Caraway · Muffin Tins
Caraway 24-Cup Ceramic Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan
Lower PFAS concern; ceramic nonstick is a safer alternative to Teflon-type coating, though independent verification of the coating would strengthen confidence.
Caraway's ceramic nonstick coating avoids Teflon-type coating and PFOA, the most notorious legacy PFAS in cookware. The brand explicitly markets this as a PFAS-conscious choice.
Brand says: “Caraway markets its cookware as PFOA-free and uses ceramic nonstick coating instead of traditional PTFE fluoropolymers”
Shop Caraway on Amazon →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.
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states the product is PFAS-free (self-declared).
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
This pan uses a ceramic-based nonstick coating applied over what is typically a steel or aluminum substrate. Ceramic coatings are inorganic and do not rely on Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or fluorinated compounds, making them chemically distinct from traditional nonstick surfaces. The coating bonds to the underlying metal, but the durability and composition of that bond, and any potential leaching from substrate metals under acidic or high-heat conditions, depends on manufacturing quality and the base metal chosen.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway has publicly committed to PFAS-free manufacturing and markets this product as such. The brand has received no major product recalls or safety controversies documented in FDA or CPSC records related to this cookware line. However, Caraway does not routinely publish third-party laboratory verification of coating composition, so the claim rests partly on company assertion rather than independent testing in the public domain.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic nonstick muffin pans occupy a middle ground between traditional Teflon-type coating nonstick (lower safety concern for PFAS but historical fume-release risks at high heat) and uncoated steel or cast iron (no coating concerns but requires seasoning or oil). Caraway's ceramic option avoids both Teflon-type coating and the maintenance burden of bare metal, making it a lower-friction choice for most home bakers. Most mass-market muffin pans still use Teflon-type coating; ceramic nonstick remains less common and is marketed as a premium alternative.
If you buy it
Hand wash rather than use a dishwasher to extend coating life, as repeated thermal shock and abrasive detergents can degrade ceramic surfaces over years of use. Keep heat to medium or medium-high; ceramic nonstick is not designed for extreme temperatures and performs best below 400 degrees Fahrenheit for extended cooking. Inspect the coating annually for chips, crazing, or discoloration; once the ceramic surface begins to flake or wear noticeably, replacement is prudent to avoid ingestion of coating particles. Avoid metal utensils and use silicone or wood to prevent premature scratch damage.
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 flaking
Ceramic nonstick coatings are more brittle than Teflon-type coating and can chip or craze with heavy use, thermal shock, or dishwasher cycling. Once damaged, small flakes may shed into food; no specific recalls for Caraway ceramics are on record, but this is an inherent durability risk for the material class.
Aluminum substrate leaching
If the underlying substrate is bare aluminum (common in budget cookware but less likely in Caraway's premium positioning), prolonged contact with acidic foods or salt can cause aluminum ions to leach. Caraway has not publicly specified whether the substrate is aluminum or steel; clarification from the brand would reduce this uncertainty.
Lead or cadmium in glaze or coating
No published testing or recall history indicates lead or cadmium contamination in Caraway ceramic cookware. However, ceramic coatings are less tightly regulated in the US than enamelware, and without independent third-party verification, this remains unconfirmed.
Coating adhesion and manufacturing consistency
Ceramic-to-metal bonding depends on precise manufacturing steps; poor adhesion can lead to premature flaking or delamination, particularly at edges or stress points. Caraway does not publish batch-testing data or adhesion specifications, so individual pans may vary in durability.
Thermal stress and fume risk at high heat
Ceramic nonstick does not release Teflon-type coating fumes, and no established off-gassing risk is documented. However, extreme overheating may cause thermal degradation of the organic binders in the ceramic mixture; use within manufacturer temperature guidelines (typically below 400 degrees Fahrenheit) eliminates practical risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.
Safer alternatives in Muffin Tins
Caraway
Nonstick Ceramic Muffin Pan
ceramic nonstick coating
Lower concern, ceramic coating and MADE SAFE certification support PFAS-free claim, though no independent lab testing published.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
West Elm Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Muffin Tin
Ceramic non-stick coating
Lower concern; ceramic non-stick with credible PFAS-free claim and MADE SAFE cert.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
Perracotta Ceramic Non-Stick 6-Cup Muffin Pan
Ceramic (terracotta/clay base)
Lower concern; ceramic base with third-party MADE SAFE certification supports claim, but verify retailer specs.
⚠Risky category by default
More muffin tins 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.