Are you new to Xtrema? Curious to see if this cookware is the real deal? This article takes a closer look into the ceramic cookware brand.
I’m always on the lookout for a healthy cookware option. And with all the cookware out there claiming to be healthy or non-toxic, it can be challenging to wade through the claims and get to the actual facts.
Ceramic cookware has excellent health benefits because it’s inert, meaning it will never react with your food while cooking. No metallic-tasting pasta sauce. No worrying about what has leached into your food.
Xtrema ceramic cookware is a nice idea for home cooks who want to switch from metallic or non-stick cookware to pure ceramic cookware. But this cookware is definitely not for everyone.
Just want the lowdown on what set to get? I recommend the Xtrema 9-Piece cookware set as the overall best.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
Contents
About the Xtrema Brand
The Xtrema brand had its beginnings in 2004, with a quest to create healthy, non-toxic cookware. The creators used their 40 years of experience in the ceramic and glass industry to design and develop a line of cookware.
Since 2007, Xtrema has been manufacturing pure ceramic cookware. Their product lines are manufactured in China, but their principal market is the U.S. All of Xtrema’s products are free of toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
All About Ceramic Cookware
The term “ceramic cookware” can mean many things, so it’s essential to understand the different types of ceramic cookware.
The first type is ceramic non-stick cookware. This type of pan typically has an aluminum or hard-anodized aluminum body with a ceramic-based non-stick coating. The core of the pan is not ceramic, just the non-stick layer.
Ceramic non-stick cookware is supposed to be a healthier alternative to traditional non-stick. However, a lot of ceramic non-stick still incorporates heavy metals and/or chemicals in the manufacturing process. For that reason, some people still feel squeamish about using it.
The other type of ceramic cookware is made exclusively from ceramic. No metal. No non-stick. 100% ceramic products are not as common, so you have to do some digging to find them. (Read more about the safest non-toxic cookware.)
Xtrema cookware products are 100% ceramic from the ceramic glaze to the ceramic core. They’re non-toxic and completely free of heavy metals and harmful chemicals.
Xtrema have produced an infographic about their cookware. Bear in mind that this might be biased!
Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Review: FAQs
Is Xtrema ceramic cookware safe?
If you’re looking for non-toxic cookware, Xtrema fits the bill. Every Xtrema cookware line is free of lead, cadmium, PFOA, PTFE (a.k.a. Teflon), and metals. It also has no dyes, pigments, glues, or polymers.
Xtrema ceramic is inert and nonreactive, so it won’t impart flavor into food or leach metals into your food while you cook.
Can I use Xtrema cookware on high heat?
Xtrema designs all of its cookware to be safe for use at low heat or medium heat. Extreme temperatures can crack the surface of the pan and ruin it.
Ceramic cookware does not perform like non-stick pans, so you should expect food to stick. However, cooking “slow and low” can help the food release more easily.
Once your pan has reached the desired temperature, turn down the heat to a lower setting. Ceramic, much like cast iron pans, retains heat for a long time. You won’t need constant heat while using your ceramic pan.
Can I use Xtrema on all stovetops?
Xtreme cookware can be used for electric, gas, and ceramic cooktops. But if you have an induction stovetop, you’re out of luck. Since ceramic contains no ferromagnetic or iron materials, it won’t work with induction stoves.
But one thing that sets Xtrema apart? It’s microwave safe, an unusual feature for cookware for sure.
Be sure to avoid shaking or dragging the pan across a ceramic cooktop to avoid scratching the stovetop.
Can I use Xtrema cookware in the oven?
Yes, you can use Xtrema ceramic cookware in the oven. In fact, it can handle temperatures that far exceed anything you’ll find in a standard conventional or convection oven. That means Xtrema pans are great for stovetop-to-oven dishes.
Is Xtrema cookware dishwasher safe?
Yes, all Xtrema cookware is dishwasher safe. That being said, the manufacturer says the best way to clean Xtrema cookware is to wash it by hand with soapy hot water. Use a natural fiber scrub brush for any stains or a non-abrasive sponge for regular cleaning.
You shouldn’t use steel wool to clean Xtrema cookware, as it can leave behind metal residue or markings. It won’t scratch the ceramic, though.
Also, be sure to let your cookware cool completely before cleaning. Plunging a hot skillet in cold water can cause thermal shock and crack the pan.
Pop it in the dishwasher if you are in a rush, making sure it doesn’t make contact with anything that can scratch it. Hand wash as much as possible to increase the lifetime of this cookware.
Does Xtrema cookware require seasoning?
Unlike a cast iron pan, Xtrema ceramic pots do not require seasoning. However, you will need cooking oil when using your ceramic cookware.
Anything from cooking spray to coconut oil, water to broth will work. The only cooking fat that’s off-limits is butter, due to its low burn point.
Pro tip? Add the oil after heating your ceramic pots and pans. Adding oil to a cold pan can cause sticking. Also, water is great to add with sticky foods like eggs.
To learn more about how to use Xtrema ceramic cookware, watch this short video:
Xtrema Ceramic Cookware Review: Products
9-Piece Xtrema Traditions Ceramic Cookware Set: Best Overall
First up? Xtrema’s all-natural ceramic 9-piece cookware set. This Xtrema pots and pans set comes with the following:
- 1-Quart (.95 liters) Traditions Saucepan with Lid
- 1.5-Quart (1.42 liters) Traditions Saucepan with Lid
- 2.5-Quart (2.37 liters) Traditions Saucepan with Lid
- 10-Inch (25.4 cm) Traditions Sauté Pan with Lid
- Skillet/Wok Silicone Handle Pot Holder
With three saucepans and one sauté, this set is a little on the lean side. But the sauté pan with lid is quite versatile, so you can still get a lot of use out of this set, even without multiple skillets or a Dutch oven.
Like all of Xtrema’s cookware, this cooking set is made from 100% natural ceramic materials. It’s free of lead, cadmium, metals, PFOA, and PTFE (Teflon).
The tight-fitting lids allow you to keep food properly covered while sealing in flavors, heat, and moisture during the cooking process.
The glossy appearance comes from the ceramic glaze Xtrema uses on all of its cookware.
These cookware pieces are heavy, so be prepared to do some lifting. Customers said they weren’t quite as heavy as cast iron but close to it.
This cookware allegedly has a scratch-proof surface. And while you shouldn’t use metal utensils on this cookware, it’s nice to know it’s not as easy to scratch as a typical non-stick pan. Perhaps “scratch-resistant” is a more appropriate term!
That being said, this cookware can be fragile. Overheating these pots or dropping them could result in cracks. Also, when storing your Xtrema cookware, be sure to use liners or towels to protect your pans from chips.
These cookware pieces are quite versatile. In addition to being oven-safe, you can use them in the microwave, in a convection oven, and even put them in the freezer. Of course, be careful about sudden temperature changes. That’s a surefire way to damage your ceramic cookware set.
These pans are more prone to sticking, so you should use a cooking fat like coconut oil when cooking. Simply preheat the pan on a low setting for a minute, add the oil, and you’re ready to cook.
And as for cleaning? You can put these in the dishwasher after cooking. If you have the time, though, hand washing with hot water and mild soap is better.
As far as cost? This set is quite pricey. The ceramic construction will almost always cost more than most metal-based cookware.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Non-scratch surface
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave, freezer, & oven safe
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Prone to sticking
- May break if dropped or overheated
- Expensive
Xtrema Traditions 5-Piece Starter Set: Best for Single Servings
This Xtrema Traditions 5-piece set is a starter set and comes with the following pieces:
- 1.5-Quart (1.42 liters) Versa Pot with Lid
- 7-Inch (17.78 cm) Traditions Skillet
- 2-Piece Red Pot Holder Set for Versa Pots
This is better for those who are new to ceramic cookware but want more than one piece to try. The small size of the pieces is best when cooking for 1-2 people. If you’re cooking for a crowd, these pieces won’t cut it.
Just like the other Xtrema cookware set, this cookware cooks evenly and holds in heat for a long time. It’s dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe, making it a versatile set.
Users like how these pans don’t impart flavor or react with food, and they also like the even heating. But several did mention how heavy this cookware is. Much like cast iron, these pieces are quite hefty. If you have weight limitations, this may not be the best fit for you.
To cook food, be sure to preheat on low or medium and add oil. Low and slow is best. After cooking, simply wash with mild soap and water. For stuck-on stains, let the pan soak and then wipe.
Another good idea is to heat water and baking soda for several minutes on low to lift stains or stubborn food.
This set provides a lot of versatility, but that utility comes at a cost. You’ll pay quite a bit more for this small set than you would for a metal cookware set.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Heats evenly and retains heat well
- Non-scratch surface
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave, freezer, & oven safe
- Includes silicone holder set for pots
Cons
- Small-sized pieces
- Prone to sticking
- Fragile, susceptible to chipping
- Expensive
Xtrema Traditions Skillet & Sauté Pan with Lid: Best for Ceramic Beginners
Next up is this Xtrema ceramic skillet and sauté pan. It comes in two convenient sizes: 7 inches (17.78 cm) and 10 inches (25.4 cm).
The larger skillet is better for most people, while the smaller skillet is ideal for 1-2 servings.
It comes with a bright red silicone pot holder to help protect your hands from the hot handle. Of course, the entire body is made from 100% all-natural ceramics, which will help you cook healthy food without worry.
This frying pan does have a slightly thinner texture, however. So you’ll want to use caution when handling this piece. And while the surface of this cookware is scratch-proof, the manufacturer still recommends wooden or heat-resistant silicone cooking tools.
Make sure to cook low and slow. Doing otherwise could void the Xtrema warranty and damage your expensive skillet. Also, use towels or liners when storing this skillet to avoid chips or cracks.
Like the other products on our list, you can cook with this Xtrema frying pan in the oven, microwave, and on stovetops. You can also put your skillet in the dishwasher.
As for customers? They liked this frying pan, especially in terms of appearance and quality. Several did have issues with food sticking, but that’s not unexpected with ceramic.
A couple of customers reported that the 10-inch skillet has a small bump in the center of the cooking surface. This causes food to collect at the edges of the pan. However, this wasn’t the case with every Xtrema cookware review, but it’s something to keep in mind. Check out your cookware when you get it, and return it straight away if there is a defect,
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Even heating & superb heat retention
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave and oven safe
- Includes tight-fitting lid and silicone handle
Cons
- Needs more oil (not non-stick)
- Fragile, susceptible to cracking with temp changes
- Slow to heat
- Reports of uneven base
- Expensive
Xtrema 10-Quart Dutch Oven: Best for Large Servings
For batch cooking and large gatherings, there is this Xtrema 10-quart (9.47 liters) Dutch oven with lid. Clocking in at over 12 pounds (5.4 kg), this Dutch oven is substantial.
This piece is ideal for preparing bone broth, braising meats, cooking hearty stews, and making large batches of side dishes. And with the heat retention this ceramic piece offers, you can easily use this as serveware well after you cook your dish.
This chemical and metal-free Dutch oven has a sleek black finish, almost resembling cast iron. However, the glaze on this piece gives it a shinier finish.
The tight-fitting lid helps keep in moisture and heat, and the handles help you lift and carry this heavy ceramic pot. The handles do seem small, but I couldn’t find any customer complaints about the grip.
There were some complaints that this pot is heavy and slow to heat. This is to be expected with ceramic versus a metal pot. However, that’s the trade-off for getting a metal-free piece of cookware.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- Prone to sticking
- Slow to heat up
- Heavy
- Expensive
Are there alternatives?
It’s very hard to find good 100% pure ceramic cookware on the market, so there are no direct alternatives I would recommend. However, there are a couple of ideas you could consider:
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard-Anodized Ceramic Non-stick Set, 11 Pieces
Earlier I mentioned how there was pure ceramic cookware, and then there’s ceramic non-stick cookware. This GreenPan Valencia Pro set falls into the latter category.
This set has a hard-anodized aluminum body with a layer of ceramic non-stick. It does not contain Teflon, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. It comes with 11 pieces, including: 3 frypans, 2 saucepans with lids, a deep skillet with lid, and a covered casserole.
This GreenPan set is not cheap, but it is more affordable than the Xtrema 9-piece set. It’s oven-safe up to 600°F (315°C) with glass lids that can go in the oven up to 425°F (218°C). This set is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. What’s more? This set is safe for the dishwasher, so cleanup is a breeze.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set
For those that want uncoated cookware, this Lodge cast iron set is a great option. Lodge makes all of its uncoated cast iron products in the U.S. They are on the heavier side, just like the Xtrema cookware.
Cast iron isn’t ceramic, but as well as being heavy, it’s also 100% natural, healthy and safe. Where cast iron differs is that it tends to have better, more even, cooking performance than ceramic, as well as being better value for money. This comes at a cost though: cast iron is more work to maintain, season, and clean.
This set includes the following pieces: 10.5-inch (26.67 cm) griddle, a 10.25-inch (26 cm) and 8-inch (20.32 cm) skillet, and a 5-quart (4.73 liters) covered Dutch oven. This cast iron set does come pre-seasoned with vegetable oil.
This set is induction compatible and oven-safe for temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). To top it off? This set is quite affordable.
But that affordability is balanced by more required maintenance. This cookware is not safe for the dishwasher and must be hand washed. Additionally, you’ll have to re-season the cookware periodically.
Xtrema Cookware Reviews: The Last Word
If you don’t have an aversion to metal cookware, I would go with ceramic non-stick, stainless steel, or a cast iron pan. They’re inert so they won’t react with your food. They’re lighter, much less temperamental, and more affordable.
If, however, you want to avoid metals and harsh chemicals in your cookware, Xtrema ceramic cookware is a good option. If you know how to properly use and care for these pans, they should last you for a while.
Xtrema on Amazon
At the time of writing, I could only find Xtrema products being sold directly by the manufacturer. On Amazon, for example, the products are listed as not available. Fair enough.
If you want to check the availability on Amazon, here is a 14 piece cookware set product listing.
