Greenpan vs. Caraway: Which Ceramic Cookware Brand Is Better?
Updated: Jul. 10, 2024
Our Product Testing Team put these popular brands to the test to settle the GreePan vs. Caraway debate once and for all.
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Determining what cookware to buy for your kitchen can be stressful. In addition to classic, tried-and-true cookware, many new brands have been making major waves in the market. Then, you need to evaluate a pan’s performance, style and features. And don’t forget about safety. The nonstick coating of the past was often made with chemicals that science has since found to be potentially toxic, which is something you never want to hear when you’re talking about food!
With all these choices, how can you determine which is the best? Enter ceramic cookware, made famous by social media-viral brands like Caraway and GreenPan. These brands offer environmentally friendly ceramic alternatives that allow you to continue to use nonstick pans without worry, which is a big part of what makes them appealing. Caraway and GreenPan are also famous for their aesthetics, making cookware with modern designs in multiple colors.
But with all the similarities, what are the differences that set them apart from each other? We’ve tested both brands as part of a massive ceramic cookware test, and here’s what we can tell you about the GreenPan vs. Caraway debate.
What’s the difference Between Caraway and GreenPan?
Caraway and GreenPan are both known for their internet-famous nonstick ceramic cookware. These pots and pans are designed to be functional, nontoxic and Instagram-worthy. However, there are differences.
Caraway’s cookware is made of ceramic-coated aluminum, which is oven safe up to 550°F and compatible with all stovetops, including induction. By contrast, GreenPan’s viral cookware features a Thermolon ceramic-based nonstick coating that’s oven safe up to 600°F, but not all the cookware they produce is induction compatible. GreenPan also offers various products and designs, including a stainless steel cookware line, cutlery, kitchen accessories and small appliances.
The most notable difference between Caraway and GreenPan is that the former is not dishwasher safe, while the latter is. But truthfully, these pans are so easy to clean thanks to their nonstick coating that hand washing may actually be easier than putting them in the dishwasher!
All About Caraway
We’ve tested a wide range of Caraway products, and each time, we’ve been highly impressed. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also perform exceptionally well in the kitchen.
During our Caraway cookware review, we were delighted by just how nonstick these pans are. Hardly anything stuck, making cleanup incredibly easy. In our trials, fried eggs effortlessly glided around the pan without any oil! The meats we tested browned beautifully, although we observed some uneven heating, with the center of the pan becoming hotter than the edges. One of our editors who uses Caraway at home had to replace her frying pan after three years of daily use when the nonstick ceramic coating began to chip away from the aluminum core. However, she attributed this to her frequent use of metal utensils and harsh scrubbers, which the manufacturer says to avoid. But she continues to enjoy cooking with her replacement pan, now using nonstick-safe silicone tools.
I tested Caraway’s bakeware set, and I’m still using it in my home kitchen after two years. I never need parchment paper to prevent sticking, and it takes just light sponging to clean. Even with frequent use at high oven temperatures and under the broiler, the sheet pans have remained perfectly flat with no warping!
One of our editors was also impressed with the Caraway prep set, which includes a paring knife, bread knife, prep knife and chef’s knife, all crafted from sharp German stainless steel. It also comes with wooden tools including tongs, a pasta server, a spoon, a bowl scraper and a spatula for flipping eggs and grilled cheeses. Made from FSC-certified birch wood, these tools are lightweight, easy to use, and won’t scratch or damage ceramic pans like metal tools can.
All Caraway products are ethically manufactured by certified partners who ensure safe working conditions and fair compensation. They also ship their products in eco-friendly packaging, free of single-use plastics.
Pros
- Incredibly beautiful cookware available in multiple colors
- Very nonstick right out of the box
- Sturdy construction
- Nontoxic ceramic
Cons
- Nonstick coating doesn’t last if you use metal tools
- Not suitable for use on high heat
- Not dishwasher safe
- Pricey
Some of our Favorite Caraway Products
MADI KOETTING/TASTE OF HOME
Fry Pan
KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME
Bakeware Set
EMILY-WAY/TASTE OF HOME
Prep Set
All About GreenPan
The GreenPan is built tough with layers of stainless steel topped with its special ceramic nonstick coating. Like Caraway’s ceramic cookware, GreenPan has a nonstick surface that is free from PTFE, PFO and heavy metals. That means you can cook without worrying your food will pick up unwanted chemicals.
When we brought the GreenPan frying pan into our Product Testing Lab, it blew us away. Nothing stuck! Chicken tenderloins browned beautifully; eggs slid around the pan without needing a drop of oil. We love that these pans are dishwasher safe, but honestly, you don’t need an appliance for cleanup. They’re so nonstick that hand washing them takes only a few seconds. For more details, read our full GreenPan review.
Though we haven’t tested many of them (yet!), GreenPan also offers a slew of other eco-friendly products. In addition to the famous frying pan, there are also full ceramic cookware sets, stainless steel pans, cast-iron pieces like Dutch ovens and many more. They also produce a line of bakeware, cutlery and a wide range of small appliances, such as waffle makers and slow cookers.
Pros
- Competes with expensive ceramic cookware pans at a more affordable price
- Sturdy multilayer steel construction coated in ceramic
- No harmful Teflon chemicals or heavy metals seeping into food
- Distributes heat evenly
- Works with all types of cooktops
- Safe for use in the oven and broiler
Cons
- Nonstick factor has dissipated a little within six months of use
- Simple, basic designs without any frills or trendy colors
- The bundle doesn’t come with lids
Some of our Favorite GreenPan Products
TMB STUDIO
Valencia Pro Frypan
The Bottom Line
When considering Greepan vs. Caraway, the first thing to consider is your budget. Caraway is pricier than GreenPan, but their products have consistently been top performers in our tests and have continued to deliver top-quality performance after years of use. Alternately, GreenPan is more affordable but did become less nonstick over time. If you don’t cook a lot and are on a tight budget, it might be your better choice.
The best place to buy Caraway cookware is directly through their website. The company frequently runs sales and discounts on items, so if you keep your eyes open, you can score some great deals. Though you can find GreenPan cookware through many major retailers, the only place to find everything the company offers is through the GreenPan website. Happy cooking!
Originally Published: June 28, 2024
