In my research into healthy alternatives to non-stick pots and pans, ceramic stood out. I’ve tried a few ceramic brands, and Xtrema cookware has become one of my absolute favorites. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also practical and durable. Here’s why my Xtrema ceramic cookware set was well worth the investment for my family.
What is Ceramic Cookware?
Ceramic cookware is a type of kitchenware made from natural clay. It’s baked at high temperatures to create a cooking surface that’s naturally non-stick with oil and heat. There are two main types of ceramic cookware: pure ceramic cookware and ceramic-coated cookware.
Pure ceramic cookware is made entirely from clay. The clay is first shaped into pots and pans and then baked in a kiln. The end product has an all ceramic core and is coated with a ceramic glaze. Ceramic-coated cookware has a metal core usually made of aluminum or stainless steel. It only has a ceramic outer layer.
The ceramic coating on both types of cookware provides a light version of the non-stick properties many seek out. But unlike traditional non-stick pans, most ceramic cookware is free from chemicals like PFOA, PFAS, and PTFE.
How Does Ceramic Cookware Work?
Ceramic cookware capitalizes on the beneficial properties of ceramic materials. Ceramics are less conductive than metal cookware like aluminum, copper, or cast iron. So, it heats slower than traditional pans.
Ceramic is non-reactive, meaning it doesn’t leach chemicals into food when exposed to acids like lemon juice. It can also withstand high heat, so it makes a great wok for stir-frying and is oven-safe.
However, some ceramic cookware has coatings that wear down eventually. It’s more likely when exposed to metal utensils and improper care.
Benefits of Xtrema Ceramic Cookware
Xtrema is a brand of ceramic cookware known for being 100% ceramic. Unlike other ceramic cookware with a metal core and a ceramic coating, Xtrema is only ceramic. It’s non-toxic, sustainable, and hand-crafted. Here are some more benefits of getting yourself some Xtrema.
Versatile
Xtrema pieces can serve many functions in the kitchen. The cookware can withstand super high temperatures, so it’s suitable for many different cooking methods. You can use your Xtrema pots and pans set on a variety of surfaces beyond the stovetop, including:
- Conventional ovens
- Convection ovens
- Gas grills
- Charcoal grills
- Campfires
- Air fryers
They’re safe to use on both gas and electric cooktops as well as countertop ovens. To serve these purposes, they make a variety of pots, pans, and bakeware. The 5-piece Starter Set includes essentials like a skillet, stock pot, and red potholder set. They also have:
- Dutch ovens
- grill pans
- muffin tins
- teaware
- pots and pans
- their Signature Skillet
- and lots more
While not induction-compatible, an induction disc makes Xtrema work for those cooktops as well. Proper care and gradual heating help maintain the cookware’s durability and performance.
Less-Stick Surface
Ceramic has a smooth surface, which can prevent food from sticking. Pure ceramic cookware relies on this property. Xtrema cookware is kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures, which makes the ceramic surface incredibly smooth and glass-like.
While it may not be as slick as synthetic non-stick coatings, it’s non-toxic. Adding oil while cooking enhances the non-stick properties. The natural non-stick coating makes for a better cooking experience and easier cleaning.
Free of Toxins
Because Xtrema cookware is all ceramic, it’s naturally non-reactive and non-toxic. This means it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food. Non-stick pans often have toxic metals like lead and cadmium in them. Even stainless steel cookware can leach nickel into food over time.
Unlike some brands of non-stick cookware coated with Teflon (PTFE), PFOA, or PFAS, Xtrema cookware is free from these chemicals. These chemicals can work as hormone disruptors when they enter your body.
And unlike a lot of cookware, Xtrema cookware is tested to ensure it’s free from heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Every shipment of their products is tested for lead and
cadmium leaching in accordance with California Prop 65 standards.
High Heat Tolerance
Xtrema is kiln-fired at temperatures up to 2,500°F, which allows it to withstand extreme cooking temperatures. This means it can handle heat levels far beyond what most stovetops, ovens, and grills can produce. Its heat tolerance makes it great for high-heat cooking methods like searing, baking, broiling, and grilling.
Heat Retention
Ceramic is known for its ability to retain heat. This property can help maintain consistent cooking temperatures. It can also keep food warm longer after cooking has finished. Because it’s 100% ceramic, Xtrema is better at retaining heat than many other ceramic cookware brands.
Easy to Clean
Ceramic cookware is easy to clean. Just be sure to let the cookware cool down before cleaning to avoid thermal shock. Despite its high heat tolerance, Xtrema should not be subjected to sudden, extreme temperature changes. For example, placing hot cookware directly into cold water or onto a cold surface can cause it to crack.
Xtrema cookware is dishwasher safe or you can hand wash it. Use warm water and mild dish soap with any non-metal scrub pads sponges, brushes, or cloths.
Steel wool or or metal scrubbing pads will not damage the surface but can
leave metal marks on the surface. Fortunately, Xtrema’s products are non-
scratch so these metal marks can be scrubbed off with dry baking soda if this
happens.
Silicone Utensils for Xtrema Ceramic Cookware
Xtrema recommends wood and silicone utensils with the cookware to keep it in great condition. Silicone and wood are gentle on the ceramic surface of the cookware and prevents unsightly metal marks. It helps preserve the integrity of the ceramic coating so you can pass it to the next generation.
Silicone is also a non-reactive material, so it won’t leach chemicals or react with food. High-quality silicone can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees F or higher. You can find detachable silicone covers for the ceramic handles. I find they make the handle more comfortable to hold and they help protect my hands from the heat.
Be sure to store silicone utensils properly to avoid damage. Keep Xtrema cookware protected from sharp objects that could scratch the surface.
Xtrema Cookware vs. Other Ceramic Options
Ceramic in general creates even heat distribution, which promotes consistent cooking results. Because Xtrema is made entirely of ceramic, it heats up slower than some of my pans. However, it retains and distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface.
Some brands like Caraway and GreenPan have metal cores with ceramic non-stick coating. So, they heat up a few minutes faster, but they may not retain heat as long. While some ceramic options report being oven-safe up to 600 degrees F, Xtrema can handle temperatures over 1,000 degrees F!
Many ceramic non-stick coatings are very effective initially and allow for low-oil cooking and easy food release. However, the non-stick properties may be prone to wear and tear and degrade over time. That’s likely why many companies provide only a 2-5 year warranty from the date of purchase. Xtrema offers a 10-year warranty; plus, a Forever Replacement Policy in which the first replacement is free.
The Bottom Line
Xtrema is a family-owned company based in the USA. They’re committed to crafting ceramic pans that last for generations. If you’d like to get one of their ceramic nonstick cookware sets, there are plenty to choose from. A few best-sellers are the Xtrema 10-inch Signature Skillet, which works well as a saute pan and comes in three different sizes. And the Xtrema 2.5-quart saucepan, which is great for soup.
Xtrema makes healthy, beautiful cookware that can serve as family heirlooms. I’ve had my Xtrema pans for years and I love that they’re non-toxic and so easy to clean!
You can learn more about Xtrema here and use code WELLNESS for a discount.
Have you ever used Xtrema Cookware? What was your experience? Share with us below!
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