Review of Caraway Cookware (From a Homemakers Perspective)

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If you follow any clean-living social media accounts, you’ve probably heard about Caraway Cookware. But are they really that good? Read on to find out!

After months and months of seeing Caraway Cookware all over my social media feed, I am excited to say that I finally have my own opinion of these products!

Why should you care about my opinion though? I’m just a regular mom – not a pro chef or professional food blogger. I try to provide her family with from scratch, healthy meals most of the time.

Simply because it’s an honest review. These pans have been used daily from the time I’ve received them. In fact, I boxed up my old set of non-stick pots and pans the same week I received my Caraway order, so I really had to use these pans almost daily.

I’ve not treated them with special care beyond the “how to care for booklet”. Just real, daily use, in a busy kitchen with hungry kids.

Now on to the product review!

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, this means that I will earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through my links. This is at no extra cost to you!

Caraway Cookware provided this cookware set in exchange for an honest product review. The review found in this blog post is exactly that – honest and based on my real experience with the product(s).

What Comes with the Caraway Cookware Set

• 10.5″ Fry Pan
• 3 Quart Saucepan
• 4.5 Quart Saute Pan
• 6.5 Quart Dutch Oven
• 3 Lids that Fit All Pans
• Storage Solution Kit – includes magnetic pan racks as well as a hanging lid holder.
• 2 Trivets

Who is Caraway Cookware?

Caraway Cookware is a non-toxic cookware company. They offer non-stick, ceramic coated cookware and bakeware free of PTFE, lead, cadmium, and other toxic materials. The pots and pans have an aluminum base with a mineral based ceramic coating.

These chemicals, frequently found in other non-stick Teflon pans, have been shown to release under high temperatures. The health effects of this chemical release has been the topic of much debate over the last several years and is still ongoing. If you would like to read more in depth about the health risks of cookware containing PTFE or PFOA, check out this article from Healthline.

Caraway Cookware is designed in the United States; however, it is manufactured in in China. According to the company, they “support BSCI and SMETA certified manufacturing partners where employees are safe, paid fairly, given benefits, and work regulated hours.”.

Does Caraway Cookware require special care?

Carway Cookware comes with a little booklet on how to care for and best use your new cookware. All of the information found here is pretty typical amongst ceramic coated cookware and is meant to help prolong the life of the product. Here’s a quick overview in case you’re not familiar with ceramic coating care:

• Use over low to medium heat only to avoid cracks in the coating. Don’t worry – these pans hold heat well and you can absolutely still get a nice sear over these lower temperatures.
• These pans have a natural non-stick surface, so very little oil is needed during cooking. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays and use butter or a liquid based oil to lightly coat the pan instead.
• Do not use metal utensils with your coated cookware. This can lead to scratching your nonstick surfaces. For best results, use wood or silicone.
• Handwash with warm soapy water and nonabrasive sponge or dishcloth. These pans wash so easily due to the non-stick coating, so the fact that they’re not dishwasher safe hasn’t been an issue.

Pros/Cons of Caraway Cookware

Pros of Caraway Cookware Set:

Let’s start with the pros! We’ve already discussed the non-toxic aspect, which is huge, but what else makes these products worthwhile?

• Heavy Duty: These pans have a nice weight to them. They aren’t lightweight and flimsy feeling, but also aren’t so heavy that you’ll struggle to move them around once full (I’m looking at you cast-iron).
• Oven-Safe: This cookware is oven safe for temperatures up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can start a recipe on the stovetop and finish it out in the oven for an easy one-pot meal. I’ve used the Dutch oven for searing a roast and finishing it in the oven, as well as for baking loaves of sourdough bread. The 4.5 quart saute pan is also perfect for one skillet dishes that need to go from stovetop to oven.
• Nonstick: I have also been impressed with the non-stick capability of these pots and pans. You will still get crispy bits in the pan, but they wipe out so easily when it’s time to clean. The smallest bit of oil or butter goes a long way.
• Heats Fast: These pans heat quickly over a lower temperature and hold heat well. I’ve been impressed with how quickly these pans are ready to cook in, as well as the consistent heat distribution across the entire pan.
• Safe for All Stovetops: These pots and pans can be used on any cooktop.
• Appearance: Let’s be honest – the aesthetic of this cookware set is amazing. And it does not disappoint in person. I actually love leaving my Dutch oven out as a bit of “farmhouse decor”.

Cons of Carway Cookware Set:

• Storage Solutions: This isn’t an issue with the product itself, but more so my kitchen setup that I want you to be aware of too. The pan racks and lid hanger are great quality and function well – if you have the right cabinets for them. I live in an older home with kitchen cabinets with shelves in them. This makes the spaces too short to store the pans on their sides and I can’t hang the lids on the cabinet doors and close them. So, for now, the storage solutions kit is put away until we complete our kitchen remodel.

• Price: Caraway Cookware is a bit of an investment. However, you can always purchase individual items for a much lower price verses purchasing the entire set at once.
• Possible Exterior Damage: If you have a gas range with rough grates, I recommend using a little extra caution moving these pans about to avoid scratching or chipping the exterior coating. You will also notice over time that the shiny bottom will probably start to show signs of use. I feel like this is pretty typical of any coated pot or pan, though. The only cookware that I don’t worry about on my rough grates is uncoated cast iron.

Final Review of Caraway Pots and Pans

Overall, I have been very pleased with the durability and functionality of the Caraway Cookware set and have no regrets on tossing my old pans. The interior non-stick surface is still just as non-stick as the day I received it. The visible exterior sides are still in excellent condition. The bottom of the exteriors show some sign of use – but I’m certain that’s to be expected.

I am currently eyeballing the bakeware set, that contains 11 non-toxic pieces like a muffin tin, baking sheets, and a loaf pan. You can get the bakeware in matching colors to the cookware set (I went with Sage if you’re wondering).

I’ll be updating this post as I continue to use the cookware over the years to come – so be sure to subscribe for future updates!

Must Have Caraway Cookware Pieces?

If you’re thinking about choosing just one or two pieces to start with from Caraway, I would go with the Dutch oven or sauté pan. Both of these pieces are so versatile in the kitchen.

Caraway Cookware verses Cast Iron

I’ve found that a good, ceramic coated non-toxic cookware like Caraway has it’s place right along side cast iron cookware in my kitchen. Cast Iron is another non-toxic cookware option that I use frequently in our home. It is oven safe and extremely durable.

So why would you want, or need, both?

Cast iron does have a couple of limitations. First, you shouldn’t use it for acidic foods, like tomato sauces. It can also have a bit of a learning curve with it when it comes to seasoning and maintenance. And it is also quite heavy on glass stovetops and can cause scratches or breaking.

However, it is still my preferred pan of choice for getting a good sear on a steak. And as I mentioned above, it is durable and versatile. I never worry about knocking the sides or scratching the bottom and cast iron can last years and years when properly cared for.