The core difference between Caraway and Made In cookware lies in their materials and target audience. Caraway offers stylish, non-toxic ceramic non-stick pans aimed at design-conscious home cooks who prioritize aesthetics and easy cleanup. Made In provides professional-grade stainless steel and carbon steel cookware for serious home chefs who demand high performance, precise heat control, and lifelong durability.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which cookware brand is the right investment for your kitchen.
Caraway Cookware
Caraway is a modern, direct-to-consumer brand known for turning kitchen essentials into statement pieces. Their cookware is celebrated for its non-toxic ceramic coating and Instagram-worthy design, available in a palette of vibrant, contemporary colors. It's designed to make cooking simpler and safer for the everyday home cook, with a focus on a fantastic non-stick surface and easy cleaning.
- What it is: A line of non-toxic, ceramic-coated aluminum cookware that emphasizes style and healthy cooking materials.
- Key features: Ceramic non-stick coating free of PTFE and PFOA, oven safe up to 550°F, includes complimentary magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder for easy storage.
- Price: Individual pans are $95-$125, the full Cookware Set is $395.
- Style: Minimalist, modern, and colorful. Available in a range of on-trend colors like Perracotta, Sage, and Navy.
- Materials/Construction: An aluminum core for even heating coated with a smooth, non-toxic ceramic non-stick layer.
- Pros: Aesthetically beautiful design adds style to any kitchen. The non-stick surface works exceptionally well and is easy to clean. Made from materials free of harmful chemicals. Comes with a great storage solution.
- Cons: The ceramic coating's longevity can be an issue - it requires careful handling with non-metal utensils to avoid scratching. The non-stick performance fades over time more quickly than traditional cookware lasts.
Caraway is the perfect choice for the home cook who values kitchen aesthetics, non-toxic materials, and the convenience of effortless cleanup for daily meals.
Shop this product: carawayhome.com
Made In Cookware
Made In is a premium brand that brings professional-grade kitchen tools to home cooks. Collaborating with multi-generational factories in the US, France, and Italy, Made In focuses on high-performance materials like 5-ply stainless clad and high-carbon steel. Their cookware is built to last a lifetime and is trusted by numerous Michelin-starred chefs for its durability, heat control, and superior cooking results.
- What it is: Professional-quality cookware available in various materials, with a flagship line of 5-ply stainless steel.
- Key features: Multi-clad metal construction for excellent heat retention, stay-cool handles, oven-safe to 800°F (stainless), wide range of specialty pan shapes and sizes.
- Price: Individual pans typically start at $100+. The Stainless Set starts at $495.
- Style: Timeless, sleek, and professional. The aesthetic is focused on function and quality materials, not trendy colors.
- Materials/Construction: Primarily 5-ply 18/10 stainless steel, carbon steel, and some non-stick options with PFOA-free coatings.
- Pros: Extremely durable and designed to last a lifetime. Offers superior heat retention, distribution, and responsiveness. Can handle incredibly high heat, perfect for searing. Trusted by professional chefs around the world.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Stainless steel requires a learning curve to prevent food from sticking. Heavier than aluminum-core cookware and demands more effort to keep clean and polished.
The Made In collection is for passionate home cooks who see their cookware as a long-term investment in performance and durability.
Shop this product: madeincookware.com
Caraway vs. Made In Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most critical difference. Caraway uses an aluminum core praised for its light weight and quick, even heating, completely coated in a slick ceramic non-stick layer. This construction is perfect for delicate foods like eggs and fish, guaranteeing an easy release and simple cleanup.
Made In's flagship cookware is built from 5 layers of metal, including a thick aluminum core clad in durable stainless steel. This technique creates indestructible pans with outstanding heat retention and control. While non-stick requires proper technique (preheating the pan and using fat), it allows for a superior sear and fond development that non-stick surfaces can't replicate.
Durability & Maintenance
Made In is the clear winner on durability. Its stainless steel construction is designed to withstand decades of heavy use, including high heat, metal utensils, and rigorous cleaning. It’s a "buy it for life" product. Cleaning requires a bit of technique to maintain its shine, but the pan itself is a workhorse.
Caraway's ceramic coating is its weakest point in terms of longevity. While beautiful and effective initially, all non-stick coatings inevitably degrade with use. To maximize its lifespan, you must avoid metal utensils, high heat, cooking sprays, and dishwashers. It is more of a high-performance consumable than a lifetime investment.
Style & Aesthetics
Style is where Caraway excels. With a curated palette of modern colors, their pans are designed to be displayed on your stovetop or open shelves. The look is chic, minimalist, and highly photogenic, making them a popular choice for those who view their kitchen as an extension of their home's decor.
Made In offers a classic, professional aesthetic. The polished stainless steel is timeless and performance-focused, looking perfectly at home in a serious restaurant kitchen or a modern home kitchen. It communicates function and quality over color or trendiness.
Price & Value
While neither brand is cheap, Caraway is more accessible. A full set is typically around $395. It offers good value for someone who wants an all-in-one upgrade that is non-toxic, looks great, and is easy to use right out of the box.
Made In is a premium investment, with sets often starting near $500 and individual pans easily clearing $100. The value proposition is in its longevity. You are buying a tool that will likely never need to be replaced, which can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to replacing non-stick pans every few years.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookware brands are excellent, but they appeal to very different cooks and priorities.
Choose Caraway if:
- You prioritize a non-toxic cooking surface free of chemicals like PFOA and PTFE.
- Kitchen aesthetics are important to you, and you love cookware in modern colors.
- Effortless cleanup is a top priority, a simple wipe-down is all you want to do.
- You primarily cook low-to-medium heat meals, like eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish.
- You want a complete, matching set with a simple, out-of-the-box storage solution.
Choose Made In if:
- You are a passionate home cook looking for professional-level performance and results.
- Durability and a "buy it for life" investment are more important than a non-stick coating.
- You want to achieve perfect searing on steaks, chicken, and vegetables.
- You're willing to learn and master the techniques for cooking on stainless steel.
- Versatility is key - you want pans that can go from the stovetop to an 800°F oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Caraway and Made In?
The main difference is material and purpose. Caraway is non-toxic, ceramic non-stick cookware designed for ease of use and aesthetics. Made In is professional-grade stainless steel cookware built for high-performance cooking and lifetime durability.
Is Caraway cookware really non-toxic?
Yes. Caraway's ceramic coating is made without Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), lead, or cadmium, making it a safe choice for health-conscious consumers.
Is Made In cookware non-stick?
Made In's flagship cookware is stainless steel, which is not non-stick. It requires proper preheating and the use of cooking oil or fat to prevent sticking. However, they do offer a separate line of high-quality traditional PFOA-free non-stick pans as well.
Which brand is better for a beginner cook?
Caraway is generally better for beginners. Its forgiving non-stick surface makes cooking and cleanup very simple, allowing new cooks to build confidence without worrying about food sticking and burning.
Can you use metal utensils on Caraway pans?
No. You should only use silicone, nylon, or wooden utensils on Caraway pans. Metal tools will easily scratch and damage the ceramic non-stick coating, shortening its lifespan.
How long does the Caraway non-stick surface last?
With proper care (hand washing, low-to-medium heat, no metal utensils), the non-stick properties can last for 1-3 years of regular use. Like all non-stick coatings, it will eventually wear down and need to be replaced.
Can I put Caraway and Made In pans in the dishwasher?
While an occasional pass is possible, Caraway strongly recommends hand washing to protect and extend the life of the ceramic coating. Made In's stainless steel cookware is fully dishwasher safe, though hand washing will better maintain its original polished look over time.
Which cookware has better heat retention and control?
Made In has far superior heat retention, distribution, and control. Its 5-ply stainless steel construction is specifically engineered for this, making it ideal for cooking that requires precise temperatures, like searing meat or making delicate sauces.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
