Caraway Pan Sticking: Troubleshooting Your Nonstick Cookware

Caraway cookware is a non-toxic, non-stick ceramic-coated range of pots and pans. While the cookware is visually stunning, easy to clean, and easy to cook with, some users have complained about food sticking to the pans. This may be due to several reasons, including the use of high heat, metal utensils, or abrasive cleaning pads, or the absence of oil or butter during cooking. Additionally, all non-stick coatings will eventually wear off with frequent use, and the pans may need to be replaced.

Caraway pans are not dishwasher-safe

The dishwasher's harsh detergent can wear away the non-stick coating on the pans over time. This will reduce the lifespan of the pans, meaning they will need to be replaced more frequently. To avoid this, Caraway recommends gently hand-washing the pans with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth. This method of cleaning will keep the pans in optimal condition.

It is also important to note that Caraway pans should not be soaked in water or dish soap as this can cause warping. Instead, they should be hand-washed and dried with a soft, non-abrasive dish towel.

The pans are expensive

Caraway's ceramic non-stick pans are expensive because they are made from inorganic natural ingredients that are all 100% safe to use with food and FDA-approved. The pans are also free from harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium, which means there is no chance of these materials leaching into your food, even if you accidentally scratch or overheat the pan.

The pans are also designed to be durable. Caraway's products are crafted to make your life easier and healthier, no matter your level of expertise. Their ceramic non-stick pans, for example, can last for years with delicate care and cleaning. The pans heat up in under a minute and can retain heat more efficiently compared to traditional cookware.

However, it is important to note that all non-stick coatings will slowly wear off given frequent use. Caraway offers a limited one-year warranty on its cookware and bakeware, covering any major damage to the body, handles, lids, or anything else that functionally impairs the cookware, other than discoloration or damage through wear and tear.

While Caraway's pans are expensive, there are alternative options available on the market, such as the brand Tramontina, which has been compared and tested against All-Clad with interesting results. Tramontina is sold at a fraction of the price of All-Clad and offers similar performance and quality.

They will eventually wear away

All non-stick coatings will eventually wear out given frequent use. Just like your favourite pair of shoes, the more you use them, the faster they wear out. However, with delicate care and cleaning, Caraway cookware is designed to last years.

One user on Reddit reported that their Caraway skillet lost its non-stick coating after only 5 or 6 months. Another user reported that their non-stick coating was "basically useless" within a year of using it daily. However, this is to be expected of non-stick coatings. Even when treated correctly, simple heat cycles will wear the coating and it will eventually fail.

According to Wirecutter's kitchen team, wear is a common issue with ceramic non-stick coatings. They state that "the biggest complaint about 'ceramic' pans is that their non-stick properties don't last as long". They go on to say that "we asked friends and family how long their sol-gel cookware lasted, and they all said about a year—and that they'd never buy it again".

In general, it is not recommended to spend a lot on a non-stick pan because even the most durable non-stick coatings eventually wear out. A good non-stick pan can be expected to last about three to five years, and that is with the best care. If you want something that will last longer, you are better off with a cast-iron skillet or a quality tri-ply stainless steel skillet.

The bottom of the pans might stain

Caraway's ceramic-coated pans are marketed as "naturally non-stick" and are said to be made from inorganic natural ingredients. However, several customers have complained about their Caraway pans staining, burning, and scratching.

To prevent staining, it is important to follow Caraway's care instructions, including using the correct heat settings, avoiding cooking sprays, and hand-washing the pans gently. However, it is worth noting that even with proper care, some customers have reported that their Caraway pans started to stain, burn, and scratch within a few months of purchase.

They are not oven-safe

Caraway cookware is not oven-safe. It is designed to be used on low to medium heat only and has a maximum oven heat capacity of 550°F. The non-stick coating will wear away if overheated, and the pans should not be placed in an oven without food in them.

Caraway cookware should also not be put in a dishwasher as this will reduce the life of the non-stick coating and may cause cosmetic damage. Instead, hand wash with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth.

To avoid damaging the non-stick coating, Caraway cookware should not be left on an empty burner or allowed to boil dry. It should also not be slid across a metal stovetop as this may damage the steel base.

To avoid thermal shock, which may cause the pans to crack, Caraway cookware should be allowed to cool completely before being rinsed with cold water.

Frequently asked questions