Truly Nontoxic Cookware: Xtrema Cookware Review

If you’ve ever gone down the nontoxic cookware rabbit hole, then you know how confusing and daunting it can be. Between the greenwashed marketing and technical jargon, it’s tough to know what’s truly safe and what’s just cleverly packaged. After over a year of research, my friend Janny and I compiled our cookware post last fall, outlining your best bets and what to avoid. After testing out several types of cookware, we both landed on a clear winner for day-to-day cooking: Xtrema Cookware.

Whether you’re shopping for a healthier home or just curious about pure ceramic cookware, read on for everything you need to know about Xtrema’s ceramic cookware, how it’s held up, how to clean it, and where to buy it. (P.S. I’ve got a discount code for you too!)

Xtrema Cookware Review

Why I Chose Xtrema Cookware (And Still Use It Years Later)

Xtrema is 100% ceramic not ceramic-coated. That’s what makes it truly unique in a cookware world filled with compromises. Most “ceramic” cookware on the market is actually metal cookware like aluminum or stainless steel, coated in a synthetic ceramic glaze that can wear down over time and may contain toxic chemicals.

But Xtrema’s ceramic cookware is made from pure ceramic, through and through. No metal core, no synthetic glazes. They test for lead, cadmium, and heavy metals, and publish third-party lab results so you can see exactly what’s in their cookware (or what’s not). That level of transparency is incredibly rare and much appreciated.

Key Features of Xtrema’s Cookware:

• 100% ceramic (no metal core)
• Non-toxic and free from PFAS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium
• Third-party lab tested and certified
• Scratch resistant (won’t peel or flake like ceramic-coated pans)
• Oven safe, dishwasher safe, and stovetop friendly
• Works on gas, electric, and even some induction cooktops (with an induction interface disc)
• Safe for use with metal utensils (though I still recommend wood or silicone)

Because of its ultra-smooth surface and heat-retention abilities, Xtrema pans are surprisingly easy to clean and versatile for many types of cooking, from searing veggies to simmering soups.

They have their cookware fully tested for harmful substances and publish the findings, which makes me love them even more for taking the extra step and being transparent. You can see more on that here.

What I Use from the Xtrema Line

My Go-To Pans and Sets

I’m not an epic cook, so I keep it simple and stick to the basic pots and pans that I’m used to. Almost went a little TLC Waterfalls in my head there. For me, that’s the 10-inch Versa Skillet (formerly, Versa Braiser) and the Signature Series saucepan set.

The Versa Skillet is very versatile, indeed. It can go from stove top to oven and even stores well in the fridge because of its short handles. With deeper sides and a large cooking surface, I find myself cooking with this more often than not. I use it for braising and sautéing fish, veggies, and more. I also use it when I make things like zucchini patties, which I use a little more oil for and the deeper sides keep it from splattering. While I still use my cast iron pan to sear things, the Versa Skillet is what I use for most of my fry pan needs. It has a lid and you can get silicone covers for the handles.

Compared to something like a cast iron skillet, the Xtrema Versa is much lighter than cast iron, easier to maneuver, and doesn’t require seasoning or special care.

The Signature Series set has a variety of saucepans and lids. Here’s what’s included:

1-Quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid
1.5-Quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid
2.5-Quart Traditions Saucepan with Lid
9-inch Signature Skillet
(2) 100% Organic Cotton Handle Potholders

This set covers everything from sauces to soups to pasta. While I occasionally use my stainless steel pot for boiling large batches of water, the Xtrema saucepans meet 90% of our daily cooking needs.

Good To Know

Tips for Cooking with Xtrema

• Always start on medium heat or lower
• Use a bit of oil or broth to pre-coat the pan for best results
• Avoid extreme temperature changes (let the pan cool before washing)
• Use wooden or silicone utensils (even though it’s scratch resistant)
• Don’t drag it across stovetops or bang it on sink edges
• Preheat slowly to evenly distribute heat

FAQs About Xtrema Cookware

Is Xtrema compatible with induction cooktops?

Xtrema cookware is not directly compatible with induction cooktops because it’s made of 100% ceramic and doesn’t contain any magnetic metals. However, you can use it on induction burners if you pair it with an induction interface disc, which acts as a bridge between the cooktop and the ceramic pan.

Can I use Xtrema on a glass top or ceramic stove?

Yes, Xtrema is safe to use on glass top and ceramic stoves. Just be sure not to drag the pans across the surface, as the ceramic base can scratch delicate cooktops. Always lift and place carefully, and use caution to prevent thermal shock from sudden temperature changes.

Can I use metal utensils with Xtrema?

Technically, yes, Xtrema is scratch resistant and won’t chip or peel like ceramic-coated cookware. That said, I still recommend using wooden, silicone, or bamboo utensils to extend its lifespan and avoid unnecessary wear.

Is Xtrema cookware dishwasher safe?

Yes! Xtrema cookware is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup super easy. I usually hand wash mine just to be gentle with the surface and avoid potential knocks from other dishes, but if you’re in a rush, the dishwasher is totally fine.

Can I put Xtrema in the oven?

Absolutely. One of the best things about Xtrema is that it’s oven safe up to 500°F. You can start a meal on the stovetop and finish it in the oven without switching pans which is super helpful for things like frittatas, braises, or baked pasta.

Is Xtrema cookwaåre nonstick?

Xtrema isn’t nonstick in the traditional chemical-coated sense, but its ultra-smooth ceramic surface is naturally slick and easy to clean. If you’re cooking something delicate like eggs, adding a little oil or fat helps prevent sticking. Over time, you’ll learn how to manage heat and preheat the pan for best results.

Does Xtrema come with a warranty?

Yes — Xtrema offers a 10-year limited warranty against thermal shock and manufacturer defects. You must register your product after purchase, and the warranty doesn’t cover breakage due to drops or mishandling, so treat it like you would glass cookware.

Is Xtrema heavy?

While Xtrema is heavier than aluminum or thin nonstick pans, it’s significantly lighter than cast iron. It feels solid and substantial in the hand, but I’ve never found it difficult to lift or move. The short handles on some of their pieces actually make it easier to store and maneuver.

New Thoughts After Using Xtrema for Years

Since I first published this post, I’ve been using Xtrema nearly every day. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Xtrema pans heat up slowly but once hot, they really retain heat well. You can turn down the burner and let it do its thing.
• They’re perfect for dishes that require gentle simmering or even heat distribution, like oatmeal, rice, and tomato-based sauces that might otherwise stick or burn in metal cookware.
• I’ve found it much easier to clean than I expected. Even when something gets a bit stuck on, a quick soak with warm soapy water and a non-metal scrub brush gets it right off.
• It does take a little adjusting if you’re used to stainless steel or cast iron, especially because you need to start at medium heat and increase gradually. But once you get the feel for it, it becomes second nature.
• These pans really retain flavor. There’s something about ceramic that makes food taste a bit “cleaner”, maybe it’s the lack of leaching metals or reactive surfaces, but it’s noticeable.

---

How to Clean Xtrema Cookware

Cleaning your Xtrema pan is simpler than you might think. Here are my top tips after years of use:

1. Let the pan cool before washing. Avoid rinsing a hot pan with cold water, which can cause thermal shock and cracks (just like glass bakeware).
2. Use a soft sponge or dish brush– no need to baby it, but skip harsh metal scouring pads.
3. For stubborn stuck-on food, soak with warm soapy water for 15–20 minutes. You can also use baking soda and water as a natural scrub.
4. Yes, it’s dishwasher safe, but I usually hand wash to keep it looking new longer.
5. Avoid stacking heavy metal pans on top of it in your cabinet, as it can chip if hit too hard.

Xtrema also sells a non-toxic cleaning kit, which includes a bamboo scraper and natural cleaner.

Where Is Xtrema Cookware Made?

Xtrema cookware is designed in the U.S. and manufactured in a dedicated ceramic factory in China that specializes in high-quality ceramic production. This facility has been making ceramic cookware for over 40 years and adheres to strict quality controls.

While some may prefer U.S.-made products, what matters to me is how the products are made, and Xtrema is extremely transparent. They publish testing results and guarantee that their cookware is free from toxic chemicals, including lead and cadmium.

How Does It Compare to Other Cookware?

Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic coated pans all have their pros and cons:

• Stainless steel cookware is durable and good for browning, but food can stick, and it may leach trace metals like nickel.
• Cast iron retains heat beautifully and can last generations, but it’s heavy and needs seasoning.
• Ceramic coated cookware has a nonstick feel at first, but the coating can wear down quickly and isn’t always free from harmful chemicals.
• Pure ceramic cookware like Xtrema combines safety with function: no leaching, no coatings to degrade, and no heavy metals.

---

Final Thoughts on Xtrema

After several years of consistent use, I still stand by Xtrema pans as one of the few truly non-toxic cookware options on the market. It’s:

• Durable
• Beautiful on the stovetop
• Lighter than cast iron
• Safe from toxic chemicals
• Easy to clean
• And genuinely enjoyable to cook with

If you’re moving away from metal cookware, dealing with chemical sensitivities, or just want peace of mind when cooking for your family, this is a great investment.

To read more about what to look for with cookware and see some other things I use in the kitchen, you can check out this post. If you want to give Xtrema a try, use MPUR10 for 10% off. If you give them a try, let me know what you think!

*Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Since posting this, we had several readers ask about lead contamination found (on the bottom of the pans) with an XRF machine. The XRF machine is designed for analyzing soil, not household appliances. Lead is naturally occurring and will be found just about everywhere, but the concern should be with whether or not the lead (or other metal) will leach. California Prop 65 and FDA laboratory procedures test for metal extraction or leaching for lead and cadmium. XTREMA’s products pass these standards. To read more click here.