Caraway Cookware Review
There is no denying the convenience of non-stick pans. Being able to almost effortlessly wipe them clean after you use them saves a lot of time and elbow grease.
But when the non-stick coatings start to flake off, you may worry about their effects on your health.
Caraway Cookware has become popular as a healthy alternative to traditional non-stick cookware. These non-stick pots and pans are made out of safe, non-toxic materials. What’s more, they are stunning to look at.
But does Caraway Cookware live up to its promise of safety and lasting quality? In this in-depth review, I share my own experiences with you so you can make an informed decision about whether to try Caraway Cookware in your own kitchen.
Why Avoid Traditional Non-Stick Cookware?
To start out, let’s talk a little bit about what you are looking to get away from in your cookware.
Safety concerns regarding non-stick cookware largely revolve around Teflon coatings and a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Actually, it may surprise you to learn that toxic PFOA is no longer used in non-stick cookware—even non-stick cookware with Teflon coatings.
Nevertheless, there are still health concerns surrounding Teflon.
WebMD states, “Teflon is generally safe, but heating it to above 300 degrees Celsius or 570 degrees Fahrenheit poses a danger to your health. At these temperatures, the stable Teflon begins to break down and releases polymer fumes.”
As WebMD explains, these fumes can lead to the development of flu-like symptoms. The fumes can also be deadly to birds (so if you have any pet birds, you definitely want to steer clear of Teflon).
The site also says that certain chemicals used as alternatives to PFOAs have lead to additional concerns. WebMD states, “One concern arose after a replacement chemical for PFOA, GenX, was found in residential water. The replacement chemicals are persistent in the environment, and families have no way of determining how exposed they are to the chemicals.”
Why Choose Caraway Pots & Pans For Your New Cookware?
Caraway Cookware offers you the benefits of non-stick cookware without the health and environmental hazards posed by toxic chemicals.
The company states that they manufacture “High quality ceramic-coated aluminum cookware free of PTFE (such as Teflon®), lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials that can make their way into your food.”
Instead, their non-stick coating is based in minerals.
Additionally, cooking with Caraway products allows you to reduce your carbon footprint. Caraway says that compared to traditional coatings used in non-stick cookware, theirs release 60% less CO2.
So, Caraway Cookware products are healthier for you and for the environment.
What Products Does Caraway Home Make?
Caraway Cookware manufactures cookware, bakeware, tea kettles, linens, food storage sets and bundles. The range of cookware and bakeware includes:
- Sauce pans
- Dutch ovens
- Sauté pans
- Fry pans
- Baking sheets
- Muffin tins
- Square pans
- Circle pans
- Baking racks
Whatever you need for your kitchen, you can find it in Caraway’s product selection.
Does it Deliver?
Now for the meat of my review. Are Caraway Cookware products worth it? I decided to find out for myself by ordering the Caraway Cookware Set.
Initially, I thought about getting the Complete Kitchen, but I was still on the fence, so I ended up going with the smaller Cookware Set.
In hindsight, I wish I had just bought the Complete Kitchen, because I ended up loving my Caraway Cookware products. Over time, I have gradually ended up buying most of what I would have gotten in the Complete Kitchen set.
Performance
When I first got my Caraway Cookware Set, I was instantly impressed by how solid each product felt and how comfortable the handles were.
My first test was to cook up some cheesy omelettes. Nothing sticks worse to most cookware than cheese, so I figured this was pretty much the ultimate test.
I went ahead and used silicone utensils so as not to scratch the mineral-based coating, along with some olive oil, and popped in my eggs and cheese.
I was pleased with how quickly and evenly the pan heated up. The omelettes came out great, and I am happy to report the eggs and cheese did not stick!
It was the fastest and easiest cleaning job I’d had in a long time—and the oil didn’t burn or stain the pan either, which was a major plus.
Since that first breakfast, I’ve cooked a ton of different meals in all of my Caraway products, and they have continued to heat evenly and clean easily.
Something else I really appreciate about Caraway Cookware is that the insides of the pots and pans are a light gray color instead of a typical dark gray or black. What is handy about this is that it makes it a lot easier to see what you are doing, which can be a big help for certain recipes.
Appearance
While not as critical as function, style does matter to me in kitchen products, and I am pleased to report that Caraway Cookware does not disappoint.
I had high hopes for the appearance of the products based on their photos, and I can say that in real life, they are every bit as gorgeous as advertised.
You can choose a variety of colors for the cookware and even pick whether you want a silver or gold color for the handles.
After arguing with myself for a while (there were lots of tempting choices), I finally went with the sage green color. It looks just as it did in the pictures, and it really spruces up my kitchen.
Our Recommended Caraway Cookware Sets
A good starting purchase for a customer new to Caraway is their Cookware Set. This set comes with the following:
- 10.5” fry pan
- 3 quart sauce pan
- 4.5 quart sauté pan
- 6.5 quart Dutch oven
These are all the basics you need to get started with safer non-stick cooking.
Have a larger budget available?
Consider the Caraway Cookware Complete Kitchen, which comes with:
- 10.5” fry pan
- 3 quart sauce pan
- 4.5 quart sauté pan
- 6.5 quart Dutch oven
- 2x storage
- 18×13” baking sheet
- 10×15” baking sheet
- 12-cup muffin pan
- 9×13” rectangular pan
- 18×13” cooling rack
- 9” square pan
- 1 lb loaf pan
- 2x 9” circle pans
Pros of Caraway Cookware
- The mineral-based coating on Caraway cookware is a healthy alternative to Teflon.
- You can reduce your CO2 emissions by cooking with Caraway, doing your part to help fight climate change.
- Yes, Caraway Cookware really is as easy to clean as advertised. Whether you are cooking with a Caraway non-toxic frying pan, Dutch oven, baking tin, or any other product in the Caraway line, you will no longer have to scrub and scrub to get your cookware clean. The food lifts right off.
- These cookware products are beautiful to look at, and will prettify any kitchen counter.
- Caraway Cookware products are built to last. If you take good care of your Caraway sets, they will serve you well for many years to come.
- With Caraway Bakeware and Cookware sets, you will have everything you need to prepare just about any recipe you can think of.
Cons of Caraway Cookware
- Caraway Cookware products are durable, but they can scratch. Try and be gentle with them when you are putting them away and getting them out. Also, make sure you use appropriate silicone utensils.
- I am not going to lie—these are not the cheapest pots and pans on the market. But the value is excellent, and they are worth the expense.
Verdict: A Healthy and Eco-Friendly Non-Stick Cookware Brand
I searched for years for non-toxic pans and pots to use for cooking, and I am pleased to say that my search is finally at an end.
Caraway Cookware has been a game-changer for me in the kitchen. Gone are the days of worrying about Teflon or straining to handle heavy cast iron pans. Cooking and cleaning are ridiculously easy with Caraway products.
Where to Buy Caraway Cookware?
Ready to get your own set of Caraway non-toxic cookware?
Caraway is a direct-to-consumer brand, so the simplest and most affordable way to purchase the company’s products are direct from Caraway itself.
If you have been looking everywhere for green pots and pans that are healthy, safe, and made to last, give Caraway Cookware a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Caraway Cookware manufactured?
A: While Caraway Cookware products are designed in the USA, they are manufactured in India and China. Don’t let this put you off—the quality is fantastic.
Q: Can you use olive oil on Caraway Cookware pans?
A: Yes, it is safe to use olive oil on Caraway pots and pans. Assuming you are cooking at a suitable temperature, the oil should not burn or stain.