Caraway is known for its stylish, non-toxic ceramic-coated cookware that comes in a variety of modern, muted colors. In contrast, Equal Parts focuses on durable, heirloom-quality cast iron and stainless steel with a more timeless, rustic aesthetic. The primary difference lies in materials and style: Caraway offers stylish, easy-to-clean non-stick surfaces, while Equal Parts delivers exceptional heat retention and longevity through traditional materials.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right cookware for your kitchen.
Caraway: The Modern, Non-Toxic Choice
Caraway is a direct-to-consumer brand that has captured the attention of home cooks with its design-forward, functional, and eco-friendly cookware. Their signature ceramic non-stick coating is free of toxins like PTFE and PFOA, appealing to health-conscious consumers. The brand offers curated sets and individual pieces that not only perform well but also look beautiful on a stovetop, targeting a millennial and Gen Z audience that values both aesthetics and clean living.
- Product mix: Complete cookware sets, fry pans, sauté pans, saucepans, and Dutch ovens. They also offer bakeware, prep sets, and kitchen linens.
- Style/vibe: Minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired with a distinct color palette featuring muted tones like Sage, Terracotta, and Navy. The design is sleek, modern, and highly Instagrammable.
- Price point: Mid-to-premium. An individual Fry Pan is around $95, while their main cookware set with storage solutions costs about $595.
- Quality & Materials: Aluminum core for fast and even heating, coated with a non-toxic, mineral-based ceramic non-stick surface. Pieces are oven-safe up to 550°F and induction-compatible.
- Sustainability: Caraway ships products in recyclable, low-waste packaging without any single-use plastics, and their manufacturing process releases less CO2 compared to traditional non-stick coatings.
- Return policy: Offers a 30-day trial period, allowing customers to try the cookware at home and return it for a full refund if not satisfied.
- Delivery: Free shipping is typically offered on qualified orders within the continental US.
Caraway is an excellent choice for those seeking incredibly stylish and user-friendly cookware with a commitment to non-toxic materials and sustainable practices.
Shop Caraway: carawayhome.com
Equal Parts: The Durable, Heirloom-Quality Option
Equal Parts caters to home cooks who appreciate the craftsmanship and longevity of traditional materials. The brand emphasizes simplicity, offering durable and versatile cookware made from classic cast iron and stainless steel. Equal Parts is built for consumers who see their kitchen tools as a long-term investment and appreciate cookware that improves with age and can be passed down through generations.
- Product mix: Cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, griddles, and stainless steel saucepans and stock pots.
- Style/vibe: Rustic, timeless, and traditional. The focus is on natural finishes and a rugged, functional aesthetic that suits farmhouse, industrial, or classic kitchen decor.
- Price point: Affordable to mid-range. Individual cast iron pieces can start around $50, while sets are generally under $300, offering fantastic value.
- Quality & Materials: Specializes in high-quality cast iron, which offers superior heat retention and distribution, and durable stainless steel for its non-reactive and bulletproof nature. The cast iron comes pre-seasoned.
- Sustainability: Focuses on longevity and durability to reduce consumer waste. By creating heirloom-quality products, they encourage a "buy it once" mentality over disposable alternatives.
- Shopping Experience: Their site focuses on educating customers on how to use and care for their cookware, offering seasoning tips, recipes, and robust support to help extend the life of their products.
Equal Parts is the go-to for serious home cooks who want dependable, high-performance cookware that is built to withstand decades of heavy use.
Shop Equal Parts: equalparts.com
Caraway vs. Equal Parts Comparison
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, Equal Parts is the more accessible option. Individual pieces can be found for as little as $50, and comprehensive sets rarely exceed $300. This positions the brand as a high-value choice for anyone wanting professional-grade materials without a luxury price tag.
Caraway falls into the mid-to-premium category. An individual pan costs close to $100, and their signature four-piece set costs around $595, reflecting its stylish design, non-toxic positioning, and direct-to-consumer marketing. While more expensive, the price often includes handy storage solutions and a 30-day trial period.
Style & Aesthetic
The aesthetic differences between these two brands are stark. Caraway is all about modern, minimalist design. Its elegant shapes and designer color palette are made to be displayed, fitting perfectly in contemporary or Scandinavian-style kitchens. Each piece is a statement.
Equal Parts leans into a timeless, rustic look. The raw, natural finishes of its cast iron and the classic sheen of its stainless steel are versatile, complementing everything from a cozy farmhouse kitchen to a practical industrial space. The focus here is less on trend-driven color and more on timeless function.
Quality & Construction
Caraway uses an aluminum core for its cookware, which allows for light weight and quick, even heating. Its main feature is the mineral-based ceramic non-stick coating, which is incredibly slick and easy to clean. This coating is great for cooking delicate foods like eggs and fish but may require careful handling with non-metal utensils to maintain its integrity long-term.
Equal Parts opts for cast iron and stainless steel, two heavy-duty materials lauded for their durability. Cast iron is unmatched in heat retention, making it ideal for searing steaks and slow-braising. Stainless steel is a kitchen workhorse, resistant to rust, corrosion, and high heat. While cast iron requires maintenance (seasoning), it's nearly indestructible and can last a lifetime.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both brands prioritize sustainability, though they approach it differently. Caraway focuses on non-toxic materials and clean manufacturing, emitting up to 60% less CO2 than traditional non-stick producers. Their commitment extends to plastic-free, recyclable packaging for every order.
Equal Parts' sustainability story is rooted in longevity. By creating cookware that can be used for generations, the brand combats the throwaway culture common with less-durable non-stick pans. Their focus is on building items designed to last, which is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption and waste.
Shopping Experience
Shopping with Caraway feels modern and streamlined. Their website is visually appealing and easy to navigate, with a focus on product aesthetics. The 30-day "no questions asked" free trial provides a significant confidence boost for shoppers who are hesitant about the investment.
The Equal Parts website is more focused on education and craftsmanship. It provides customers with detailed guides on how to properly season, clean, and use their cookware to ensure it performs at its best for years. This emphasis on care and maintenance empowers users to get the most from their purchase.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to your personal cooking style, kitchen aesthetic, and priorities. Both brands offer high-quality products but cater to different types of home cooks.
Choose Caraway if:
- You prioritize having a non-toxic cooking surface free from chemicals.
- You want incredibly easy-to-clean, non-stick cookware for everyday meals.
- Your kitchen has a modern, minimalist, or contemporary aesthetic.
- You appreciate trendy color options and want cookware that looks like decor.
Choose Equal Parts if:
- You value durability and want cookware that will last a lifetime (or longer).
- You love a good sear on a steak and value the superior heat retention of cast iron.
- You prefer a more timeless, rustic, or farmhouse kitchen style.
- Your budget is a key consideration, and you're looking for the best performance-for-price value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caraway or Equal Parts cheaper?
Equal Parts is significantly more affordable than Caraway. Individual pieces from Equal Parts start around $50, while Caraway's equivalents are closer to $95. For full sets, Equal Parts typically costs under $300, whereas Caraway's main set is around $595.
Which brand has better quality cookware?
Quality is subjective here, as both excel in different ways. Caraway's quality is in its effective non-toxic, non-stick coating and modern design. Equal Parts' quality is in the raw durability and performance of its materials - cast iron and stainless steel - which are designed to last for generations.
Are Caraway pans actually non-toxic?
Yes. Caraway uses a mineral-based ceramic coating that is free from potentially harmful chemicals like Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), and other PFAs often found in traditional non-stick coatings.
Is Equal Parts cookware hard to maintain?
The stainless steel pieces are very low-maintenance. The cast iron requires a bit more care, including proper seasoning to build up a natural non-stick layer and avoiding soap or harsh scrubbing. However, Equal Parts provides extensive guides to make this learning process easier.
Which cookware lasts longer?
With proper care, Equal Parts cookware, particularly the cast iron, will last significantly longer. Cast iron is known for being an heirloom-quality material that stands up to decades of use. Ceramic non-stick coatings like Caraway's have a finite lifespan and will eventually lose their non-stick properties over several years.
Which brand is better for a beginner cook?
Caraway is likely a better choice for beginners. Its effortless non-stick surface is very forgiving, making it easy to cook without food sticking, and cleanup is extremely simple. The learning curve for cast iron maintenance might be a hurdle for some new cooks.
Do both brands work on induction stovetops?
Yes. Caraway cookware has a stainless steel base plate, making it compatible with all stovetops, including induction. Equal Parts' cast iron and stainless steel are also naturally compatible with induction cooktops.
What are the main aesthetic differences between Caraway and Equal Parts?
The main difference is modern versus classic. Caraway is known for its sleek lines and trendy, muted color palette that functions as kitchen decor. Equal Parts has a more traditional, rugged aesthetic with natural finishes that emphasize the material's rustic charm.
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