Xtrema Cookware: 100% Ceramic [What To Like Or Not]

CRYSTAL H.  |   |   Updated
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In looking for pure ceramic cookware, Xtrema is one brand that pops up. Here I look at the good and the bad about this all ceramic (not to be confused with ceramic coated cookware) range to help you decide on whether it’s right for you.

Xtrema cookware is fully ceramic — no metal bits

What fully ceramic cookware is good for…

What I find extremely good about the fully ceramic Xtrema cookware, apart from it being 100% natural, is versatility of use. I can take it from stovetop or oven (or microwave) to the table and then onto the refrigerator for storage. This means I have less to clean, saving time and cost of extra containers.

Where is Xtrema cookware made?

Xtrema is made in Southern China but the manufacturer is Ceramcor, a US company that has over 50 years experience in the ceramics industry. 

China ranks #1 in the world for crafting of ceramics with history of the craft in the country going back tens of thousands of years.

Hence why, like me, you might of heard porcelain or ceramic dinner refered to as “china”.

Xtrema’s cookware designs

You can choose Xtrema cookware designs with a long-handle, e.g. Traditions, or with two handles, one on either side, e.g. Versa, to suit your style of cooking.

One long-handled 100% ceramic pan

Has two short handles, one on either side

xtrema versa pan

Single pots

You can buy just a single pot, pan, or skillet to add to or replace any pieces of your existing cookware.

In the singles, pot sizes range from 16-oz through to 8-quart.

Cookware sets

You can choose between a 3-piece and up to a 12-piece Xtrema ceramic cookware set that include pots and skillets with lids and silicone handle holders.

Arrangements change from time to time. So best to check for the latest sets to see what’s on offer in this authentic ceramic cookware range at Xtrema.

Pros and cons of Xtrema 100 ceramic cookware

Here’s what to know about the Xtrema cookware, starting with the benefits of this type of cookware and then the downsides for you to weight up.

What I like about the Xtrema ceramic

  • Locks in flavor, perfect for cooking casseroles, stews, soups, gravies, eggs, pancakes, and fish
  • Safe to use with highest of heat setting
  • Convenient and versatile in use, means less clean up
  • Safe to use in the microwave
  • Doesn’t tarnish

You might like to compare ceramic with copper cookware. As well, check out 100% ceramic cookware compared with using stainless steel. Of course, ceramic vs aluminum has cost as the main difference factor.

This is why…

100% ceramic cookware, Xtrema review
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  1. Pure clay
    The cookware is made of pure ceramic clay. The company’s lab tests show that the cookware is free of nasty chemicals, and complies with standards for sale of cookware in the US.
  2. Fully Molded
    Molded handles mean there are no rivets or screws to work loose over time.
  3. No tarnish
    A glazed ceramic finish means it is super easy to clean. Having no joins or rivets means no grime build up.
  4. Lightweight
    It’s relatively lightweight. They are lighter than cast iron cookware. The long handles means I can comfortably transfer the food from the stove to the countertop or table.
  5. Nonreactive
    The cookware is nonreactive, which means my favorite food won’t be tainted from metal or other residues that can leach from cookware when cooking the likes of acidic tomatoes and citrus.
  6. One-pot versatility & convenience
    I can take it from the stove-top to the table and then, when done, store the leftovers in the same container in the refrigerator. They can also go direct from stovetop to oven.

    You don’t need an assortment of other kitchenware. They’re good for cooking, baking, serving, and storing of food, all in the one pot. To me, this means less hassle and fewer dishes to clean. It’s a convenience that means more time for the things I enjoy.

    Note: These pots and pans will keep your food warmer than conventional containers when waiting to serve food that is ready to be eaten.
  7. High heat resistance
    It is heat resistant up to a whopping 2500 ºF. So…no worries about putting that pot in the oven…I can put the whole unit (lid and handle included) straight into a very hot oven without any qualms.
  8. Earth-friendly
    Xtrema mold their 100 ceramic cookware from natural clay and finish it with a natural ceramic glaze. The company claims their 100 ceramic cookware contains no extractable lead or other harmful metals nor PFTE or PFOA — I wrote about the concerns with these in my article comparing ceramic with Teflon.

Before leaving our manufacturing facility, every shipment is inspected and tested for the presence of heavy metals. Xtrema® cookware is also FDA compliant and meets California Prop 65 standards, certifying that it is free of more than 800 compounds that may cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.

Xtrema website, 2022

Author of Toxic Free and Home Safe Home (at Amazon), Debra Lynn Dadd, had this to say about Xtrema “it doesn’t leach any toxic chemical or heavy metals into your food”.

Xtrema® is endorsed by physicians, homeopathic providers, integrative medicine practitioners and health bloggers around the world.

Ceramcor, Manufacturers of Xtrema

What’s not to like…

Here’s what I found were downsides, or what you might find as downsides, in using this solid ceramic cookware…

  1. Cooking style
    Having no metal layers means heating is not as rapid as my stainless steel cookware.
  2. Solid lids
    The lids of this pure ceramic cookware are not clear view glass. You will need to lift the lid to view the food cooking. I don’t have a problem with this as I lift glass lids anyway as heating causes condensation blocking the clear view. 
  3. Not for induction
    No metal layers mean they are not usable on induction cooktops. You’ll find suitable cookware for this in my guide on the best cookware for induction cooktops.
  4. Hot to handle
    Just be aware that the handles may get hot to touch if positioned over a heat source. When lifting the lid or moving the pot always use potholders for comfort. As well, when cooking, position the long handles on the cooktop so that they are not over the hot element.
  5. Don’t bounce
    You need to treat these as you would ceramic bakeware or mug or glass bowl. Because they are solid ceramic, they will crack if dropped on a hard surface or you hit them with heavy force. (The company covers breakage resulting from thermal shock only under a 10-year warranty).
  6. Price
    More expensive than standard metal cookware types. However, with the right use, care, and storage, it’s something that will last you a lifetime.

Where to buy

Where can I buy Xtrema cookware? You can buy Xtrema cookware online. At times it appears on Amazon! But there’s more to see at the Xtrema company itself, where you’ll also find heavily discounted offers at times!

Here’s the link…

Shop Xtrema’s pure ceramic cookware! Handmade with the purest of intentions

Why choose Xtrema? This has to do with the ceramic cooking pots benefits…The main appeal of course is that it is 100 percent ceramic with no metal elements.

Other reasons you might choose Xtrema are that their pots and pans are nicely glazed and 100% scratch resistant. They are easy to clean and durable. But, also you have convenience of using one pot for cooking, serving, and storing — means you save on the need for other containers and there’s much less cleanup afterward.

Pros

  • 50-year warranty against breakage during cooking & scratching
  • 100% natural. No leaching chemicals.
  • Locks in flavor and goodness. Cooks thoroughly.
  • Rivet free smooth surface. Easy cleanup. No seasoning.
  • Can be used in the microwave.
  • Use the same pot on the stove, table, and in storing food.
  • Oven and stovetop safe to 2500 °F

Cons

  • Not for cooking that requires fast, high heat distribution
  • Handles may get hot with high heat
  • Not as lightweight as the ceramic non-stick type
  • More expensive than metal types
  • Fragile if dropped on a hard surface

FAQs

Is Xtrema 100 ceramic cookware eco-friendly?

In answer to this oft-asked question: Is this cookware eco-friendly? Xtrema is one of those 100% ceramic cookware brands that prides itself on being Earth friendly for this reason. The maker claims their 100 percent ceramic cookware range is made entirely from natural minerals and water. 

Is Xtrema cookware free of nasties?

The Xtrema company presents lab tests showing the cookware is free of chemicals such as PFOA and PFTE and heavy metals. Xtrema’s product testing results state they meet the highest standards with their products and undergo rigorous testing certified under the FDA and California Prop 65.

How is 100 ceramic cookware made?

The Xtrema design of this cookware, made of light-weight pressure cast ceramic with a scratch-proof ceramic glaze finish, takes 20 days to complete, according to the makers. Each piece is cast in a mold under high pressure and then triple-fired at extremely high temperatures (2500ºF) for strength and durability.

©ceramiccookwarehub.com original article created: 2018-04-16