There is SO much confusion out there when it comes to 100% ceramic cookware.
Most people mistakenly think that “ceramic cookware” is the same as “ceramic coated cookware”. In fact, if you do a search for ceramic cookware, the first few articles are ALL about ceramic coated cookware, not true ceramic cookware. What do you know, even Google got it wrong!
Ceramic cookware and ceramic coated cookware are very different in composition and characteristics. And it’s important to understand the difference.
As the Cookware Advisor, I’m here to clear out all that confusion. One up Google, so to speak :)
Consider this your ultimate guide to 100% ceramic cookware.
By the end of this article, you’ll have answers to the common questions…
What is it?
Why should you buy it?
What’s the best option?
Is it worth it?
And most importantly, is it safe?
Read on to find out….
What is 100% ceramic cookware?
True ceramic cookware, also called “100% ceramic cookware” is made entirely from natural clay.
Ceramic technically means ‘clay that has been fire hardened’.
This means it’s not just a coating or layer on the surface. The entire pot or pan, including the base and sides, is made of ceramic material.
Clay is a natural substance that doesn’t react with anything and is completely inert. That’s good news because it means 100% ceramic cookware is inert and non-reactive with food.
There are no harmful chemicals, no ptfe (that’s teflon and its type of coatings) or pfoa (a chemical previously used in the making of ptfe but phased out in 2015), no metals or toxins to worry about. And nothing leaches into your food. This makes it a very safe and healthy choice for cooking.
Ceramic cookware also has excellent heat retention and distribution. This is because of its low thermal conductivity. I know, I know, that sounds like a mouthful but simply means the ability to transfer heat. Let me explain a bit more.
Most cookware metals have a high conductivity. Which means they gain heat quickly… but also lose it quickly. Ceramic, on the other hand, takes longer to heat up and distribute that heat across the cookware. But because of the insulating material (clay/sand), it retains that heat for longer.
What does all this mean for you? It means even cooking and no hotspots!
So it’s different from ceramic coated cookware?
Yes. Ceramic coated cookware is metallic cookware (usually aluminum, sometimes stainless steel or cast iron) that is coated with a layer of ceramic based non-stick.
Most ceramic cookware ads that you see are likely for ceramic coated cookware. Not 100% ceramic cookware.
So while both incorporate some form of ceramic, 100% ceramic cookware is made entirely of ceramic material, whereas ceramic coated cookware has a ceramic coating applied to a metal base.
Understanding this difference is essential, especially when making a purchase decision. If you’re looking for the purity and safety of cooking with 100% ceramic, then true ceramic cookware is the way to go.
But if you want a metal pan with some nonstick benefits, then ceramic coated cookware is your choice.
Why use 100% ceramic cookware?
Here are some reasons why you might consider choosing 100% ceramic cookware. This list is not exhaustive but people who use 100% ceramic cookware at home are usually these types of chefs:
- You’re obsessed with safety: This is by far the biggest reason. You want to make sure your cookware is non-toxic. You’re wary of metals and coatings and don’t want any bad stuff from the pots and pans getting into your food.
- You care about taste: You’re a home chef that likes food that tastes amazing. Ceramic cookware helps keep the flavors in the food just right, so you can enjoy the true taste of what you cook.
- You’re a kitchen explorer: You like trying all kinds of recipes and cooking methods. Ceramic cookware can handle lots of different ways of cooking, from the stove to the oven.
- You’re eco-friendly: You care about the Earth and want to use cookware that’s good for the environment. Ceramic cookware is made from natural stuff and doesn’t hurt the planet.
- You like to party!: You love having friends and family over for meals and want your dishes to turn out great every time. Ceramic cookware helps make meals impressive and delicious.
- You like easy cleaning: You like things that are easy to clean up, and ceramic cookware is just that. After cooking, it’s simple to wash, and there’s not a lot of hard scrubbing.
- You like slow-cooking: You often cook dishes that need lots of time to simmer slowly, like stews and roasts. Ceramic cookware keeps the heat in, which makes these dishes taste amazing.
What is the best 100% ceramic cookware?
Hands down the answer is Xtrema cookware, made by the Ceramcor corporation.
Xtrema is a mission driven, family owned business that has been making ceramic cookware for over 15 years. Each piece of cookware is hand made with clay, sand, natural minerals like Kaolinite, Mullite, Petalite, Cordierite and various metallic oxides.
Wait! Minerals and oxides in Xtrema? I thought it was made of just natural clay?
Nothing to worry, these are naturally occurring materials. When the ceramic pots are cured at high heat, these oxides and minerals combine to form the signature black glaze on the outside of the pans.
It is this glaze that sets Xtrema apart from plain, unglazed ceramic pans. Plain ceramic pots are porous and retain the aroma of whatever food was cooked in them. The glaze on Xtrema pans makes them non-stick, non-scratch and non-porous.
Is the black glaze on Xtrema pans a coating?
No, there’s no coating on the pan. The black glaze is part of the pan, so nothing will flake or scratch off.
As per the owners of Xtrema, the firing of the pans at 2500 F gives the product its high gloss black ceramic glaze which non-scratch and non-leaching. Sometimes Xtrema comes out with pans in different colors. The company clarified that all glazes of any kind are colored by oxides and various oxides produce different colors. There are no dyes, toxic chemicals or glues in the ceramic non-scratch glaze.
Is Xtrema 100% ceramic cookware safe?
I’ve often qualified that there is no stovetop cookware material that is not declared unsafe by someone or the other. Metals leach and nonstick coatings disintegrate. Debates on ceramic coated vs teflon coated rage on.
But Xtrema is the exception.
Firstly, the cookware has NO metals in the core.
Based on my research, metals leaching into food from cookware is a minor concern and I’ve covered this in detail for both stainless steel and aluminum pans. But if metals leaching in foods is a concern for you and you’re looking for a metal free option, Xtrema is the safest cookware available in the market.
Secondly, there are no chemicals in the cookware.
Since there is no nonstick coating, you don’t have to worry about chemicals, ptfe and pfoa.
And lastly, there is no fear of lead or cadmium leaching in Xtrema pans.
This is a common fear about pure ceramic cookware. The root of this fear is that traditional glazed clay pans use lead for the glaze.
Xtrema, on the other hand, uses natural oxides for its glaze.
But more importantly, each batch of Xtrema cookware is tested by an independent 3rd party for lead and cadmium leaching. And in full transparency, the company posts the results every month on their site.
Is Xtrema cookware nonstick?
There’s no non-stick coating on Xtrema cookware.
However, due to the ceramic material and its glaze, the cooking surface will become naturally non-stick with the addition of some fat and low/medium heat.
For best results, preheat the pan before adding a light layer of oil for a natural nonstick surface.
Can you use it in the microwave?
Absolutely yes! Unlike any other metallic cookware which cannot go in the microwave, Xtrema is great for microwave use.
Can you use Xtrema under the broiler?
Yes, Xtrema pans can be used safely under the broiler. Since there’s no coating, there’s no fear of anything disintegrating due to the high heat.
Can Xtrema pans be used in the oven?
Yes. That makes them highly suited for dishes that start on the stove and finish in the oven.
Are Xtrema pans heavy?
I’ll be honest, they’re not like the average lightweight aluminum pan. But they’re lighter than a cast iron pan. To get a better sense, I did a comparison of 3 similar sized Dutch ovens. You can see below, its not the heaviest but its also not the lightest.
- 100% Ceramic Xtrema 5.5 qt dutch oven: 7lb
- Lodge Cast Iron 6 qt Dutch oven: 14.88 lb
- Caraway cast aluminum with nonstick ceramic coated Dutch oven: 8.45 lb
Does Xtrema cookware break easily?
Surprisingly no!
Initially, I had the same concern. I’m used to banging pots and pans and figured these would need replacing quite frequently. But turns out Xtrema pans are quite sturdy and are often handed down as family heirlooms because they last and last. The company refers to it as ‘cookware that lasts for generations’.
Now keep in mind that these do have to be treated with care, since any glass or ceramic product can break or chip with mishandling.
And if they do, the company has a Forever Replacement Program! Here’s what they say:
“We understand that accidents can happen, which is why we offer our Forever Replacement Program to ensure your satisfaction and the longevity of your Xtrema products”
They replace the first time for free and any further replacements are offered at a 30% off and a small shipping fee.
Quite fair, if you ask me and it certainly took care of any reservations I had!
What are people saying?
Xtrema scores a consistently high rating of over 4.5 stars on the company’s website. There’s an overwhelming consensus on the excellence of the cookware. Here are some snippets:
“Xtrema has changed the way I cook. The heat distribution is fantastic, and I love that it’s safe for my family.”
“The quality of Xtrema cookware is unmatched. I’ve had mine for years, and it still looks and cooks like new.”
“I appreciate the peace of mind that Xtrema’s safety standards provide. Cooking with this cookware is a joy, and I know my family is protected.”
“Absolutely in love with my ceramic set. The food tastes so much better.”
“Great cookware! Chemical free cookware is a must for us. 100% ceramic with no toxins is totally awesome. Sleek look and heats up fast. We think our food tastes better now too.”
Xtrema Review – any negatives?
No review would be complete without an unbiased look at any shortcomings. So what are the downsides to using Xtrema cookware? Here’s my brief list
- There’s a learning curve with these pans. They take longer to heat up but once they do, they stay hot for longer. Also the pan is naturally ‘low stick’ and you’ll learn the trick of heating the pan before adding the oil to create a more nonstick surface. Same as you should do for stainless steel.
- Definitely needs more care than a metal pot since it can crack or break. You’ll need to be especially careful of a sudden change in temperature as that can shatter ceramic.
- It’s on the expensive side, no denying it. But when you look at the uses you can get from it and the fact that you might be passing it on to your kids and grandkids, you also can’t deny the value.
Are Xtrema pans worth it?
Xtrema pans are not cheap (check prices here) so this is a valid question. However, ‘worth’ always comes down to value. So the correct question is, can you get enough value out of your Xtrema pan?
Let’s start by listing down what you can do with this cookware:
- You can use it on the stovetop
- You can use it in the oven
- You can use it in the microwave
- You can use it under a broiler
- You can use it on the grill
- You can store food in it in the fridge
- You can use it for freezing food
- You can wash it in the dishwasher
- You can cook and serve in the same pan
- You can use it for a lifetime and then pass it down to your kids or grandkids.
I think that answers the question for me. Yes, it’s worth it!
What’s the warranty?
Xtrema offers a 40 day no questions asked return policy. And a 10 year warranty, provided you follow the care and use instructions they provide. Wow!
And the final verdict?
Xtrema cookware gets a solid Buy It Now verdict from The Cookware Advisor if you are someone who:
- Is looking for safe cookware
- That is free of any metals and chemicals
- And does not leach any toxins in your food
This is a family owned business that is on a mission to provide healthy 100% ceramic cookware for all kitchens and all people. Worth supporting!
Where can I buy Xtema cookware?
Xtrema follows a direct to customer model, meaning its not available in stores or even on Amazon. You can buy Xtrema directly from the company‘s website.
Buy Xtrema Cookware HereUse code SaveX10 for 10% off
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.