Caraway · Grill Pans
Caraway Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan
Lower-concern option; enameled cast iron itself avoids PFAS, though verify current enamel sourcing.
Caraway's enameled cast iron grill pan uses a glass enamel coating rather than Teflon-family coating nonstick, which sidesteps PFAS-laden Teflon-type coating. The brand explicitly claims PFAS-free formulation.
Brand says: “Caraway markets its cookware as 'non-toxic' and 'PFAS-free,' emphasizing enamel coating without synthetic nonstick chemicals.”
Shop Caraway on Amazon →Material
Enameled cast iron (glass enamel 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
Caraway's grill pan is cast iron with a glass enamel coating applied at high temperature. The enamel layer sits on top of the iron, creating a cooking surface that does not require seasoning and avoids direct metal-to-food contact. Enameled cast iron sidesteps Teflon-type coating fume risk (present in non-stick coatings) and aluminum leaching concerns, though the integrity of the enamel itself, and what it was fired with, matters for long-term safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway publicly commits to PFAS-free cookware and sources enamels without added PFOA or Teflon-type coating. The brand has provided third-party testing documentation for its enamel coatings and maintains transparency on material sourcing. No recalls or safety controversies on record for Caraway enameled cast iron as of available public data. Their disclosure practices exceed industry baseline for direct-to-consumer cookware.
How it compares in its category
Enameled cast iron grill pans are inherently safer than non-stick alternatives (Teflon-type coating or ceramic) with respect to fume risk and PFAS exposure. Unlike bare cast iron, you avoid iron leaching into acidic foods. Traditional enameled cast iron from older brands (Le Creuset, Staub) has long safety records, but older stock may contain trace lead in glazes; Caraway's modern manufacturing controls are stricter. This product sits in the lower-hazard tier of grill pan options.
If you buy it
Keep the enamel intact by avoiding thermal shock (don't plunge hot pan into cold water) and using wood or silicone utensils. Inspect the surface regularly for chips or cracks; small chips are usually cosmetic but deep exposure of iron should trigger replacement to avoid rust and iron leaching. Hand wash preferred; dishwasher is listed as safe by the brand but gentle handling extends enamel life. Use on medium to medium-high heat; prolonged exposure above 500F is not recommended for most enamels and unnecessary for grill work.
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.”
Lead or cadmium in enamel glaze
Caraway's modern manufacturing does not use lead- or cadmium-containing glazes, and no lead detection has been reported in third-party testing. Regulatory limits in the US and EU (applicable to cookware enamels) are strict; this brand meets them. Risk is negligible with current sourcing.
Enamel chip and iron leaching
Any enameled cookware can develop chips or cracks with use. Chipped enamel exposes cast iron underneath, which can leach iron into acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar, wine). This is not acutely toxic but undesirable; inspect regularly and replace if damage is deep or widespread.
Teflon-type coating or non-stick fume risk
Enameled cast iron uses no Teflon-type coating or similar non-stick polymer; no off-gassing risk at normal cooking temperatures. This is a structural advantage over traditional non-stick cookware.
Thermal shock and cracking
Glass enamel is brittle and can crack if subjected to rapid temperature changes (hot pan into cold water). This is a handling risk, not a chemical hazard, but results in enamel failure and potential iron exposure.
Formaldehyde or heavy metals in decorative elements
Caraway grill pans carry minimal decorative printing or glazing; the handle is silicone-wrapped. No public reports of formaldehyde or heavy metal contamination in finishes or packaging.
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.
Safer alternatives in Grill Pans
GreenPan
Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11" Round Grill Pan
Ceramic nonstick coating (Teflon-type coating-free proprietary formulation)
Lower-concern choice: ceramic nonstick with credible PFAS-free positioning and third-party certification.
⚠Risky category by default
More grill pans 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.