We put Caraway bakeware to the test in our home kitchen. Read on to learn why we think Caraway bakeware is a better product than the cookware.
First, our readers will want to know that Caraway provided our research team with the results of independent third party testing which shows their products are free of forever chemicals, like PFAS, PFOA, and PTFE.
Despite durability concerns, Caraway’s non-toxic cookware makes some of our top cookware lists, so staff testing the bakeware was a logical next step.
The bottom line is that Caraway bakeware is a much better buy than the brand’s cookware. By their nature, pans get a lot of abuse, especially from utensils. This leaves cookware made with cheaper materials (like Caraway uses in their cookware) prone to chipping and the breakdown of the cooking surface over time. For example, Caraway non-stick pans aren’t constructed with 3-ply designs so the aluminum sits just beneath the surface of the ceramic coating, which means that the thin coating, while fairly durable, is all that protects the end user from food heated on aluminum.
Bakeware is used more passively and doesn’t get the abuse of cookware. For example, pouring dough into a muffin pan doesn’t have the same impact as sautéing salmon or vegetables in a frying pan. After a few years of use, we have found that the Caraway bakeware is the brand’s best product line, and is more durable than the cookware. We trust the non-toxic, non-stick coating out of the box, which holds up better with baking recipes. Caraway bakeware also experiences a lot less discoloration than the cookware. In our experience, the Caraway cookware is made to last for two years max, whereas we see the bakeware lasting much longer, which is why the durability score below is robust, and why we recommend this product line.
Caraway Bakeware
Highlight: Non-toxic, non-stick ceramic-coated bakeware set in gorgeous colors, third-party tested for heavy metals and other contaminants. Includes baking sheets and pans, loaf pan, muffin tin, circle pans, and a unique bakeware storage solution.
- Oven safe to 550 Fahrenheit
- Even heat distribution
- Beautiful aesthetic
- Excellent eco-credentials
- Good range of items in the bakeware collection
- PFOA, PTFE, and PFAS free
- Easy clean up (minimal grease needed for baking)
- Ethically manufactured and third-party tested
- Smart storage solutions available
- Packaged plastic-free
- Manufactured in China which means increased carbon footprint in shipping process
- Would be great to be able to purchase the storage solution separately
- Must be hand washed
Out of the box
As a sustainably-minded company, Caraway doesn’t use any single-use plastics in its shipping materials. Instead, it favors recycled and recyclable packaging materials. The Caraway bakeware arrived in packaging that is 100% recyclable. We broke down the boxing, and cardboard inserts, and took them to our local recycling station here in Jackson, WY.
Caraway’s bakeware collection comprises:
- One 18 x 13-inch Baking Sheet (and cooling rack)
- One 10 x 15-inch Baking Sheet
- One 12 Cup Muffin Pan
- One 9 x 13-inch Rectangle Pan
- One 9-inch Square Pan
- One 1 lb. Loaf Pan
- Two 9-inch Circle Pans
- Two Storage Organizers.
The storage organizers are a nice touch and will benefit anyone who tends to have a hard time keeping track of all their bakeware (like me). These things so often fill up too much space in cupboards or end up in the warming drawer of an oven, meaning the drawer is never available for its intended use!
Note that the organizers are only available with the bakeware collection. That means you can’t buy a few pieces and then add the storage solution afterwards. I wish Caraway Home made the organizers available separately, but for now, if you like them, you’ll need to go all in right away and purchase the full collection.
What we like
Caraway is a top choice for non-toxic bakeware. This collection comprises beautiful ceramic-coated aluminized steel bakeware with, where useful, stainless steel handles. The range of bakeware easily covers all your baking needs. That means non-toxic, non-stick ceramic-coated cookie sheets, muffin tins, loaf pans, and circle pans to make equally gorgeous cakes.
The bakeware is available in nearly a dozen delightful colors and is oven safe to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also technically dishwasher safe, but is best cleaned by hand to help preserve the ceramic coating.
Caraway Home goes to the trouble of having all its bakeware and cookware third-party tested for PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other chemicals of concern. I asked for the test results and a company representative immediately shared them via email. Everything passed, meaning no concerns over heavy metals, PTFE, etc., when using this bakeware.
Staff tests & where to improve
Caraway Home uses a proprietary smooth ceramic coating to create a naturally non-stick surface for its cookware and bakeware. This means you can get away with not greasing the bakeware for most baking. It also makes for much easier clean-up afterward!
The bakeware is aluminized steel with a stainless steel base, which means these pieces don’t warp at high heat, unlike with thin aluminum. This design also means even heat distribution, so you won’t get weird gooey spots in cakes and breads.
After having used the products for well over a year, we respect the rare combination of excellent branding with functionality. The products look good, are easy to use, and to clean, and are non-stick while also being 100% non-toxic, which is a major priority for us here at LeafScore.
Although the Caraway bakeware is easy to clean most of the time, one downside we found after use was the hand washing requirement. Caraway products can’t go in the dishwasher, which adds time to cleanup.
In addition to making decent bakeware, Caraway Home tracks its carbon emissions and takes steps to reduce its environmental impact wherever possible. This means the bakeware releases a lot less CO2 during manufacture than similar bakeware made with more conventional non-stick coatings.
While we don’t like that Caraway manufactures its bakeware in China, the company does at least use manufacturing partners that are BSCI and SMETA certified. This offers assurance that workers making the bakeware receive a fair wage and benefits and work regulated hours in safe conditions, with no child labor or forced labor.
Final thoughts
Caraway Home bakeware is a great addition to the few good, truly non-toxic bakeware collections available in the U.S. This bakeware is fun to use, looks amazing, is much lighter than cast iron bakeware, doesn’t warp like cheap aluminum bakeware, cleans up better than stainless steel bakeware, and isn’t as delicate as some other ceramic-coated or porcelain-coated bakeware with very thin coatings that are easily scratched.
We also love that Caraway Home bakeware is:
- Prop 65 compliant
- Non-stick with minimal greasing needed for baking
- Sustainably manufactured and packaged
- Ethically manufactured under fair working conditions
- Long-lasting, for a lower carbon footprint
- Oven safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes with its own smart storage solution (when purchasing the full set).
Interested in other kinds of non-toxic bakeware, such as pyroceram, stainless steel, glass, or porcelain? Check out our top picks here.
Caraway Bakeware
Highlight: Non-toxic, non-stick ceramic-coated bakeware set in gorgeous colors, third-party tested for heavy metals and other contaminants. Includes baking sheets and pans, loaf pan, muffin tin, circle pans, and a unique bakeware storage solution.
Hi – Could you please speak to “lead free mama’s” report of lead in Caraway pans and “mamavation’s” report of nano particles in Caraway products. I have several Caraway products and am confused as to how safe they are.
Thanks very much,
Joanna
Hey Joanna, we did a write-up addressing Lead Free Mama here: https://www.leafscore.com/eco-friendly-kitchen-products/answering-reader-questions-about-caraway-cookware-and-greenwashing/