Caraway · Pizza Stones & Ceramic Bakeware
Caraway 15" Ceramic Nonstick Pizza Pan
Lower concern; ceramic nonstick with credible PFAS-free claim and third-party backing.
Caraway's ceramic nonstick pizza pan is marketed as PFOA- and Teflon-type coating-free and carries MADE SAFE certification, a reputable third-party standard. Ceramic coatings avoid the Teflon-family coating chemistry associated with traditional Teflon-type coating nonsticks.
Brand says: “Caraway uses a ceramic nonstick coating that is PFOA and PTFE free; MADE SAFE certified.”
Material
ceramic nonstick coating
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Third-party PFAS-free verification
Independently verified PFAS-free by a third party.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Caraway's ceramic nonstick coating is a ceramic-type ceramic layer bonded to a steel or aluminum substrate, designed to replace Teflon-type coating (Teflon) without fluorinated chemicals. The ceramic formulation creates a hard, smooth surface that resists scratching and heat-related degradation better than traditional nonstick coatings. Unlike Teflon-type coating, ceramic does not release toxic fumes at normal cooking temperatures (the Teflon-type coating risk threshold is 570F; ceramic coatings are stable well above typical pizza oven temps of 400-500F). The underlying substrate (steel preferred for durability) can leach trace aluminum if the ceramic layer is damaged, but intact coatings prevent this contact.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway has published third-party testing confirming PFAS-free formulation and maintains detailed ingredient transparency on its website. The brand voluntarily discloses manufacturing partners and has not faced recalls or complaints regarding coating failure, leaching, or off-gassing. No formal certifications (GreenGuard, NSF) are listed for this specific product, but the PFAS-free claim is backed by accredited laboratory analysis. Caraway's positioning centers on clean cookware and has a consistent track record of responsive customer service.
How it compares in its category
Most pizza pans sold in the US fall into three groups: traditional stainless steel (no nonstick, requires seasoning), Teflon-type coating nonstick (cheaper but PFAS-related concerns), or ceramic nonstick (premium, fewer chemical concerns). Caraway's ceramic pizza pan sits in the premium/ceramic category alongside brands like GreenPan and Our Place, with comparable pricing. Ceramic nonstick pizza pans are newer in the market and have not accumulated the decades-long safety history of Teflon-type coating, but available data shows no unexpected hazards. Caraway's version is marketed as more durable and heat-stable than competitor ceramic formulations.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; dishwasher use can degrade the ceramic layer over time. Avoid metal utensils and scouring pads; use wood, silicone, or soft nylon. Preheat slowly (no rapid temperature changes) and do not exceed 500F consistently. If the coating shows visible chipping, peeling, or discoloration after prolonged use, replacement is recommended to prevent substrate leaching. Store flat or in a padded rack to prevent contact wear.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Ceramic coating degradation and substrate leaching
If the ceramic layer chips or peels from impact or thermal stress, the underlying metal substrate may contact food. Aluminum substrates can leach trace amounts of aluminum in acidic foods (tomato sauce, citrus). This is a time-dependent risk; Caraway's ceramic is reported to be durable but not immune to damage with rough use.
Teflon-type coating fume inhalation risk
Ceramic nonstick formulations do not contain Teflon-type coating and therefore do not pose the overheating fume hazard associated with Teflon cookware. No fume events have been reported for this product or ceramic nonstick pans in general at standard cooking temperatures.
Lead or cadmium in ceramic glaze
Caraway does not disclose lead or cadmium in its ceramic formulation, and the brand's transparency practices and lack of recalls suggest compliance with FDA limits. However, detailed glaze composition is proprietary and not publicly analyzed by independent labs for heavy metals.
Off-gassing or VOC emission during heating
Ceramic coatings are thermally stable and do not emit volatile organic compounds or odors at typical pizza-baking temperatures. No off-gassing complaints have been reported for this product.
Thermal shock cracking from rapid temperature changes
Pizza pans are prone to thermal shock if moved directly from a hot oven to cold water or if heated too quickly. This risk is material-independent but ceramic coatings can delaminate if the underlying pan cracks, requiring replacement.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More pizza stones & ceramic bakeware grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.