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PureWow Readers Can Save Big on Gorgeous Caraway Cookware Right Now—Here’s Our Full Review

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  • Value: 16/20
  • Functionality: 18/20
  • Quality: 17/20
  • Aesthetics: 20/20
  • Versatility: 19/20

TOTAL: 90/100

You can find a direct-to-consumer, aesthetically pleasing, millennial-friendly version of pretty much any product. Away made luggage chic, Casper made mattresses cool and Brooklinen had us buying sheets after sheets. Whether these products are better than their less sans-serif-y, traditional counterparts is always a gamble. (Buying directly from an Instagram ad comes with risks, no?)

All that to say, we tested the millennial version of non-stick pots and pans, Caraway Cookware. It’s easy on the eyes, an Internet fave and comes in a rainbow of Insta-ready hues. But is it worth a spot on the throne—er, your stovetop? After testing it for 365 days, we must say we're obsessed, which is why we're excited to share an *exclusive* discount that you can take advantage of right this minute.

Specifically, PureWow readers can snag 25 percent off the brand's deluxe set from now through September 9 (this discount will be reflected in your cart). That means you can get a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart sauce pan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan, a 6.5-quart Dutch oven, a 8-inch fry pan and a 1.75-quart sauce pan for just $555 (originally $745). And trust, it's worth the splurge. Read on for everything you need to know.

First, What Sets Caraway Cookware Apart from Other Non-Stick Competitors?

One of Caraway’s biggest selling points is that it’s a non-toxic version of the non-stick skillets and saucepans you’re used to cooking with. (One tagline the brand uses is “cookware without the chemicals.”) What does that mean, exactly? Long story short, a chemical called Teflon (also known as PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene) 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. That’s 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 won’t begin to break down until it reaches temps of about 800°F. (Caraway claims it can safely reach 550°F.)

TBH, we take “clean” marketing with a grain of salt, but since we’ve tried other ceramic-coated cookware in the past, we were curious how Caraway would hold up with use over time.

Second, How Is Caraway Cookware Sold?

You can buy Caraway cookware individually or in a set of 7 (including a 10.5-inch skillet, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven, plus three lids) and in a set of ten (which features all the aforementioned pieces, plus the mini fry pan and mini sauce pan). The prices range from $99 to $745 for the whole shebang, and while everyone can snag the basic set for $395 (was $545), PureWow readers can scoop up the deluxe set for $555 (was $745). So if you're hoping to upgrade your cookware in one fell swoop, there's no question on which one you should buy.

However, you should know that we received a sample of the basic set in the navy color. And of course, the cookware arrived in a large recycled cardboard box. Seriously, it was gigantic—but it also contained no plastic baggies, Styrofoam or packing peanuts, hurrah!

Third (and Most Importantly), How Does Caraway Perform In the Kitchen?

Here’s What We Loved

Non-stick cookware often favors function over form, but Caraway really is as gorgeous as it is functional. The lids are interchangeable and have a flat shape that tucks easily into the canvas holder. They look sleek instead of clunky and are comfortable to hold. The gray non-stick surface makes it easy to judge caramelization (handy for tasks like browning butter) but also doesn’t hold onto stains. We followed the non-stick rules, using only wooden and silicone utensils, and based on our tests, the coating seemed durable. We didn’t notice any obvious hot spots and the surface heated up quickly and evenly, thanks to the cookware’s aluminum core.

Another major plus? The stainless steel handles and enameled outer surface make Caraway oven-safe. That means you can go from searing to roasting with no meltdowns. (We’ve tried other Insta-famous cookware, and let’s just say sparks flew—literally.) Everything is stovetop agnostic, so you can cook on gas, electric and induction stoves.

We know you’re wondering about the non-stickiness of this non-stick cookware, and yes, it’s slick. We never fully believe the brands that claim, “you can cook with no oil!” (you can’t do that), but Caraway is slippery enough to fry eggs, fillets of fish and delicate crab cakes with a touch less oil than we’d use with stainless steel or cast iron. It’s also *super* easy to wipe clean.

The included pan and lid storage solutions (which come with the basic and deluxe set) were a nice touch, too—we made room in our cabinets for the magnetic racks and marveled at the organization levels. (The canvas lid holder was a bit too large for our tiny NYC cabinet doors, but we made it work.)

Are There Any Drawbacks to Caraway Cookware?

We’ve tried a lot of pots and pans in our kitchen, and we can honestly say Caraway is a solid choice if you’re in the market for non-stick cookware, especially if appearances are a major concern. But at nearly $550 for the cheapest set, it’s not the most budget-friendly option on the market.

Our only other qualm is that we wish Caraway offered another smaller skillet. We loved the size of the sauté pan (it’s ideal for roasting a whole chicken over a bed of potatoes) and the smaller saucepan and Dutch oven, but longed for an itty-bitty skillet to fry a single egg. What can we say? We love mini. (Psst: Since writing this review, Caraway has added a mini fry pan and sauce pan set.)

How Does Caraway Cookware Hold Up Over Time?

Investing in any cookware begs the question, will these pots and pans last? Fast forward about 18 months—we’re still using our Caraway pieces regularly in the kitchen. And for the most part, we’re pleased with how they look after all that wear and tear.

There are a few minor surface scratches from getting feisty with metal utensils (oops), but nothing so major that we don’t feel comfortable cooking with them anymore.

The 10.5-inch skillet gets the most use in our house, and it has some discoloration—probably from heating the pan at too high of temperatures. The dark blue color hides the cosmetic stains on the outer surface pretty well, but lighter colors might not look as pristine over time.

Are Caraway’s New Products as Good as the Cookware?

Since launching non-stick cookware in 2018, Caraway has expanded its selection to bakeware, tea kettles and food storage. We’ve personally tried the Half cookware set, which includes two baking sheets, a muffin pan and a rectangular baking pan in the brand’s signature enameled finish, plus a cabinet organizer. Is it replacing our go-to sheet pans? No—when it comes to cookies, we can’t quit basic aluminum—but it performs well and looks great if you’re in the market.

Caraway Cookware

The Verdict

All in all, Caraway delivers in the kitchen and on the Instagram feed, and if cost isn’t an issue, you can add-to-cart with confidence, especially while you can save hundreds on the whole set with the PureWow reader exclusive discount (reflected in cart).


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Senior Food Editor

Katherine Gillen is PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...

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