Made In vs Caraway: Which Cookware is Better?

When it comes to premium cookware, Made In and Caraway are two of the most talked-about brands. Both offer high-quality products, but which one is right for your kitchen? Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, choosing the best cookware can make a huge difference in your cooking experience.

In this comparison, we’ll look at the key differences between Made In and Caraway. This will help you choose the cookware that best fits your needs.

Made In vs Caraway: Key Differences

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Made In	Caraway
Construction	Stainless steel, non-stick, carbon steel, copper, enameled cast iron	Ceramic non-stick, stainless steel, enameled cast iron
Non-Stick Coating	PTFE (ProCoat), Ceramic (CeramiClad)	Ceramic non-stick (sol-gel)
Handles	Flat, brushed stainless steel	Rounded, polished stainless steel
Heat Conduction	Excellent	Good but less consistent
Oven-Safe Temp	500-1200°F	550°F
Durability	Highly durable	Coating degrades over time
Induction Compatible	Yes (except Copper)	Yes
Dishwasher Safe	Only Stainless Steel	No
Made In	USA, Italy, France	China
Price	$$$ (Premium)	$$-$$$ (Mid-Range)

Now, let’s explore each factor in detail:

1. Construction & Product Offerings

Made In

• Offers a variety of cookware: stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, enameled cast iron, and non-stick.
• Their ProCoat non-stick collection uses PTFE, known for its longevity and performance.
• Their CeramiClad non-stick line is ceramic-coated, similar to Caraway, but more durable.
• Fully-clad stainless steel ensures even heat distribution.

Caraway

• Specializes in ceramic non-stick cookware with an aluminum base.
• Also offers stainless steel and enameled cast iron collections.
• Lighter-weight cookware designed for home cooks.
• Induction-compatible thanks to a stainless steel plate at the bottom.

Verdict: Made In offers more variety and better durability. Caraway is a great option for non-toxic ceramic cookware lovers.

2. Cooking Surface & Non-Stick Quality

Made In

• Uses PTFE (ProCoat), known for longevity and excellent food release.
• The CeramiClad series uses the same ceramic coating as Caraway but is built to last longer.
• Offers superior non-stick performance compared to Caraway.

Caraway

• Uses a sol-gel ceramic coating made from natural sand-derived silicon.
• Initially, food slides off easily, but over time, the non-stick surface loses effectiveness.
• Not as durable as PTFE-based non-stick.

Verdict: Made In’s PTFE non-stick is more durable and offers better long-lasting performance. If you prefer ceramic non-stick, Made In’s CeramiClad is a better choice.

3. Finish, Colors & Aesthetics

Made In

• Sleek and professional look.
• Comes in stainless steel, black, blue, and red.
• Copper and carbon steel options develop a unique patina over time.

Caraway

• Stylish, Instagram-worthy cookware.
• Comes in 13 colour options, including pastels and neutrals.
• Regularly releases limited-edition colours.

Verdict: Caraway is great for style, but Made In is better for a professional kitchen vibe.

4. Handles & Comfort

Made In

• Flat, brushed stainless steel handles with a secure grip.
• Designed for professional chefs, preventing rotation while cooking.
• Stays cooler on stove tops compared to Caraway.

Caraway

• Rounded, polished handles, making them sleek but slightly slippery.
• Can get hot after extended cooking.

Verdict: Made In provides a better grip and stays cooler. This makes it more comfy for long cooking sessions.

5. Cooking Performance

Made In

• Excellent heat conduction and retention.
• Stainless steel and carbon steel options provide high-heat searing.
• Works well on all stove tops, including induction.

Caraway

• Even heat distribution but weaker heat retention.
• Not ideal for searing meats due to slippery ceramic coating.
• Food starts sticking after prolonged use.

Verdict: Made In wins for versatility and heat performance.

6. Price & Value for Money

Made In

• Higher price but better longevity.
• Stainless steel lasts decades, while ProCoat non-stick lasts years.

Caraway

• Mid-range pricing but shorter lifespan.
• Needs replacing more frequently.

Verdict: Made In is a better long-term investment.

7. Manufacturing & Ethical Sourcing

Made In

• Manufactured in the USA, Italy, and France.
• High-quality craftsmanship.

Caraway

• Made in China.
• Focuses on eco-friendly packaging.

Verdict: Made In wins for ethically sourced and premium craftsmanship.

8. Downsides of Each Brand

Caraway Downsides

• Non-stick coating degrades over time.
• Not dishwasher safe.
• Not ideal for high-heat cooking or searing.

Made In Downsides

• Higher price.
• Requires seasoning for carbon steel pans.
• PTFE non-stick can degrade if overheated.

Which Cookware is Right for You?

Choose Made In If:

• You want restaurant-grade durability & high-heat cooking.
• You prefer stainless steel, carbon steel, or long-lasting non-stick.
• You don’t mind a learning curve (e.g., seasoning carbon steel).
• You want cookware that lasts decades.

Choose Caraway If:

• You prioritize aesthetic, stylish cookware.
• You prefer easy-to-clean, non-stick ceramic.
• You cook at low-to-medium heat.
• You prefer PTFE-free, non-toxic options.

FAQs

1. Is Caraway made in the USA?

No, Caraway cookware is manufactured in China. The brand focuses on eco-friendly materials and non-toxic coatings. But, it produces its products overseas. Made In makes cookware in the USA, Italy, and France. This guarantees top craftsmanship and quality control.

2. Is Made In a good cookware brand?

Made In is a leading cookware brand. It offers high-quality stainless steel, carbon steel, and non-stick options. Both professional chefs and home cooks use it. It lasts long, holds heat well, and performs excellently. The Made In ProCoat non-stick pans last longer than most competitors.

3. Is Caraway a good brand?

Caraway is a stylish, non-toxic cookware brand. They are known for their ceramic non-stick coating and attractive design. Its non-stick surface wears out quicker than PTFE-based ones. Also, it is not great for high-heat cooking. If you prioritize eco-friendly, beginner-friendly cookware, Caraway is a great choice.

4. What’s better, Caraway or Our Place?

Caraway offers better durability and performance. In contrast, Our Place Always Pan emphasises multi-functionality and design. Caraway’s ceramic non-stick lasts longer, but Our Place has a more versatile pan design. If you want a full cookware set, go with Caraway, but for one versatile pan, choose Our Place.

5. Which cookware is more durable?

Made In pans are known for their durability. Their 5-ply stainless steel and carbon steel designs can last over 10 years. Caraway’s ceramic coating typically lasts 2–3 years before wearing out.

6. Is Caraway’s ceramic cookware really non-toxic?

Yes, Caraway’s ceramic pans do not contain PTFE, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. But, ceramic coatings can break down over time, especially with high-heat exposure.

7. Can I use metal utensils with these pans?

• Made In Stainless Steel: Yes, metal utensils are safe.
• Caraway Ceramic: No, metal utensils will scratch and damage the coating.

8. Which cookware is better for induction stoves?

Both brands work on induction cooktops. But, Made In’s stainless steel pans conduct heat more efficiently.

9. Does Caraway cookware last as long as Made In?

No. Caraway’s non-stick coating wears off in a few years. Made In’s stainless steel pans, but, can last for decades.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Made In or Caraway?

• If you’re looking for cookware that’s professional-grade, durable, and performs well, then Made In is the right choice.
• If you want a non-toxic, stylish, and easy-to-use choice, Caraway is ideal for low-heat cooking. But, it’s not very durable.

Our Recommendation:

• Choose Made In if you want long-term durability and high performance.
• Choose Caraway if you love ceramic non-stick and esthetic cookware.