Caraway · Muffin Tins
Caraway Perracotta Ceramic Non-Stick 6-Cup Muffin Pan
Lower concern; ceramic base with third-party MADE SAFE certification supports claim, but verify retailer specs.
Caraway's terracotta ceramic muffin pan uses a ceramic (non-Teflon-family coating) non-stick surface and carries Made SAFE certification, which screens for PFAS. The brand actively markets PFAS-free positioning. No lab detection reported, though independent testing data on this specific product is limited.
Brand says: “Caraway markets its ceramic cookware as PFAS-free and non-toxic; the ceramic coating is proprietary but marketed as non-fluorinated.”
Material
Ceramic (terracotta/clay base)
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 terracotta/ceramic muffin pan uses a clay-based body with a ceramic non-stick glaze applied to the cooking surface. Unlike metal pans, ceramic does not require Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or other Teflon-family coating coatings, eliminating fume risk at high temperatures. The glaze itself is the critical component; if formulated without lead or cadmium (the traditional contaminants in ceramic glazes), the risk from the cookware itself is minimal. Caraway holds MADE SAFE certification, which independently tests for toxic substances including heavy metals in ceramic coatings.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway markets itself as a non-toxic cookware brand and explicitly advertises PFAS-free products across their line. The brand holds third-party MADE SAFE certification, a rigorous standard that screens for over 1,000 chemicals. However, Caraway does not independently publish detailed material safety data sheets (MSDs) for individual pans; safety claims rely on the MADE SAFE audit and retailer specifications. No recalls or contamination incidents have been publicly reported for Caraway ceramic cookware to date.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic muffin pans occupy a safer middle ground compared to non-stick metal pans (which may release Teflon-type coating fumes if overheated) and traditional glazed stoneware (which sometimes contains lead in decorative finishes). Caraway's ceramic option avoids both risks by design. Standard unglazed clay or cheap ceramic muffin pans carry higher leaching risk if glazes are unregulated; Caraway's certification mitigates this. Cast iron and stainless steel alternatives offer no non-stick benefit and require seasoning or oil, making Caraway's ceramic option convenient for baking.
If you buy it
Hand-wash rather than dishwash to extend glaze life and avoid abrasive damage that could expose clay underneath. Do not preheat above 400 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as ceramic glazes can degrade at sustained high heat, though individual muffin baking (typically 350-375F) poses no risk. Inspect regularly for chips, cracks, or worn glazing; discontinue use if the surface becomes visibly damaged or the coating flakes. Allow pans to cool before cleaning to prevent thermal shock and glaze cracking.
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 ceramic glaze
Caraway holds MADE SAFE certification, which explicitly tests for heavy metal leaching from ceramic coatings. No lead or cadmium contamination has been reported in this product line.
Glaze degradation and clay exposure
Ceramic glazes can chip or crack with heavy use or thermal shock, potentially exposing the underlying terracotta clay. While bare clay itself is not inherently toxic, damaged cookware should be replaced to avoid microscopic ceramic particle shedding into food.
Aluminum leaching
This product is ceramic, not aluminum-based, so aluminum leaching is not a concern. Relevant only for metal-core non-stick pans.
Teflon-type coating (Teflon) off-gassing or fume inhalation
Ceramic coatings do not contain Teflon-type coating or perfluorinated compounds. This hazard is specific to traditional non-stick cookware and does not apply to this product.
Microplastic or ceramic particulate shedding during normal use
Prolonged mechanical wear or abrasion in dishwashers can gradually wear ceramic non-stick surfaces, potentially releasing microscopic ceramic particles. Hand-washing significantly reduces this risk.
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.