Caraway Cookware Review: Is This Non-Toxic Ceramic Cookware Worth It?
Building your cookware collection can be a daunting task. It’s hard to visualize exactly which dishes you’ll end up cooking, and figuring out which pots and pans you need can get overwhelming — especially with all the toxic cookware out there. (According to Consumer Reports, tons of cookware contains “forever chemicals” that remain in our bodies for years, and many that claim to be PTFE- and PFOA-free still test positive for the chemicals.) That’s exactly why Caraway’s ceramic cookware should be on your radar. This brand ensures durable, long-lasting, and Instagram-worthy kitchen essentials that are 100% non-toxic and can give you peace of mind. In this Caraway Cookware review, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the brand and its selection.
In a rush? Get the fast facts:
- 100% safe, non-toxic cookware and bakeware
- Non-stick ceramic coating with an aluminum core
- Tons of colors, bundles, and items to choose from
- One of the best investments, according to our editor
- Oven-safe and lasts years if properly cared for
- Stylish, ergonomic designs in tons of trendy color options
- Expensive, but worth the price tag for safety and versatility
Is Caraway Cookware Safe?
Caraway’s ceramic cookware is 100% non-toxic thanks to its mineral-based ceramic coating. Beneath the ceramic-coated surface lies a heavy-gauge aluminum core that doesn’t contain cadmium, lead, or any other toxic metals. Unlike some other materials, this ceramic-coated cookware has better heat conductivity and works on any cooktop, including induction. (The production process also releases less CO2 when compared to conventional nonstick cookware.) Finally, unlike Teflon, which may release harmful fumes when heated over 500 degrees, almost everything in the Caraway Cookware selection is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Clean Caraway Pans
Unlike stainless steel options from brands like Zwilling and cheaper Teflon pans, Caraway Cookware is a breeze to clean. The surface on these non-stick ceramic pans is super slick, allowing you to use less butter or oil while cooking. This also minimizes how much you have to scrub your pans and pots when they’re dirty. When cleaning your pans, the brand recommends that you skip the dishwasher and instead hand-wash them with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
A Caraway Cookware Review — Our Editor's Honest Opinion
“I’ve had my Caraway Cookware set for about three years now,” wrote Finders & Keep editor Maria Cassano. “I still use it constantly. The heat conductivity is amazing — the pots and pans are ready to go in seconds — and more often than not, I leave them out on the stove after washing them, since the moody-gray color actually elevates the look of my kitchen.”
“My only warning to potential buyers,” Cassano continued, “is that you’ll need to take extra-good care of your Caraway items. I accidentally damaged the non-stick coating on my first Caraway fry pan by cranking up the heat too high. According to the brand, due to the aluminum interior, Caraway cookware is extremely heat-reactive and should only be used on low heat.” That said, Cassano still thinks it’s one of the most worthwhile purchases she’s ever made: “This brand is worth every penny due to the non-stick versatility and the peace of mind I get knowing that my cookware is actually safe to use.”
What Are The Best Sets To Buy, According to Caraway Cookware Reviews?
Caraway constantly adds new products to its selection, such as its whistling tea kettle and food storage sets. These products expand the price range and versatility of the Caraway brand — but if you’re looking to shop the most popular Caraway items, reviewers can’t stop raving about these sets and bundles.
Caraway Cookware Set
While you can definitely buy your pots and pans a la carte, you can maximize your value by buying the Caraway Cookware set. Perfect for recent move-ins or people looking to replace all of their old pots and pans in one fell swoop, this generous set comes in nine chic colors and has earned an overall 4.8-star rating from more than 40,000 reviewers. It even comes with cookware and lid storage.
Includes:
- 10.5” fry pan
- 3 qt saucepan
- 4.5 qt sauté pan
- 6.5 qt Dutch oven
- three lids
- pan and lid storage solution
Caraway Bakeware Set
Just like the cookware set, these baking essentials are made with a toxin-free ceramic surface and include storage organizers. Available in nine striking colors, it’ll equip you with all of the basics you’ll need to evenly bake everything from bread to cupcakes — and clean-up is a breeze, too.
Includes:
- 18 x 13″ baking pan
- 10 x 15″ baking pan
- 12 cup muffin pan
- 9 x 13″ rectangle pan
- 18 x 13″ cooling pan
- 9″ square pan
- 1lb loaf pan
- two 9″ circle pans
- two storage systems
Minis Duo
If you live alone or only need a couple of cookware essentials in your kitchen, consider the adorable and compact Minis Duo set. It’s perfect for cooking one or two servings and will take up minimal counter and cabinet space, making it fantastic for small apartments or starter homes. Get it in eight color options.
Includes:
- 8″ fry pan
- 1.7 qt saucepan
- one lid
Caraway Bundles
If you’re looking for more substantial cookware, you can upgrade to one of their bundles — like the Deluxe Cookware Set or the most splurge-worthy pick, the Complete Kitchen, which comes with an entire Cookware Set and 11-piece Bakeware Set, both with their own storage systems.
For those who use their stovetop but not their oven, the Stovetop Essentials set (complete with a teapot) is perfect for you. Finally, for those who like to cook meals ahead of time, the Meal Prep Bundle gives you cookware as well as storage.
How Does Caraway Cookware Perform In The Kitchen?
The reviews tell you everything you need to know about Caraway’s performance. Not only does the brand blend elegance with functional design, but they’ve revolutionized the cooking experience for people used to stainless steel and Teflon. Many reviewers swear that they plan on replacing their entire cookware collection with Caraway’s ceramic-coated piece.
Caraway stands out from the crowd with design details like interchangeable, flat lids and pots that are comfortable to hold. The stainless steel handles have ergonomic grooves, preventing burns and keeping your hands out of danger. Many reviewers comment on how evenly the surface cooks food, while others say that it makes cooking a lot easier. For anyone trying to eat a little healthier, it helps that you don’t have to use a ton of butter or oil to activate those non-stick properties. Home bakers, meanwhile, appreciate how consistently their goods bake through and that there are never burnt spots or stuck-on crumbs that you need to soak overnight.
Is Caraway Cookware Oven-Safe?
Yes. Thanks to the stainless steel handles and enameled outer surface on the pots and pans, Caraway cookware is completely oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to sear and roast without any issues. Caraway’s surface is also more slippery than its competitors, which makes both cooking and cleaning a lot less stressful.
How Long Does Caraway Cookware Last?
Theoretically, your Caraway cookware should last years — but only when cared for properly. As previously discussed, you should only use your cookware on low heat. Instead of using metal utensils on your pots and pans, only use wooden or silicone utensils, which should prevent scratches. Try to hand-wash items instead of putting them in the dishwasher, as this is known to shorten the lifespan of cookware.
What About The Aesthetic?
Beyond the performance, the aesthetic is simply out of this world, with color options for every style. Cream, Navy, Sage, Perracotta, and Marigold are staple colors at Caraway, and they also have limited edition colors that are frequently released. In our Caraway vs Our Place article, Caraway won the appearance category by a landslide, all thanks to its sleek, glossy exterior and mid-century modern design.
Where Does The Caraway Name Come From?
The brand’s name comes from the Caraway seed, which is a versatile spice that can be used in both salty and sweet dishes. While the seed’s shape ultimately inspired the ergonomic handle, its versatility is also fitting given that Caraway’s entire product line is a Jack-of-all-trades for your cooking tasks.
Where To Buy Caraway Cookware
Currently, the best place to buy Caraway Cookware is on the brand’s website.
Unlike other cookware brands like Zwilling or Staub, there aren’t dozens of cookware collections that you need to compare and decide between. Instead, they only offer a simple line, which is then combined into sets or bundles. I love how simplified this shopping process is, especially for new home cooks and those who are concerned about chemicals. The layout of each product page is also very user-friendly and encourages you to explore the site and related products.
Are There Any Cons To Using Caraway Cookware?
The most obvious con is the price point. While, in this case, the higher price tag reflects higher quality, not everyone is able to afford the cookware sets offered by Caraway. Even on sale, a full bakeware and cooking set will run you almost $400. When it’s not on sale, the Cookware Set costs $545.
For those who find that price is a dealbreaker, the Mini Duos set is slightly more affordable at $200. While you might be tempted to save money and just order a random brand off Amazon, keep in mind that lower-quality sets are often made from lower-quality materials, which may release toxins when exposed to heat.
Additionally, you might see complaints about how the ceramic non-stick coating on Caraway cookware breaks down over time. Oftentimes, that’s due to improper care — namely high heat, cleaning items in the dishwasher, or using metal utensils on the non-stick ceramic surface.
Conclusion
While it’s definitely not the cheapest cookware out there, in this case, you get what you pay for — and given the quality and zero-toxin promise, the prices on these items make sense. With such a gorgeous aesthetic, these popular pieces of kitchenware also make for incredible gifts. Their products have an average of 4.8 stars based on Caraway Cookware reviews. That, combined with the look, toxic-free build, and thoughtful construction are all reasons why Caraway Cookware is worth the splurge.
Interested? Shop Caraway Here.
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