Caraway Nonstick Cookware Set Review, Tested by Food & Wine

Buying a cookware set is tricky. On the one hand, buying all your staple cookware as a single set from a single manufacturer offers convenience and the expectation of consistent performance. On the other hand, you must trust a brand to get every piece — no matter the variables — just right.

Caraway has achieved this with its 12-piece Nonstick Cookware Set. Each piece, down to the included canvas lid holder, is masterfully designed to perform. Cookware sets are a sizeable investment for most, and this one justifies its price with quality, durability, and style. Regarding the Caraway 12-piece Nonstick Cookware Set, an added benefit of sustainability and safety accompanies this ceramic nonstick cookware.

I’ve used the pots and pans in this cookware set to scramble the softest eggs for brunch, crisp salmon skin on a filet, simmer velvety bisques, and steam dumplings to fork-tenderness.

If you’re researching a new set of pots and pans for your kitchen or looking for insight on a particular pan to add to your existing equipment, I’ll help you decide: this Caraway set is built to last — and looks good doing it.

What’s Included in the Caraway Cookware Set

So, what can this set actually do? As mentioned, a cookware set is a significant investment, and I’m here to reassure you that the Caraway Nonstick Cookware Set is versatile enough to be worth your while. There are four included pots and pans, all of which are stainless steel and coated in ceramic: a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan, a 4.5-quart sauté pan, and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven. The 12-piece set also includes four right-sized lids with steel handles. A magnetic pan rack and canvas lid holder that can be hung anywhere for easy lid storage both support easy, no-friction storage.

Why I Love My Caraway Cookware Set

Caraway’s 12-piece Nonstick Cookware Set is available in a variety of stunning colors, including Cream, Navy, Gray, Sage, Terracotta, and Marigold.

It’s perhaps most important to note that there’s, essentially, nothing that can’t be fried, seared, steamed, or stewed using this cookware set. There are no significant hot spots to worry about; each piece heats evenly and maintains that heat beautifully if you follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines for use.

The safety aspect of Caraway’s cookware is paramount to many users. Ceramic nonstick cookware is widely believed to be notably safer than traditional nonstick cookware. Caraway promises its cookware is free of forever chemicals such as PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA. Each pan is also made with recycled materials.

The Caveats

Some customer reviews maintain that working with the natural nonstick qualities of ceramic coating is difficult. Everything comes in balance: Sometimes, it takes a few moments of trial and error to learn to cook with a ceramic-coated piece of cookware. Finding the sweet spot regarding heat level is key to getting a good experience out of these pots and pans.

This set is also notable in some design elements: each lid is flat and opaque, with a stainless steel handle. For many home cooks, this might take some getting used to. These days, the typical lid on the market is domed with a coated handle and transparent glass or plastic so you can easily view what’s happening underneath. The benefit of the lid shape is moisture retention. In addition, Caraway products are smartly designed with small ventilation holes on the lids, ensuring you’re not retaining too much moisture.

Tips and Tricks

• Ceramic cookware should only be used on low to medium heat. This may take a little time to get used to, but ceramic-coated stainless steel retains heat very well, so don’t sweat the idea of losing the ability to get a nice char on your radicchio.
• Using too high a flame can lead to smoking, discoloration, uneven heating, and ruin of a ceramic pan’s nonstick properties. Many people cook everything on medium-high and never adjust the heat during the cooking process. It’s hard to blame anyone; a nuanced approach to stovetop temperature isn’t widely taught.
• Following the manufacturer’s recommendation for pre-heating the pan for five minutes on medium heat would feel foreign to anyone more accustomed to using a stove with a different approach, but it’s truly effective, healthier, and retains the pan’s nonstick properties. (It’s interesting to note that traditional nonstick cookware and high-quality stainless steel cookware also benefit from this approach, meaning it’s a good technique to turn into a habit!)
• The stainless steel handles on the Caraway lids are oh-so durable and attractive, but they do get hot, so I recommend investing in some equally stylish oven mitts or hot pads that look just as cute on your countertop as your new rack of pots and pans.
• I highly recommend hand-washing these pots and pans (and, honestly, all pots and pans) and using non-metal cooking utensils. This will ensure the longevity of your cookware.

How It Compares

Compared to the many other kitchenware sets I’ve owned and used, the Caraway Nonstick Cookware Set meets my daily needs for ability and durability. Each piece is well-designed, sturdy, and versatile, things that can’t be said for every pot and pan set on the market.

That said, we’ve tested a few other ceramic cookware sets that have also emerged as favorites. 

For a value option, the GreenLife Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Set impressed with its excellent heat conduction properties. If you’re really looking to invest in some of the best possible ceramic cookware, we also like the GreenPan GP5 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set as a splurgy option.

On the other hand, if you’ve been convinced enough to introduce Caraway into your home and want to add more pieces to your growing collection, we were impressed with the added cookware in the Caraway+ Set, which features their Petite Cooker, stir fry pan, Rondeau pan, stock pot, and storage.

Shipping and Warranty Info

When it arrives, you’ll be impressed with how consciously and smartly boxed your set is. And, as long as your use and handling fall within the manufacturer’s recommendations, Caraway offers a lifetime warranty for this set. I’ve not had any issues with mine, and I use them every day.

The Verdict

I recommend the Caraway Nonstick Cookware Set to any home cook looking for a safe, nonstick experience with well-designed kitchenware. It’s a win as a starter set or a replacement set.

I also really value the sustainable nature of their product. Knowing that I’m getting a forever-chemical-free nonstick cooking experience is an assurance that most nonstick cookware doesn’t provide.

I am confident you’ll “get a great cook” out of every pot and pan, whether rendering the fat on a juicy steak, cooking fresh fruit for a seasonal jam, reducing a delicate sauce, or sautéing radicchio for a seasonal salad.

Our Expertise

Christa Glennie has been a writer and food editor for nearly 20 years. She is also the author of two cookbooks and specializes in food and drink trends, agriculture, the regional foodways of Western New York, and the restaurant business. Her respect for simplicity and uncluttered kitchen counters ultimately fuels her desire to find and own well-designed, multi-purpose, best-in-class kitchen tools.