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It is getting tougher to find good cookware options. It seems like many of the nonstick or easy clean options contain harmful chemicals or heavy metals, while the natural options lead to sticking and are hard to clean.
Xtrema Ceramic Cookware
Several years ago, I got some Xtrema cookware as a Christmas present. I’d been trying to find good pots and pans after getting rid of my non-stick pans. I was frustrated with eggs sticking to cast iron and coated cast iron, and we only had one small stainless steel pan that didn’t stick terribly.
I was skeptical at first about Xtrema… It’s all ceramic (not metal) and while beautiful, I doubted how well it would cook. I also wondered about the safety/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 3 minutes), I’m able to cook on lower heat and without it sticking.
I also 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. From their website:
Clean Xtrema cookware just like you would metal cookware. You can use Baking Soda, Soft Scrub, Bon Ami, Comet and Ajax powered cleaners along with steel wool SOS and Brillo pads and heavy duty scrub sponges on the inside and outside of your Xtrema cookware. Do not worry; you cannot scratch the Xtrema cookware surface!
Safety of Ceramic
Some sources have brought up safety concerns about ceramic cookware, claiming some contain lead and other harmful heavy metals in dangerous amounts. Specifically, testing with an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) instrument showed the presence of lead, chromium, and other metals.
Since I’ve used these pans for years, it’s important to be able to verify their safety. After months of research and talking to specialists, I’m still comfortable using this cookware, as it passes all stringent California Prop 65 testing, as well as third-party leach testing, and they publish all of their results here.
Additionally, 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.
Xtrema Pros
- Very easy to clean
- Nonreactive
- Cooks well on low heat
- Safe to use on high heat (500+ degrees)
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- Stove safe
- Fridge/freezer safe
- Won’t scratch or flake
Xtrema Cons
- Can break if dropped
- Takes slightly longer to heat up than regular metal cookware
Xtrema: My Opinion
After exhaustive research, I consider Xtrema one of the highest quality cookware options. After confirming safety data from independent labs, I’m comfortable using this cookware for myself and my family and have many of their pieces in my kitchen. It is easier to clean than most cookware and won’t scratch.
The only downside is that it’s not non-stick like some other types of cookware and takes a little adjustment if you’re used to those. Unfortunately, I’ve never found any safe non-stick options to recommend, and consider Xtrema a good alternative.
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, you can save 15% with the code WELLNESS at this link.
What kind of cookware do you use? Would you try ceramic? Share below!
Have you ever tried Greenlife Cookware? I need to replace my cookware and Greenlife was recommended to me by a friend but the reviews are not all that great. They are pretty inexpensive compared to other cookware. Now, I am trying to decide between Greenlife and Xtrema.
Hi! I was looking into bakeware, but it keeps redirecting me to Ovenex. Is that the bakine version of xtrema? Same brand/quality?
Thanks!
Xtreme cookware made from China.
Yes it is. And China has a long history of producing the best quality ceramics around.
I read the Wellness mama raving review on the Xtera cookware and was ecstatic as my husband has a chronic illness and we need to detox our kitchen pronto. I spent $120 on 1 pan. I tried to cook eggs, and knowing the pans are non stick, I used more oil than I usually use. I did as the instructions directed and heated the pan on low heat for 2 minutes before adding any food. The eggs quickly burnt in one spot, and we’re completely raw in a spot literallly right next to it. Despite adding a crazy amount of fat to my meal, all of the eggs still stuck to the bottom of the pan. The oil splattered all over me. I was cooking on low the entire time.
These pans are dangerous (especially if you have kids undertow) because when heat up and splatter hot oil. They also easily ruin good food quickly. I am beyond disappointed and feel stupid for not buying stainless steel instead.
what about the lead content of ceramic pots?
It definitely can be a concern in some types. The brand I use and recommend has been tested and is safe.
I also said goodbye to all my non stick cookware. I actually replaced them all with stainless steel. Nothing sticks to them, but only because I do a quick-seasoning with coconut oil every week or so. It only takes a few minutes to do and as long as you only clean with water and a good scrubby brush, they come out super clean. Every month or so i use a stainless steel cleaner or even just vinegar to get any discolouration off, then reseason and start all over. Its incredible to watch eggs just float on top of the steel, cooking in the butter or bacon fat I usually use.
Is the xtrema cookware similar to rock crock? If so, I might just give it a whirl.
Hi, I know I’m a little late. But it says that Xtrema Ceramcor is made in China. Does that concern you?
Nope. Normally I steer clear of products made in China but ceramics are an exception. China has been the well-established world leader in pottery and ceramics and has been for centuries. Also, Xtrema publishes their testing on the products to verify the quality and that there are no heavy metals.
I would be afraid…51% of Amazon users complained
I would love to have a set but just can’t justify buying from an American company who has their production done in China. I’ll keep looking.
Johnna
Extremely displeased with Xtrema Ceramcor Ceramics set!!
I ordered this set after reading Wellness Mama’s reviews on it, and here is why I don’t like it:
1. It is NOT non stick, everything sticks in the pans I received!!
2. The biggest pan in the whole set is also too small. For the $400 that’s the least you should get, is the conventional sizes. The smallest pan is the size of a muffin maker, again what a waste!
3. The pots are not easy to clean, I have to scrub them hard!
4. I don’t like the shape and handles of the pots. They are so not ergonomical in style.
5. You can’t use the pots without the handle covers that come with it, and even with those the handles get very hot!
Please save your money, and don’t buy these pots and pans. It’s a total waste of money, highly disappointed!! I bought them as a replacement for my non stick set, and it doesn’t serve the purpose! 🙁
Hi Meesha,
I am sorry to hear that you were not happy with the pans… I really like mine. To clarify, I said they were non-scratch, but not non-stick, though they do take a little adjusting to get used to cooking with them and learning the correct temperatures for your stove so that things don’t stick. I’m not sure which set you got, but would encourage you to reach out to the company if you are unhappy with the products as they are family owned and should be able to help you with a refund or exchange for larger pans.
I bought a couple of these pans and while they are easy to clean… everything sticks! Even eggs. Also very hard to store…who has enough cabinet space to store all these things! They should redesign the handles to be made of metal so they can add the hole to hang them by.
I am at a loss on finding a consensus on this Xtrema cookware. Some swear by it, others have nothing but trouble with it. This Xtrema (Ceramcor) website shows cookware with the exact same “decoration” on the lids that is being claimed by Dr. Mercola and he doesn’t reference Xtrema or Ceramcor at all. So which is this cookware…Xtrema by Ceramcor or Dr. Mercola, or something else that is just the same only marketed by different people. There were comments and questions about the glaze used containing various metals, with someone referring to it as “oxides” . If it contains metal oxides, then it’s oxidized metal?
Oxides can be reacted by acids or bases. Those reacted only by acids are basic oxides; those reacted only by bases are acidic oxides. Oxides that react with both acids and bases are amphoteric. Metals tend to form basic oxides, non-metals tend to form acidic oxides, and amphoteric oxides are formed by elements near the boundary between metals and non-metals (metalloids). So even if it is just “oxides” in the glaze, the glaze is the surface closest to food, therefore would react to certain foods.
I am like many on here that do not want something made in China. With all their manufacturing problems with dog food, treats, nail polishes containing harmful chemicals, even kids toys containing lead, I do not feel confident about anything made in China. Yes, I have read the test results but I even question those as was it a random sampling or a specific sample supplied for testing.
So I’m back to square one on determining what cookware is truly safest. Is this Xtrema by Ceramcor worth the cost based on information that is somewhat scarce and often contradictory (great non-stick vs food sticks)
The picture in my post is of Xtrema cookware (Ceramcor) that I ordered directly from their website several years ago. I actually did have a skillet from Mercola years ago before discovering the company directly and when I had a customer service question, I was referred to the Xtrema customer service team, which is how I found out it was the same pan to begin with. (From what I’ve found, Mercola white labels many of his products). Hope that helps… As far as safety and concerns about products made in China, I can completely understand where you are coming from and I typically don’t support products made in China either. I personally have had great results with this cookware and would recommend it, but of course, do your own research and due diligence before using any product.
Hello Katie,
is there a trick to cooking in these skillets. For the life of me I can’t seem to fry some eggs or make a pancake in them . I have no problem using oils but I just can’t seem to make it stop sticking. I have cooked on low flame. Then heated on low to medium then lowered after the pan was hot enough. Googled the heck out of cooking on ceramic. But no luck.
Very very frustrated . I checked on Amazon and most of the xterra cookware have a 3 star and the reviews sound more like my own experience .
Please do reply.
Rashmi
I’m sure they are really great cookware, but are expensive. What are your thoughts on “All-clad LTD” and “Calphalon” pans??
Here’s a link to a Canadain Supplier of Xtrema located in Kitchener as Xtrema doesn’t ship to Canada, https://www.livingrooms.ws/
I am looking for a new and healthy cookware set and I think I want to give xtrema a try, in your review you have a link to get 10% off, is that still applicable. These are quite expensive and I was looking for any sort of discount:)
I would love to try this cookware, esp a skillet, but what a price tag. For those who had bought it, didn’t like it and like the last poster (Teresa) had it sitting in storage. Would you be willing to sell it for a fair offer?
I purchased the Xtrema omelet pan and its been nothing but a disappointment. From the very first time i used it eggs have stuck HORRIBLY doesn’t matter if their fried, scrambled, or an omelete style which is what this pan is supposed to be used for. I watched the videos, followed the directions and even tried different types of oil “just in case” it was my oil. Nope. Sticks AWFUL. Hate this pan and quit using it. Of course they only let you return it within 30 days of the purchase so i’m now stuck with this overpriced pan in my storage. 🙁 Big Boo.
I just bought their 9.5″ omelet pan and I am having the same problem. The first time I used it I know I had the heat up too high, so the eggs stuck. Today I waited for it to heat up for a good 5 minutes or more, then I turned it down and I was so disappointed. The edges of the eggs cooked but the center was completely raw. I had to push them around and make a scrambled mess (I was aiming for fried eggs) before they would cook fully, and the cooking time was longer, not shorter like they claim. I am wondering if I should return the pan but I don’t want to pay the shipping and 10% restocking fee. I also don’t find this to be completely non-stick. Even at low heat I still had egg residue in the pan. Very disappointing after hearing such rave reviews on it.
Grace: Sorry about your cooking experience and did you call us about cooking with ceramics. We are here to help but we do not remember you calling us or reaching out to us? Please email us https://support.xtrema.com/support/tickets/new We can help you learn to cook with Xtrema. Low heat and slow cooking and Xtrema is not non-stick cookware. We are pure ceramic with no metals in our cookware. Thank you – Rich
Hello. I have not found one safe frying pan and have been researching for four years. My research regarding the ceramic pans culminated in the sad conclusion that the paint and glue used on the surface is toxic. What is your input please? I’m a mommy and want to be careful about what my child ingests. Thank you so very much for your wonderful website.
Thanks for reading. From my research the glaze on these is not toxic and does not contain the heavy metals that are in many ceramic glazes.
Thank you so very much for answering my question. What a blessing that was.
There is no glue or paint used in the making of any ceramics because they are fired at over 2000F. The glue and paint would melt. The glaze that is used is pure ceramic and non scratch. Every restaurant in the world uses ceramic dishes because they are safe and beautiful. ?. Rich from Xtrema
I use Xtrema too and I really like it! I bought a few set a year back or so. It is pricey, but it is easy clean up and not as heavy as cast iron. Thanks for the review!