Caraway · Cast Iron Skillets
Caraway Cast Iron Skillet Set
Lower concern, cast iron is PFAS-free by design; no nonstick coating means no Teflon-family coating risk.
Caraway's cast iron skillet set contains no nonstick coating or intentional Teflon-family coating treatment. Cast iron is an inherently safe material with no PFAS risk. The brand makes no PFAS claims because the product category doesn't require them.
Shop Caraway on Amazon →Material
Cast iron, no added coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
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 cast iron skillets are bare cast iron with no applied nonstick coating, enamel, or ceramic finish. This means no synthetic polymers, Teflon-family coating (Teflon-type coating/PFOA), or resin binders are present in the cooking surface. Cast iron is an iron-carbon alloy that has been used safely for centuries; the material itself does not leach hazardous compounds under normal cooking conditions. The only relevant concern is iron content in food, which is beneficial for most consumers but may require moderation in those with iron-overload disorders.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway is a cookware brand focused on non-toxic kitchen products and markets itself on PFAS-free positioning, though the brand does not publish detailed third-party safety certifications or full material disclosures on their website. The company has not faced documented recalls or safety controversies related to their cast iron products. Caraway's broader product line (ceramic cookware) has been marketed as PFAS-free, consistent with their brand ethos, but cast iron requires no such claims since the material is inherently free of Teflon-family coating.
How it compares in its category
Bare cast iron is the simplest and safest cookware material class because it eliminates chemical coating risks entirely. Most modern nonstick skillets (Teflon, ceramic, or hybrid) carry either Teflon-type coating fume inhalation risk or uncertainty around ceramic coating stability and durability. Cast iron's main tradeoff is higher maintenance (seasoning, rust prevention) and longer heat-up time compared to nonstick alternatives. Caraway's uncoated cast iron sits at the low-hazard end of the cookware spectrum.
If you buy it
Season and maintain the skillet regularly with food-grade oil to prevent rust and build a protective patina that improves nonstick properties naturally over time. Cast iron can be used on all heat sources (stovetop, oven, induction) and withstands high temperatures without degradation. Hand wash immediately after use and dry thoroughly; avoid prolonged soaking or dishwasher cleaning. If rust spots appear, scrub with salt and oil or a stainless steel pad and re-season; the pan is durable for decades if cared for properly.
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.”
Iron leaching into food
Bare cast iron does leach small amounts of iron into food, especially acidic foods (tomato-based dishes) or foods cooked at high temperatures. This is generally beneficial for iron intake but may be a concern for individuals with hemochromatosis or iron-overload conditions. The amount leached is typically 1-2 mg per serving and decreases as the seasoning layer thickens.
Rust and corrosion if improperly maintained
Without proper seasoning and drying, cast iron will develop surface rust. While surface rust itself is not a health hazard (iron oxide is not toxic), it can degrade the cookware's performance and aesthetic. Rust removal requires mechanical scrubbing, which may damage or strip the seasoning layer.
Lead or cadmium in pigments (manufacturing origin unknown)
Caraway does not publish material sourcing or heavy metal testing data for their cast iron. Cast iron cookware from reputable Western manufacturers is generally not a source of lead or cadmium contamination, but publicly available third-party testing of Caraway's cast iron products is not on record.
Thermal shock or cracking from rapid temperature changes
Cast iron is brittle and can crack if exposed to sudden temperature changes (e.g., hot skillet plunged into cold water). This is a performance and safety hazard (risk of shattering), not a chemical hazard, but is relevant to product durability.
Coating or finish degradation over time
Bare cast iron has no coating to degrade, eliminating the risk of flaking nonstick polymers or ceramic particles in food. The seasoning layer (oil polymerization) is self-renewing with proper use and maintenance.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 92% 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.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Cast Iron Skillets
Caraway
12” Enameled Cast Iron Large Skillet
Enameled cast iron
Lower-concern cookware; enameled cast iron is an inherently safer base, and Caraway has publicly committed to PFAS-free formulations.
⚠Risky category by default
Lodge
Cast Iron Classic Cast Iron Skillets
cast iron (bare or seasoned with oil)
Lower PFAS concern, bare cast iron has no synthetic coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
Lodge
Cast Iron Skillet Pan 6"
cast iron, seasoned with oil
Lower PFAS concern, bare cast iron with traditional seasoning, no Teflon-family coating coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
More cast iron skillets 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.