Caraway · Grill Pans
Caraway Navy Ceramic Non-Stick Square Grill Pan
Lower-concern option; ceramic non-stick avoids known Teflon-type coating/PFOA, though broader PFAS testing on the specific coating is not publicly available.
Caraway's ceramic non-stick pan avoids Teflon-type coating and PFOA, the most notorious PFAS in cookware, and uses a ceramic-based coating instead. The brand explicitly claims PFAS-free positioning, which aligns with ceramic technology.
Brand says: “Caraway markets its cookware as PFOA-free and PTFE-free, using a ceramic non-stick coating marketed as a cleaner alternative to traditional fluoropolymer non-sticks.”
Shop Caraway on Amazon →Material
Ceramic non-stick 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 ceramic non-stick coating is a ceramic-type ceramic layer applied over a hard-anodized aluminum base. This formulation eliminates Teflon-type coating (Teflon) and PFOA, replacing them with an inorganic ceramic matrix that bonds to the pan surface. The aluminum substrate itself is sealed by the anodization and ceramic layers, which substantially reduces direct aluminum leaching into food compared to bare or lightly-coated aluminum cookware. The square grill design includes stainless steel handles and a glass lid (likely soda-lime or borosilicate), both low-risk materials.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway has publicly committed to PFAS-free cookware and markets this pan as part of that pledge. The company provides ingredient transparency on its website and has not faced documented safety recalls or regulatory actions for this product line. Third-party testing by independent labs (e.g., GreenGuard) has not been widely published for this specific model, but the brand's stance and marketing claims are consistent with industry certifications for non-toxic cookware. No major controversies regarding heavy metals, misleading labeling, or manufacturing issues are on record.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic non-stick cookware sits between traditional Teflon-type coating-coated pans and uncoated cast iron or stainless steel. Unlike Teflon-type coating, ceramic coatings do not release volatile fumes at normal cooking temperatures, making them safer than standard non-stick alternatives. Caraway's hard-anodized aluminum base is more durable and lighter than cast iron and heats more evenly than stainless steel, though ceramic coatings are softer and more prone to gradual wear than Teflon-type coating. The price point is mid-to-premium for non-stick cookware, reflecting the manufacturing quality.
If you buy it
Use low-to-medium heat; ceramic non-stick can degrade faster at high temperatures and is more prone to scratching than Teflon-type coating. Hand wash with soft sponges and avoid metal utensils to preserve coating longevity. Do not preheat empty; always add food or oil before heating to avoid thermal stress on the ceramic layer. Monitor the coating for chips or peeling after 2-3 years of regular use; once the ceramic layer is visibly compromised, retire the pan to prevent small ceramic particles in food and loss of non-stick properties.
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.”
Coating degradation and particle shedding
Ceramic coatings are inherently softer than Teflon-type coating and degrade with use, especially under high heat or abrasive contact. While no recalls exist for this specific product, ceramic cookware users commonly report visible wear after 2-3 years; small particles may enter food if the coating chips.
Aluminum leaching
Hard-anodized aluminum forms a protective oxide barrier, and the ceramic top coat provides an additional seal. No documented elevated aluminum levels in food cooked in this pan exist; risk is substantially lower than bare aluminum but not zero if the coating is compromised.
Handle or lid safety
Stainless steel handles and glass lids are inherently low-risk materials. No recalls or contamination reports for Caraway's hardware exist. Standard burn risk applies if handles are touched during cooking.
Lead or cadmium in glaze or enamel
Caraway does not use traditional ceramic glazes; the non-stick coating is a sealed ceramic-type layer, not a porous glaze. No testing data publicly available, but the manufacturing method substantially reduces risk compared to hand-glazed or decorative ceramics.
Off-gassing or fume inhalation at cooking temperature
Ceramic non-stick does not emit Teflon-type coating fumes (which occur above 500F with traditional non-stick). No volatile organic compounds or thermal decomposition products have been reported for this coating at normal stovetop use (below 400F).
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 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.