Caraway · Griddle Pans
Crate & Barrel Caraway Cream Ceramic Non-Stick Double Burner Griddle
Lower concern for PFAS, ceramic non-stick is inherently PFAS-free, and Caraway's claim aligns with material science.
Caraway's ceramic non-stick coating is a non-Teflon-family coating alternative, making PFAS contamination unlikely by design. The brand markets this griddle as PFAS-free.
Brand says: “Caraway explicitly markets this line as PFAS-free ceramic non-stick cookware”
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
This griddle uses a ceramic non-stick coating applied over a steel or aluminum base. Ceramic coatings are inherently free of PFOA and PFOS (the primary PFAS chemicals in older Teflon). The cream-colored surface is typically a ceramic-type ceramic compound fired at high temperature, which creates a more brittle but chemically stable non-stick layer compared to Teflon-family coating coatings. No fluorine is involved in the manufacturing process, eliminating the primary mechanism for PFAS contamination in cookware.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway explicitly markets itself as a PFAS-free cookware brand and has built its brand identity around this claim. The company provides transparency about its material sourcing and has not faced widely documented safety recalls or adverse health claims related to this product line. Caraway's ceramic coating is manufactured by third parties but the brand maintains quality control standards. No major certifications (NSF, GreenGuard) are documented for this specific griddle, but absence of certification is not evidence of a problem.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic non-stick griddles sit in the middle of the cookware safety spectrum. They avoid the PFAS risk of traditional Teflon-type coating (Teflon) pans but are less durable and require more careful handling than bare stainless steel or cast iron. They perform similarly to other ceramic-coated griddles from competitors like GreenPan or Our Place, which also use ceramic non-stick technology. The main trade-off is longevity: ceramic coatings can chip or degrade faster than Teflon-type coating if used roughly, exposing the base metal underneath.
If you buy it
Use only silicone, wood, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the ceramic coating. Do not preheat above medium-high heat; ceramic coatings can degrade if exposed to sustained high temperatures (above 500F). Hand-wash rather than use the dishwasher, which can accelerate coating wear. Expect the non-stick performance to decline over 2-3 years of regular use; once chipping appears, discontinue use to avoid ingesting ceramic particles. Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g., deglazing with cold liquid on a hot pan) which can cause the coating to crack.
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 flaking
Ceramic non-stick coatings are mechanically brittle and can chip or peel with normal wear, metal utensil use, or mechanical impact. Once the coating flakes, contact with the base metal and inhalation of ceramic dust become possible.
Aluminum leaching from base metal
If the griddle's base is aluminum (common in this product class), scratches or coating degradation can expose aluminum to acidic foods. However, intact ceramic coatings provide a barrier. Caraway's specific base material composition is not publicly detailed.
Thermal fume release (non-PFAS)
Unlike Teflon-type coating coatings, ceramic non-stick does not release toxic fumes at normal cooking temperatures. No published incidents of polymer fume fever or acute inhalation injury from ceramic griddles exist in consumer safety literature.
Lead or cadmium in glaze or enamel
Modern ceramic cookware manufactured to US standards does not intentionally use lead or cadmium. Caraway does not disclose detected levels, but no recalls or third-party testing indicating contamination has been published.
Coating adhesion and base metal exposure over time
User reports and reviews indicate that some ceramic-coated griddles (across brands) lose coating adhesion after 1-2 years, revealing underlying metal. This is a known limitation of the ceramic non-stick technology, not unique to Caraway, but worth monitoring.
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 Griddle Pans
Caraway
Sage Ceramic Non-Stick Square Griddle Pan
Ceramic non-stick coating (proprietary, PFOA/Teflon-type coating-free)
Lower-concern option; ceramic coating and third-party certifications support the PFAS-free claim, though independent lab testing of this specific product line i
⚠Risky category by default
More griddle 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.