Caraway · Grill Pans
Caraway Sage Ceramic Non-Stick Square Grill Pan
Lower concern, ceramic non-stick is inherently PFAS-free, though no third-party verification exists.
Caraway's ceramic non-stick coating is not a Teflon-family coating and does not require Teflon-type coating or PFOA to function. The brand's public positioning aligns with ceramic being PFAS-free.
Brand says: “Caraway markets its cookware as PFOA and PTFE-free with a ceramic non-stick surface.”
Shop Caraway on Amazon →Material
Ceramic non-stick coating on aluminum body
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 Sage line uses a ceramic non-stick coating applied over an aluminum core. Ceramic coatings are inorganic compounds (typically silica-based) that bond to the pan surface without fluorinated polymers like Teflon-type coating, eliminating the PFAS exposure route entirely. The aluminum substrate itself is food-safe at normal cookware temperatures because the ceramic layer acts as a physical barrier preventing direct contact with food. Square grill pans are typically used at moderate to high heat (medium to medium-high), which keeps the cookware below the temperature thresholds that would degrade aluminum or cause concern.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway has made explicit PFAS-free claims for its ceramic cookware line and the brand emphasizes mineral-based coating formulations in marketing. The company has not faced documented recalls or safety violations specifically tied to this product line as of available public record. However, no independent third-party certification (such as GreenGuard or NSF) has been published for Caraway's ceramic coating, meaning the PFAS-free claim relies on company testing rather than external verification. Caraway does provide care instructions that reflect awareness of coating durability limits.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic non-stick grill pans occupy a middle ground between traditional cast iron (zero non-stick, heavy) and Teflon-type coating-coated pans (PFAS risk, superior non-stick performance). Compared to Teflon-type coating alternatives, Caraway's ceramic offering eliminates fluorinated compound exposure, which is the primary chemical hazard in conventional non-stick cookware. The trade-off is that ceramic coatings typically offer moderately lower durability and non-stick performance than Teflon-type coating, meaning food adhesion increases over time. Within the ceramic non-stick market, Caraway is a mainstream brand without documented quality control problems, positioning it as a reasonable choice for PFAS-conscious buyers.
If you buy it
Use low-to-medium heat to extend ceramic coating life; high sustained heat accelerates surface wear and potential chipping. Hand-wash only, avoiding abrasive scrubbers and dishwashers, which degrade ceramic coatings faster. Replace the pan if the coating chips noticeably or begins flaking, as damaged ceramic may expose the aluminum substrate to direct contact with acidic foods. Do not pre-heat the pan empty for extended periods, as thermal stress without liquid can cause coating crazing.
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 over time
Ceramic non-stick coatings are inherently less durable than Teflon-type coating; chipping and flaking increase with use, particularly if washed in dishwashers or scrubbed aggressively. Once the coating is compromised, replacement is the safe option rather than continued use.
Aluminum leaching
While the ceramic coating provides a barrier, micro-damage or chips expose the aluminum core. Acidic foods (tomato, lemon, vinegar) in contact with exposed aluminum could increase leaching, though quantities would likely be modest. Avoiding prolonged contact of acidic foods with damaged areas minimizes this risk.
Lead or cadmium in ceramic glaze
No recalls or public test data indicate lead or cadmium contamination in Caraway's ceramic coating. Modern cookware manufacturers sourcing from regulated suppliers typically avoid lead-containing glazes, but independent third-party analysis of this specific product is not publicly available.
Thermal stress and crazing
Ceramic coatings can develop fine cracks (crazing) under rapid temperature changes or prolonged high heat without liquid contact. This is a durability issue rather than a direct chemical hazard, but crazing compromises the coating barrier function.
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.