Bottom Line: Is Caraway Worth It
As a die-hard lover of cast iron and stainless steel, I felt a little wary of ceramic nonstick pans. I tried the Instagram-famous Always Pan and didn’t really care for it, and I gave away my Green Pan.
But, I do like Caraway. A lot.
And I’m itching to get my hands on their bakeware set (would love to see my mini-frittatas slip out of a muffin tin as easily as fried egg slips out of the Caraway frying pan.
It’s good for people who don’t have a lot of time to scrub pots and pans since the clean-up is so easy. And it’s worth it if you’re willing to treat the pans gently.
If you’re rough with your kitchen gear, or always cook on high heat, you might want to skip ceramic nonstick.
If you’re currently using conventional Teflon-coated nonstick pans, I’d drop them in an instant and switch to ceramic nonstick or high-quality stainless steel.
If you’re currently using stainless steel or cast iron, it might be worth picking up a pan or two for those particularly sticky dishes.
If you need to replace a whole cookware set, it’s worth looking into ceramic nonstick. They work so well with a little care. But, you’ll still need a good cast iron frying pan for high-heat applications.
Is The Caraway Cookware Set Worth It
If you spend a lot of time cooking in the kitchen and are looking for new cookware that’s free of harmful chemicals, offers even heat distribution, and is easy to clean, Caraway is definitely worth it.
It’s easy to cook a variety of different foods thanks to the cookware’s truly non-stick surface. I found myself using way less oil than I usually do while cooking, and cleanup took literal seconds even though the cookware isn’t dishwasher safe. The pans are durable, too I haven’t experienced any chipping or staining on the ceramic coating, nor has the interior of the pan gotten scratched .
If you’re new to the brand and are unwilling to shell out the money to see if their cookware is worth it, Caraway offers a 30-day trial where you can try out their products and return them for a full refund if you’re unhappy with them.
Tips For Caring For And Using Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
In order to keep your pans in good condition , you’ll want to take particular care of them. They can be a little fussy and need a gentle hand, careful storage, and light heat. As long as you stick to these rules, they should last a long time.
- Only cook on low- to medium-heat . High heat can damage the pans and their nonstick coating over time.
- Oven heat should never exceed 550 F. But, honestly, who’s cooking at such high heat in a home kitchen anyway?
- Ditch the cooking sprays. Cooking sprays can damage the ceramic coating. Instead, use a little bit of fat such as olive oil or butter in the pan.
- Use gentle cooking tools such as wooden spoons or silicone spatulas. Metal tools and anything with a sharp edge can scratch the ceramic coating.
- Let the pans cool completely before cleaning them. Cleaning a hot pan under cold water can shock the pan, reducing long-term durability.
- Handwash the pans with a little water, a few drops of dish soap, and a soft sponge. They’re super easy to clean since nothing sticks.
- Store them carefully. Stacking pans can scratch the ceramic surface, so use magnetic organizers that come with your set.
Don’t Miss: Bosch Dishwasher Model Number Decoder
Is Ceramic Actually Safer
One of Caraway’s main claims is that it uses non-toxic materials to make its ceramic cookware and bakeware. That means that their products are free from including lead, cadmium, PTFE , PFOA, and other PFAs.
It’s important to note that ceramic cookware became popular in the early 2000s due to fears over chemicals like perfluorooctanoic acid . At the time, these were commonly used in non-stick coatings on pots and pans. Since 2013, all non-stick cookware manufactured is PFOA-free and considered safe to use.
However, one concern over non-stick cookware is that it may release harmful chemicals when heated over 500 degrees. If used below 500 degrees F, PTFE-containing cookware is safe.
Because Caraway does not contain PTFE, it claims to be safe up to 550F, unlike other traditional cookawre.
Here is a helpful graphic from the Caraway website:
The takeaway: Most cookware is safe under 500 degrees. Always follow manufacturer instructions when heating pots and pans to avoid overheating them. Use silicon, nylon, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.
Heat Conduction And Retention
I conducted a simple test to determine which brand heats quicker and retains heat longer two attributes of high-performing cookware.
After pouring precisely two cups of cold water in Caraway and GreenPan pans, I placed each on the burner and turned the heat to high.
To find out which conducts heat quicker, I measured the time it took for the water to boil.
The water in the Caraway pan boiled first at 2 minutes and 37 seconds, and the GreenPan was right behind it at 2 minutes and 51 seconds. Both pans distributed the heat evenly, as evident by the uniform distribution of bubbles.
Next, I poured the water out of each pan at the same time and set the empty pans on the counter. After five and ten minutes, I placed my hand on each pan.
After five minutes, the GreenPan was still very warm, but the Caraway pan was only slightly warm. After ten minutes, the GreenPan pan was somewhat warm, and the Caraway pan had lost its heat.
One major caveat to mention is that I used the GreenPan Paris Pro pan, which has a hard-anodized aluminum base. If I had used a pan from another collection with different construction, my results might have differed.
Ultimately, both pans heated quickly, evenly, and retained heat well.
Recommended Reading: Dishwasher Vs Hand Washing Water Use
What Is Caraway Cookware Made Of
Caraway is nonstick cookware that is made of heavy gauge aluminum with a stainless steel base and stainless steel handles. Aluminum, if you didnt know it, is one of the best conductors of heat and is an ideal choice for cookware material.
I always thought that hard-anodization was all the rage as it makes aluminum tougher and more durable, so it was interesting for me to note that the aluminum in Caraway pans is not anodized. So I reached out to ask the company and here is their reply:
We do not hard anodize because it 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. It is a process we do not support as we believe in eco-manufacturing methods and products.
~Jordan Nathan, Founder & CEO, Caraway
Hmm.. didnt know that so I learned something new here. And I also learned that this is a company that really cares. Nice!
Caraway Cookware Review: Non
If you make a purchase using links in this article, I could receive a commission. Please see my Privacy Policy for information.
It can be difficult to find non-stick cookware not made with questionable chemicals. We want to choose healthy products for cooking, but also have the convenience and ease of modern-day technology, which often includes non-stick pots and pans.
Caraway Cookware is a non-toxic, ceramic cookware that provides the ease of non-stick cooking without using questionable materials.
You May Like: Dishwasher With Silverware Basket In Door
Caraway Cookware Promotions & Discounts
Caraway offers free shipping on orders of $90 and above, which will be automatically applied at checkout. To get a heads-up about any upcoming Caraway Cookware discount, Caraway Cookware sale, or Caraway Cookware coupon code, you can subscribe to their newsletter.
If you dont want to subscribe, you can just keep checking back in at carawayhome.com to see what Caraway Cookware on sale items are currently on offer.
Other Reasons To Consider Caraway
On their website, Caraway proudly explains that they source their products ethically and make sure that they have an ethical workplace.
The manufacturing is also supposedly eco-friendly, releasing up to 60% less CO2 than traditional non stick coatings.
Their packaging is made from recycled cardboard and has no single-use plastics.
The mission of the company is to make us more thoughtful about our cookware. With all of these qualities in play, they definitely help raise the standard!
Don’t Miss: What Is The Quietest Dishwasher Decibel
How We Test To Choose The Best Is Caraway Cookware Dishwasher Safe
You could try using it to chop vegetables or to mix a cake batter. You could also try washing it in the dishwasher or using it to heat up food. There are many different ways to test a kitchen tool. It all depends on what you want to use the tool for.
When testing a is caraway cookware dishwasher safe, it is important to make sure that it is safe to use. You should also check to see if the tool is easy to clean. Additionally, you should test the tool to see if it is durable and will last long. Finally, you should test the is caraway cookware dishwasher safe to see if it is comfortable to use.
We will test each is caraway cookware dishwasher safe for one week and then choose the best one.
Faqs About Greenpan And Caraway Cookware
Here is what most home chefs want to know when it comes to GreenPan and Caraway cookware.
Is GreenPan and Caraways non-stick coating safe?
Yes. GreenPan and Caraway use materials that are safe to use with food and do not emit toxic fumes if they are accidentally overheated. Both brands are also transparent about testing results and claim to be non-toxic and eco-friendly in construction and production.
Where is GreenPan and Caraway cookware made?
GreenPan cookware is designed in Belgium and manufactured in its own factory in China, where they control the quality standards firsthand. Caraway cookware is designed in New York and made in China and India, but they only work with manufacturers that meet Fair Trade standards.
Is GreenPan and Caraway cookware oven-safe?
Yes. GreenPan oven-safe temperatures range from 320°F to 600°F, depending on the collection . All Caraway cookware is oven-safe up to 550°F.
Is GreenPan and Caraway cookware dishwasher-safe?
All Caraway cookware is dishwasher-safe, and some of GreenPans offerings are too, but both recommend hand washing for longevity. Just make sure you dont use harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges.
Is GreenPan and Caraway cookware induction-compatible?What utensils can I use with GreenPan and Caraway cookware?
To extend the life of your non-stick ceramic cookware, use silicone, nylon, bamboo, or wood utensils. GreenPan claims you can use metal utensils on cookware with its Thermolon Diamond Advanced ceramic non-stick coating.
You May Like: How Much Cascade Liquid To Use In Dishwasher
Heating Capacity: Efficient And Even
Ceramic cookware is known for its ability to hold and retain heat and the Caraway demonstrates that quality to the fullest. Even when cooking on low to medium heat, which is recommended by the manufacturer, the pots and pans got really hot and our eggs and bacon cooked evenly and quickly.
This was true no matter where you placed the food in the pan. Weve noticed with other cookware, especially large skillets, that if bacon isnt placed perfectly in the center, it wont cook evenly. Or the bacon in the middle will burn, while the bacon on the outside is barely cooked. These problems were completely eliminated with the Caraway set, for all of the dishes that we prepared.
However, there was a learning curve for us. Weve gotten used to having to turn the heat way up in our older pans, but since this cookware is much more efficient and better at distributing heat, high heat wasnt necessary. We kept having to remind ourselves to turn the flame down.
You can use the Caraway set on electric stoves and induction stovetops, too. The pots and pans are also oven safeup to 550 degreesso they can replace heavier cast iron skillets in your kitchen.
Caraway Cookware For No Oil Cooking
The second most frequent question that I received about my cookware set was whether its nonstick enough to work for no oil cooking.
This is no surprise to me, since I have a great many no oil/WFPB readers. While I eat and cook with oils, Im always mindful that a part of my community doesnt, and I like to speak to their priorities.
So, Im happy to tell my oil-free readers that Caraway cookware is perfect for whole foods, plant based dietsand for vegan cooking in general.
In anticipation of writing this post, I tested water and broth sautéing in my pans. Both options worked perfectly.
In fact, Caraway is designed to necessitate less oil than most cookware. The brand itself notes that a small amount will go a long way.
So far, Ive mostly used small amounts of oil or vegan butter for my cooking in the Caraway set.
Most of the time, however, I need only a teaspoon or two. A tablespoon at most has been adequate for everything that Ive tried so far.
Note that the brand recommends against oil spray for both the cookware and bakeware instead, it recommends using a measured, small amount.
When I used the loaf pan to make my vegan zucchini bread, I added a teaspoon of avocado oil and used a paper towel to spread it around. I had no issues getting my bread out of the pan.
So yes, the Caraway set is a great choice for vegans who cook without oil.
And for vegans who cook with oil, too
Also Check: Samsung Dishwasher Lc Code Fix
Caraway Pots And Pans Review: The Cons
I’ve given a lot of praise to the Caraway pots and pans in this post. And trust me, all of it is warranted. I could feel the quality of these products the minute I took them out of the box.
And as I’ve used them, they have not disappointed. I’ve never experienced such an easy clean-up process with cooking or baking before. I couldn’t be happier with that.
In terms of downsides, here are my thoughts:
-
Caraway Home has literally thousands of reviews claiming that the product was worth every penny. But with the prices ranging from $95 to $395, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. Whether it’s worth spending money on is going to depend on your current budget, how much you cook/bake, and how badly you need a quality set.
-
Not dishwasher-safe. I mentioned this earlier in the post. Again, not necessarily a negative unless you literally don’t want to wash your dishes by hand ever. Whether you have Caraway or not, nonstick does best when washed by hand. Getting this nontoxic version is only a bonus at that point.
-
The caraway non toxic ceramic nonstick cookware set has only four pieces . For starters, you’re getting 4 pieces for $400. Even though they’re of great quality, that’s a lot. Especially when the bakeware set is the same price and comes with way more. Secondly, I’d love to see a smaller saucepan and/or smaller fry pan included in the set.
What Are Greenpan Pans Made Of
GreenPan cookware is made of aluminum covered with a ceramic non-stick coating called Thermolon.
Thermolon is made from a sand derivative and was developed around 10 years ago. It is used on the surface of the pans to make a non-stick coating that is PFAS and chemical-free.
The coating is also more environmentally friendly to create than traditional non-stick pans, using less CO2.
It also stays heat resistant, even at very high temperatures. So the pans wont release toxic fumes if theyre accidentally overheated.
GreenPans cookware sets come in neutral and pastel colors, including gray, black, turquoise, and light blue. You can also opt to buy their colorless ceramic set.
The pots and pans have durable anodized bodies. Some sets have oven-safe stainless-steel handles, while others have rubberized handles. The sets come with look-glass lids.
Read Also: What Uses More Water Dishwasher Or Hand Washing
What Sets Caraway Cookware Apart From Other Non
One of Caraways biggest selling points is that its a non-toxic version of the non-stick skillets and saucepans youre used to cooking with. What does that mean, exactly? Long story short, a chemical called Teflon used to be the gold-standard for non-stick pans. But then the FDA discovered that when overheated, it can leech toxic chemicals into your food, and it was slowly phased out.
Instead, Caraway uses a ceramic coating to achieve a slick surface. Thats good for a few reasons: Aside from being healthier than Teflon, it also releases less carbon dioxide as it heats up, making it more eco-friendly than older non-stick offerings. It also wont begin to break down until it reaches temps of about 800°F.
TBH, we take clean marketing with a grain of salt, but since weve tried other ceramic-coated cookware in the past, we were curious how Caraway would hold up with use over time.
Caraway Cookware Review: Preparing Healthy Meals In Style
- Great value for the price
- Singles and sets available
- Not all cookware is dishwasher-safe
- May ship in multiple packages
Would you like cooking more if you didnt have to deal with food sticking to your pots and pans, making both preparation and cleaning more difficult? If youve been having trouble with sticky foods, such as eggs, fish, and pancakes, we just might have a solution to your problems.
In this Caraway cookware review, we will tell you all that you need to know about this amazing set of pans and pots that are not only easy to cook with, but that also contain no toxic materials, come with convenient storage options, and that look simply stunning.
Recommended Reading: Does Lowe’s Install Dishwashers