Cookware is such an important item to choose nontoxic in my opinion. I have been lucky enough to try out many non-toxic cookware brands over the years. Some are definitely better than others, and they all come with pros and cons. At the end of the day you need to choose a cookware option that is the best fit for you and your family. I am diving in on my Xtrema Cookware Review today and sharing what makes 100% ceramic cookware standout. Don’t miss my discount code to save you on your next purchase too!
*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company. I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly. If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.
What is Xtrema® Cookware?
Xtrema is a different type of ceramic cookware in that it isn’t just ceramic coated, but it is 100% ceramic from the surface to the core. That means no metals like aluminum or even stainless steel are used in the construction. It is made of clay, water, natural minerals and oxides – making it a very safe cookware!
Because it is pure ceramic, you know it is free from all the scary and dangerous chemicals making up conventional cookware. This includes no Teflon and it is PFA free (including PTFE and PFOA’s) – no leaching of these toxic chemicals when you cook with Xtrema! Plus Xtrema’s products are tested on a regular basis for lead and cadmium. They are definitely a healthy cookware option to consider for your kitchen!
Xtrema’s founder, Rich Bergstrom, founded this nontoxic cookware brand starting in 2004 but officially launching in 2007. With 40 years of experience in the industry, ceramic was known to be a time tested material that they wanted to work with. And through providing a safe cookware, Xtrema is proud to provide an avenue for the customer to have healthier and better tasting food.
Check out all of Xtrema’s Pure Ceramic Cookware here and use code GURLGONEGREEN to save 10%!
Why use ceramic cookware?
100% ceramic cookware is, in my opinion, one of the SAFEST nontoxic cookware types out there. Many think ceramic-coated cookware is the only option there is, but it’s important to know that there are other choices that are 100% pure ceramic – which is where Xtrema steps in! Plus, there are many differences between ceramic coated and pure ceramic:
- Ceramic coated has a metal core while pure ceramic does not.
- Ceramic coated is very easy to learn to cook with as it is similar to traditional non-stick pans in it’s cooking style. Pure ceramic takes more time to learn how to use and get comfortable cooking with.
- Ceramic coated cookware doesn’t last as long while Xtrema pans can last forever if you treat them right.
- Ceramic coated cookware hasn’t been around very long so we don’t know all of the potential side effects. Pure ceramic has been around for thousands of years.
Plus, using pure ceramic cookware means you are supporting the environment. The manufacturing process to make Xtrema is a much cleaner process than that used to create metal pots and pans.
Is ceramic cookware really nontoxic?
Xtrema’s products are made from ingredients that come from the earth and could contain lead, cadmium and other heavy metals. Part of Xtrema’s manufacturing process includes firing their ceramic products at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. At this temperature, these impurities and heavy metals will melt off and not survive the process. Plus, Xtrema tests every shipment for extractable levels of these and for 15 years has passed California Prop 65 standards for lead and cadmium leaching. They update their test results and share them publicly. You can find them here.
Straight from Xtrema:
“From the ceramic glaze to the core, it contains no extractable metal, cadmium, lead, PFOA, PTFE, glues, polymers, coatings or dyes. Most importantly, Xtrema® cookware will never leach chemicals or change the taste of your food.”
Check out my full Non Toxic Cookware Guide here!
How is Xtrema Cookware made
Xtrema’s products are made in China. But before you decided that is a reason not to buy an Xtrema cookware set, let me explain. Xtrema initially did look to keep its manufacturing processes in the USA. But, then they realized maybe China was a legitimate option – with over 70% of the world’s ceramic products being made there. That meant they already had the skilled workers needed to make the highest quality ceramic products out there.
The actual manufacturing process to create their ceramic products takes 20 days from start to finish. Each piece is formed in a high-pressure casting mold. It is then triple-fired at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. This gives it the strength and durability it needs.
Xtrema Review
Every nontoxic cookware brand I have used comes with pros and cons. Here is my full list of the pros and cons of Xtrema:
Pros
- Completely inert meaning it doesn’t leach any chemicals.
- Heats evenly and generates far-infrared energy – this cooks food from the inside and the outside at the same time
- Easy to clean- you can clean it with soap and water.
- Lasts forever
- Versatile- You can use it on all cooking surfaces (stovetop, oven and it’s freezer safe) and utilize all cooking methods
- Dishwasher safe
- Doesn’t react with acidic foods.
- Stain resistant
Cons
- No metal utensils can be used
- Can crack or break if not treated with proper care
- Handwashing is recommended even though they are dishwasher safe
- Expensive
- New way of cooking- it takes some getting used to as far as cooking goes. It’s not going to be the same as a non-stick skillet.
Check out Xtrema’s Video on Tips and Tricks for how to cook with Xtrema here!
My Most Used Xtrema Products
There definitely products from Xtrema that I’ve found I use much more than others. My favorites from them include:Â
Versa- This ceramic pan is really your all purpose pan in the kitchen. It can cook meat, veggies, stir frys, eggs, pancakes and so much more. From sautéing to baking a cobbler, this pan can do it all. I love that it has handles on both sides to easily carry it from place to place. This is one piece of cookware that you will get so much use out of and is a good option if you don’t know where to start! Get it here.
Bread Loaf Pan- This loaf pan is perfect for making breads of all kinds. I love how the ceramic gives my bread an even bake. It can really make a difference I’ve noticed when baking. It’s also great for making meatloaf! Get it here.
Muffin Pan- I thought at first I wouldn’t love the 6 cup muffin pan versus a 12 cup but I’ve been proven wrong! It’s so much easier to wash and clean a 6 cup one and store. I guess you could say it’s just handy to have the option of a 6 cup since it just is smaller overall. Plus, a lot of the muffin recipes I use are paleo and a little smaller so often I can fit the whole batch into the 6 muffin tins, it just makes large muffins! Of course sometimes I have to wait for the batch to be done, but I don’t mind. The ease of a 6 cup muffin pan makes up for it. Get it here.
Check out all my favorite nontoxic bakeware products here!
Xtrema’s Best Sellers include:
- Versa Pan
- Ceramic Frying Pan
- Signature Skillet: This comes in 4 sizes (5, 7, 9 and 11 inches)
- 9-Piece Traditions Set
If you decided you want to invest in a ceramic cookware set, they have that too. Here are a few that would be great starting points for swapping out your conventional cookware:
Check out all of Xtrema’s Pure Ceramic Cookware here and use code GURLGONEGREEN to save 10%!
Conclusion: Is Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Worth the Investment?
I think Xtrema is worth the investment. These are pans that you will hopefully have for a lifetime. The biggest hurdle with Xtrema is learning how to use them. Since it’s different from traditional nonstick pans, there is a learning curve. With anything though, I’ve found the more you use them the more you learn. It just takes practice. These really are so great for cooking because they do not emit anything into your food, which is hard to say for most cookware. If you are wanting the most nontoxic and safe cookware out there, Xtrema is a great choice.
Have you tried out Xtrema? What’s your favorite pot or pan of theirs?
If you liked this post, check out these past posts:
Don’t see items or prices for products. Where to buy.?
Hi Joe,
If you go to their website you can see a full list of their products and prices. https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=581192&u=1148574&m=52296&urllink=xtrema%2Ecom%2F&afftrack=
How is it different than using other non-stick? Can you explain the how of it please?
Hi K,
It’s not nonstick like you might think of traditional nonstick. This is made of clay, so you have to use low heat and heat it first before applying oil to it to food. This allows food to not stick to the pan.
Do you know where their products are made? I cannot seem to find that information anywhere!
They are made in China. See above under the heading “How Is Xtrema Cookware Made” for details. Thanks!