When we got married, like any couple, we put cookware on our wedding registry. Sixteen years later, we are still cooking with that Calphalon set. Or, I should say were cooking, because we just upgraded in a major way. You’ve probably seen Caraway cookware and bakeware all over your Instagram and TikTok feeds, I sure have. So is it worth it? We recently bought our first sets, spent weeks cooking and baking and are ready to share our Caraway cookware review.
Caraway, the scroll stopping cookware company, has emerged as a brand that seamlessly combines style, functionality, and sustainability in its cookware and bakeware products.
They put an emphasis on healthy cooking by making products that are free of harmful chemicals and the ceramic cooking and baking sets are incredibly good looking.
We purchased the 4-piece ceramic cookware set and the 5-piece bakeware set to get us started. And frankly I already want more.
Aesthetics and Design:
Caraway takes a distinctive approach to design, offering cookware that not only performs exceptionally well but also adds a touch of personality to your kitchen. The products are available in a spectrum of simple, yet very stylish colors, allowing users to customize their cooking space according to their personal style.
I didn’t know I wanted that in my cookware, yet here we are.
Caraway products are actually designed to be stored out in the open (if you want). Which is why the minimalist design not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes to a clutter-free cooking environment.
Now, not everyone has the counter space to make pots and pans a focal point but because of the striking aesthetic the cookware has, it is a favorite among those who value both form and function in their kitchen.
We purchased the Caraway cookware set which includes a fry pan, sauté pan, sauce pan and dutch oven, plus lids, and decorative storage holders for each item.
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Construction and Materials:
Caraway cookware’s bigger selling point is the keen focus on quality materials and construction.
The standout feature is its ceramic coating, setting it apart in terms of both durability and health-consciousness. The non-stick ceramic surface is entirely free from harmful chemicals like PFOA, PTFE, and heavy metals, ensuring that your meals are prepared without any compromise on safety.
The ceramic creates one of the best cooking surfaces I’ve ever cooked with. It needs very little oil or butter and allow the food to slip and slide around easily, preventing burning.
The core of the cookware is made of aluminum, a material known for its excellent heat conductivity. This translates to even cooking and eliminates hot spots (something we experienced frequently with our old cookware), allowing even the most amateur chef like me to achieve more consistent results.
The inclusion of a stainless steel base further enhances compatibility with various cooktops. We have a gas cooktop, but Caraway is versatile and can be used in any kitchen and cooking surface. I’d be curious to experience it with an electric cooktop.
Finally, the lids are full stainless steel but also include a ceramic underside coating. The lids to our former set were transparent, allowing me to watch the food while cooking. The solid steel lids with Caraway do take a little getting used to as you more frequently need to check on the food. At least I do, as I’m still getting accustom to cook times.
However, Caraway recently just released a new line of clear cookware lids.
Performance:
No one will ever accuse me of being a professional chef. But I do care about making good food, having fun and enhancing the performance of our cookware can make a difference.
Caraway delivers on this front.
The non-stick ceramic coating, a hallmark of Caraway products, performs admirably in everyday cooking tasks. From sautéing to frying, the surface releases food effortlessly, and cleanup is a breeze.
Really, cleanup is quite easy.
I’ve made everything from eggs, to soups, to veggie skillets and more in our Caraway cookware set and everything has turned out quite nicely.
The aluminum core heats up quickly, reducing the time it takes to reach the desired cooking temperature. In the helpful tip book that comes with your purchase, the company says to use low-to-medium heat when cooking with their products.
This is a slight departure from our previous set, so it does take some getting used to.
However, this not only enhances efficiency but also allows for precise control over the cooking process. Each item can also be used in the oven up to 500 degrees.
Additionally, the stainless steel handles stay cool on the stovetop, providing a comfortable grip and eliminating the need for oven mitts during stovetop-to-oven transitions.
The one thing I have noticed is that the handles and lids are prone to finger prints. You can easily leave hand and finger prints behind that need to be wiped down when cleaning.
Bakeware Excellence:
Caraway’s commitment to quality extends to its bakeware collection, complementing its cookware line seamlessly.
As mentioned above, we bought the Caraway “half” bakeware set, which comes with a large baking sheet, a medium baking sheet, muffin pan and rectangle pan, plus a decorative holder for storage.
The same non-stick ceramic coating that launched their cookware is present in their baking sheets and pans, providing a reliable surface for effortless baking and easy cleanup.
To date, we’ve baked up cookies, cornbread, cinnamon rolls and more. Every one of them quite delicious.
The sturdy construction of Caraway’s bakeware ensures that it can withstand high oven temperatures without warping, providing peace of mind for users who rely on consistent baking results.
During one of our uses of the large baking sheet, we heard a pop while in the oven and the sheet had slightly lifted in one corner, giving it a warped look. I was a bit concerned but after taking out of the oven, the sheet returned to its normal level shape.
I’ll be keeping an eye on that but it has not impacted the quality of food being cooked on it.
So far when preparing pastries, roasting vegetables, or creating a savory casserole, Caraway bakeware is proving to be a reliable companion in the kitchen.
Should there be an issues with your items, Caraway’s cookware and bakeware have a limited one-year warranty covering any major damage to the body, handles, lids, or anything else that functionally impairs the cookware, other than discoloration or damage through wear & tear.
Sustainability:
For those who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, Caraway is a brand that markets itself with eco-friendly values.
The ceramic coating is not only free from harmful chemicals but is also remarkably durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Our last cookware set lasted 16 years, not to say that it shouldn’t have been traded in a bit earlier, but we’re hoping that Caraway’s products give us a good decade or more.
One area that was surprising was the amount of cardboard used to deliver each set.
Now, I want to be clear, everything arrived in pristine condition and there’s likely a reason for that. But the amount of cardboard used to ship the sets was insane. I’ve never seeing anything quite like it.
While cardboard is recyclable and likely the right choice for shipping, I can’t help but think about the amount of materials needed to create each shipping box. I really hope that they are using recycled goods to create this because it can be quite wasteful.
Storage Solutions:
One of the most surprising elements, in a wonderful way, is the addition of storage units for the cookware and bakeware.
This is genius.
Our previous set had become a pots and pans graveyard as they got stacked and piled on top of each other.
Each time you needed to use something you had to unearth it from everything else.
Caraway has thoughtfully designed storage stations for each of their products and I’ll say, it’s added to the enjoyment of our new cooking tools.
It’s as if the brand understands that a well-organized kitchen enhances the overall cooking experience.
Caraway cookware is designed with stackable functionality in mind, optimizing storage space and maintaining the pristine condition of your kitchen assets.
The storable design is particularly advantageous for those with limited cabinet or drawer space. The cookware sits on its side, while the lids hand effortlessly from the interior of a kitchen door courtesy of the included hanging sleeve.
This not only conserves space but also prevents unnecessary wear and tear that can occur when cookware is stacked haphazardly.
Caraway’s commitment to convenience is evident in the design and inclusion of pan racks with their cookware sets. These racks serve a dual purpose—they provide an elegant display for your cookware, showcasing the stylish design even when not in use, and they function as a practical storage solution, keeping your pots and pans easily accessible.
By incorporating smart storage solutions, Caraway cookware has taken me from fan, to likely, superfan.
It’s small things that I didn’t know would help make our kitchen feel sleeker, enhancing our overall experience. The stackable design, pan racks, and ergonomic handles contribute to a well-organized kitchen, allowing us to focus on the joy of cooking without the hassle of searching for or untangling cookware from cluttered cabinets.
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Caraway Cookware Review – Customer Feedback:
“Over 65,000 cooks have spoken,” screams a headline on Caraway’s website.
The company boasts a nearly 5-star rating based on 69,176 reviews on its site.
That’s hard to argue with and more than a month into using them, I’d have to say I agree. Even my non-frequent cooking wife, is enjoying using our new cook and bakeware.
Online reviews consistently highlight the brand’s aesthetic appeal, non-stick performance, and overall durability (mine included). Users appreciate the seamless cleaning process, with many noting the effortless release of food from the ceramic surface.
The even heat distribution is frequently praised, contributing to user satisfaction across various cooking scenarios.
All this is to say, that Caraway has done its research and found a combination of style, function and inspiration that is invigorating cooks around the world.
The adoption of social media and influencers to build interest and trust in the brand has been very successful as Instagram and TikTok are littered with beautiful Caraway sets being shown off in kitchen and unboxing videos. It’s all part of the meteoric growth of the company that was fueled by the stay-home necessity of the pandemic.
The story that inspired Caraway is pretty interesting in itself.
Price Point:
Caraway positions itself as a premium brand, there is no escaping that.
With the 4-piece cookware set listed at $595 online but often discounted to around $395 or less (with some sales or bundling), you are making an investment.
To purchase multiple sets at once could set you back between $800 – $1,000. That’s a significant budget buster but the value it offers in terms of design, performance, and sustainability is justifying the price for many home cooks, myself included.
I guess you could think of it like this, investing in Caraway cookware is an investment not only in the aesthetics of your kitchen but the growth of your cooking skills.
The expected durability of the ceramic coating, coupled with the brand’s reputation for quality, helps ensure your investment pays off in the form of reliable and consistent performance (and happy bellies) over time.
Buy or Pass?
We’re just over a month in to using our new Caraway cookware and bakeware.
I took a risk in purchasing before I had ever actually used or personally seen them in action and so far, I’ve been more than happy with the outcome.
It’s not often that internet hype actually delivers, this is one of them.
Caraway cookware stands out as a top-tier choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and healthy cooking in their kitchen.
The non-stick ceramic coating, thoughtful design, and smart storage solutions make Caraway a standout brand that is worthy of your purchase.
If you’re looking to elevate your cooking experience with kitchen essentials that not only perform exceptionally well but also contribute to a visually appealing, environmentally conscious, and well-organized kitchen, Caraway cookware is undoubtedly my top choice.
This is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own. I may receive compensation from advertisements when you click on links to those products on this page.
