Why People Are Making the Switch to Xtrema Ceramic Cookware: Real Customer Stories
Still cooking with "forever chemicals"? Hear why three people made the smart switch to Xtrema pure ceramic cookware. Real customers share why it’s given them peace of mind and kitchen confidence.
Let’s be real — if you’re still cooking on scratched-up Teflon pans, it’s time for an intervention. Over the last handful of years, a quiet revolution has been happening in kitchens across America. Health-conscious foodies are ditching their conventional PFAS nonstick cookware faster than you can say “endocrine disruptor” and embracing something far more enduring: ceramic.
Pure ceramic cookware isn’t just another passing wellness trend. It’s a back-to-basics approach that inspires you to slow down and be more mindful, not just about your food but also the cookware you cook it in. I personally have been using Xtrema pure ceramic cookware for over 10 years, and I’m a huge fan. It turns out, I’m not the only one.
“Like most affordable options, convenience reigns in one regard, but there’s a sacrifice in another. My feelings about nonstick cookware went from ease of use to ill at ease immediately after I read about forever chemicals.”
— Ciara, Xtrema Customer
We caught up with three Xtrema converts who recently made the switch from toxic PTFE pots and pans, and they couldn’t be happier about their decision.
Meet Michelle, whose 12-year battle with chemical sensitivity had her essentially homebound (think pandemic lockdown, but for four years); Ciara, a young professional navigating her wellness journey one kitchen upgrade at a time; and Renay, a full-time RV dweller who’s proof that you don’t need a massive kitchen to commit to clean cooking. Here’s what they had to say about their experience with Xtrema pure ceramic cookware.
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The Concerns That Prompted the Switch to Ceramic Cookware
Nothing ruins a delicious, home-cooked spread like the realization that your cookware might be adding a side of PFAS (otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’) to your favorite meals. These three home chefs weren’t having it anymore.
“Nonstick pans weren’t even an option for us because of the chemicals involved. It felt like no matter what we chose, there was always a ‘but.’ Xtrema was the first cookware that didn’t leave me second-guessing or worrying.”
— Renay, Xrema Customer
Q: Were there any specific health or safety concerns that pushed you to switch from your previous cookware to Xtrema ceramic cookware?
Michelle: “I had previously been using some nonstick cookware that was very scratched, even though I only use wooden utensils. I’d read that forever chemicals were released into foods from toxic cookware and eaten, which is what prompted my search for a healthier cookware option. I started reading about solid ceramic cookware from Xtrema. And if I was going to spend money on cookware, I wanted the real deal, not ceramic-coated cookware.”
Ciara: “I was worried about the scratches on my nonstick-coated pans. Also, because most of them are not made to last, it was getting expensive to replace my pans every other year (instead of 3 to 5 years like they claim). We don’t even have stainless steel utensils to scratch them up — they’re just that poorly made.
Renay: “We’re extremely intentional about the things we allow into our kitchen because they end up in our bodies. I became more and more concerned about nonstick coatings, aluminum, and even cast iron leaching chemicals or metals into our food. We work hard to source clean ingredients, so it didn’t make sense to cook them in something that could undo that. Finding a cookware option that’s truly non-toxic — with no metals, coatings, or forever chemicals — was really important to us, and that’s what led us to Xtrema.”
How Xtrema Differs from Their Previous Cookware Experiences
We get it — buying new cookware is tough. When faced with a mountain of cookware research (or targeted Instagram ads), it can be tempting to stick with your usual pots and pans and call it a day. But buying those same old cheap, poorly made, nonstick pans is ultimately hurting your health, and you’re not even saving money in the long run!Â
Plus, spending more doesn’t always mean getting more, either — even expensive cookware can use toxic nonstick PFAS coatings. Here are some of the other cookware options these three women were using before making the switch to Xtrema.
“Xtrema completely changed my cooking experience! The pieces are easy to use, and I no longer have to stress about coatings flaking off into our food.” — Michelle, Xtrema Customer
Q: Can you describe your experience with other cookware you’ve used in the past?
Michelle: “We had purchased a Breville Wok, Zojirushi Rice Cooker, not exactly cheap pieces. These are what had the nonstick coatings that were being scratched by wooden spoons. The goal was to cook healthy meals for me and my husband, but we couldn’t do that with peeling coatings.”
Ciara: “I’ve used mostly traditional nonstick cookware my whole life. It’s mostly been cheap, easy, and not so much fuss. But I started to get worried when articles in the mainstream media started throwing out titles mentioning forever chemicals. Like most affordable options, convenience reigns in one regard, but there’s a sacrifice in another. My feelings about nonstick cookware went from ease of use to ill at ease immediately after I read about forever chemicals.”
Renay: “Before switching, we used cast iron, glass, and stainless steel. Cast iron was fine for a while, but it requires a lot of maintenance. Even when it’s well-seasoned, there are still limitations (like with acidic foods). Stainless steel seemed like a better option at first, but I later learned it can still leach nickel and chromium, especially when cooking for long periods of time.
Nonstick pans weren’t even an option for us because of the chemicals involved. It felt like no matter what we chose, there was always a ‘but.’ Xtrema was the first cookware that didn’t leave me second-guessing or worrying.”
How Ceramic Changed The Way These Home Chefs Cook
Slow cooking is the original mindfulness practice. Who needs a meditation app when you have dinner to make with fresh ingredients? These three have turned their cooking routines into something close to kitchen therapy, proving that sometimes, the wellness industry’s next big thing is actually returning to something humans have been doing for thousands of years.
“It’s honestly made life easier and more peaceful. I don’t have to babysit my pans or think about what I’m cooking in them.” — Renay, Xtrema Customer
Q: How has cooking with Xtrema ceramic cookware changed your daily cooking experience?
Michelle: “Xtrema completely changed my cooking experience! The pieces are easy to use, and I no longer have to stress about coatings flaking off into our food and poisoning us. It is wonderful cooking with completely healthy cookware pieces for every stovetop, broiling, or baking need I have. Even our Tea Kettle! It stays on our front burner 24/7, so we have hot water for tea anytime we want it.
I also use citrus marinades more often now with Xtrema, without the worry of it reacting like it would with metal cookware.”
Ciara: “Using Xtrema has slowed my husband and I down in the best possible way. It was, admittedly, an annoying adjustment. My husband and I seasonally work long hours, which means we fell into the ‘quick and easy’ cooking routines a lot. But when we changed our meals from fast to home-cooked, we started to slow down.
And switching to ceramic cookware means slowing ALL the way down. This, however, has been a net positive. We consciously choose what we’re going to prepare, and due to the nature of ceramic cookware needs, we now slowly and consciously cook the food we’ve chosen for the week.”
Renay: “It’s honestly made life easier and more peaceful. I don’t have to babysit my pans or think about what I’m cooking in them. And without a dishwasher, hand scrubbing pots and pans can be burdensome. Xtrema reduces the number of dishes I need to wash because I can go from stovetop to oven now without a second thought.
Plus, clean-up is so much simpler. It’s given me one less thing to worry about in a life where I already spend so much time intentionally sourcing and preparing our food.”
Why Ceramic Was the Right Choice
Q: What factors were most important in your decision to choose ceramic cookware for your meals?
Michelle: “I wanted pans that didn’t contain forever chemicals. I decided on ceramic, and then I found Xtrema because I preferred solid ceramic to ceramic-coated products.”
Ciara: “I wanted cookware that was both durable and easy to care for. I love that these pans can withstand food that takes time to make and can be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. I also love a pan that takes well to both soaking in the sink but also can be put in the dishwasher if needed. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Renay: “Health was number one. I needed to know without a doubt that our cookware wasn’t secretly harming my family. Durability was next — if I’m going to invest in something, I want it to last. And finally, versatility. Living and traveling full-time in an RV, we need tools that can multitask so we aren’t carrying around a million different cookware pieces. The fact that Xtrema works on the stove and in the oven makes it a perfect fit for our lifestyle.”
Does Food Taste Different?
Remember when everyone started carrying stainless steel water bottles, swearing they could taste the difference in their water? Turns out they might have been onto something. The cookware equivalent of those water bottles is alive and well in these kitchens.
Q: Have you noticed any differences in the taste or quality of food prepared with Xtrema ceramic cookware?
Michelle: “I am a tea drinker, and have noticed water from the kettle tastes cleaner than water from the Breville Tea Maker we used to use.”
Ciara: “I haven’t noticed any flavor differences, but I know that my food cooks more evenly overall because of the fabulous heat distribution and retention.”
Renay: “Yes! Food just tastes clean — there’s no metallic or chemical aftertaste that you sometimes get with other cookware. I also feel like the way it heats more gently and evenly brings out better flavor, especially in things like sauces, stews, and sautéed veggies.”
Other Compelling Reasons to Switch
Q: Beyond health considerations, were there other factors (environmental, durability, aesthetics) that influenced your decision to choose Xtrema?
Michelle: “I liked that it was solid black. When I received my first piece, I liked the weight of the products. I also like the replacement program. They get very slippery when wet, so I’ve had to replace one piece due to a dish-washing mishap.”
Ciara: “I chose Xtrema because the company genuinely believes in its products and the average consumer’s ability to use them. I investigated SO MANY brands that were ‘professional grade,’ but they made me feel like I wasn’t enough of a chef to use and care for them.
Xtrema touts professional performance, but is notably designed for ‘real people,’ as it states on their homepage. I felt like I was getting a high performing product without having to be a high-performance chef. It’s wonderful to purchase from a company that believes in the consumer of their products.”
“Food just tastes clean — there’s no metallic or chemical aftertaste that you sometimes get with other cookware.” — Renay, Xtrema Customer
Renay: “Absolutely. Durability was huge — I don’t want to keep rebuying cookware every few years. I also appreciate that Xtrema’s products are better for the planet. They’re designed to last; they won’t just become landfill waste a year from now. Plus, they’re beautiful!
I love that something as simple as cookware can look timeless and elegant while also being completely functional. I love sharing our meals and cooking experiences on social media and with health-minded clients. Showing off our beautiful cookware is so fun, and everyone always asks where we got it!”
Fan Favorites: Most-Used Xtrema Products
Move over, cast iron cult — there’s a new cookware obsession in town. If you’re considering taking the plunge, here are some stand-out pieces to start your collection. (P.S. My favorite is Xtrema’s Dutch Oven — you can read all about why I love it in my detailed review!)
Q: Which Xtrema products do you use most frequently, and for what types of cooking?
Michelle: “The Retro Tea Kettle — we use it all day, every day! Two other pieces we use frequently are the Grill Pan and the 7-inch Signature Skillet.
I like to use the Grill Pan to warm up bread, pastries, and meat — it’s a very versatile piece! The 7-inch Skillet is perfect for omelets and scrambled eggs.”
Ciara: “We mainly use the 11-inch Signature Skillet and the 12-inch Versa Pan. Since it’s only my husband and I, we make mainly ‘one pot’ meals for the week.
For example, we make dishes like beef stroganoff, kielbasa pasta, and on the weekends, sausage gravy for biscuits and gravy.”
Renay: “We use our 12-inch Versa Pan and lid literally every day. It’s our go-to for everything from browning ground beef to sautéing vegetables.
We love that we can make one-skillet meals that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. Sourdough Dutch babies are a favorite as well! It’s truly the workhorse of our tiny RV kitchen!”
Cleaning and Maintenance
Q: How easy is Xtrema cookware to clean and maintain?
Michelle: “Xtrema is very easy to clean! If my pans have caked-on residue, a soak softens it. I use baking soda to clean greasy pans, and it also works well as a scouring powder with an organic Bambu scraper for baked-on residue.”
Ciara: “Way easier than you think! Their products are dishwasher-safe and can be soaked. ALL of their products also come with detailed cleaning instructions in the package, or you can look them up on Xtrema’s website. We ordered these pieces knowing they would be an investment, so we follow the care instructions to a T and have had no problems so far.”
Renay: “Much easier than I expected. I was a little nervous at first, but honestly, clean-up is usually just a quick spray before a soap-up, or sometimes a brief soak. No fancy cleaners, no special techniques. And because nothing is flaking off or wearing down, it stays beautiful and functional over time.”
Favorite Dishes to Prepare With Xtrema Cookware
Q: What is your favorite dish to prepare using Xtrema cookware?
Michelle: “My favorite dish to make is a marinated, roasted whole chicken in the Versa Pan.”
Ciara: “Our favorite dish to make is kielbasa pasta — kielbasa, egg noodles or bowtie pasta, chicken broth, tomatoes, heavy cream, and spices are the main ingredients. All of it fits in the 11-inch Signature Skillet or 12-inch Versa Pan.“
Renay: “It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d say sourdough Dutch babies in the Signature Skillet. I start them out on the stovetop and then toss the skillet in the oven to finish.
Within 30 minutes we’ve got an impressive and mouthwatering breakfast we can top with blueberry compote and a homemade whipped cream. It’s simple, nourishing, and hits the spot every time.”
Advice for Those Considering the Switch
Q: If you could share one piece of advice with others considering a switch to ceramic cookware, what would it be?
Michelle: “My one piece of advice would be to take the leap. Try purchasing just one piece of Xtrema cookware to experience what it’s like.”
Ciara: “Consider investing in your kitchen, because it’s an investment in your health.’ Your kitchen is where so much love is infused into your life — food fuels your life and family.
If you’re using cookware that breaks down and constantly needs replacing, your health will suffer despite making healthy meals. If you start with your cookware, your food quality and nutrient retention will improve, which directly benefits your body and health. It’s a long-term investment that will reap long-term benefits. That’s an enduring kind of love I can give to my family and friends.”
Renay: “Don’t overthink it. If you care about your health and your family, investing in non-toxic cookware is one of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make. It’s an upfront investment, but it’s one you’ll feel good about every single time you cook a meal. Prioritize your health!”
The Bottom Line
What emerges from these conversations is a clear picture of why people are making the switch to pure ceramic cookware. While the initial motivation is often health-related — concerns about chemicals leaching from traditional cookware — the reasons people stay with ceramic extend far beyond that.
For these three customers, Xtrema’s pure ceramic cookware represents more than just pots and pans; it symbolizes a commitment to intentional living, to creating meals with care, and to investing in products that align with their values. Cookware is an extension of our lifestyle choices, whether that means enjoying delicious clean tea, slowing down to appreciate the process of cooking, or having the versatility needed for life on the road.
As the conversation around “forever chemicals” continues, more consumers are seeking alternatives that offer peace of mind. Pure ceramic cookware, with its non-reactive, non-toxic properties, is positioning itself as not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in how we think about the tools we use to prepare our food.
