For my bridal shower, I specifically requested Caraway Cookware (and their teapot!) on my registry. Why? Well first off, I’ve heard so many great things about them (more on that in a bit). And second, they are expensive, so receiving them as a gift was much more economical for me. That being said, I’m so happy I got them. Not only are they stunning, but they are truly worth every dime. They cook my food so well, and I don’t even need to add any butter or oil to the pan (unless I want to of course). I’ll always be a huge advocate for cast iron pans and pots (I still use them). But these are great non-toxic options for those who might be intimidated by the upkeep cast iron demands or simply don’t like how heavy they are. Here’s my full Caraway Cookware review!
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Caraway Cookware Review: 6 Reasons to Try These Non-Toxic Pans
Why is non-toxic cookware important?
First off, before we dive into the review, I just want to talk about why I’m even bringing this topic up in the first place.
Did you know there may be toxins lurking in your cookware? Specifically Teflon coated cookware, which is what most people use.
If you didn’t know, Teflon is made with a specific kind of Perfluorocarbon (PFC) that makes the surface resistant to sticking. The problem is when a Teflon pan gets overheated (500+ degrees F), the coating starts to break down and release toxic chemicals into the air.
It only takes 2.5 minutes for a traditional non-stick pan on high heat to exceed 500 degrees F. Not to mention, the chemicals in Teflon are known for killing pet birds…so is this something you really want to be inhaling?
Forever Chemicals have also been found in Teflon pans. Research by the Environmental Working Group & many other scientists demonstrated these ‘forever chemicals’ take decades or longer to leave the body and they never break down in the environment.
On top of this, cheap and poorly made pans must be replaced relatively quickly and just end up in the trash. Plus, most curbside recycling programs don’t accept cookware. So, we’re poisoning ourselves, and the environment.
The solution: Caraway Cookware
Well, there are a few solutions. One being making the switch to cast iron! I love my cast iron pans and dutch oven. That being said, they are very heavy and not accessible for everyone.
If you’re looking for something that’s more lightweight, I recommend looking into sustainable non-stick cookware, like Caraway Home!
I specifically use Caraway Home’s 4-piece cookware set in the color cream. I put this on my bridal shower registry and couldn’t have been more excited when I got it!
Also, I have their tea kettle, which I use on a consistent basis and love. It truly goes with the whole aesthetic of my kitchen and I love that it matches my cookware.
Plus, they’re currently having a sale where you can get 10% off sitewide for a limited time! So keep that in mind as you read my review and decide if Caraway is right for you.
Does Caraway make good pans?
Yes, Caraway makes good pans and I’m not just saying that. There are 6 main reasons you should consider switching to Caraway Cookware. Here are the ones that stick out to me.
1. There’s no Teflon coating
All their pans are non-stick ceramic-coated cookware with an aluminum core, & stainless steel handles.
Plus, the absence of potentially dangerous chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, Lead, and Cadmium means that there is no chance of harmful materials leaching into your food, even if you accidentally scratch or overheat your pan.
Honestly, these pans are SO non-stick that I sometimes can’t even pick up my eggs without things comedically sliding around the pan. Needless to say, you don’t need Teflon to achieve non-stick qualities.
Plus, I can feel good about cooking without releasing any unwanted fumes. I live in an apartment, so with a smaller space and less ventilation, I really want to make sure I’m prioritizing my health. Also, I’m a wife now, and that means looking after my husband’s health too! So getting non-toxic pans like these was a must for our new space.
2. Ethical manufacturing
Let me ask you something: When you’re at the store, about to buy a cookware set, are you aware of who made those items? If they were treated fairly and paid living wages?
Well, Caraway supports BSCI and SMETA manufacturing partners where employees are safe, paid fairly, given benefits, and work regulated hours. Yes, their cookware is made in China, but what matters most is that these people are not being abused.
This is so important to me because many brands and companies are not transparent about where their products are made, who made them, or how. Honestly, it should be a requirement for all brands to be transparent about their manufacturing process.
3. Shipped plastic free
As a zero waster, this is a big one for me. Caraway is shipped in recycled cardboard with zero plastic bags. Plus they use low-impact dyes!
They also partner with Route shipping to help offset their carbon emissions, and donate to forest and savannah restoration in Brazil.
I received mine as a bridal shower gift (Steve’s aunt put them in a cute basket), so I sadly have no photos of how it shipped. That being said, there are tons of cute photos and videos of unboxing online which I just love!
4. They’re beautiful
No seriously, they are stunning and I’m sure that’s a huge selling point alone. I adore how they come with so many color options, so they will match any kitchen aesthetic.
I decided to go with the classic 4-piece cookware set in cream because I knew that color would be timeless. It wouldn’t clash with any other pops of color I decided to add into the kitchen but still serve up looks.
I’m also kind of obsessed with the storage system you get with purchase. When you purchase a cookware set you receive their uniquely designed pan racks and lid holder! The storage system is only available with the purchase of a full cookware set, and is not sold individually even if multiple pieces are purchased (so it’s worth investing in).
I just think this little organizer looks so cute on my kitchen counter and I couldn’t love it more than I already do. Plus, they’re not just thrown in a cabinet somewhere! (cue sounds of pots and pants clanging obnoxiously)
5. It’s a minimalists dream
As someone who loves to cook and does it all the time, you only need their 4 piece set. Seriously. Long gone are the 16-piece-sets that gather dust in the back of your cabinets. My 4 pans do it all.
Plus, they’re super aesthetically pleasing and easy to store. When you purchase the set, it comes with a storage system that makes your life that much easier. And we all love knowing where everything is, right?
I’m all about simplifying my life. The less items I have floating around my kitchen, the better. Plus what would you prefer, a bunch of pans and pots you barely touch, or 4 high-quality ones you use on the daily?
Minimalism feeds right into environmentalism. Less stuff = less waste and less negative impact on the environment. So always choose high quality, durable, well-made items over cheap ones whenever you can!
6. Recycling option
You heard that right – Caraway offers a recycle locator on their website for end of life recycling! So nothing goes to waste.
Caraway is built to last you years. So you won’t be in need of recycling your pots and pans any time soon. Still, it’s great they have a recycling option on their site.
Also, they don’t just accept old Caraway pots and pans – they will accept any brand. So if you’re ready to transition to Caraway, you can get rid of your old cookware responsibly.
Better yet, when you recycle your old set of Caraway Cookware with them, they’re able to offer you gently used (practically new) cookware at a discounted price. So you get to upgrade your Caraway, reduce waste, and save a buck!
My experience with Caraway
The best part of this Caraway Cookware review? My opinion of course! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed owning these pots and pans and use them on a consistent basis. I have the 4-piece cookware set.
I’d say the one I use the most is the big sauté pan. In the morning, I love making a big omlette using farmers market eggs for me and my hubby. And I always reach for the sauté pan.
I also am a fan of making stir fries so the sauté pan has been excellent for that. I’ll also use the sauté pan in unison with the frying pan when I have two things up on the stove, like wild caught salmon and plastic-free broccoli from the market.
They’re so easy to clean too. I just let them cool off, rinse them with cool water, then scrub them with my wooden dish brush and some dish soap. In a matter of 2-3 minutes, they’re sparkling again. I wipe them dry and put them back on their storage rack. Done.
Tea is a must for me in the morning, so I use my Caraway tea kettle every day. I fill it up, put it on medium heat, and before I know it’s whistling when it’s ready. It’s so aesthetically pleasing that my kettle perfectly matches the vibe of my pots and pans too.
It’s probably the prettiest tea pot I’ve ever owned, and it’s so easy to keep clean. For spot treatments, I just use my DIY disinfectant wipes.
I love the little lid organizer that you can setup inside a cabinet door (out of sight, easy to grab). So I always know where my lids are, and never have to scramble for them!
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with Caraway. I recommend them to all my friends and family. My mom is also in love with them and I think she wants a set for herself…
Next up, I really want to order some of their bakeware! I love this 11-piece bakeware set in the color cream (and what’s more satisfying than your cookware matching your bakeware?)
Most asked Caraway Q+A’s
Have questions about Caraway Cookware I didn’t answer in this review? Here are the most common questions people have. Hope my answers help!
Can Caraway go into the oven?
Yes, Caraway can go into the oven, as they are oven safe up to 550 degrees. However, I typically only use them on the stovetop, so I myself have not tried this feature out!
Does Caraway rust?
I’ve only had my Caraway pans for a few months (since March), but I haven’t seen any signs of rusting yet. I mostly use the big pan and the smaller pan for cooking.
I will say the more you use them, the more the bottom will get dirty. The bottoms of my pans are definitely in need of a deep cleaning! But it’s certainly not rust.
How to care for and clean Caraway pots + pans? (advice directly from Caraway)
- Use on low to medium heat only
- Stovetop agnostic: works on all stoves, gas, electric and induction.
- Handwash recommended. Clean with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth to keep your pans looking fresh! Avoid the dishwasher as the detergent can damage the non-stick coating.
- Avoid leaving an empty pan on a hot burner, unless over very low heat.
- Your food will effortlessly glide on your ceramic pans, so less is more when it comes to oil or butter. 1-2 tablespoons is more than enough to lightly coat the entire pan surface.
- Avoid using oil sprays or cooking aerosols for greasing pans to preserve the naturally slick coating.
- Metal utensils with rough edges may damage your non-stick coating. Stick to wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon products.
- Carefully place pans on and off stovetops. Sliding across metal stovetops may damage the steel base.
- Let your cookware cool completely before running cold water over its surface to avoid thermal shock (meaning it might crack—yikes!). Your pans can withstand extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum, but sudden and significant changes can reduce their lifespan.
- For stains on the exterior of the pan, you may use a stronger sponge (we suggest a wool sponge) with a high-strength detergent.
- If food gets stuck onto the surface, fear not! Simmer soapy water over a low heat then gently scrape away with a sponge or non-abrasive scrubber. Rinse and repeat if needed.
- To clean the bottom of a Caraway pan: Cover your pan with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and allow to soak for 30 minutes. Finally, simply rinse your pan and wash with mild dish soap.
What did you think of the Caraway Cookware review? Would you try them?
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