In this review, I break down the pros and cons of Caraway cookware.
You’ll learn:
- What it’s made of and why it matters
- How it looks and feels (with lots of pictures)
- How it performs in the kitchen (including an update after one year)
- What I like and dislike about it
I also share my thoughts on the brand’s new stainless steel cookware collection.
Unlike most Caraway reviews, I’m not evaluating it a month after taking it out of the box. I’ve been using it almost daily for over two years.
So, if you’re shopping for new ceramic-coated cookware and want to know if Caraway is worth buying, keep reading.
Use the links below to navigate the review:
- Caraway Review: Key Takeaways
- Is Caraway Cookware Safe?
- Design
- Heat Test Results
- Cooking Performance
- Downsides of Caraway Cookware
- Caraway’s New Stainless Steel Cookware Collection
- Caraway’s Story
- Product Offerings
- FAQs About Caraway Cookware
- Bottom Line: Is Caraway Cookware Worth It?
Caraway Review: Key Takeaways
If you don’t have time to read this comprehensive Caraway review, this is a summary of the key points. These insights are based on my experience testing Caraway pots and pans for several years. Throughout the review, you’ll find videos and over a dozen pictures I captured during my testing.
Safety Claims
Caraway’s main selling point is that it’s safer for you and the environment. They utilize a proprietary ceramic coating instead of the common Teflon (PTFE) coating, a move prompted by past fears over toxic chemicals in non-stick cookware manufacturing. However, since 2013, all non-stick cookware has been PFOA-free, making Caraway’s safety claim only applicable if Teflon-coated cookware is severely overheated.
Pros of Caraway Cookware
Based on my experience, there’s a lot to like about Caraway cookware. It features a modern design, available in multiple colors. The handle is comfortable, the construction is thick (3.8 mm), and the heat distribution is even. It’s also oven-safe up to 550°F and compatible with all cooktops.
Cons of Caraway Cookware
The non-stick properties fade over time, and the exterior paint is prone to chipping. It’s also not broiler-safe, and the straight sides make pouring or sliding food to a plate a bit tricky. I also question the brand’s quality control processes because one of the pans arrived with a dented handle.
Contrary to their eco-friendly claims, Caraway pans have a relatively short lifespan (1 to 3 years), so you need to replace them more frequently, leading to more production and waste.
Bottom Line
If you’re sold on ceramic-coated non-stick cookware, Caraway is among the best brands (along with GreenPan). However, traditional Teflon-coated non-stick cookware is a better choice if you want the longest-lasting non-stick performance. Brands like Made In, Misen, and All-Clad HA1 are solid alternatives.
If you want to learn more about Caraway, check it out on CarawayHome.com or the Caraway Store on Amazon.
Is Caraway Cookware Safe?
Caraway’s main value proposition is that its products are “Better for you, and better for the planet.” But that message can be a bit deceiving. Let me explain.
Caraway cookware is made with a heavy-gauge aluminum core free of lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals.
Its interior and exterior are coated in a proprietary, mineral-based ceramic and features a stainless steel plate on the bottom, making it compatible with induction cooking. The cookware gets its non-stick quality from the multi-layer, mineral-based ceramic.
There are two types of ceramic cookware: 100% ceramic and ceramic coated. Caraway cookware is ceramic coated, meaning it has a metal (in this case, aluminum) core. Ceramic cookware is made from naturally occurring minerals such as clay minerals and quartz sand.
Ceramic is a more earth-friendly option than PTFE (Teflon) and doesn’t use the man-made chemicals associated with PTFE non-stick cookware. Another benefit to ceramic non-stick is the lack of harmful gasses PTFE can give off when overheated.
This doesn’t mean you should throw out your PTFE cookware.
Ceramic non-stick cookware, like Caraway, became popular in the early 2000s due to fears over toxic chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being used in the manufacturing process of traditional non-stick coatings.
While valid at the time, these fears are no longer relevant. Long story short, in 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency and the biggest manufacturers of non-stick coating worked together to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in the material. And by 2013, they accomplished that goal.
So, all non-stick cookware manufactured since 2013 is PFOA-free and considered safe.
The one risk with traditional non-stick cookware is overheating. If you expose the coating to temperatures over 500°F for more than a minute or two, the material will release fumes that can give you temporary flu-like symptoms.
That said, authorities, including the American Cancer Society, clearly state, “there are no proven risks to humans from using cookware coated with Teflon (or other non-stick surfaces).”
So, Caraway’s claims that their non-stick coating is safer are valid, but only if you misuse PTFE-coated cookware and severely overheat it for two minutes or longer.
Here’s the key takeaway: PTFE non-stick is definitely safe for cooking temperatures under 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you want to guarantee your safety from toxic fumes, ceramic non-stick is a better choice.
Here are a few tips when using PTFE non-stick cookware:
- Discard cookware produced before 2013 if you’re unsure if PFOA was used in the manufacturing process.
- Don’t overheat your non-stick pan and follow the manufacturer’s heat rating guidance.
- Avoid cheaply made PTFE non-stick and opt for well made, multi-layer non-stick pots and pans such as All-Clad or Calphalon.
- Use nylon, silicone, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.
Next, I’ll discuss how Caraway’s ceramic non-stick cookware is designed.
Design
Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of Caraway’s design. I’ll use the Navy, 10.5-inch Fry Pan to help tell the story.
Pan Interior
As seen in the picture below, the cookware interior is a multi-layer, mineral-based ceramic coating with a naturally non-stick surface. The interior is smooth to the touch and has a noticeable luster to it that adds to its non-stick appeal.
The rims are not flared, which helps prevent spills and makes flipping eggs a breeze, but it’s not the greatest for neatly pouring liquids.
The interior is light gray, making it easy to see what you’re cooking or when browning in the pan.
Pan Exterior
The exterior is also coated in a mineral-based ceramic with a steel base, making it induction compatible. You have a choice of several attractive colors, including navy, sage, perracotta, gray, marigold, black, white, and cream.
After about a week of testing this pan, I noticed a small chip in the exterior ceramic.
As you can see, the mark is tiny and not a big deal. If you have a gas stove with rough metal grates, be careful when you rotate and lean the pan.
The steel plate should be the only part of the pan that comes in contact with the grates. If the ceramic scrapes against the grates, there’s a good chance it will chip.
Handles
The handles are made with mirrored stainless steel and are hollow to disperse heat. They provide a beautiful, sleek contrast with the pan’s color but are susceptible to fingerprints, so keep a buffing cloth nearby when having guests over.
As seen in the picture below, the handle is attached to the pan in a Y-shaped with two rivets to secure it.
They are comfortable in hand, but they do get hot closer to the cooking surface. Fortunately, there’s a small bump on the underside to warn you to keep your hands away.
Lids
Lids are cast aluminum and feature mirrored stainless steel, low-profile handles that nearly run the length of the lid. The Dutch Oven lid can also fit the frying pan, so all pots and pans have the option of lidded cooking.
Overall, the cookware has heft. It’s sturdy and well-built but with delicate design features and stunning color choices.
Heat Test Results
I tested the Caraway non-stick ceramic fry pan against a Calphalon Contemporary non-stick pan of equal size to determine the speed and evenness of heating.
I poured two cups of room-temperature water in each pan, placed them on the same sized burner, and set the heat to high. The performance indicators were how fast the water boiled and how evenly the bubbles dispersed.
Here’s what happened:
The Caraway pan boiled water a touch faster than its Calphalon counterpart — about a 25-second difference. It took 2 minutes and 26 seconds to boil water in the Caraway Cookware pan, while the Calphalon took 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Bubbles were evenly dispersed in both pans.
The verdict? For a fraction of the price of a high-end brand like Calphalon, you can get excellent heat distribution with Caraway.
I repeated the same test with several other pans to see how Caraway stacks up against the broader competition.
I tested a T-fal pan:
An Anolon pan:
And many more…
As you’ll see in the results below, Caraway was one of the fastest pans to boil the water, which indicates excellent heat conduction.
| Pan | Time to First Bubbles | Time to Boil |
|---|---|---|
| Made In fry pan | 1 minute and 40 seconds | 2 minutes and 21 seconds |
| Misen fry pan | 1 minute and 50 seconds | 2 minutes and 25 seconds |
| Caraway fry pan | 1 minute and 53 seconds | 2 minutes and 26 seconds |
| Anolon fry pan | 1 minute and 55 seconds | 2 minutes and 27 seconds |
| T-fal fry pan | 1 minute and 50 seconds | 2 minutes and 32 seconds |
| Gotham Steel fry pan | 1 minute and 58 seconds | 2 minutes and 32 seconds |
| Rachael Ray fry pan | 1 minute and 47 seconds | 2 minutes and 36 seconds |
| Calphalon fry pan | 1 minute and 45 seconds | 2 minutes and 40 seconds |
| Hestan fry pan | 1 minute and 52 seconds | 2 minutes and 47 seconds |
| GreenLife pan | 2 minutes and 11 seconds | 2 minutes and 47 seconds |
| Circulon fry pan | 2 minutes and 7 seconds | 2 minutes and 55 seconds |
| All-Clad skillet | 1 minute and 55 seconds | 2 minutes and 55 seconds |
| Ballarini fry pan | 2 minutes and 15 seconds | 3 minutes and 12 seconds |
Cooking Performance
You will appreciate how easy it is to cook with these pans. Let me run down a few pros and cons:
Cooking Performance Pros
- Non-toxic coating is safe
- You don’t need much oil; eggs slide around the pan effortlessly (at first)
- Heats fast and evenly
- Walls are tall to prevent spills
- Oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit
- Compatible with all cooktops, including induction
- Handles are comfortable and designed to disperse heat
- Simple cleanup with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth
Cooking Performance Cons
- Not the best option for browning or searing because of the slippery surface (opt for cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel instead)
- No flared rims for pouring and sliding delicate food to the plate
- Not broiler safe
- When oil or food spills over the sides, it sticks to the exterior and pulls the paint off when you clean
I’ve tested this pan by cooking eggs, chicken, peppers, onions, and grilled cheese, among many other meals. And, the heat test results don’t lie—this cookware heats up fast and evenly. Food never sticks to the surface, and it’s super easy to clean.
Other than the fact that it won’t sear a steak as good as a cast iron pan (which is the case for all non-stick cookware), I have zero complaints about the cooking performance. Overall, Caraway cookware is reliable, versatile, and incredibly easy to use and clean.
ONE-YEAR UPDATE: After about a year of cooking with Caraway, the non-stick coating is starting to show signs of wear.
The surface has several scratches, and eggs no longer slide around and release as easily as they did initially.
I need to add a significant amount of oil or butter and cook on medium to prevent sticking. Using this pan for delicate foods has become much more challenging because the non-stick coating is degrading.
Unfortunately, ceramic-coated non-stick pans don’t last as long as traditional non-stick pans, and food sticking is expected after several months of use.
Read these pros and cons of ceramic cookware to learn more, and consider a PTFE-coated non-stick pan if you want one that remains non-stick for up to five years (my favorites are Made In and Misen).
Downsides of Caraway Cookware
There’s a lot to like about Caraway, but there are some downsides. Here’s what I don’t like.
Food sticks
My biggest complaint about Caraway, and ceramic-coated cookware in general, is that it performs great at first, but it loses its non-stick properties much sooner than traditional non-stick cookware.
After about five months, I noticed eggs and other delicate foods starting to stick, and it’s gotten worse and worse since then.
Exterior Damage
My second biggest complaint is that the exterior paint comes off very easily. The pan looks amazing when you first get it, but after about a month, you’ll notice small chips in the paint, which get worse over time.
These could come from utensils, accidentally scraping the pan across cast iron stove grates or any other contact with hard objects.
Also, when oil or food spills over the sides, it sticks to the exterior and pulls the paint off when you clean. So, as good as Caraway looks online or when you first get it, don’t expect that to last very long.
Interior Scratches
On a similar note, the interior also gets scratched and damaged relatively easily. You need to be really careful to avoid scratches. Avoid overheating, cooking with metal utensils, and cleaning in the dishwasher.
Straight Sides
The sides of the pans are straight, which helps contain ingredients, but without flared rims, it’s harder to pour liquids or slide food from the pan to a plate. This could be a pro or a con, depending on how you plan to use the pan most often.
Not Broiler-Safe
If you plan on broiling, you’ll have to use another type of pan because Caraway doesn’t offer any broiler-safe pots or pans.
Not Healthier
Ceramic cookware brands, including Caraway, use outdated information and fear-mongering marketing tactics to pitch their cookware as healthier and safer.
The truth is that since 2013, all reputable non-stick cookware brands follow FDA and Consumer Health protocols, manufacturing their pans without toxins or PFOA.
So, yes, Caraway cookware is safe, but it’s not safer than any other non-stick pan unless you severely overheat the pan.
Not More Environmentally Friendly Than Other Non-Stick
Caraway’s manufacturing process releases up to 60% less CO2 into the environment compared to traditional non-stick coatings.
However, given these pans lose their non-stick properties quickly and have shorter lifespans than traditional non-stick surfaces, you have to replace them much more often, which leads to more production and more waste.
Made In China
Caraway cookware is made in China, which is not inherently bad. But if you’re looking for cookware made locally, it’s important to know. Check out my guide to the best cookware NOT made in China to find alternatives.
Caraway’s New Stainless Steel Cookware Collection
In 2023, Caraway launched its first stainless steel cookware line, expanding beyond its popular ceramic non-stick offerings.
The design of the lids, handles, and shape of the pots and pans mirrors their existing collections, but the construction is entirely different.
These pans are made from 5-ply stainless steel with two outer layers of steel sandwiching an inner 3-layer aluminum core for optimum heat conductivity.
The exterior has an attractive brushed finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. The handle contrasts nicely with a shiny, polished look.
Caraway uses a unique, non-toxic passivation process to treat the raw stainless steel during manufacturing. The cookware is washed in a citric acid solution, forming a protective barrier around the pan.
This process eliminates impurities, extends the cookware’s life, and makes it easier to clean and maintain. Because citric acid is biodegradable and derived from renewable sources, this passivation process is an eco-friendly way to create durable, corrosion-resistant, chemical-free pans designed to last a lifetime.
Performance-wise, this cookware is thick, heavy, and conducts heat evenly like any fully clad stainless steel I’ve tested.
However, my main complaints stem from some design oversights. The rims are not flared, making pouring tricky without drips.
And the rounded handles unexpectedly rotate in your hand when tilting, like when you’re pouring pasta into a colander or trying to scrub the pan clean with wet, soapy hands. I noticed this happening several times, but luckily, I was paying attention and was able to adjust my grip and avoid burning myself or causing a mess.
I also question Caraway’s quality control, as one handle arrived badly dented out of the box.
Overall, this new stainless steel line offers the same streamlined, minimalist aesthetic Caraway is known for but with a more durable cooking surface for browning and deglazing.
Caraway’s Story
Founded in 2018 by CEO Jordan Nathan, New York-based Caraway is a direct-to-consumer cookware startup that’s already gaining recognition from trusted consumer reviewers such as Good Housekeeping and CNET.
Jordan’s idea for Caraway came from an accident. He forgot a Teflon pan on a burner for about 45 minutes, which filled his apartment with fumes and made him feel lightheaded. He wanted to create a safer alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. But he also wanted it to look stunning.
The brand’s core message is “quality cookware, without chemicals.” They try to live up to that message by using eco-friendly ceramic rather than polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, like the widely known Teflon, to make their pots and pans.
Like other cookware startups, such asMade In Cookware(seemy review),Great Jones, andMisen, Caraway started as a direct-to-consumer company, selling exclusively onits website.
However, in 2021 Caraway became available at Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and several other retailers.
The brand’s name is inspired by the caraway seed, a versatile and distinct spice used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Now that you know a bit about Caraway, let’s get into their cookware.
Product Offerings
Caraway’s product offerings are simplified. Unlike other brands that have dozens of cookware collections, Caraway only has two (aluminum non-stick and the new stainless steel). You can save by purchasing their cookware as acomplete set, or get exactly what you need by purchasing individual pieces.
The company also offers an array of contemporary kitchen linens such as tea towels, aprons, and potholders, but I’m focusing solely on the cookware in this review.
The Cookware Set
The complete cookware set includes (click the links to see the price of each piece individually):
You have a choice of several colors: navy, sage, perracotta (a trend-setting blend of terracotta and pink), gray, marigold, black, white, and cream. These color options will continue to change and expand as the brand grows.
As a bonus when you buy the complete set, you get a storage solution, including four magnetic racks. The racks can be stacked horizontally or vertically.
You’ll also receive a durable hanging lid holder made from hand-washable canvas. You can mount it to any sturdy surface in your kitchen, such as a wall or interior cabinet door, which helps if you have limited storage.
Next up, let’s talk about materials and safety.
FAQs About Caraway Cookware
Here are some quick answers to questions you may have about Caraway Cookware.
Is Caraway Cookware oven-safe?
Yes, up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Caraway Cookware induction compatible?
Yes, it can also be used on all types of cooktops.
Is Caraway Cookware dishwasher-safe?
No, make sure to hand wash only. Cleaning in a dishwasher could degrade the coating over time.
Where is Caraway Cookware made?
Caraway Cookware is designed in New York and made in China and India at factories that adhere to strict ethical manufacturing practices and meet standards for BSCI, SMETA, and Fair Trade.
Where can I buy Caraway Cookware?
Caraway Cookware is sold on CarawayHome.com, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and several other retailers.
Can I buy an individual Caraway pan?
Yes. You can buy each pan individually, but you can save 14% by purchasing the entire set. Go to CarawayHome.com to view the current prices.
Will Caraway Cookware warp?
Warping is unlikely but possible if you expose it to sudden temperature changes such as placing a hot pan into a sink filled with cold water. If your pan ever warps, refer to my warping guide for help.
What utensils can I use with Caraway Cookware?
To maintain the integrity of the non-stick surface, use nylon, silicone, wooden, plastic, or any other non-abrasive utensil.
Does Caraway cookware come with a warranty?
Caraway offers a one-year warranty that covers defects in craftsmanship and materials. If you have any issues in the first year after buying the cookware, Caraway will repair or replace it for free. The warranty does not cover damage from commercial use, misuse, minor cosmetic damage, or scratches to the non-stick coating. Read the full details onCarawayHome.com.
Can I return Caraway Cookware?
Caraway offers a 30-day, no-hassle return and refund policy for their products. You can read the full policy here.
How long does Caraway cookware last?
No non-stick cookware will last forever, and Caraway is no exception. On average, Caraway cookware will last one to three years, at which point the ceramic non-stick coating breaks down and loses its effectiveness. You can prolong the lifespan of Caraway cookware by using soft utensils, cooking on low to medium heat, and handwashing it after each use. Check out this guide to learn more about how long non-stick pans (like Caraway) last and how to know when it’s time to replace them.
Does Caraway Cookware offer free shipping?
Yes, if you meet a specific dollar amount, your order is shipped for free. To see the current offers, go to CarawayHome.com.
How much does Caraway Cookware cost?
Caraway is not the cheapest ceramic cookware on the market, but it’s affordable given the high quality. The reason they can offer relatively low prices for quality cookware is that they sell primarily on their website with no retail markups. For up-to-date pricing, visit CarawayHome.com.
What if I have more questions?
Please visit the Caraway FAQ page.
Bottom Line: Is Caraway Cookware Worth It?
Caraway is an emerging cookware brand that already boasts a growing fan base. But is it the right cookware for you?
You should buy Caraway cookware if you are looking for these features:
- Included storage features
- Made from quality materials
- Simple options (one set and four pots and pans to choose from)
- Modern, fun, yet sophisticated design
- Even heating and cooktop/oven versatile
- Steady cooking performance
- Broad choice of colors
Here are some cons of buying Caraway cookware:
- New to the market and unproven (founded in 2018)
- Exterior is susceptible to chipping when used on rough cooking surfaces
- When oil or food spills over the sides, it sticks and pulls the paint off when you clean the pan
- Limited choices (only one ceramic non-stick and stainless steel collection)
- Non-stick ceramic is known to break down faster than traditional non-stick (PTFE)
- Not the best cookware for searing or browning meat
If you’re set on buying ceramic non-stick cookware, Caraway is one of the best brands to buy. It’s got a modern design, thick and sturdy aluminum base, high heat tolerance, and heats quickly and evenly.
However, the claims that it’s safer and more environmentally friendly are only partially true, despite their prominence in the brand’s advertising.
Personally, I am not a huge fan of ceramic non-stick and, therefore, wouldn’t recommend investing money in Caraway.
Traditional Teflon-coating non-stick cookware lasts longer, performs better, and is just as safe. Plus, most traditional non-stick cookware is cheaper than Caraway.
There are a ton of alternatives to choose from, but my top picks for non-stick cookware are Made In, Misen, and All-Clad HA1.
If you want to learn more about Caraway, check it out on CarawayHome.com.
If you found this review helpful, you should also check out:
- Caraway Cookware Review: Pros & Cons After 2+ Years (Video)
- Caraway vs. Le Creuset: Which Cookware Is Better?
- Caraway Food Storage Set Review: Is It Worth the High Price?
- HexClad vs. Caraway Cookware: 9 Key Differences
- Caraway vs. Great Jones: Which Cookware Is Better?
- Made In vs. Caraway Cookware: 11 Key Differences
- GreenPan vs. Caraway: Which Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Is Better?
- Caraway vs. Our Place (Always Pan): Which Cookware Is Better?
- Caraway vs. All-Clad: Which Cookware Is Better?
- Ceramic Cookware Pros and Cons: 21 Things You Need to Know
- Xtrema Cookware Review: The Truth About Ceramic Pans
- Ceramic vs. Enameled Cookware: What’s the Difference?
- Hard-Anodized vs. Ceramic Cookware: What’s the Difference?
- The Definitive Guide to the Best Cookware NOT Made in China
- All-Clad vs. Made In: The Ultimate Cookware Comparison
- Made In Carbon Steel Cookware (In-Depth Review)
- Is Made In Cookware Any Good? An In-Depth and Unbiased Review
- 5 Cheaper Alternatives to All-Clad Cookware
- Made In vs. Misen: Which Cookware and Kitchen Knives Are Better?
- Misen Cookware In-Depth Review (With Pictures)
