Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Review

Katie Wells Avatar

Reading Time: 4 minutes

This post contains affiliate links.

Read my affiliate policy.

Non Toxic No Scratch Cookware
Wellness Mama » Blog » Reviews » Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Review

It is getting harder to find good cookware options. There are so many options, but it seems like many of the non-stick cookware or easy-clean cookware pieces contain harmful chemicals or heavy metals. The natural options lead to sticking and can be hard to clean. Luckily, I found one line of ceramic cookware that I’ve been happy with — Xtrema ceramic cookware. Not only does it work great, but I love the way it looks, which is always a bonus!

As moms, we can spend a good chunk of our days in the kitchen feeding our families. We need safe, reliable products that make the job easier at the same time. We need products that are efficient and create delicious, healthy meals. And none of us has time to scrub pans for hours after dinner when the kids are in bed. 

Xtrema Ceramic Cookware

Several years ago, I got some Xtrema cookware as a Christmas present. After getting rid of my non-stick pans, I’d been trying to find good pots and pans. I was frustrated with eggs sticking to cast iron and coated cast iron. We only had one small stainless steel pan that didn’t stick terribly. I wanted to try out ceramic cookware, but since not all of it is created equally, I did my research on Xtrema to see if it would be a good option for my family.

At first, I was skeptical — because Xtrema’s cookware is all ceramic (not metal) and looks beautiful, I doubted how well it would cook. I also wondered about the safety and durability of ceramic cookware, so I researched it. (I envisioned a mix between a ceramic tile and a clay pot.) Turns out that when properly made, ceramic cookware is very durable and a choice of some top chefs.

Convenience

It took me a few days to adjust to cooking with Xtrema but I was really impressed with how well it cooked. Though it takes longer to heat up (about three minutes), I can cook on lower heat without food sticking.

The only potential downside is that it doesn’t have a non-stick like other cookware and takes a little adjustment if you’re used to cooking with those. Unfortunately, I’ve never found any safe non-stick options to recommend, though I consider Xtrema a good alternative.

Even though it’s not non-stick, I really like how easy Xtrema is to clean. It’s the only cookware I’ve ever found that encourages using steel wool, baking soda, or any other abrasive cleaner. Even our delicious vegetable frittata cleans up beautifully in this cookware.

Their website states that you can clean Xtrema cookware just like you would metal cookware. Since I prefer natural cleaners, I like to use powdered cleaners like Bon Ami or baking soda with a heavy-duty scrub sponge. You can use these cleaners on both the inside and outside without worrying about it scratching, since it’s scratch-resistant.

Cons of Ceramic Cookware

Some of the well-known cons of ceramic cookware may include:

  • Can break if dropped
  • Takes slightly longer to heat than regular metal cookware

But, after extensive health and consumer research, the pros far outweigh the cons.

  • Culinary safety: Every one of their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure your meals remain safe and healthy.
  • Elegance and strength: Xtrema cookware is beautiful but also boasts resilience, resisting scratches and standing up against wear. This is important when you cook a lot!
  • Heat mastery: Xtrema cookware offers great heat retention and efficient cooking to help you save time and energy in the kitchen.

Safety of Ceramic

Since I’ve used these ceramic pans for years, it’s important to be able to verify their safety. Like me, you’ll be glad to know that Xtrema cookware passes all stringent California Prop 65 testing and third-party leach testing, and Xtrema publishes all of their results. 

Some sources have raised safety concerns about ceramic cookware, claiming some contain lead and other harmful heavy metals in dangerous amounts. Specifically, they are testing with an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) instrument that they claim showed the presence of lead, chromium, and other metals.

An XRF device is not an approved way to test for the ability of these metals to leach. This means that although there may be small amounts of these compounds naturally occurring in the clay used to make this cookware, leach testing confirms that they are not migrating into food. I also confirmed that no harmful nano-particles are used in production and that each batch is lab tested to ensure safety.

100% ceramic cookware is completely non-toxic and free of PTFE, PFAS, and other harmful chemicals.

Xtrema Pros

I’ve already mentioned how easy Xtrema cookware is to clean. Because it’s oven-safe and beautiful, you can cook in it and then serve directly from it, saving dirty dishes. Food doesn’t stick, even at lower temperatures, and everything cooks really well.

In addition to these wonderful pros, here are more reasons why ceramic cookware is a great addition to your kitchen:

  • Nonreactive
  • Safe to use on high heat (500+ degrees)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Oven safe
  • Stovetop safe
  • Fridge and freezer-safe
  • Won’t scratch or flake
  • Easy to clean

Xtrema: My Opinion

After exhaustive research and years of using their products, I consider Xtrema one of the highest-quality cookware options. After confirming safety data from independent labs, I’m comfortable using this cookware for my family. If you spend time cooking for your family, Xtrema is an excellent investment for safe, beautiful, and reliable cookware.

As an affiliate partner of Xtrema, I was able to negotiate a discount for my readers. If you decide to try any of their cookware or bakeware, you can save 15% with the coupon code WELLNESS at this link.

What kind of cookware do you use? Would you try ceramic? Share below!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

114 responses to “Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Review”

  1. Clint Avatar

    Do you have any more information on Xtrema? Like what metals are in their ceramic? Usually ceramic contains lead, cadmium and other metals. Just like to see what their percentages are.

    Thank you!

  2. Nick Avatar

    Hi Wendy,

    Luckily I came past this post… I know a bit about oxides and I can tell you that an oxide is not a heavy metal.

    Things can contain metal oxides, but this is not a metal… it’s an oxide.

    Different to the metal you find in other pots. Which are true heavy metals… the oxides I think is what give the pot that black colour…

    I am looking to buy two “inert” pots… and the two options I have are these Xtrema and the Visions ware… which is glass and glass is supposed to be just as inert.

    1. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
      Richard Bergstrom

      Wendy, you are so smart. Yes, oxides are not metal. The problem that people do not realize with metal cookware is the pollution it causes to the worker and the environment. Nobody talks about that ? They are avoiding the elephant in the room. Ceramics are the safest to cook with. There is no medical value in using metal cookware. Thank you, Rich, the founder of Xtrema cookware. ?

  3. Catleen Avatar
    Catleen

    I’ve had the pans for several years and really do love them. They are light weight and clean up fantastically. My question to anyone who knows though is can you broil in them. I never even thought about it until I came across a recipe that you need to broil in.

  4. Elysia Avatar

    How heavy are the Xtrema frying pans? Are they really nonstick? My friend is looking for a safe, nonstick pan that is not too heavy (so not cast iron). Thanks!

    1. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
      Richard Bergstrom

      Elysia;

      Xtrema® cookware is different. Made from 100% ceramic, Xtrema® is all-natural, non-toxic, inorganic and nonreactive. From the glaze to the core, it contains no PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings or dyes. Most importantly, Xtrema® cookware will never leach chemicals, metal, cadmium, lead, or change the taste of your food. Xtrema does not use any non-stick coating for we believe them to have the potential to be toxic. There is no testing that proves that these coatings are safe. https://www.xtrema.com/pages/pure-ceramic

  5. Wendy Avatar

    Gunhild: Thanks, I am very conflicted on this. I recently bought both Xtrema and cast iron. Unfortunately, the cast iron is also composed of scrap stainless steel (in addition to iron), which contains chromium, nickel, etc. On top of that, I try not to cook at high temps and the factory seasoning came ashy/flaking off. How does one avoid burnt oil residue in your food when seasoning is a factor? And finally, what about oil rancidity over time? Ughh….I’d love some feedback as well. I really feel like I can’t find a safe way to cook for my family.

    (And we don’t do Le Creuset because of the enamel.)

    1. Nick Avatar

      Wendy, if you can send me that list of materials i can tell you and everyone else what is metal or chemically bad for us.

      Glazed should have a blend of material that becomes hard hard glass when fired. But if there is certain elements will make the glaze weak and create small cracks over the years.

      Send it to me at sub at school of surf dot com dot au. Include the au part its for australia. 🙂

  6. Wendy Avatar

    I am desperately seeking new cookware and was excited to see this great review but I spoke with a rep at Xtrema yesterday and wanted to mention that these are not metal free. (And unless something changed recently, they are considered “non-scratch” but not “non-stick”…which is a good thing!) Anyway, I obtained the ingredients for their glaze via email and unfortunately, it contains aluminum, nickel and other metals. Do you have any thoughts on this? I realize they claim these are “non-leaching” products but it worries me that they go to great lengths to post articles about the toxicity of aluminum on their site and yet fail to mention that it is in their glaze. Thanks so much – I love your site. Discovered it after RealFoodCon and can’t get enough.

    1. Gunhild Avatar

      Wow, I would love to see a comment on this. Thanks for sharing, Wendy. I was just researching whether to go for an iron or ceramic skillet … I think I’ll go for iron.

      1. Wendy Avatar

        LysiJoy, The Xtrema rep (Bob Bergstrom) wrote this in his email to me:

        “…Our ceramic glaze is made up of various oxides and there are no dyes or toxic chemicals in our ceramic non-scratch glaze. The combination of various oxides give our product the black color. This Ceramic glaze is 100% safe and non-toxic. We fire our glazeat 2,500 degrees which increases the surface hardness and make it non-scratch-able.”

        But it also came with a table of the alluded to oxides–which I wish I could attach here–that included aluminum, chromium, lithium, nickel and others.

        Perhaps it is because these are “non-scratch” they can claim they are non-toxic?

        1. Elysia Avatar

          Thanks for the info! How heavy is their frying pan? I see above that you also have cast iron – is the Xtrema the same, slightly lighter, significantly lighter…? Thanks!!

        2. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
          Richard Bergstrom

          Elysia:

          Metallic oxides are basic in nature because they react with dilute acids to form salt and water. They also react with water to form metal hydroxides which are alkaline in nature because these metal hydroxides release OH- ions in solution. … Therefore, non metallic oxides would be acidic in nature. Metals of d-block elements are used for many industrial applications. They behave as catalysts, super conducting materials, sensors, ceramics, phosphors, crystalline lasers etc.

          Any product that has a glaze or are painted it would contain metal oxides as well. They are safe and used all over the world. Thank you.

          Here are all of our testing results for the past 12 years: https://www.xtrema.com/pages/product-testing/

      2. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
        Richard Bergstrom

        Elysia:

        Thank you and this is Rich Bergstrom and I founded Xtrema cookware. There are no metals in our glaze – zero. 🙂
        Here are our test results for the past 12 years – no metals – we are pure ceramic. 🙂

        We are the only cookware company that publishes it’s test results on its website. We also used 3rd party scientific testing labs and we do no testing in-house because this would be wrong and not a valid test. When the testing is done it must be done on a minimum of 10 to 12 samples at a time. We even test the labels and under the USA guidelines of CA Prop 65 and we have passed every test on over 2,732 Xtrema products in the past 12 years. There are no leaching metals in our Xtrema cookware and anybody who states otherwise is not using the testing standards that we must abide by. No other standard is as valuable as the CA Prop 65. For any metal or chemical to be toxic it has to be ingested by ones mouth our inhaled. The #1 cause of lead toxicity is paint, then soil and then air and water.

        I have attached our 12 years of test reports. https://www.xtrema.com/pages/product-testing/
        Please note that we also tested all of our labels and there is no lead or cadmium extraction or leaching. 100% safe. Can you please provide me with the CA Prop 65 Tests that we failed? I have noticed on the social media that can be jealous people and competitors that trying to shake down companies for $$$ or 15 minutes of fame, some very high integrity consumer companies like – Le Creuset, Fiesta Ware, Pyrex, Corning Ware, decorated Corelle Ware, Lena Cup, Do Terra, Tupperware, Rae Dunn, etc. I have personal relationships with the VP and owners of these companies and we know the truth or we would not be doing what we are doing if we did not abide by the rules of CA Prop 65. Xtrema was founded to be an healthy alternative to toxic metal cookware from its production to its usage. https://www.xtrema.com/ We live and speak the truth because we love our customers. – The best in the entire world. Rich – Owner of Ceramcor.

    1. Beth Avatar

      Induction cooktops can give off a significant amount of EMF radiation (and gas stoves give off fumes). Regular electric cooktops are a better option healthwise. They’re perhaps not as speedy or precise, but convenience vs health risks is something each person has to decide.

  7. Elizabeth Wladimroff Avatar
    Elizabeth Wladimroff

    I have been looking for a non metal kettle/tea pot and this fits the bill. Unfortunately, the Wellness coupon code is invalid…too bad. Thanks for the review though.

  8. Gabe Avatar

    Wow! These comments are generic in form and from 3 YEARS ago!!!
    Anyway, I just wanted to say that I only use cast iron, and I NEVER have even EGGS stick!!! ( I do scramble them, though, and use lots of coconut oil in cooking).
    I seasoned them, even though they came already seasoned. I used coconut oil, and put them in the oven on very low for several hours. After cooking, while still hot, I run under hot water (careful as the heat from the cast iron can get you if your pot holder gets wet!), and scrub with only hot water and a brush used only for this purpose. Again, while still hot/warm, I put it on the burner, still warm, to dry the cast iron, then put a small amount of coconut oil in, and with a pastry brush, coat the entire pan, and leave it for the next day. This has worked for me without fail. A cast iron pan bought at a used store, was also seasoned in this way after thorough cleaning. It still sticks just a bit, but when used many times with this procedure, the sticking gets less and less.

  9. Reese Avatar

    I add shredded coconut to homemade granola bars and protein bars, and I also use it to “bread” our pan-fried chicken as we do not do gluten at our house. Yum!

  10. Anne Avatar

    Love their coconut oil, never tried their shredded coconut! I use it all the time (most often in my paleo energy bars from Mark’s Daily Apple) but always just get it at the grocery. I’m betting that TT’s is better!

  11. Analise Avatar
    Analise

    Hey Katie! I love using coconut because the oil is so completely tasteless… and so healthy! And, shredded has that body and sense of sweetness that is delish! Thank you, Analise

  12. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    My favorite thing about cooking with coconut… that’s tough, since I adore coconut! The taste, the texture, the health benefits. I love it all!

  13. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    I love using coconut in grain free muffins for added texture and flavor!

  14. Rose Avatar

    What I love about cooking with coconut is just about everything, but I’m having a hard time finding unsweetened in the stores. Last time I bought it must have been about a year ago.

    1. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
      Richard Bergstrom

      Rose – its also great for your skin and our family uses it as a body lotion too. Wonderful product. 🙂

  15. Sally Glaspie Avatar
    Sally Glaspie

    I’m coconut crazy these days, using the oil to make deodorant and body wash and using it as lotion. I just made your energy bars recently and am now addicted to them, especially with coconut and cocoa added! Love your newsletter and like you on facebook! I’d love nothing more than to win the coconut and keep experimenting with new things to put it in! Thanks so much!

  16. Abby Avatar

    I didn’t use to like coconut at all, but over the last several months I’ve been trying it in different things and now, I love it!

  17. Jaime Avatar

    I’m sort of new to low carb but I’m learning quickly. I’m loving your recipes. I’m using coconut oil now but haven’t used shredded coconut yet. Thanks for the contest!

  18. Charity Avatar
    Charity

    I love using Coconut oil in my smoothies, or for making healthy fudge with peanut butter and cocoa! I also love the finely shredded coconut in macaroons!

  19. Clare Avatar

    I love using cocnut oil as lotion! Works better than any ‘regular’ lotion. Love your blog, by the way. I also subscribe to your newsletter 🙂

    I also did Crossroads and met my husband doing work in the ministry as well, fun little common denominator 🙂

    1. Mech Avatar

      You sure are spot-on on this one.  The biggest contributor for toxins in our body is through the food we eat and stuff that unknowingly becomes part of our food.  After a lot of research on non-toxic cookware (having suffered the direct consequences of cooking in metals) i found Miriam’s Earthen Cookware:  pots for cooking made from pure, tested natural clay.  These are fantastic! They are non-reactive, have no metals, chemicals, glazes or toxins and do a great job cooking my food. The taste of the food is superior to that of the same dish prepared in a metal pot.   Most importantly it seals most of the nutrients in (works like an oven). I got mine from mecware.us

      1. Lorraone Avatar
        Lorraone

        I am from the UK. And I can’t buy most of these items listed on this site. And sadly still these healthy alternative pots pans and things are so expensive. I’m trying to add up everything I need for homemade ingredients and products it’s great most of them are from the same sources. But filters are one off and so are cooking ware options but they are too expensive for me. 🙁 I wish there was another way to get hold of the non toxic items and pure items and also for fairer prices. I don’t know why pure products cost more than added chemicals ones. Factories work harder in additives than natural sources. I always wanted to do pottery maybe perhaps I can make myself my own cooking ware. I know metals are to be avoided too so plastic ? Man this is all getting too much to take in and organise. My kitchen is being refitted. Does that mean my worktops need to be anti toxic too ? But it would mean I can buy new kitchen ware that is non toxic 😉 maybe chop board non toxic will do for toxic surfaces ? Filter for shower seen as I use my shower in the bath too 😉 as I have no other source of hot water I think to invest in long term filter for my drinking water n cooking ware will be good in time. But to make them would be more ideal wonder how can go about that ? 😉

      2. Lisa Avatar

        But Miriam’s is secretive about the ingredients in the clay. All clay has at least trace amounts of lead and arsenic. Because Miriam’s is unsealed it leaches into the food. People have said in reviews that their house smelled of clay for hours after cooking. Also several people said they felt physically unwell after using it. I would want to know exactly what her clay ingredients are. Even then I wouldn’t cook on unsealed clay. Also there were comments that when cleaning it the water was red. I think it’s one of those things that sounds nice but I’m not at all convinced about the safety of it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *