (more than once if I recall correctly). They may still be available in Europe - just can't remember for sure.
I'm pretty sure there is a similar amber-colored product available in Europe right now, though I couldn't tell you if it is a direct descendant or if it is just similar in appearance.
@@rufusreviews5526
These sauce pans were originally advertised to be impervious to temperature changes, but if memory serves, my research indicated that all vintages of this product line were not created equal in that regard, and that later versions were suscepible to being weakened by rapid temp changes. One of my pans broke just from hitting the side of the sink while rinsing it. So I suspect it had been compromised by rapid temp. changes.
@@barneygoogle2720 That's sounds plausible about the temperature change leading to the destruction of your pan. I read a few articles that said some pans were susceptible to similar fractures if they had any tiny bubbles trapped in the glass during the manufacturing process.
Thank you, that is helpful.
Vision is still made by Corning Ware, but they don't do fry pans right now.
what about eastern tagins, these are also ceramic right?
Isn't xtrema 100 ceramic and not just codded in ceramic?
Is the Xtrema relatively non-stick for pancakes and maybe chick pea omelets...?
i wish Visions still made the glass cookware, because that is also very expensive, even used, if you find them...They are the only ones i've been using for decades, but broke some and are also pricey to replace...also, the frying pan sticks too much, but i'm so grateful to have a few left...i've been meaning to call and or write to Visions to ask if they will ever make them again...i don't understand why companies often discontinue the best products....Thank you and thanks for the review....
I think the Xtrema pans are very non-stick, maybe not quite as slick as Teflon, but superior to Visions. I used them for eggs every day.
By the way, if you are looking for Visions Cookware, there are still some companies manufacturing in in Europe under different brand names last time I checked.
I don't know if they still make pans, but I've definitely seen some pots.
Hope that helps.
Best investment I ever made for my kitchen....Love, love, love my set! Just ordered the teapot and can hardly wait for it to arrive. :)
I have the teapot too, BE CAREFUL, the handle gets SUPER HOT. Other than that it works just fine.
So you use the discontinued Visions cookware as a comparison to Extrema. Therefore this is not a valid choice comparison. Instead it is actually an Extrema advertisement disguised as a review.
Hey Ron, I get where you're coming from and I think it might help if you knew the backstory. A few years ago I was looking for healthier cookware than the aluminum pans I was using, and I ended up getting a bunch of old stock Visions cookware because I liked that it was made from a non-metal material, and the fact that you could see through it. I didn't like how unevenly it cooked food though, so I started looking for a replacement and ended up buying some Xtrema products. I liked Xtrema better, so I thought I'd do a comparison video for anyone considering a similar journey. If I had the resources, I might do a more comprehensive video where I compare Xtrema to a dozen other varieties, but I'm just an average consumer with a modest budget, so I only review things I actually own. To be honest, I WISH this was an actual ad, because then I'd be getting paid for it, but i's really just a video sharing my experiences and opinions. For what it's worth, although I like the Xtrema products compared to visions and aluminum, they aren't a perfect product. You have to be really careful with them because if you drop them they shatter immediately, and one of these days I'm going to do a review of their teapot because I think it has some serious flaws that need to be addressed.
Although idioms is discontinued you can still buy them on Amazon, Etsy, and antique stores. They’re the most comparable to each other so this actually makes sense. This review is helping me choose which way to go, personally.
So far I'm satisfied with a GreenPan ½ sheet cookie sheet. Xtrema is junk. Super fragile. Isn't actually toxin free. Aren't BBB ACCREDITED
Has no phone number listed under "contact us".
Xtrema is heavier due to it's lead content.
@@paul9156c Have you actually had any of these products tested in a lab to substantiate your claims? If not, I'd be careful about claiming they contain heavy metals or other harmful toxins.
BBB accreditation is a scam. Companies PAY the BBB for their accreditation and the BBB does little to help consumers. I went through that with Chick-fil-a years ago.
I found all my Vision glass cookware from charity/thrift shops. Perhaps it was Kismet