Caraway · Griddle Pans
West Elm Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Double Griddle
Lower-concern option; ceramic non-stick is inherently PFAS-free, though independent lab verification would strengthen confidence.
Caraway's ceramic non-stick coating is a Teflon-family coating-free alternative to traditional Teflon-type coating/PFOA non-sticks, placing it in a lower-risk category. The brand does claim PFOA and Teflon-type coating freedom.
Brand says: “Caraway explicitly markets its cookware as PFOA-free and PTFE-free ceramic non-stick coating”
Shop Caraway on Amazon →Material
Ceramic non-stick coating on cast iron 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.
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 cast iron base. Ceramic coatings are inorganic mineral-based films that do not contain Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or PFAS, eliminating the main chemical hazard associated with traditional non-stick cookware. Cast iron itself is chemically inert when properly seasoned, though it can leach small amounts of iron into acidic foods, which is generally not a safety concern for most people. The double griddle design means you get two cooking surfaces from one cast iron casting.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway explicitly markets this product line as PFAS-free and has made public commitments to avoid PFAS "forever chemicals" across its cookware. The brand provides material composition information on product pages and packaging. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to Caraway cookware have been widely documented in consumer safety databases. Independent third-party testing of the coating has not been published in peer-reviewed literature, so claims rest on manufacturer disclosure rather than external verification.
How it compares in its category
Among ceramic non-stick griddles, Caraway sits in the mid-to-premium price segment and avoids PFAS by design, which is a chemical advantage over conventional Teflon-type coating-coated griddles from other brands. Cast iron griddles (uncoated or with traditional seasoning) are chemically safer long-term but require more maintenance and skill. This product splits the difference: easier than bare cast iron but without fluorinated chemistry. The ceramic coating is thinner and more prone to chipping than industrial Teflon-type coating formulations, making durability a practical trade-off rather than a toxicity issue.
If you buy it
Hand-wash only; dishwashers will degrade the ceramic coating faster. Avoid metal utensils and abrasive scouring pads, which can scratch and expose the underlying iron. Do not heat above 400°F, as ceramic coatings can lose non-stick properties and the binder may degrade at very high temperatures. If the coating visibly chips or flakes, retire the griddle to prevent iron fragments from shedding into food. Re-season the cast iron base periodically to maintain the underlying protective layer.
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 chipping
Ceramic non-stick coatings are inherently more fragile than Teflon-type coating and can chip with impact or abrasive cleaning. Chips are not toxic but can lead to bare iron exposure and loss of non-stick function.
Iron leaching into food
Cast iron cookware can release small amounts of iron into acidic foods (tomato-based, vinegar, wine). For most people this is negligible and sometimes beneficial; only a concern for those with hemochromatosis or iron-overload disorders.
Thermal decomposition of ceramic binder at high heat
Ceramic coatings typically remain stable below 400°F. No safety incidents have been publicly reported for Caraway griddles. Exceeding recommended heat limits could theoretically release volatile compounds, though evidence specific to this product is absent.
Lead or cadmium in ceramic glaze
Caraway has not disclosed heavy metal testing results for the ceramic coating. Most modern ceramic cookware manufacturers avoid lead and cadmium in food-contact glazes due to regulatory pressure, but third-party verification would strengthen confidence.
Bacterial growth on uncoated cast iron if unsealed
Proper seasoning and drying prevent microbial issues. No specific hygiene problems have been reported with Caraway griddles. Standard cast iron maintenance protocols apply.
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.