Caraway pans feature a ceramic, mineral-based non-stick coating. If your pan is scratched, it is completely safe to continue using as the coating contains no PTFE, PFOA, or toxic "forever chemicals". However, the scratched area will permanently lose its non-stick properties and may cause food to stick.
Yes, scratched Caraway pans are completely safe. Because Caraway features a mineral-based ceramic coating rather than conventional Teflon (which contains toxic polymers), a scratch won't release harmful chemicals or release toxic fumes into your food.
HAND WASH ONLY
Avoid using the dishwasher as it will affect the longevity of your pans. Never use metal scrubbing pads or harsh chemicals, as this could damage the pan.
Minor scratches on ceramic pans are generally safe, as ceramic coatings are free of harmful chemicals like PFAS and PFOA. However, if the scratch is deep enough to expose the underlying metal, you should stop using the pan, as those base metals (like aluminum) can potentially leach into your food.
Caraway offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty for its Stainless Steel and Enameled Cast Iron cookware lines. However, their standard Ceramic Non-Stick pans (their most popular line) only come with a One-Year Limited Warranty.
Caraway faces a major federal lawsuit filed by cookware giants Groupe SEB and Meyer. The multi-billion dollar conglomerates (which own brands like All-Clad and T-fal) allege that Caraway uses false, fear-based marketing that falsely characterizes traditional PTFE-coated cookware as "toxic" and laced with "forever chemicals".
Caraway pans typically last between 1 to 3 years of regular use, though larger pots and baking pans can sometimes last 5 years or longer.
You cannot permanently "heal" or fill scratches in a ceramic non-stick pan, but you can restore its non-stick performance and remove cosmetic metal marks. If the scratch has chipped the coating or exposed the aluminum base, the pan should be safely discarded.
However, it's important to set realistic expectations. Ceramic coatings do not provide an impervious shield against all types of scratches. While they make your car more resistant to light damage, deep scratches and severe impacts will still leave marks on the paint.
A 2022 study found that scratched pans coated with these chemicals release thousands to millions of microplastics and nanoplastics. You should avoid using any scratched or dented nonstick pan to avoid exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.
Price: Caraway cookware tends to be on the pricier side compared to traditional non-stick cookware, so it may not fit everyone's budget. Not dishwasher safe: While Caraway cookware is advertised as easy to clean, it's generally recommended that you hand wash these items to preserve the integrity of the ceramic coating.
Caraway is a non-toxic, ceramic-coated aluminum cookware known for its vibrant colors and slick release, ideal for low-to-medium heat cooking. All-Clad is an heirloom-quality, multi-ply stainless steel cookware built for high-heat searing, professional browning, and extreme durability.
After testing the Caraway Home Cookware set in my own kitchen (remember, we eat mostly from scratch vegetarian meals so we cook for almost every single meal) I can confidently say that Caraway offers the best non toxic cookware in 2022. These are really the best non-stick, non-toxic pans you can get.
Scratched or Chipped Coating
Not exactly appetizing. Scratches usually come from metal utensils, abrasive sponges, or stacking pans without protection.
Avoid traditional non-stick pans with worn coatings or synthetic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), as well as unlined copper and reactive aluminum. Scratched or overheated pans release toxic fumes or leach heavy metals into your food.
Whether HexClad or Caraway is better depends on your cooking style. HexClad is superior for searing and durability, as its hybrid stainless-steel and non-stick surface can handle metal utensils and high heat. Caraway is better for health-conscious cooks wanting a non-toxic ceramic surface, a sleek aesthetic, and an affordable price tag.
Minor scratches on ceramic pans are generally safe, as ceramic coatings are free of harmful chemicals like PFAS and PFOA. However, if the scratch is deep enough to expose the underlying metal, you should stop using the pan, as those base metals (like aluminum) can potentially leach into your food.
How to Remove Ceramic Coating Scratches Step-by-Step
To make your Caraway pans nonstick again, deep clean them using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to remove microscopic food or oil buildup. Because Caraway uses a ceramic coating, you cannot "season" it with oil like cast iron; you must restore its slick surface by cleaning it thoroughly.
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to remove scratches from a car's paint job, a magic eraser is a favorite choice for many. It might not be the best tool in the box for fixing deeper cuts, but it works well on light surface scratches.
TL;DR: To remove scratches from a ceramic sink, clean the area first, then use a ceramic repair kit, baking soda paste, or fine-grade sandpaper (for deep marks). Avoid abrasive cleaners that could worsen the damage.
Caraway cookware Caraway is highly praised for its aesthetics and non-toxic ceramic coating, but bad reviews frequently cite premature loss of the non-stick surface, high maintenance (hand-washing only), scratching and chipping issues, heavy weight, and stainless steel handles that get uncomfortably hot during extended use.
Neither is universally better; it depends on what you need. Caraway is best if you want an affordable, non-toxic, non-stick starter set for everyday cooking. Le Creuset is best if you want a premium, heirloom-quality piece (like a Dutch oven) that retains heat and lasts a lifetime.
When taken by mouth: Caraway is commonly consumed in foods. Caraway is possibly safe when used as medicine, short-term. Caraway oil is usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include burping, heartburn, and nausea when used with peppermint oil.