Checking Our List #5: Xtrema 1.25 Qt. Steamer Set Review & Giveaway

Before I was a mom, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the products I used, nor did I give a lot of thought to the effects they may have on my health. It wasn't until I had kids that I really became more aware of, and concerned about things like this. As I've said many times before...I want to give my kids the very best start in life. Whether it's the toys they play with, the cookware I use, or the food we eat...it's important to me that I do what I can to keep my family healthy and safe. I love that Xtrema helps me do that!

For those who are not familiar with Xtrema...here's a little more about them. In 2004, Rich Bergstrom received an e-mail that was the beginning for Xtrema Cookware! Peter Hsu, a ceramics research engineer/scientist and inventor, e-mailed Rich, asking if he would be interested in a new high temperature ceramic material that could go on top of the stove and under the broiler. After three additional years of research, testing and product development....Ceramcor, LLC was established. It is Xtrema's goal to develop the healthiest and most versatile cooking products out there, that are safe for both you and our planet!


When I learned I was going to have the opportunity to review Xtrema's 1.25 Qt Steamer Set, I couldn't have been more happy! Last Spring I had the opportunity to review their 10" Skillet (which now comes in a great 3 pc set!) and I had a feeling I'd love the steamer just as much. I was right!

Features/Benefits:

• 1.25 Qt. saucepan w/cover
• Two 1.25 Qt. red silicone steamers w/one cover
  
• 100% GREEN, ECO-Friendly, healthy and safe
  
• High Temperature Ceramic
• Attractive in appearance
• Non-Scratch Surface (and bacteria resistant surface)
• Easy Clean Surface
• Versatile - Oven, Stovetop, Microwave, etc.
  
• Freezer and Dishwasher Safe
  

When it arrived I couldn't wait to check it out. As I pulled it out of the box I was once again so impressed with the quality!! The sauce pan is very heavy duty and made so that it can be used on the stove top, in the oven and in the microwave! I love that it comes with a very nice lid as well!

I really like how versatile this set is. I've used the pan on it's own several times with lots of things...baked beans, sauces, etc, and have absolutely loved the fact that if needed, it can go straight from the stove top to the oven! It works wonderfully and like Xtrema's other cookware, it is easy to bring water to a boil at medium heat and once is is fully heated, you can turn the heat setting down some and the extreme heat will help retain the heat and keeps the water boiling. It's very well made and thanks to it's easy to clean surface, I usually just wash it by hand and cleaning is a breeze.

Although I already had a feeling I would love the quality of the pan itself, I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to the two 1.25 Qt. red silicone steamers. Would they be flimsy? The answer is, absolutely not! These silicone steamers are very well-made. I was extremely happy to see how sturdy they actually are. I had concerns that they may bend once food was in them, but they don't. I love them!

I've had the opportunity to test out the steamers and am very impressed with how easy they are to use and how well they steam the food. I simply put the water in the base sauce pan and brought it to a boil to create steam for the silicone steamer above it. I have only used one steamer at a time, but the set can be used this way or with both steamers. They easily stack one on top of the other for easy use.
The steamers also come with a silicone vented lid. Depending on what you're steaming, you can use that or the sauce pan lid.

I have been very impressed with this set. Not only is it are durable, high quality, eco-friendly and cooks my food great, but best of all...it's safe for my family. I am comforted to know that it doesn't leach any chemicals from the cooking surface into the food I'm making.

Having now had the opportunity to review both the Steamer Set and the 10" Skillet, my husband and I agree that it would be great to invest in more Xtrema products at some point. Their 21 piece Ceramic Cookware Set is one I've had my eye on for quite a while!

I would definitely recommend Xtrema to anyone looking for safe, eco-friendly and high quality cookware this holiday season. Whether it's for yourself, or a gift for someone else...it's a product that's sure to last a long time.

Buy It: You can purchase the Xtrema 1.25 Qt. Steamer Set for $99.99.

Win It: Thanks to Xtrema, one very lucky reader is going to win a 1.25 Qt. Steamer Set like the one I received!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Xtrema and leave a comment letting me know another product you'd love to have!

Extra Entries: Only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- Enter the Xtrema 3 Piece 10" Skillet Set Giveaway at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- 'Like' Xtrema on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow Xtrema Cookware on Twitter

4. 3 extra entries- Grab our Checking Our List Holiday Gift Guide Button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. 3 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Xtrema) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

6. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a 1.25 Qt. Steamer Set from @xtremacookware (ARV $100)! #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/2bu5aah Ends 11/26 RT PLS!

7. 3 extra entries- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

8. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

9. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

10. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. Enter any of my other Holiday Gift Guide giveaways running now. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 26th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Xtrema. All opinions found here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**