The pot can get as hot as you need it, while the handle stays cool enough to hold without a pot holder. As others have noted, you do not need to use a high heat setting to get this saucepan to come to full boiling temperature. So it saves on energy.

The weight of the saucepan is on the heavy side but not unduly so. The weight together with the lid adds up. If you truly need a lightweight saucepan do check the weight specs to see if this is right for you.

The lid at first seemed slightly larger than what it should be, but that is by design to let the steam escape. When in use, the steam condenses on the inside and drips back into the saucepan -- not outside it -- and that is what matters.

Food actually does taste better when cooked in Xtrema cookware. I noticed the difference but thought it was my imagination. Now I know it's true. Food even SMELLS better in this cookware. I never realized before that cast iron was actually imparting an unpleasant taint to my food, but it was! Try a blind taste test, side by side.

Cleanup is super easy since whatever you cook in a saucepan is likely to be mostly liquid, and therefore unlikely to stick. I will contrast this with the Xtrema skillet. The food I like to cook in a skillet (bacon, eggs, sauteed vegetables, etc.) did stick a bit. It stuck about the same as it would stick to a cast iron skillet and I was very careful to soak it before scrubbing with a soft sponge. So the cleanup on the skillet does involve some time, but cleanup on the saucepan is effortless. For this reason I recommend the saucepan to anyone who is on the fence and wants to try one product before buying more.

Very Happy w/ this purchase. Will be buying another one soon.

This cookware is definately worth the price in every way. I will admit that it does take longer to prepare meals but you must preheat this cookware before using it on low. I have been coating with just a small amount of olive oil and have had little or no issues with foods sticking. If I do have some sticking, I wash the pan as soon as it cools a bit with some soap and water and it comes right off. The only thing I have had to use for scrubbing is the scrubby that comes on the back of a sponge. I also only use wooden utensils for stirring. Have used the fry pans in the oven, they are perfect. One of the most useful things are the cookware protectors, they are a must. Overall this cookware is for people that are not rushed to cook. Everything must be heated slowly, no turning up the heat on high to start things off, warming up the cookware before use is the key. I will continue to add to the collection, so far so good. I also can say that shipping is great, fast and customer service has been helpful with all my inquiries. Great company to do business with.

Thank you for the warranty and great customer service.
Customer Darin G.

Most excellent