Honest Caraway Cookware Review – Read Before Buying

I’ve been wanting Caraway Cookware for a long time. In the past year, I’ve learned so much about all the toxic chemicals in our pots and pans (more on that later) and knew I needed an alternative.

So if you’re like me, you might have bought stainless steel or cast-iron pans instead. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my stainless steel and cast-iron pans. They will literally outlive us and contain no-toxic chemicals. But, they are not always the most user-friendly. Eggs, for instance, are very difficult to cook in stainless steel and will often completely stick to the bottom of the pain.  I have an easier time using cast iron for eggs but often still run into the same problem. I’m still going to use both my stainless steel and cast iron because they serve a huge function in my kitchen, but for easy, everyday cooking I love my Caraway cookware. Consider below my honest Caraway Cookware review and make sure to check out Caraway Cookware’s website here.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.)

But first, let’s start at the beginning.

Why are non-stick pans potentially bad for our health? Here is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune:

“Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a substance that was used in the manufacture of nonstick cookware up until 2015. A range of studies suggests that significant exposure to PFOA has potential health risks, including kidney failure, kidney cancer, liver disease, and low birth weight. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency launched the PFOA Stewardship Program, and as a result, the use of PFOA was gradually phased out of nonstick cookware. As such, any new nonstick pans you buy in the U.S. today will not contain PFOA.

Although it no longer contains PFOA, many types of nonstick cookware still contain PTFE. As a rule, PTFE is inert, stable, and non-toxic, and therefore, safe to cook food in. The problem comes when you overheat nonstick pans. At high temperatures, PTFE starts to break down and release mildly toxic fumes.

These fumes aren’t strong enough to kill a human, but they can kill birds, who have more delicate respiratory systems. So, owners of pet birds are best off avoiding nonstick cookware. In humans, these fumes can cause polymer fume fever, which gives temporary flu-like symptoms. It is not known yet if these fumes have long-term health effects, so it’s best to exercise caution and avoid heating your nonstick pans over 500 degrees.”

In other words, if you own pans that were made before 2015 they contain a toxic ingredient that is now banned (so please throw them out). And even if you own non-stick pans from after 2015, they can still contain PTFE which becomes unsafe at high temperatures (which only takes 2.5 minutes to reach), or when scratched up from cooking utensils or overuse.

I’m no fear-monger but why keep choosing cookware that we know is potentially very dangerous for our health when they are amazing alternatives?

So what makes Caraway Cookware different?

• They are made with a mineral-based coating that won’t leach toxic chemicals into your food or the air you breathe.
• They release 60% less Co2 compared to traditional non-stick pans, making them better for the environment.
• Their special (nontoxic coating!) requires less butter or oil.
• They are a breeze to clean up.
• They are gorgeous!

My honest Caraway Cookware Review

I don’t think it’s going to come as any surprise that I love these pots, pans, and bakeware or that I highly encourage you to get them. I currently own the frying pan, the baking loaf, and the dutch oven. If you don’t own a dutch oven let me tell you how it will change your life. haha. We’re heading into fall and Caraway dutch ovens can be put into the oven up to 550 degrees. It’s perfect for not only stews on top of your stovetop, but also for breaking bread, pot roasts, etc. Go ahead and try these delicious pork carnitas in them too!

Look, I am a frugal person and I really dislike people pushing products because it benefits them. But I use all these pots and pans myself and believe in them so much that I am putting my money where my mouth is and ordering the Caraway bakeware myself this week.

So why do I love them?

1.) The ease of cooking.

I no longer scrape burnt eggs off the inside of my pan for breakfast and that in itself deserves a ‘hallelujah!”  Also, I am not anti-olive oil, but it’s a plus that I don’t have to use as much because my eggs aren’t as greasy and it saves me money.

2.) The ease of clean-up.

The clean-up may even be a bigger win for me. My arm muscles were thankful for the extra workout, but my schedule is thankful I don’t have to scrub my egg pan for 15 minutes every morning now. 😉 This clean-up is a GAME-CHANGER.

3.) The peace of mind.

Besides myself, I have a husband, a four-year-old, and a 9-month-old. Knowing that the food I’m cooking is not leaching harmful chemicals into their food, but instead helping me cook healthier food for them. And that brings me a lot of peace.

Also, they are stunning and complement any home. Besides their classic colors, they have “iconic” high-end colors as well as offer different colors throughout the year. Check out their site for what colors they currently offer.

Bonuses

Additionally, if you buy any set they all come with organizers at no extra cost.

Cons

There are pros and cons to everything and Caraway pans are on the pricier side. But that’s because you are paying for that peace of mind. I like to look at it as an investment in my home and health. Obviously, you will save money by buying the Caraway Cookware sets, but if that’s too big of a splurge, try the frying pan. Or the baking sheet. I’m not here to encourage anyone to go broke but you can save up for a new piece every month like I’m doing.

The second con of the Caraway cookware line is that, like all non-stick, they won’t last forever. Depending on how well you take care of them they will last anywhere from 1-3 years. But we’re not comparing non-stick with cast iron here. We’re comparing unhealthy non-stick with healthy non-stick pans. I’ve talked to several people that have told me they’ve had the pans for over a year now and still going strong.

How to Best Take Care of Your Caraway Cookware

1. Preheat your pans for 90 seconds on medium heat before adding oil or butter.
2. Cook on low to medium heat to avoid damaging the coating. (Caraway pans hold heat better so low heat works great!)
3.  Avoid oil sprays or cooking aerosols. Instead use butter or a little olive to preserve the coating.
4. Let your pan cool before washing with soap and a non-abrasive sponge.
5. If food gets stuck, simmer on low with soapy water and gently scrap away the residue after.

I hope you enjoyed this honest Caraway cookware review. Now, it’s your turn to grab Caraway Cookware for yourself.

Also, stay tuned because this is my first-impression review but I will be coming back with my updates on how they hold up long-term.