The rise of direct-to-consumer cookware brands is evident, with companies like Made In and Great Jones gaining popularity over traditional competitors. Among these brands, Caraway stands out, frequently appearing in Instagram ads and attracting attention, even from celebrities like Mindy Kaling.
The question arises: is the buzz around this cookware justified? To find out, I replaced my pots and pans with Caraway Cookware for a three-month trial. Before delving into my experience, let’s explore some background information about the brand and its product offerings.
What Is Caraway Cookware?
Caraway’s tagline, “Quality Cookware, Without Chemicals,” encapsulates the brand’s philosophy. It is promoted as a healthier and more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional nonstick cookware that contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.
Is Traditional Nonstick Cookware Toxic?
Teflon used to contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), associated with health and environmental issues. In 2006, its use in cookware was prohibited, and by 2015, it was completely phased out. While modern nonstick coatings are PFOA-free and generally deemed safe, concerns remain about their use at high temperatures.
Heating above 500°F can diminish nonstick properties and release harmful fumes causing flu-like symptoms. To prevent these effects, avoid using nonstick pans on high stove settings and never heat an empty pan. Some opt for ceramic nonstick coatings for added safety.
What Is Caraway Cookware Made Of?
Caraway Cookware’s cookware features an aluminum core coated with a ceramic nonstick layer, a mineral-based alternative to conventional PTFE coatings that is increasingly favored. The handles are crafted from stainless steel. These pans are oven-safe up to 550°F and suitable for use on induction, gas, and electric stovetops.
What I Liked About Caraway Cookware
Let’s address this upfront: The cookware is truly impressive. Each item boasts a shiny, modern finish that feels sleek to the touch, giving the impression that food wouldn’t adhere to it. Upon receiving the package, I was pleasantly surprised. The contents were well-packaged, and the kit included several useful accessories. While it may not offer as many cookware pieces as some competing sets, the performance is what matters most.
Indeed, the cookware lives up to its appearance. Transitioning food from the pan to the plate is effortless with just a gentle tilt, and cleaning up is a breeze as any visible food residue vanishes with a quick wipe around the edge. Caraway advises hand-washing the cookware, which aligns with the care instructions for traditional nonstick cookware. Despite being accustomed to using the dishwasher for almost everything (and having damaged some cookware in the process), I found hand-washing these pots and pans to be hassle-free due to their easy-to-clean nature.
Regarding heating performance, I discovered that these pans distribute heat evenly and retain it effectively. In the Caraway saucepan, three cups of water boiled in nearly half the time compared to my stainless steel saucepan. While it may not offer the same searing ability as cast iron, I still achieved a good sear when browning ground beef.
I must also mention how fantastic the magnetic pan racks are. When using coated cookware, I often worry about stacking them and causing scratches, which could compromise their nonstick properties. The modular racks offer individual slots for each pot, and they interlock to keep everything securely in place.
What I Didn’t Like About Caraway Cookware
Numerous online reviews mentioned that the nonstick coating tended to chip over time. Personally, I didn’t encounter this issue during three months of use, but it’s important to consider that I have a smooth electric stovetop. If you have a gas stovetop with metal grates, you might need to be more cautious.
Another frequently reported issue was staining. I did notice some minor staining on the underside of my saucepan, which proved challenging to remove even with vigorous scrubbing. This suggests that after approximately a year of use, stubborn tomato sauce stains may become inevitable. Opting for a darker color, like the gray one I have, could be a wise choice.
The handles can indeed become warm, especially closer to the pan. It’s advisable to have oven mitts nearby when transferring items between the stovetop and oven or removing them from the burner. However, there is a useful notch on the handle’s underside to indicate the hot zones.
Lastly, is the product’s price justified? At almost $400 for a mere seven items, this collection is undeniably expensive in comparison to standard nonstick cookware and alternative ceramic-coated sets. Despite the appealing additions like the pan rack and lid holder, it would be preferable to have additional pieces included for the cost, like a small frying pan and a small saucepan.
Other Caraway Products We’ve Tested
Allrecipes commerce editor Katherine Gallagher personally tested the Caraway 14-Piece Glass Food Storage Container Set in her kitchen, commending the set for its design and practicality. Not only are they visually appealing and available in various stylish colors (she chose the dark navy blue shade), but they also feature a highly effective airtight seal that maintained the freshness of her food—be it homemade granola in the pantry, fresh strawberries in the refrigerator, or chopped spinach for smoothies in the freezer. This well-thought-out design led to a reduction in discarded food, contributing to long-term cost savings.
The glass-ceramic combination is a significant advantage for environmentally conscious cooks, although it does result in the containers being slightly heavier than others. Additionally, the material surrounding the glass lid did show some minor scuffing and scratches over time, detracting from the initial aesthetics. A standout feature for her was the smaller Dot & Dash inserts designed for individual portions of sauces and dips. These inserts fit perfectly into the ceramic containers, enabling the creation of a convenient bento-style lunch box for on-the-go use (if you don’t mind the weight).
While this set comes with a higher price tag, if it fits within your budget, it may be a worthwhile investment. You won’t need to purchase additional containers, and these are likely to last a long time. Moreover, you’ll receive a practical, modular organizer that can be adjusted to suit various types of cupboards, ensuring everything stays organized and easily accessible. The set comprises three magnetic organizers, one large container, two medium containers, two small containers, four inserts, and two container straps. If you’re hesitant about committing to the cost of the entire 14-piece set, Caraway also offers the large containers (10 cups), medium containers (6.6 cups), small containers (4.4 cups), and inserts for individual purchase.
In Summary
If you are in search of pans with an exceptionally nonstick surface and an appealing appearance, Caraway’s Cookware Set is a fantastic choice. The pots and pans were truly a pleasure to cook with, and I plan to continue using them long after this review. However, if your cookware tends to endure heavy use, both online reviews and my personal experience suggest that these pans may not be the most durable option.
If you are not ready to commit to the entire set but are seeking an alternative to traditional nonstick cookware, I recommend opting for just the fry pan for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, fish, pancakes, or anything prone to sticking and tearing.
When it comes to storing all the meals and leftovers prepared with your cookware set, the Caraway 14-Piece Food Storage Set provides a stylish yet practical solution. Featuring see-through lids, airtight seals, and robust ceramic construction, these containers keep food fresh and easily accessible. The set is equally effective in the fridge, pantry, and freezer, and the included organizer is designed to fit seamlessly in your kitchen cabinets.
