Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Review

Katie Wells Avatar

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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. Danielle Avatar

    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.

  2. Jazzy Avatar

    Hi! I was looking into bakeware, but it keeps redirecting me to Ovenex. Is that the bakine version of xtrema? Same brand/quality?
    Thanks!

  3. Crystal Avatar

    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.

  4. Wanda Avatar

    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.

  5. Nicole Avatar

    Hi, I know I’m a little late. But it says that Xtrema Ceramcor is made in China. Does that concern you?

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      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.

  6. Johnna Avatar

    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

  7. Meesha Avatar

    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! 🙁

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      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.

  8. apelila Avatar

    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.

  9. Sharon Avatar

    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)

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      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.

  10. Rashmi Avatar

    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

  11. Kathy Crawford Avatar
    Kathy Crawford

    I’m sure they are really great cookware, but are expensive. What are your thoughts on “All-clad LTD” and “Calphalon” pans??

  12. Amy Avatar

    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:)

  13. Jen Avatar

    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?

  14. Teresa Avatar
    Teresa

    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.

    1. Grace Avatar

      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.

    2. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
      Richard Bergstrom

      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

  15. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    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.

      1. Pamela Avatar
        Pamela

        Thank you so very much for answering my question. What a blessing that was.

    1. Richard Bergstrom Avatar
      Richard Bergstrom

      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

  16. Kelli Avatar

    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!

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