Caraway · Muffin Tins
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Muffin Pan
Lower concern, ceramic coating and MADE SAFE certification support PFAS-free claim, though no independent lab testing published.
Caraway explicitly markets this muffin pan as PFAS-free with a ceramic nonstick coating and holds MADE SAFE certification, a rigorous third-party standard for chemical safety. Ceramic coatings avoid traditional Teflon-family coating PFAS entirely. No public lab data contradicts the claim, making this a lower-risk nonstick option.
Brand says: “Caraway's nonstick cookware is PFAS-free and uses a ceramic coating”
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 muffin pan uses a ceramic nonstick coating applied over steel or aluminum substrate. Ceramic coatings are inorganic mineral-based systems that do not rely on Teflon-type coating or PFAS chemistry, eliminating the main chemical hazard class associated with traditional nonstick cookware. The coating bonds to the metal body during manufacturing and does not leach into food at normal baking temperatures (up to 500°F for muffin baking). Durability depends on use and care, scratches or peeling expose the substrate below.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway is a direct-to-consumer cookware brand that has explicitly marketed PFAS-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free claims. The product carries MADE SAFE certification, an independent third-party standard that tests for heavy metals, PFAS, and other restricted chemicals in kitchenware. No recalls or safety controversies have been publicly documented for this pan. The brand publishes material sourcing and testing information on its website, which is more transparent than industry average for this price tier.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic nonstick muffin pans sit in the middle ground between traditional Teflon-type coating-based nonstick (cheaper, proven nonstick, PFAS concerns) and uncoated steel or cast iron (no coating hazards, requires seasoning or more oil). Caraway's ceramic version is competitively priced for the PFAS-free segment and aligns with brands like Our Place and GreenPan. Ceramic coatings are generally more durable than early-generation ceramic lines but less nonstick-slippery than Teflon-type coating at equivalent price points.
If you buy it
Hand wash only to preserve the ceramic coating; dishwasher use accelerates degradation. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive sponges that scratch the surface. Use at or below 500°F; higher sustained temperatures can stress ceramic bonds. If the coating chips or peels noticeably, replace the pan to avoid substrate (aluminum or steel) contact with acidic batters. Check it annually for visible wear, particularly after heavy or frequent use.
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 exposure
Ceramic nonstick coatings can wear, chip, or peel with time and mechanical stress. Once compromised, the underlying steel or aluminum substrate may contact acidic batter (e.g., buttermilk muffins), but at the low acidity levels typical of muffin batters, leaching risk is minimal over normal baking duration.
Aluminum leaching from substrate
If the substrate is aluminum, intact ceramic coating prevents direct contact. No documented cases of aluminum migration through healthy ceramic nonstick coatings at typical muffin-baking temperatures and pH levels. Risk only increases if coating is visibly damaged.
Lead or cadmium in ceramic glaze
Caraway explicitly certifies lead and cadmium free through MADE SAFE testing. No independent public lab reports are available, but the brand's stated third-party certification and lack of recall history support the claim for this product.
Teflon-type coating or perfluorinated compound fume release
Ceramic coating formulations do not use Teflon-type coating. Graded separately under PFAS; ceramic coatings present no fume risk at normal oven temperatures (under 500°F). Even at accidental high heat, ceramic does not degrade into toxic fumes like Teflon-type coating can.
Manufacturing residues or adhesion promoters
No recalls or complaints document contamination from coating application residues. MADE SAFE certification includes testing for heavy metals that would signal poor process control. Brand transparency and lack of field reports suggest adequate manufacturing oversight for this product.
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 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.