Caraway · Crepe Pans
West Elm Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Square Pan
Lower-concern option; ceramic non-stick avoids Teflon-type coating/PFOA, though ceramic durability varies.
Caraway explicitly markets this pan as PFAS-free with a ceramic non-stick coating and holds MADE SAFE certification, which screens for PFAS. Ceramic coatings carry lower PFAS risk than traditional Teflon-family coating non-sticks.
Brand says: “Caraway cookware is PFAS-free and uses ceramic non-stick coating without fluoropolymers”
Material
Ceramic non-stick coating (no Teflon-type coating/Teflon-family 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
The Caraway pan uses a ceramic non-stick coating instead of Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or other Teflon-family coating, which eliminates the risk of PFOA/PFAS leaching and fume release at high heat. The base is typically hard-anodized aluminum or stainless steel, chosen for durability and heat distribution. Ceramic coatings are generally considered safer for non-stick cookware because they're inorganic and don't off-gas toxic fumes, though they are mechanically softer than Teflon-type coating and wear more visibly over time.
The brand's record and disclosure
Caraway explicitly markets itself as PFAS-free and has published transparency about eliminating fluorinated non-stick compounds from its cookware line. The brand has not faced major recalls or public health controversies related to heavy metals or coating safety in available records. West Elm carries the product under partnership, inheriting Caraway's chemical standards; neither company has flagged lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in ceramic coatings for this line in disclosed testing.
How it compares in its category
Among ceramic non-stick cookware, this pan represents a mainstream option with verified PFAS avoidance; it is more durable than some budget ceramic alternatives but less scratch-resistant than traditional Teflon-type coating non-stick. Compared to stainless steel or cast iron, it offers easier cleanup and lower heat retention, trading some longevity for convenience. It sits between budget ceramic pan lines (which degrade rapidly) and premium Teflon-type coating alternatives (which carry PFOA/PFAS concerns despite legal compliance).
If you buy it
Use wooden or silicone utensils only; metal utensils will accelerate coating wear and release particles. Avoid high heat (keep below medium-high) because ceramic non-stick performance degrades faster at sustained high temperatures, and overheating can compromise the bond between coating and base. Hand-wash rather than dishwasher to extend coating life; ceramic coatings can fail within 1-3 years if heavily scoured or thermally shocked. Replace the pan when the coating visibly flakes, scratches deeply, or food begins to stick noticeably, as continued use of a failing non-stick coating offers no safety advantage over uncoated cookware.
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 particle shedding
Ceramic non-stick coatings are durable but less scratch-resistant than Teflon-type coating. Over time (typically 1-3 years with regular use), the coating can chip or flake, especially if metal utensils are used or the pan is dishwashed. Shed ceramic particles are non-toxic (silicon dioxide based) but indicate the pan has lost its non-stick function and should be replaced.
Aluminum leaching from base metal
The base is hard-anodized aluminum, which forms a protective oxide layer that prevents leaching. No leaching of aluminum has been documented for anodized cookware under normal cooking conditions. Acidic foods at high heat theoretically increase risk, but in-use incidents are not recorded for this product or category.
Lead or cadmium in ceramic coating
Caraway has not disclosed heavy metals in its ceramic non-stick coatings, and no recalls or public testing reports have identified lead or cadmium in this product line. Ceramic glazes can theoretically contain lead, but modern non-stick ceramic formulations used by mainstream brands typically avoid this.
Thermal degradation of coating at high heat
Ceramic non-stick coatings can lose effectiveness or degrade if exposed to sustained temperatures above 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Caraway markets this as a crepe pan (typically used at medium heat for thin pancakes), which is within safe operating range, but preheating on high or using for high-heat searing may accelerate failure.
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 crepe 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.