Caraway Cookware takes the win in this comparison with GreenPan. Although both cookware brands offer excellent durability, long-lasting finish, a fun cooking experience that enhances the taste of your foods. Each brand features multiple benefits that aid in cooking and allow you to experiment with different cuisines.
With over 2 decades of professional cooking experience and dedicating over 50 hours of in-depth research, I have tried, tested, and reviewed top cookware brands including Carway and GreenPan so you can make a well-informed decision when purchasing your cookware of choice. In addition, I also have 30 years of experience cooking and comparing quality kitchenware that stands the test of time and is also budget-friendly.
In this article we will compare two of the leading cookware brands: Caraway and GreenPan. You will be able to see how both brands stack up in terms of quality, efficiency, design and construction, as well as affordability. You can also learn more about Made In vs. All-Clad cookware and Greenpan Thermolon reviews.
Let’s dive in!
Caraway
Known for its uniquely homely appearance, Carway cookware is a direct-to-consumer setup based in NY City. It was founded in 2018 and has been praised by chefs and critics for its environmentally conscious approach and build.
Unlike ordinary, traditional nonstick cookware, Caraway cookware steers clear of PFOA (Teflon), PTFE, lead, cadmium, etc. It features a mineral-based ceramic interior coating that is naturally slick and keeps your food from gluing to the bottom. It is a perfect collection for those who are health conscious and who wish to stay away from Teflon cookware.
While it is certainly not the first company to offer Teflon free cookware, it has certainly made the idea more popular and has gained a lot of online traction thanks to its partnerships with social media influencers as well as its stunning design.
Since 2018, Caraway has massively increased its popularity as a cookware company that takes green initiatives to the next level.
GreenPan
After it first opened as a flagship brand of The Cookware Company in 2007, GreenPan gained a lot of attention for its aesthetic designs and the creation of a safe nonstick cookware collection that eliminated the use of PFOA and PTFE in its construction.
It has been praised by consumers around the USA for its use of Thermolon (diamond reinforced layer coating) to achieve a slick surface. As a sustainable company, GreenPan also makes it a point to use upcycled steel and aluminum to eliminate waste and also reduce CO2 emission by 60% than traditional nonstick cookware construction.
Key Features: Carraway vs. GreenPan
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1. Design & Construction
Both Caraway and GreenPan feature ceramic nonstick mineral coating in their pots and pans. In fact, both brands operate on the principle that their cookware should be eco-friendly and a natural alternative to traditional, harmful Teflon cookware. While both may share an ideology, Caraway and GreenPan are still quite different in several other regards.
Caraway features a simplistic, single style of construction with a heavy-gauge aluminum core with a mineral based ceramic coating on its interior surface, as well as the exterior and the lids.
This all-round ceramic nonstick coating is 100% free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium that are known to leach into your food and pose a risk to your health.
Additionally, Caraway cookware also comes with a magnetic stainless steel plate on the bottom which adds sturdiness to the pan as well as make it induction ready.
Caraway also offers consumers free storage solutions such as canvas lid holders that you can choose to hand. It also offers a pan rack that stores each pan on its side and protects against unwanted abrasion.
GreenPan features fully-clad stainless steel construction with two layers of stainless steel with an aluminum core that helps with even heat distribution and excellent conduction.
The hard anodized aluminum base also makes the majority of the GreenPan cookware resistant to rusting, corrosion, and it is also stronger than stainless steel or standard aluminum (more affordable).
The interior surface of GreenPan is coated with Thermolon which is a proprietary ceramic slick material taken from sand. While it didn’t invest in this component, GreenPan has always had a close relationship with this material’s makers.
Depending on the type of GreenPan cookware you purchase, you will notice different variations of Thermolon, but all of them share some unique aspects. These include PTFE, PFAS, and PFOA-free coating that is usually found in traditional Teflon cookware.
The Thermolon Diamond Advanced is reinforced with synthetic diamond infused layers making your pots and pans a lot more durable and long-lasting than others. It also makes cookware safe against metal utensils.
GreenPan cookware collections such as the Valencia Pro, Levels, and Venice Pro also showcase a Magneto induction base meshed with ferrous properties that make your GreenPan pots and pans fully induction friendly.
When it comes to design, GreenPan presents a more traditional style with color shades such as gray, black, etc. The pots come with a glossy finish, stainless steel, or even a matte look.
On the other hand, Caraway is all about minimalism, simplicity, and superb aesthetics. Its cookware is available in a variety of colors including sage, cream, perracotta, etc.
2. Heat Conduction
Heat conduction refers to how well your cookware can heat up when sat on the burner. I achieved the final results through a simple test between the Caraway Sauté Pan and the GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Pan.
After pouring 3 cups of cold water in each pan, I set the burner on high and placed both on top. Using a stopwatch, I gauged how long it took for each pan to get the water inside to simmer.
The water in the Caraway pan boiled in about 2.5 minutes whereas the GreenPan took an additional 30 seconds. However, despite this, I noticed that both pans distributed heat evenly as evidenced from the uniform distribution of bubbles.
3. Heat Retention
Once the previous experiment was completed, I poured the water and placed both pans on the counter. After 7 minutes, I placed my hand on the interior surface of both pans and noticed that the GreenPan was still warmer while the Caraway one wasn’t as warm. Thus, it was evident that GreenPan was better at retaining heat than Caraway.
4. Oven-Safety
Both Caraway and GreenPan cookware are oven safe but their heat threshold varies.
All Caraway cookware is oven-safe up to 550*F. GreenPan cookware oven-safe temperature range between 320*F to 600*F, depending on the collection and type of cookware you are using. This means that while you have a greater variety with GreenPan, you can rest assured that all Caraway pans are 100% oven-safe up to 550*F.
5. Stove Compatibility
If you own an induction stove then you will require cookware that features ferrous metals and properties. Otherwise, ordinary cookware will not function with an induction cooktop.
Luckily, both Caraway and GreenPan cookware are 100% induction ready. Although, only 10 collections of GreenPan can actually work with induction stovetops.
6. Aesthetics
If a cookware looks good in the kitchen, it most certainly feels good too when cooking in it! This is why aesthetics matter. You don’t want to spend your precious money on clunky, heavy, hard-to-store cookware. A balance of aesthetic appeal and durable construction is just the right option.
Both Caraway and GreenPan are praised for their good looks and ability to mesh in well with all kitchen interiors. However, Carway does stand out for its minimalist design and glossy interior finish. It also comes in unique colors, be it pastels or neutral shades. This makes it extremely pleasing to the eye.
7. Affordability
This is undoubtedly the number one determining factor when purchasing cookware. It doesn’t matter how pretty or durable some pots and pans are, if they are above your budget-limit, then you can’t enjoy them in the kitchen.
When it comes to affordability, thanks to the numerous varieties that GreenPan provides, you can always find a single item or a cookware set that is affordable for you. On the other hand, Caraway cookware is a bit more expensive and if you choose to purchase an entire cookware set, then be ready to shell out a lot of money because this beauty doesn’t come cheap.
Pros and Cons: Caraway vs. GreenPan Cookware
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Which is Better: Caraway or GreenPan?
When looking at Caraway vs GreenPan, there is no definitive answer as to which is better. Both brands offer quality nonstick cookware and the choice between them comes down to personal preference. With that said, both have their own advantages when it comes to cooking performance and longevity. Caraway offers a patented Ceramic Non-Stick coating, which is designed to be as strong and durable as possible, while GreenPan offers Thermolon™ technology, a ceramic-based non-stick coating that is said to be safer for your health.
Typical Users of Caraway vs GreenPan
Caraway and GreenPan are both popular brands among home cooks who are looking for high-quality non-stick cookware. However, they each have their own unique target audience. For instance, Caraway typically appeals more to professional chefs, while GreenPan has been gaining traction with amateur cooks due to its range of affordable options.
Price Comparison of Caraway vs. GreenPan
When it comes to price comparison between Caraway and GreenPan, you will find that Caraway tends to be slightly more expensive. This is because their cookware is designed with higher-end materials and features meant for more advanced cooks. On the other hand, GreenPan offers more budget-friendly options that are made from less expensive materials but still feature a solid non-stick coating.
Durability Comparison Between Caraway and GreenPan
When it comes to durability comparison between Caraway and GreenPan, both brands have proven themselves to be reliable when it comes to lasting performance. Caraway has been praised for its patented Ceramic Non-Stick coating which is said to be very durable and longlasting, while GreenPan’s Thermolon™ technology is also known for its strong wear resistance.
FAQs for Caraway Vs. GreenPan Cookware
What is so special about Caraway cookware?
Caraway cookware stands out as it does not use polytetrafluoroethylene (otherwise referred to as Teflon). Its mineral-based ceramic, non-toxic coating does not leach into your food, making it safer to consume. Additionally, Caraway cookware releases 60% less CO2 compared to traditional nonstick cookware.
Can you use olive oil on GreenPan?
Yes, you can use olive oil on GreenPan but try to avoid extra virgin olive oil or oil sprays as they carbonize fairly quickly when your pan is heated and can damage ceramic nonstick coating.
Are GreenPan and Caraway pans dishwasher-safe?
Yes, while all Caraway pans are dishwasher safe and some GreenPan selections are too, it is still recommended that you opt to hand wash these cookware items to enjoy longevity. Harsh chemicals, scorching, and other abrasive sponges can damage the interior layer.
Where is GreenPan and Caraway cookware manufactured?
GreenPan cookware is manufactured in China but it is designed and planned in Belgium where they set all quality control standards for their products as well. Caraway cookware is designed in NY but manufactured in China and India, while also meeting Fair Trade standards.
What are the main differences between Caraway and GreenPan cookware?
The main difference between Caraway and GreenPan cookware lies in their construction. Caraway cookware is made of ceramic-coated stainless steel while GreenPan cookware is constructed from hard anodized aluminum with a non-stick coating.
Does Caraway cookware have a non-stick coating?
No, Caraway cookware does not feature a non-stick coating like GreenPan cookware. Instead, it utilizes a ceramic-based coating which makes the cooking surface more durable and resistant to scratches and staining.
How should Caraway and GreenPan cookware be cleaned?
Caraway cookware can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher, but should only be wiped clean with warm water and a mild detergent. GreenPan cookware should only be wiped clean with a damp cloth and soapy water, as the non-stick coating can be damaged by abrasive cleaners or high temperatures.
Is either brand of cookware dishwasher safe?
Yes, Caraway cookware is dishwasher safe but GreenPan cookware should not be placed in the dishwasher as the non-stick coating could become damaged over time. Handwashing is recommended for both brands of cookware to ensure they last longer.
Which Brand is Better? Our Verdict
Caraway cookware takes the lead for its spectacularly minimalist, eco-friendly design as well as superb conduction and a range of other benefits which make it a top choice for homeowners as well as professional chefs. However, it lacks a variety of construction and this is where GreenPan takes the lead.
Of course, GreenPan also comes with terrific advantages starting with its variety of collections and different designs and colors that you can pick from. It is also more affordable than Caraway.
At the end of the day, Carway takes the final lead but whichever cookware you decide to choose depends entirely on your cooking style and preference.
Top Picks for Caraway Cookware
- Best Egg Pan: Caraway Fry Pan
- Best Multipurpose: Carway Dutch Oven
- Best All-Rounder: Caraway Cookware Set
Top Picks for GreenPan Cookware
- Best All-Rounder: Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 12”
- Best for Simmering: Reserve Ceramic Nonstick 4 QT Pot
- Best for Healthy Cooking: Greenlife Healthy Griddle
