Caraway Cookware Review After 5 Years of Testing: I Still Love It

This Caraway cookware review goes far beyond pulling some gorgeous cookware out of box. OA founder and trained chef Laura Klein has been putting these beauties to the test for over five years. Read on to see what she has to say after real-world testing.

Image of a collage of Caraway Cookware for a review, tested by a chef to let you know the pros and cons of Caraway cookware
This Caraway Cookware review covers my real-world experiences with using this sustainable, non-toxic cookware for over 5 years. Credit: Organic Authority Studio

When it comes to cookware, consumers are demanding transparency and safety — and finally, companies are starting to listen. 

But today’s increased demand for clean cookware (free of PFAS aka “forever chemicals,” heavy metals, and microplastics) also means that many brands are flirting with falsehoods, and some are even making outright deceitful claims. Instead of making their cookware cleaner, manufacturers use misleading labels to make you think you’re using your purchasing power to do good (for both yourself and the environment). 

In a landscape rife with imposters and cheap, chemical-coated cookware — enter Caraway. A brand that has captured the hearts of health-conscious consumers with its trusty non-toxic cookware — and have we mentioned it’s gorgeous? 

Okay, sure, pretty is one thing, and non-toxic is quite another. But with today’s modern cookware options, I truly believe you can have it all. Beyond clean cookware and aesthetics, this Caraway cookware review will consider performance (how’s the nonstick?), functionality (can I sear veg, protein, or both?), and longevity (is it worth the investment?).

Plus, keep reading for an exclusive interview with the Founder of Caraway Home, Jordan Nathan, who answers our questions about the benefits of the Caraway manufacturing process.

“Finally, a company that cares about the quality of non-toxic, nonstick cookware.” 

Laura Klein, Chef & Wellness Expert

Caraway’s Commitment to Non-Toxic Cookware Materials

One of the biggest draws of Caraway cookware is its commitment to using safe, non-toxic materials. Unlike traditional nonstick pans that may contain heavy metals or PFAS chemicals like PTFE, PFOS, or GenX (which are linked to human health and environmental issues!), Caraway’s Sol-Gel ceramic coating is completely free of forever chemicals. The peace of mind you get by knowing you’re not leaching nasty toxins into your food is priceless. 

Here’s What I’ve Tested

Image of Caraway cookware and more brands on Laura Klein's professional stovetop. brands include Alva Cookware, GreenPan, Caraway, Xtrema, Staub, Made In, and Demeyere cookware including ceramic coated non stick cookware
After testing non-toxic cookware for over 10 years and Caraway since their inception, I can tell you that it’s hard to find nonstick, ceramic-coated cookware that lasts as long as Caraway. – Credit: Laura Klein

I’ve cooked everything from delicate eggs, fish, pasta, sauces, nachos, soup, enchiladas, pancakes, and more in my Caraway pots and pans, all with minimal sticking (and delicious results). Plus, I’m still using my five-year-old set. That’s a big deal. Most ceramic-coated nonstick cookware can’t even come close to that longevity. 

In this review, I’ll break down the science behind Caraway Cookware’s ceramic coating, share my experience using the cookware, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your kitchen. I’ll also share some insider tips to make sure your pots and pans last as long as mine have!

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TL;DR: Key Takeaways

Here’s the low-down on the key things you need to know if you don’t make it all the way to the end of this Caraway cookware review:

  • Caraway Home offers stylish and functional non-toxic cookware that features a ceramic nonstick coating free from harmful chemicals
  • Their sets offer a much healthier alternative to traditional PFAS nonstick, which has been linked to health concerns like cancer, infertility, and more
  • While Caraway pieces are durable for nonstick cookware, steps like handwashing and avoiding metal utensils can maximize the lifespan of your pots and pans
  • Although their sets are priced higher than standard nonstick sets, they include thoughtful storage extras (like their nifty magnetic pan rack and canvas lid holder!) and can also be purchased as individual pieces

My Experience Testing Caraway Cookware

I’ve never had an issue with delicate foods like eggs sticking to my Caraway pans.

As a trained chef and culinary school grad, I’ve been testing non-toxic cookware, clean, non-toxic bakeware and ceramic cookware for over ten years. When it comes to cookware, it takes a lot to impress me. Most of the pans I’d tested before Caraway were too light and flimsy, which led to hot spots and burnt food. The nonstick coatings also tended to deteriorate quickly, leaving most non-toxic, nonstick cookware useless in as little as three months. 

Caraway is different — like makes-you-want-to-bust-out-a-megaphone different. Instead, I put together this review of Caraway cookware. I’ve been testing and cooking with Caraway for over five years now (have I mentioned I seriously love my job?). I’ve tested everything from their Classic Cookware Set, the Iconics Cookware Set, to their Bakeware and even their Food Storage Set. I’ve even dabbled in their accessories — peep my Caraway gift guide here.

Image of caraway cookware from above with ceramic coated lids on in different colors making a starburst design.

I remember the first time I opened my first Caraway cookware set in Perracotta and felt it in my hands. I can vividly recall saying to myself, “Finally, a company that cares about the quality of non-toxic, nonstick cookware.”

When I lifted them out of their box, Caraway’s pots and pans felt solid and well-made. I couldn’t wait to give the cookware a test run. But would it meet my safety requirements for non-toxic cookware?

To answer that question, let’s start by covering why traditional nonstick, PFAS cookware isn’t safe for anyone.

Here’s What’s Wrong with Traditional Non-Stick Cookware

Traditional nonstick cookware is made with a plastic coating of PFAS chemicals, colloquially known today as, ‘forever chemicals’ (for a better understanding of how concerning this is, check out our coverage: Forever Chemicals: Everything You Need to Know). 

Cancer and Other Long-Term Concerns

Most are commonly made with PTFE and GenX (aka high-performance fluoropolymers without the use of the outlawed PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid). In other words, think the new Teflon — they’ve simply replaced one toxic material with another.  PTFE is linked to a multitude of health concerns like testicular and kidney cancer, infertility, liver damage, and thyroid disease.1,2

Polymer Fume Fever

Oh, and BTW, if a plastic PFAS nonstick coating is heated to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit, that can cause it to break down and release toxic fumes. Inhaling these fumes can lead to a condition called polymer fume fever, which causes flu-like symptoms in humans and is powerful enough to kill birds. And if that isn’t enough, research shows that one crack in your pan can release millions of microscopic particles into your food.3 

Given the health risks associated with these chemicals, you now hopefully understand why we need safer nonstick alternatives. After all, we’re already exposed to cancer-causing PFAS in a number of ways, like through toxic pesticides sprayed on our produce. We need to minimize our exposure in every way we can, and I don’t think a “perfect” PTFE nonstick surface is worth harming our health.

Non-Toxic Cookware Defined

Many people like the idea of ‘non-toxic’ cookware, but what does it really mean?  Our definition of clean cookware is any cookware that does not contain a nonstick coating made with PFAS chemicals, lead, or cadmium. Some people have additional concerns when it comes to other metals like iron, nickel, or chromium. If this is you, we recommend you seek advice from your personal physician.

0Have a question about Caraway or non-toxic cookware in general? Ask me in the comments and I’ll personally respond to you!Post a comment.

The Pros and Cons of Caraway Cookware

Image of a saucepan with  red chilis, green onions, and soy sauce. The pan in a pretty pink color and it's being used for a Caraway pans review where a chef tests Caraway Cookware Sets
Caraway Cookware Sets come in lots of colors like this pretty perracotta. But no matter which color you choose, you won’t have to worry about toxic “forever” chemicals getting into your food. – Credit: Caraway Home

Personally, I love to do the work of wading through claims and testing cookware, but sometimes you just want a simple list of pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown.

It’s worth noting that this list of cons could mostly apply to any non-toxic, nonstick cookware.

ProsCons
Non-Toxic: Free from harmful PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals’They don’t last forever
Sol Gel nonstick coatingHigher price point
Even heat distributionThe handles can get hot when cooking (they have a notch to let you know when you’re getting close to the danger zone)
Easy to cleanNot metal utensil resistant
Stylish designHand washing required
Storage solutions
Relatively durable (for non-toxic, nonstick)
No off-gassing risk

Q & A with the Founder of Caraway Home: Jordan Nathan

Image of a gray Caraway Cookware Set, Caraway reviews, caraway pots and pans review on a stove top with a white subway tile backsplash. Caraway Cookware Set, Caraway reviews, caraway pots and pans review,
Caraway is constantly innovating and designing new pieces, for their cookware line and beyond. Like their 12-quart stock pot which will fit even the most daringly long spaghetti. – Credit: Caraway Home

To shed more light on the science, we interviewed founder Jordan Nathan for our review of Caraway Cookware to answer some of our most burning questions.

Organic Authority: Considering the PFOA/PTFE scandal with Dupont and the concern regarding GenX chemicals, how does production for ceramic-based cookware coatings differ from the production process for PTFE?

Jordan: Great question! ~95% of the nonstick cookware market in the U.S. is made with PTFE-based coatings, which in some instances previously contained PFOA. The newer PTFE is still potentially toxic when overheated or chipped. Our coatings are made with a sol-gel ceramic and are free of PFAS (such as PFOA/PTFE), lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals, addressing common health concerns associated with nonstick cookware.

From a manufacturing perspective, we also refrain from using any form of hard anodization, which is a nasty manufacturing process that requires putting the pans into a sulfuric acid bath. Not only does this emit a ton of toxic fumes and emissions, it is typically improperly disposed of, creating acid waste which is extremely detrimental and harmful to the environment. We use the sol-gel process to bind the ceramic coating to the aluminum core, which releases much less CO2 than standard nonstick cookware that’s hard-anodized.

OA: Does Caraway have certifications for current good manufacturing practices?

Jordan: We support BSCI and SMETA manufacturing partners whose employees are safe, paid fairly, given benefits, and work regulated hours. Additionally, being eco-friendly is one of our core tenants. To reflect that, our cookware is shipped in recycled cardboard with zero plastic bags, low impact print dyes, and 100% biodegradable cork trivets.

OA: Can Caraway provide third-party tests for heavy metals and any other substances of concern that may be used during production?

Jordan: Yes! Our cookware is California Prop 65 certified and has gone through and passed testing for PTFE, lead and cadmium leaching, and LFGB, which includes PFOA and other metals. We’ve had third-party tests performed by SGS (the same company the FDA uses) to ensure our cookware is 100% non-toxic, safe to use in any home. We believe in the importance of transparency when it comes to the materials that make your cookware, and we share our testing reports with all our customers who ask. The method used was CPSC-CH-E1003-09; CPSC is also highly respected in the industry.

We want to encourage consumers to prioritize healthy cooking, and get educated about the materials they use in their home, and hold the brands they purchase accountable in creating safer products for all.

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

Top Caraway Cookware Reviewed

image of a Caraway set, Caraway home reviews on a stove with woman's hand reaching for salt. This cream set is different from the Caraway stainless steel sets.
We’ve answered the question, “Are Caraway pans good?” Now let’s move on to my favorite pieces. – Credit: Caraway Home

The Sauté + Fry Pans

Caraway pans have higher walls, which may or may not be important to you. I personally love them because they help prevent splatters and spills. However, they can be limiting when it comes to flipping food and sliding it out of the pan. 

The body of the pan is composed of an aluminum core with a ceramic exterior and a nonstick ceramic-coated interior. The aluminum core is ideal for heat conduction (and, no, your food won’t come in contact with it, unless you seriously damage it and put a big dent in it). The bottom has an induction-compatible stainless steel base, which is also excellent for durability.

Image of a cream colored Caraway 4.5 qt nontoxic saute pan with lid and helper handle. We set out to create our Caraway review to find out "are Caraway pans good?"
The helper handle on this rather large Caraway saute pan is the best thing ever because, let me tell you, when this pan is full, it’s heavy. Oh, and you can rest your wooden or silicone spoon right on it. – Credit: Caraway Home

The 4.5-quart sauté pan is a large, oversized pan, and the high walls make the capacity feel even larger. This makes it ideal for dinner parties and large family gatherings. One thing to note is that you do have to be careful about stacking your food in a pan like this. Overstacking food creates steam and limits your ability to brown food for extra flavor and texture. 

I love, love, love the helper handle on this pan. Because of that extra large capacity, when the pan is full — it’s heavy. The helper handle allows you to easily pick up the pan with two hands and maneuver it around the kitchen. And don’t be afraid to use pot holders, as the handles can get hot!

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

4.5 Quart Sauté Pan with Lid

Get it for $165 (at time of publish)

Fry Pan Duo: 8” + 10.5” fry pans

Get the duo for $220 (at time of publish)

The 6.5 qt Dutch Oven

Image of a Caraway naturally nonstick dutch oven with pasta cooking on a stove for a caraway home reviews
Caraway’s Dutch oven is, well, oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Meaning it’s perfect for roasts and crusty sourdough, along with the usual suspects. – Credit: Caraway Home

One of the standout features when you buy a cookware set from Caraway is that it comes with a Dutch oven (most cookware sets don’t!). 

Caraway’s 6.5-qt Dutch oven offers the same sleek, ceramic-coated style as the rest of the lineup. It’s a nice size that’s ideal for pasta night and slow cooking your next pot of chili or a cozy butternut squash soup.

It’s lighter than traditional cast iron, meaning your wrists and biceps get a well-deserved break, but it’s still sturdy enough to retain heat quite well. The nonstick ceramic interior means even sticky sauces won’t cling, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s a great option for home cooks who want Dutch oven performance without the weight or seasoning maintenance of cast iron.

This Caraway Dutch oven is a true versatile workhorse. It’s compatible with all stovetops, including induction, and it can bravely venture into the oven up to a scorching 550°F —  perfect for those crusty sourdough loaves or succulent roasts. 

The included lid fits like a glove, locking in all that precious moisture for slow-cooked perfection. Oh, and did we mention it plays nice with Caraway’s ingenious storage system, complete with its own dedicated pan rack slot? Seriously, what’s not to love?

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

Get the Dutch Oven for $145 (at time of publish)

The Classic Cookware Set

Image of Caraway Cookware's original, classic set in peracotta
Classics never go out of style and Caraway’s Classic Cookware Set is always a good place to start when switching to non-toxic, nonstick. – Credit: Caraway Home

The Classic Cookware Set isn’t just a collection of pots and pans — this flagship bundle is a clean kitchen makeover starter set. And it’s not just about good looks (though it’s got those in spades!); it’s about serious function, smart design, and keeping things beautifully organized.

This bundle also includes three perfectly fitting lids, a genius magnetic pan rack to keep your cookware tidy, and a clever canvas lid holder so you’ll never hunt for a lid in your cupboards again.

The lids come with handy built-in steam vents that prevent boiled over messes (they saved me daily when I cook my morning oatmeal). It’s the ultimate cohesive system for couples, families, or anyone starting fresh with safer cookware.

image of the Caraway Classic set in perracotta

Specs

This classic 4-piece set includes: 

  • Magnetic pan rack (4 slots)
  • Canvas lid holder (3 slots)
  • 10.5″ fry pan
  • 3-qt saucepan with lid
  • 4.5-qt sauté pan with lid
  • 6.5-qt Dutch oven with lid

All Caraway Cookware:

  • Features Caraway’s non-toxic ceramic coating and aluminum core
  • Works with all stovetops, including induction; oven-safe to 550°F
  • Ships in plastic-free, recyclable packaging with printed care instructions
  • Are available in over 10 color options, including limited editions

Get the Classic Cookware Set for $445 (at time of publish)

The Cookware+ Set

The Cookware+ Set takes everything you love about Caraway’s Classic lineup and switches it up with some different shapes and sizes, giving you even more flexibility in the kitchen.

Image of a caraway cookware set with a stock pot in a navy blue stacked artistically against a peach background.

You still get a fantastic foundation of four core pans, but this set goes above and beyond.

Caraway’s 8-piece set offers four additional pans in new shapes and sizes, including: 

  • Magnetic pan rack (4 slots)
  • Canvas lid holder (3 slots)
  • 2-qt Petite Cooker
  • 6-qt Rondeau
  • 12-qt Stock Pot
  • 12” Stir Fry Pan (with a helper handle!)
  • 3 opaque lids (w/ steam vents!)

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

Cookware & Minis Set

The Cookware & Minis Set combines the full-size Classic lineup with two of Caraway’s smaller, more compact pans: the Mini Fry Pan and the Mini Saucepan.

These mini marvels are absolute game-changers for frying a single egg, warming up a personal serving of soup, or whipping up any small batch of deliciousness. They’re also ideal for anyone who loves portion control, has a compact kitchen or smaller household, or makes solo portions often.

image of caraway cookware pots and pans as part of the Deluxe Cookware set to be reviewed after years of testing by a trained chef. The color a pinky/salmon with a similar color background.

This set also includes all of the fantastic organizational perks (the magnetic pan rack and the clever lid holder), making this a complete cooking and storage solution with a wider range of sizes to tackle any recipe.

This 16-piece set includes: 

  • Storage
  • 10.5” Fry Pan
  • 3-qt Sauce Pan
  • 4.5-qt Sauté Pan (with helper handle)
  • 6.5-qt Dutch Oven 
  • 8” Mini Fry Pan (this could be your new designated egg pan!)
  • 1.75-qt Mini Sauce Pan 
  • 4 Opaque lids (with steam vents)

Get the Cookware & Minis Set for $670 (at time of publish)

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

The Stainless Steel Cookware Set

Caraway’s Stainless Steel Cookware Set isn’t just cookware — it’s an investment in 5-ply construction. It features a durable stainless steel interior, an efficient aluminum core, and a sleek stainless steel exterior, all engineered for serious home cooks. If you’re someone who craves superior browning, extended heat retention, and unparalleled high-temperature control, this is the set for you.

Designed to handle everything from high-heat searing and caramelizing to rich sauce reductions, these pieces are compatible with all stovetops (including induction) and are oven-safe up to 550°F. 

You’ll notice the same thoughtful details as Caraway’s ceramic line, like the ergonomic notch design on the handles for a safe grip. Like Caraway’s other pieces, it integrates seamlessly with their signature storage system, including a dedicated pan rack and lid holder. 

While it doesn’t feature a nonstick coating (meaning you’ll need a little oil and technique for best results), it’s built for durability and comes with a lifetime warranty. That’s a significant upgrade from the one-year warranty on their ceramic products and is a true testament to the enduring quality of this set.

A set includes: 

  • Lid Storage
  • 10” Fry Pan
  • 3 qt Sauce Pan
  • 4.5 qt Saute Pan 
  • 6.5 qt Dutch Oven
  • Pan Storage

$695 at time of publish

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

More on What Makes Caraway Stand Out

Image of Caraway's new petite cookers in 7 different colors, all with a ceramic coating and aluminum core.
Did someone say, “adorable?” We did. It was us. These Caraway petite cookers couldn’t be cuter and you’ll find lots of uses for them. – Credit: Caraway Home

Non-Toxic, Nonstick Coating

Unlike traditional nonstick cookware, Caraway employs a proprietary ceramic coating derived from silica. This ceramic coating is free from harmful PFAS chemicals, lead, and cadmium. It provides a stable cooking surface (it won’t off-gas toxic fumes at high temperatures), making it a safer choice for everyday cooking.

After testing these pans extensively for this Caraway review, I’ll note that they do take a little longer to heat up, but that’s ultimately a good thing! It means no hot spots or burnt food caused by a thin pan. And once heated, they retain heat well. These pans are best for medium to medium-low heat cooking, as cooking techniques that require high-heat temperatures (like searing) can degrade the ceramic coating.

How the Ceramic Nonstick Coating is Applied

We’ve mentioned that Caraway’s ceramic coating is applied using a sol-gel process, but what does that mean? This method involves creating a suspension of microscopic silica particles in a liquid medium. This mixture is then applied to the cookware and undergoes a curing process to form a hard, nonstick surface. This process is more environmentally friendly than traditional methods due to lower emissions and reduced chemical waste.

This technology, explains Caraway Home founder Jordan Nathan, not only provides a “naturally slick ceramic surface” that’s safer and healthier to use at home, but also “draws a lot less energy during production” when compared to more traditional nonstick cookware manufacturing.

The manufacturing process of PFAS-coated nonstick cookware also  “leaves a nasty chemical waste that needs to be safely disposed of” For years, this waste was disposed of in our drinking water, raising concerns about the risks to humans — for more on this dirty secret, check out our timeline on legislation surrounding PFAS in the U.S. So all in all, there’s a lot to gain when switching from traditional nonstick to a non-toxic brand like Caraway. 

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

Organic Authority Approved

Image of Organic Authority's Seal of approval for clean cookware or PFAS free cookware which Caraway Cookware has earned through review and testing and research

Because of Caraway’s transparency, thoughtful design, and utility, the brand has earned Organic Authority’s Clean Cookware seal of approval.

If you want to know more about what that means, you can read The Organic Authority Approved Manifesto here.


More Than Just Utility

Utility, performance, and safety are all obviously high on my checklist. But design and aesthetics are the icing on the cake, and Caraway doesn’t disappoint. Their sleek and stylish pots and pans are available in eight gorgeous colors (including their Iconics Collection, which has gorgeous gold handles) to suit any kitchen. 

Plus, they have various new product series to address any possible kitchen need, like their non-toxic bakeware line, tea kettle, linens, food storage, and their new glass airtight container set, that upgrade any home. Many Caraway cookware reviews also praise these thoughtful offerings, showing how the brand goes above and beyond mere utility (although it’s got that in spades).

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

Pricing: Is Caraway Worth the Investment?

Image of Caraway cookware in stainless steel put away beautifully in a dark blue cabinet.
The bottom line is, you pay for what you get. And with Caraway, you’re getting quality that lasts. I believe Caraway has a starting point for every budget. – Credit: Caraway Home

Let’s be real, Caraway is a premium cookware brand, and its pricing reflects that. You might find cheaper ceramic or nonstick options out there, but what I really want to emphasize in this Caraway nonstick review is that these pieces really stand out with their thoughtful design, commitment to non-toxic materials, and impressive long-term usability. Plus, the clever built-in storage system, eco-friendly packaging, and cohesive design all add to the value of this cookware. 

IMHO, Caraway offers a starting point for most budgets.

They sell several bundles designed to fit different kitchen needs and price points:

  • The Classic Cookware Set typically ranges from $395 to $545, depending on sales and your color choice. 
  • If you’re eyeing those adorable smaller pans, the Cookware & Minis Set (which includes all the Classic pieces, plus two Mini pans) generally falls between $495–$595. 
  • For those who prefer a different cooking experience, the Stainless Steel Set starts around $545–$595 and even comes with a lifetime warranty. 
  • If you’re just looking for a single piece (whether you just want to try Caraway before you go for the whole shebang, or because that’s all your current budget will allow), you can pick up individual pieces like the sauté pan, Dutch oven, or fry pan from around $95 to $145.

Keep an eye out for frequent promotions (often 10–15% off), especially during holidays or when you sign up for our newsletter for exclusive sales.

For buyers who prioritize health, aesthetics, and convenience, the upfront cost pays off over time by avoiding frequent replacements and the need to buy separate accessories. It’s an investment that truly adds value and style to your kitchen.

Caring for Your Caraway Cookware

image of a graphic showing chef Laura Klein's no-nos for cooking with nonstick cookware like Caraway's carbon non-toxic nonstick.
If you opt for Caraway’s ceramic-coated non-toxic nonstick cookware, follow my dos and don’ts to make sure they last you a long time! – Credit: Organic Authority Studio

Cook Over Medium to Low Heat

I use ceramic nonstick cookware strictly for medium to medium-low cooking and for delicate items like eggs and fish. I don’t do any high heat searing in them — I leave that for my stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel.

Don’t Use Metal Utensils

I don’t use metal utensils with my Caraway cookware, I only use wood, bamboo or silicone. Metal utensils will scratch and quickly degrade the nonstick surface, rendering it useless. And, please, please, please, for the sake of your health and the planet, don’t use plastic utensils either

Hand Wash Only

I also don’t put my Caraway pieces in the dishwasher. I always wash them by hand. Remember, scalding temperatures will destroy the nonstick surface too. A quick swipe with a sponge is usually all it takes to clean them, making post-meal cleanup quick and easy. 

Even when I burned the cheese on my nachos with the bakeware set, the hardened mess easily came off with a soft brush, warm water, and soap.

No Cooking Sprays

Oil cooking sprays will also ruin the nonstick surface — in fact, many cookware companies will void their warranty if you use them. Need I say more? To learn why nonstick sprays are bad for cookware, read this.

Addressing Common Complaints

Image of the bottom of a Caraway nonstick pan that is a little discolored from years of testing and reviewing for a caraway pot and pan review
This pan is from the Iconics collection in black, and you’ll notice a little discoloration on the bottom. – Credit: Laura Klein

Although I strongly believe that these care tips will keep your pots and pans in tip-top shape for years to come, no cookware is perfect. Here are some common complaints, along with my experiences and thoughts: 

  • Paint Chipping: People call this one out, but have I experienced it? No, and I cook on a gas stove with cast iron grates. That being said, I’m really careful about the use of my cookware. I don’t use metal utensils and I don’t bang them around.
  • Stains: I have not experienced stains with either of my two sets. You may experience some discoloration on the bottom of the pans with use, but that’s normal wear and tear that you’ll run into with any cookware set.
  • Losing its nonstick surface:Over time, all nonstick surfaces lose their slickness — even Teflon made with PTFE. It’s just the nature of any coating. However, if treated properly according to my tips and the manufacturer’s guidelines, you can definitely get three to five years out of your nonstick cookware!
  • Can’t cook over high heat: As we’ve covered, this limitation is true. This is where your stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel pans come into play. In my opinion, every home chef should have more than one type of cookware material in your kitchen, so this doesn’t mean Caraway won’t be a perfect fit in your collection. 
  • Can’t use metal utensils: This is true! We’ve covered the reasons why above, and it generally applies to all nonstick cookware.

Ultimately, regardless of what brand of non-toxic, nonstick cookware you choose to purchase, you’ll need to make adjustments to your cooking routine to prolong its life.

If you love to cook everything over high heat, use metal utensils, harsh scrubbing pads, or don’t want to wash by hand, then this non toxic, nonstick cookware is probably not for you.

Exclusive! Save an extra 10% on Caraway Home Cookware Products when you shop our links. Discount applied at checkout. Shop now before the sale ends.

Frequently Asked Questions


How long does Caraway’s nonstick coating actually last?

While generally very durable for non-toxic nonstick cookware, Caraway’s ceramic-coated pieces will still eventually need to be replaced, unlike some options that may last a lifetime (like stainless steel or cast iron).

When it comes to nonstick, the fact is no matter which brand you use or how careful you are with them, they won’t last forever. But if you take a little extra care, they can last for years — the set in my kitchen is proof! My first Caraway cookware set is five years old and I’m still happily using it.

Is Caraway cookware dishwasher-safe or hand-wash only?

Caraway cookware is  technically dishwasher-safe, but the brand strongly recommends hand-washing to extend the life of the ceramic coating. Dishwashers can cause faster wear-and-tear and surface dullness due to the high heat and abrasive detergent.


The good news? Hand-washing takes seconds due to the naturally slick surface. A soak in hot water followed by gentle washing with a soft sponge and mild dish soap will help keep your cookware in great shape.

Is Caraway compatible with induction cooktops?

Yes, Caraway cookware works on induction ranges thanks to a stainless steel base plate. This makes it fully compatible with all gas, electric, and induction stovetops (including modern portable induction burners). Heat transfer is smooth and even across all types.


What’s Caraway’s return policy and warranty?

Caraway offers a 30-day trial on cookware purchased through its website and backs each ceramic set with a 1-year warranty, so you can perform a Caraway review of your own The stainless steel line comes with a lifetime guarantee. Plus, in my experience, their customer service is responsive and resolves issues quickly.

It should be noted that the warranty is voided in instances of misuse, overheating, dishwasher damage, or nonstick sprays.

Is Caraway Oven-Safe

It is! Caraway’s pots and pans can handle up to 550°F without breaking a sweat. This is seriously exciting considering traditional PTFE, Teflon pans start off-gassing noxious fumes at around the same temperature! 

Do I Need to Use Oil?

Yes, Caraway recommends that you use a little of your favorite healthy oil or fat like ghee to maximize its slickness and help keep things moving in the pan.

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Final Thoughts: Wrapping Up Our Caraway Review

So, after all that, what’s the final verdict on Caraway cookware?

It really boils down to this: Caraway truly stands out for offering cookware that’s beautiful, safe, and thoughtfully designed. This was proven again and again in the thorough testing I did for my Caraway review.

If you’re a home cook who prioritizes non-toxic materials, enjoys a smooth, low-maintenance cooking experience, and dreams of an organized kitchen, Caraway is a seriously strong contender. This cookware is ideal for medium-heat cooking, whipping up one-pan meals, and making the most of smaller kitchen spaces.

That said, after wrapping up my Caraway Home review, I will say it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While it’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking long-lasting, safe, and stylish cookware, it might be less ideal if your top priorities are high-heat searing, dishwasher-safe convenience, or the absolute lowest price point.

Sources: 

  1. ​​https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/contaminant.php?contamcode=E207
  2. https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2021/09/does-teflon-cause-cancer
  3. https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/human-health-toxicity-assessments-genx-chemicals
Laura Klein is a trained chef with roots in the organic food movement and brings intelligence, intoxicating energy and ... More about Laura Klein, Chef & Wellness Expert
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