Caraway cookware review: We put the design-forward ceramic pots and pans to the test
We've tried hundreds of pieces of cookware, and this brand is more expensive than most — but does its performance match the price?
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With fans like Mindy Kaling and Jennifer Garner, you've probably spotted Caraway's sleek, colorful cookware all over your social media feeds in recent years. The brand, founded by Jordan Nathan in 2019, set out to create its ceramic-coated nonstick cookware
line as a design-forward alternative to traditional Teflon-coated nonstick cookware sets
.
Caraway says its cookware is made without PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PTFE and PFOA — sometimes called " forever chemicals
" — as well as lead and cadmium. Those claims are backed by third-party testing
, and all of the brand's cookware products comply with California AB1200
chemical disclosure regulations.
As Yahoo's resident cookware tester, I've handled hundreds of pots and pans
and Dutch ovens
— so I couldn't wait to see if Caraway truly lived up to the hype. I tried several of the brand's signature products at home to find out how they perform in real kitchens. Here's my honest take on what it's really like to cook with Caraway.
Caraway cookware reviews
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan
Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating, stainless steel handles | Oven safe:Yes, up to 550°F | Dishwasher safe:No | Induction:Compatible | Warranty:Limited 1-year
The 10.5-inch fry pan stands out for its slightly higher walls than most pans and a ceramic-coated cooking surface so slick it's practically a skating rink.
During testing, it handled scrambled eggs and seared chicken well — both slid right off with minimal residue left behind. Cleanup was just as easy: As long as I washed it as soon as it cooled, all it needed was a quick rinse with warm water and a soapy sponge
If I have one small gripe, it's the weight. As someone on the petite side, I found it a little heavy to maneuver with one hand.
- Slick cooking surface
- Appealing design
- Cleans easily
- Heavy compared to other nonstick pans I've tested
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set
Set includes:10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven with three corresponding lids, a lid organizer and a pan organizer | Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating, stainless steel handles | Oven safe:Yes, up to 550°F | Dishwasher safe:No | Induction:Compatible | Warranty:Limited 1-year
If you're looking for a streamlined set of everyday cookware and prefer a ceramic-coated nonstick option, I think the Caraway cookware set is a smart pick.
The sleek design gives it serious countertop appeal, and even with just two pots and two pans, you'll be covered for most day-to-day cooking — from pasta night to weekend pancakes. I found cleanup to be a breeze, too, thanks to the ultra-slick ceramic surface.
That said, a few details may depend on your cooking style. The included canvas lid holder and pan organizer are thoughtful additions, but if you're tight on cabinet space or don't plan to mount them, they may not add much value. Personally, I'd love to see an 8-inch fry pan in the mix — it's the perfect size for eggs or quick meals for two.
- Set in comes in 7 colors that to match your kitchen decor
- Slick cooking surface is easy to clean
- Two pots and two pans cover most everyday cooking tasks
- Storage accessories may go unused if you're short on cabinet space
- No small fry pan
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Saucepan
Material:Aluminum with ceramic coating, stainless steel handles | Oven safe:Yes, up to 550°F | Dishwasher safe:No | Induction:Compatible | Warranty:Limited 1-year
I found this 3-quart Caraway saucepan to be a pleasure to cook with and a breeze to clean. While some online reviewers have mentioned staining over time on the cooking surface, I have not yet experienced that issue. Even after I accidentally let pasta sauce simmer for way too long, it still came up clean after a soak in soapy hot water and a scrubbing with a sponge.
The lid fits snugly, which I appreciate. One thing to note: the handle does warm up about halfway down during stovetop use — nothing an oven mitt can't handle, but worth keeping in mind.
- Cleans easily
- No staining so far after repeated use
- Snug-fitting lid has a steam release hole
- Gets warm mid-handle — use a mitt for safety
Caraway Dutch Oven
Size:6.5 quarts | Weight:13 pounds | Material:Enameled cast iron | Max oven temperature:500°F | Dishwasher safe:No | Warranty:Limited lifetime
The Caraway Dutch oven instantly grabbed my attention with its retro-inspired design. While the brand is better known for its ceramic-coated cookware, this enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is a more recent addition to its line.
While it's undeniably stylish and heats evenly, the price tag feels steep for a pot whose handles are too narrow to grip comfortably, especially when it's full.
The black interior will divide cooks: it hides stains beautifully but makes it harder to gauge browning as you cook. It's a matter of preference, but if you rely on visual cues when searing or sautéing, that's worth considering.
- Heats evenly
- Retro design looks beautiful on the stove
- No seasoning required
- Handles are small and hard to use
- Expensive
What I liked: They're slick and have curb appeal
If you're more design-minded than culinary-obsessed, Caraway is right up your alley. The cookware's sleek lines and rich color options(there are seven) make it as pretty as it is practical. You can even go ahead and keep the modular organizer out on your counter, because the pieces look that good.
It's not all flash, though; the pots and pans are made from a heavy aluminum core that heats up quickly and evenly,so you can still get a nice sear on proteins. I found that the ceramic nonstick coating performed wellwhen preheated and used with a small amount of oil or fat — food truly slid right off.
This slick surface helped with cleaning, too, which is incredibly fast and easy with hot, soapy water and a sponge. For tougher stuck-on food, a simple baking soda-and-water paste left for 20 minutes lifted residue without damaging the finish.
What I didn't like: They're expensive and better for less-experienced cooks
At $100+ per pan, Carway's cookware sits firmly in premium territory. That might be easier to justify if the pieces were built to last for decades of use, but like all nonstick cookware no matter what it's made of, the ceramic coating has a limited lifespan. Eventually, it can scratch, chip or peel — and when it does, it'll time to retire it, as you don't want to ingest the coating. It's too soon for me to tell how long the coating will hold up, but given the cost, I'd feel better about that inevitable wear and tear if the price were a little lower.
Design-wise, the frying pan's high, straight sidesmay not appeal to seasoned cooks who want a true skillet — they make it harder to slide food out cleanly or pour out sauces, not to mention they encourage food to steam more than sear.
The pots and pans are also on the heavy side(the 10.5-inch pan weighs 2.7 pounds without a lid), which could be a drawback if you're petite (like me) or deal with grip-strength issues.
The bottom line: Is Caraway cookware worth the money?
Caraway has plenty of fans who love its looks and smooth ceramic coating. If you value design and easy cleanup more than longevity or traditional performance, this cookware will likely win you over.
That said, the weight and premium priceare potential deterrents. These aren't heirloom pieces built to last decades, but they're undeniably stylish and perform well for everyday use. If you catch them on sale — and you're the type who loves a coordinated, color-matched kitchen— you may want to go for it.
We'll be putting Caraway's new stainless steel cookware line to the test soon, so stay tuned for that review.
Caraway cookware FAQs
Is Caraway nontoxic ?
According to Caraway, its cookware is nontoxic , made without PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — including PTFE and PFOA, sometimes referred to as " forever chemicals " — as well as lead and cadmium. These claims are verified through third-party testing , and all of its cookware products comply with California AB1200 chemical disclosure regulations.
Can the Caraway pans go in the dishwasher?
Caraway's cast-iron and ceramic-coated cookware is not dishwasher-safe, as high heat can damage these products, according to the brand. The brand's stainless steel line is dishwasher-safe. That said, experts generally recommend handwashing pots and pans to extend the lifespan of any cookware.
Is Caraway cookware oven-safe?
Yes, according to Caraway, its ceramic-coated and stainless steel cookware is oven-safe up to 550˚F, while its cast iron cookware is oven-safe up to 500˚F.
Where is Caraway cookware made?
Caraway cookware is manufactured in China.
