Made In vs Caraway: Which Cookware Brand Truly Fits Your Kitchen?
Made In vs Caraway: Which Cookware Brand Truly Fits Your Kitchen?
Blog Article
If you're like me and love cooking at home, you probably know how important the right cookware can be. It's not just about the way it looks sitting on your stove — it's about how it performs, how safe it is, and how long it lasts. I've personally cooked with both Made In and Caraway cookware, and today, I want to share my honest thoughts to help you decide which brand fits your kitchen best.
What Sets Them Apart Right Away
Made In brings a professional kitchen feel with its stainless steel and carbon steel options. It's the kind of cookware that feels like it could last forever. Think heavy-duty, restaurant-quality pans — but made for home use.
Caraway, on the other hand, feels like a modern, friendly neighbor. It’s lightweight, colorful, and ceramic-coated. Perfect if you want something non-toxic and non-stick right out of the box without a complicated learning curve.
Summary: Made In is sturdy and performance-driven; Caraway is stylish and beginner-friendly.
Materials & Construction: What You’re Actually Cooking On
Made In uses 5-ply stainless steel, meaning five bonded layers of metal that heat evenly and retain heat longer. This stuff is thick, well-balanced, and made in the USA and Italy. They also offer carbon steel and non-stick pans — the kind that can handle searing a steak just as well as simmering a delicate sauce.
Caraway uses ceramic-coated aluminum. The coating is free from PTFE, PFOA, and other potentially harmful substances. It heats fast and evenly. However, it doesn’t retain heat as long as stainless steel, and you do need to baby the coating to keep it from scratching or wearing down.
Summary: Made In gives you pro-level construction; Caraway focuses on safety and ease.
Cooking Performance: In the Heat of the Moment
When I used the Caraway fry pan, it boiled water surprisingly fast — under 3 minutes on my gas stove. That’s impressive. Eggs slid right off the surface, and clean-up was a dream.
But after longer cooking sessions, I noticed the pan cooled down quicker than I liked. If you’re trying to keep a sauce warm while juggling other dishes, this might matter.
With Made In, the performance felt like a serious upgrade. I seared salmon in their stainless steel skillet, and the browning was even and crisp. It held heat beautifully, even after I lowered the flame. Sure, it’s not non-stick, so there’s a bit more technique involved — but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly reliable.
Summary: Caraway cooks fast and cleans easy; Made In gives better control and heat retention.
Ease of Use and Maintenance: Real-Life Day-to-Day
Caraway cookware is easy to love at first use. It’s lighter, has a non-stick surface, and comes with smart storage (like magnetic pan racks and lid holders). But you have to treat it gently. Metal utensils are a no-go. High heat? Avoid it. And no dishwasher.
Made In can take a beating. You can use metal utensils, throw it in the dishwasher (at least the stainless steel), and it doesn’t mind high heat. But the tradeoff? You’ll need to scrub a bit more, especially if food sticks.
Summary: Caraway wins for ease and storage; Made In wins for long-term toughness.
Safety and Non-Toxic Cooking
This is where Caraway really shines. The ceramic coating is marketed as non-toxic and free from PFAS, PTFE, and other chemicals. For many U.S. families who are trying to reduce exposure to toxins in the kitchen, this peace of mind means a lot.
Made In uses PTFE in its non-stick line, but it’s PFOA-free and follows strict safety standards. Their stainless and carbon steel lines have no coatings, so there’s nothing to worry about from a chemical perspective.
Summary: Caraway offers a chemical-free cooking surface; Made In’s stainless and carbon steel are naturally safe but require more care.
Style and Design: What Looks Good in Your Kitchen
If you like a modern, Instagram-worthy kitchen, Caraway is your match. Soft pastel colors, sleek shapes, and even storage solutions that look good on your countertop.
Made In takes the classic route. Polished stainless steel, professional vibes, and a focus on function over flash. It fits well in both rustic and modern kitchens, especially if you love that commercial kitchen look.
Summary: Caraway is stylish and homey; Made In looks pro and timeless.
Purchasing Options and Value for Money
Caraway usually sells in sets. You get a fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, Dutch oven, and some smart storage. It’s convenient but limits flexibility. If one pan gets damaged, you're stuck replacing it separately or buying a full set again.
Made In gives you options. You can buy pieces one by one or as a set. It’s great for building a custom collection over time. The price is higher, but so is the long-term value. I've had one Made In skillet for over two years now, and it still works like new.
Summary: Caraway is great for all-in-one buyers; Made In is ideal for cooks who want to invest over time.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Caraway if:
- You want non-toxic, non-stick cookware
- You care about aesthetics
- You’re cooking quick, everyday meals
- You’re okay with a bit of extra care
Go with Made In if:
- You want cookware that lasts for years
- You cook a variety of meals, from sears to sauces
- You want pro-level performance at home
- You’re okay with a learning curve
Summary: Caraway is great for fast, healthy meals with less fuss. Made In is perfect for serious home cooks who want tools that grow with them.
Final Thoughts: My Honest Take
I've enjoyed using both brands. When I want something quick and easy, I reach for my Caraway pan. But when I’m really cooking — like hosting a dinner or slow-cooking on the weekend — it’s Made In all the way.
If I had to choose just one brand to stock my kitchen, I’d lean toward Made In because I value durability, flexibility, and cooking control. But for anyone starting out or looking to switch to a non-toxic option, Caraway is an excellent and stylish choice.
Summary: You really can’t go wrong — it all comes down to your cooking habits, kitchen goals, and how much maintenance you’re okay with.
Whichever you choose, having cookware you trust makes all the difference in the kitchen. Report this page