I’ve been gradually transitioning my kitchen to ceramic pans ever since I got to try ceramic cookware last year. After spending months researching different options, I finally chose Xtrema ceramic cookware and have been really happy with it.
I received some questions about the safety of the glaze used in ceramic cookware, so I reached out to the company I bought my cookware from to get more information. They replied with some helpful details:
Their Xtrema cookware is made entirely from inorganic ceramic minerals, including their non-scratch glaze. The glaze is composed of various inorganic minerals and oxides, which provide its strength, color, and glossiness. The ceramic cookware and glaze contain no metals, lead, or cadmium. In the U.S., all ceramic products must pass California Prop 65 before they can be sold. They assured me that they test every shipment to meet these standards and the FDA’s requirements for lead and cadmium. They even publish their test results online, which is unique in the cookware industry.
Personally, I prefer ceramic because it cooks evenly and doesn’t leach chemicals. Although I occasionally use cast iron and stainless steel, I avoid traditional non-stick and aluminum pans altogether.
Teflon cookware is often considered the worst due to the chemical PFOA used in its manufacture. This chemical has been found in nearly everyone’s bloodstream in the U.S. and can lead to health issues like cancer and thyroid disease. Plus, Teflon surfaces can break down, mix with your food, and release fumes at high temperatures.
Aluminum cookware is common but can be toxic, as it releases aluminum into food, which is linked to health issues like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Copper cookware heats well but releases both copper and potentially allergenic nickel into food.
Cast iron is durable but can leach iron into food, which might reach toxic levels with regular use.
Ceramic, enamel, and glass cookware may have lead used for color, regulated by the FDA and California Prop 65. Always avoid using anything marked “for decoration only.”
Stainless steel, made from a metal alloy with iron, chromium, and other metals, can also leach metals like nickel into food.
While I wish I could replace all my cookware immediately, I’m doing it gradually, requesting safer cookware as gifts and avoiding non-stick and aluminum cookware altogether.
If you’re interested in trying ceramic cookware, Xtrema offers a discount. Use the code “WM15X” for 15% off.
What cookware do you use? Feel free to share your thoughts.
