We Tried Caraway's Cookware Set, and It Lives Up to the Hype

Tested by Lauren Seib for Food Network Kitchen

This article has been reviewed since its original publish date for accuracy, pricing and availability. We stand by our list of top Caraway Cookware picks.

We have fry, boil and sauté-tested our fair share of nontoxic cookware and it’s safe to say that Caraway’s Cookware Set is an unmatched stovetop stunner. (In fact, it claimed our best nontoxic cookware's "best overall" title.) Modern silhouettes, easy clean-up and a solid assortment of pots and pans to tackle most cooking needs has given the direct-to-consumer ceramic line an edge against the competition. It’s no wonder they have stacked up an average 4.8-star rating on their site, thanks to 26,000 reviews. So is Caraway right for you? We put the cookware to the test to find out.

What Does a Caraway Cookware Include?

Caraway’s Cookware Set is the biggest bang for your buck. For $395 (a $495 value) it includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart sauce pan with lid, 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid and convenient storage (a magnetic pan rack and canvas lid holder.) The fry pan is a go-to for eggs, pancakes and a quick reheat of leftovers. The sauté pan, on the other hand, will live on your stovetop as a coveted Jack-of-all-trades, tackling everything from family-sized risottos to perfectly-seared seafood. One-pot meal fans will adore the lightweight-yet-durable Dutch oven. And the sauce pan? It heats a can of soup seemingly instantly so it's the perfect vehicle for sauces, grains and your kiddos’ beloved mac and cheese.

Equally important to note are the colorways: Cream, navy, sage, gray, perracotta, marigold and a limited addition brick red are all available on Caraway's website. Crate & Barrel also carries four exclusive colors (pictured above) of the Carway cookware set with gold hardware: silt green, rose quartz, cream and gold, and sapphire.

What Is the Cookware Made Of?

Caraway’s cookware is made of smooth ceramic-coated aluminum. The mineral-based finish claims to keep toxins from leaching into your food while releasing 60 percent less CO2 than many other nonstick pans on the market. Some ceramic pans are snubbed because they tend to not be as nonstick as traditional Teflon, but we found Carway is a solid bet when it comes to slick flips of pancakes and eggs. Plus, the ceramic coating can stand up to higher heats than the average nonstick coating. You can put these pots and pans in the oven up to 550 degrees F, which is about as high as most standard ovens will go.

The company’s dedication to sustainability is also worth mentioning. Their entire collection is shipped in recycled cardboard (zero plastic!) made with low impact print dies. Each purchase also includes a 100 percent biodegradable cork trivet for simple serving come mealtime.

How Does It Cook?

Caraway’s even and efficient heating will sauté vegetables, fry eggs and braise pork butt in a flash — without the need for a ton of oil or butter. Every pot and pan is oven safe up to 550 degrees F, however, the brand recommends keeping your heat on low to medium when cooking on the stovetop and using soft wooden, silicone, plastic or nylon utensils when cooking. Both overheating and rough edged spatulas/turners can wear away the nonstick coating, shortening the life of your cookware.

The comfortable stainless steel handles are the perfect weight, making every pot and pan easy to handle. Plus, each one has a convenient knob for your index finger, which act as a “danger zone” gauge to keep pesky burns at bay. Come cleanup time, a gentle scrub with soap and water is all you need. Fair warning: The dishwasher will simply shorten the lifespan of your cookware, so we recommend handwashing whenever possible.

How To Store the Caraway Set

One of the biggest perks of the Caraway set is that it it comes with a unique modular pan rack and lid holder. The Canvas Lid Holder does best on a wall or cabinet without a middle shelf (the company recommends the under sink cabinet.) The Magnetic Pan Racks are great in pull-out cabinets or as a drying station on your counter top for Instagrammable horizontal organization.

Don't Skip the Accessories

We recently tested out the steamer duo that can be purchased separately to accompany the sauce pan and Dutch oven. These steamer inserts are also non-toxic and non-stick, which we found worked well with both steaming brocolli and dumplings. They created tight seal on the pans, so ther was no water spillage between the steamer and the pan, and they were just as easy to clean as the pans themselves. If you're in the market for bakeware, the brand also has an extensive line of sheet pans, muffin trays, cake pans and loaf pans.

Who Should Buy Caraway Cookware?

Caraway's cookware set is a great fit for many home cooks. Eco-conscious families, newlyweds looking for a cookware overhaul and first-time home buyers (or renters!) in search of adding a fresh pop of color to their kitchen will all love Caraway’s versatility, colorful design and clever organization. It’s no wonder their products are in high demand and often sold out. If you see a set in the color you're pining for, we highly recommend buying it when you see it. There's a good chance it will sell out again soon.