You Can Save Big on Caraway Cookware Ahead of Black Friday—Here's Why It's Worth the Hype

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

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. I followed the non-stick rules, using only wooden and silicone utensils, and based on our tests, the coating seemed durable. I 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. (I’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.

I know you’re wondering about the non-stickiness of this non-stick cookware, and yes, it’s slick. I 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 I’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—I made room in my cabinets for the magnetic racks and marveled at the organization levels. (The canvas lid holder was a bit too large for my tiny NYC cabinet doors, but I made it work.)

I’ve tried a lot of pots and pans in my kitchen, and I 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 $545 for the cheapest set, it’s not the most budget-friendly option on the market.

Our only other qualm is that I wish Caraway offered another smaller skillet. I 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 I say? I love mini. (Psst: Since writing this review, Caraway has added a mini fry pan and sauce pan set.)