Caraway Cookware Review (After 2+ Years)

Wondering if Caraway cookware is worth it? Here is my 100% honest Caraway cookware review, including how the cookware and bakeware compares to other brands.

Overwhelmed with the options for ceramic cookware? I was too. Over the years, I’ve tested many different ceramic pots and pan, and have since invested in Caraway Cookware.

Because we do a lot of healthy cooking and baking around here, having safe and durable cookware is a top priority. I use cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic pans in the kitchen, and my ceramic pans are my go-to, especially since they are non-stick. We use ours every morning when making eggs for the family.

Ceramic pans have grown in popularity over the last few years because the non-stick coating doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFAS, and PFOA. However, there are some drawbacks. Below, I’ve included my honest Caraway Cookware review, including how it compares to other popular brands.

What is Caraway Cookware?

Caraway makes non-toxic ceramic-coated cookware and bakeware. The company is on a mission to create cookware that is safe and easy-to-use, and looks great on your stovetop. The company was founded in 2018 by Jordan Nathan, a cookware industry veteran. What sets Caraway apart from the rest is their commitment to safety, quality, and of course, the innovative design. Caraway is currently based in New York, New York.

Ceramic vs Teflon

All non-stick pans are not created equal. Both ceramic and Teflon coatings are non-stick and make for a smooth and easy cooking experience, but they are made using completely different materials.

Teflon® is the popular name given to the plastic, chemical coating applied to non-stick cookware. Up until 2015, Teflon was made with a chemical called perfluorooctonoic acid (PFOA), which is a hormone disruptor and possible carcinogen, and has been linked to testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disorders, and fertility problems.

Due to growing health concerns, the makers of Teflon were forced to start making it with a different fluorinated polymer known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Unfortunately, while there are still many unknowns with PTFE, there’s growing concern about its safely. PTFE is typically made using several hazardous PFAS (also know as “forever chemicals”) that have polluted drinking water across the globe. Additionally, when you heat Teflon above 500°F, the nonstick cookware starts to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

Ceramic cookware is coated in a silicone-based coating, which is non-stick, non-toxic, and can withstand higher heat than Teflon. It’s completely inert—meaning it won’t leach any harmful chemicals. Ceramic cookware is generally free of polymers, heavy metals, and dyes.

What Makes Caraway Cookware Different?

• Caraway makes non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coated cookware and bakeware
• All of Caraway’s non-stick products are free of PTFE, PFAS, and PFOA
• The pans have an innovative design and are visually stunning
• Caraway is more durable in comparison to other ceramic cookware
• Both the Caraway Cookware Set and the Caraway Bakeware Sets come with storage solutions to improve longevity of the pans
• The pans heat up quickly and cook evenly
• Caraway does extensive safety testing, including testing for heavy metals

Caraway Cookware Set

The Caraway Cookware set is the best way to get bundled cookware at a discount. The set includes:

• 10.5″ Fry Pan ($95)
• 3 qt Saute Pan ($115)
• 4.5 qt Sauté Pan ($145)
• 6.5 qt Dutch Oven ($135)
• Coordinating Lids for each pan
• Magnetic Pan Rack
• Canvas Lid Holder
• 2 Cork Trivets

The price for the total set is $395, but you can get a 10% discount here.

The Lids

Each pan comes with a coordinating lid that is beautifully made and high quality. I love that you only need three lids for the four pans, which reduces clutter and gives you back some storage space. The lids are cast aluminum, which means they are durable and less prone to breaking like glass. I’ve broken one too many glass lids in my day! They also each have a hole for venting so steam can be released—this is big for me!

Caraway Bakeware Sets

One thing that often gets missed is that there are two caraway bakeware sets: a 5-piece set and an 11-piece set. Both sets are a great way to purchase bundled sets at a discount. Here’s what the two different sets include:

5-Piece Bakeware Set:

• 18×13″ Baking Sheet
• 10×15″ Baking Sheet
• 12-cup Muffin Pan
• 9×13″ Rectangle Baking Pan
• 1x Storage Rack

11-piece Bakeware Set:

• 18×13″ Baking Sheet
• 10×15″ Baking Sheet
• 12-cup Muffin Pan
• 9×13″ Rectangle Baking Pan
• 18×13″ Cooling Rack
• 9″ Square Pan
• 1lb Loaf Pan
• 2x 9″ Circle Cake Pans
• 2x Storage Racks

The price for the 5-piece set is $245, and the 11-piece set is $395, but you can get a 10% discount here.

What I Love About It:

After reviewing and testing both the caraway cookware and bakeware for years, here’s what I love about it:

• Completely non-stick cooking and eggs slide off with ease
• Pans are oven-safe up to 550 degrees
• More durable that other ceramic cookware
• Pans heat up quickly
• Provides very even cooking
• Comes with sturdy storage option to protect pans
• Lids are heavy duty and glass-free (low risk of cracking/breaking)
• 1 lid for 2 different pots to reduce clutter
• 1-year warranty
• Caraway does extensive safety testing, including testing for heavy metals
• 30-day money-back guarantee return policy
• Modern and gorgeous design
• Lots of colors to choose from

Cons:

Of course, this is my honest take. Here’s what I don’t love about it:

• Not dishwasher safe
• Higher price point (Use a discount code! 10% discount will be applied with this link)
• Stains – if you get the white pans, certain foods (like tomato sauce) will stain if it drips down the outside. My recommendation: get one of the darker colored sets.
• Small scratches on the outside overtime – While this is common for ceramic cookware, I have a gas range so it tends to beat up on all of my pans, including cast iron and stainless steel.
• Non-stick surface wears overtime and will last around 1-5 years (common for ceramic cookware and all non-stick cookware)

Is Caraway Cookware Safe?

Yes, Caraway pots and pans are made with a non-toxic ceramic coating, which is 100% safe for cooking and high heat. The ceramic coating is made from a natural sand-derived silicon, which is non-stick and doesn’t require the use of toxic chemicals in its production.

All of their products are free of PTFE, PFAS, and PFOA, as well as lead, cadmium, and toxic metals. Additionally, they conduct through safety testing and make them available to the public:

• California Prop 65 leaching tests for heavy metals
• LFGB test report for PFOA, PFOS, and extractable metals
• FDA leaching tests for lead and cadmium
• NSL Analytical PTFE detection test

As with all cookware, it’s important to take good care of your ceramic cookware so that it doesn’t become scratched or burned. Follow these cooking and cleaning instructions.

Caraway vs Greenpan

As someone who has used both, I can definitely speak to this! The main difference between Caraway vs Greenpan is the ceramic coating they use. Caraway uses a silicon-based coating, while Greenpan uses their own blend called Thermolon™. Both are effective at creating a smooth, non-stick cooking experience. Caraway is slightly more expensive, but it also comes with a comprehensive storage solution, which is critical to ceramic cookware’s longevity. I also like how Caraway has a more rounded edge and higher sides.

I have the Valencia Pro Greenpan set and the Caraway Cookware set, and both cook evenly. Unfortunately, we’ve had to replace our 11″ Greenpan frying pan twice in the last year because the coating degraded and food began sticking. This was with proper storage and cooking practices. For this reason, I recommend Caraway over Greenpan.

Other Brands

When it comes to ceramic cookware and bakeware, I’ve also testing GreenLife pans extensively. While I wanted to love this option, the durability has been very disappointing. Our GreenLife frying pan was no longer usable after just a few short months, and the baking pans I bought had dangerous scratches in the ceramic coating after one use.

Expert Tips

• Use low to medium heat when cooking. This is KEY to the longevity of the pan and ceramic coating
• Preheat, then add oil. When using ceramic (or any pan, for that matter), heat the pan first for 60-90 seconds, then add oil.
• No metal utensils. Only use wood or silicone utensils with ceramic pans
• Don’t stack when storing. This will lead to scratches in the ceramic coating. If you absolutely have to stack your Caraway pots and pans, use stacking protectors.
• To remove strong stains, scrub with a mixture of 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and a 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
• Use your pans selectively. All non-stick cookware, whether ceramic or not, will not last a lifetime. Because of this, I recommend using stainless steel or cast iron when frying, and saving your Caraway pans for when you need the convenience of non-stick.

FAQs

Is Caraway worth it?

After extensively testing and reviewing Caraway cookware and bakeware, I believe Caraway is definitely worth the investment. The pans are completely non-stick and work just as they did on day one. Thus far, they have out-performed the other ceramic cookware brands I have tried. The care and attention the company puts into the performance, style, and safety testing is worth the money.

Where to Buy?

Caraway is sold at many big box retailers, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and Crate and Barrel. However, the only way to get a discount is to purchase direct from the Caraway website. They occasionally do sales, and have some limited discount codes. Here is a 10% discount code to use on the site.

I also recommend purchasing direct from the manufacturer because you’ll get the best customer service and it’s easy to utilize the warranty. Caraway stands behind their products and will quickly replace pans if they are defective.

Final Thoughts on My Caraway Cookware Review

I ultimately chose Caraway cookware for three reasons. First, I wanted a non-stick non-toxic cooking option in the kitchen. Second, I wanted ceramic pans that performed above standard. I’ve blow through many ceramic pans, and wanted a more durable option.

Finally, I wanted beautifully designed pans that were easy to cook with. Because we cook so often, how a pan looks, feels in my hand, and how the lid functions is crucial. Caraway checked all of the boxes for me!

Have more questions? Let me know in the comments below!