The GreenPan Nova and Caraway cookware lines both offer non-toxic ceramic non-stick surfaces, but they differ significantly in design, price, and target audience. Caraway is a premium, direct-to-consumer brand known for its stylish, minimalist aesthetic and coordinated sets, while GreenPan Nova is a more budget-friendly and accessible option focused on practical, everyday performance.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which non-toxic cookware brand is the right choice for your kitchen and cooking style.
GreenPan Nova Cookware
GreenPan is a well-known brand that helped pioneer non-toxic ceramic non-stick cookware. The Nova collection is one of its flagship lines, offering practical, lightweight, and versatile pots and pans designed for everyday cooking. It's a popular choice for health-conscious home cooks who want reliable performance without a premium price tag.
- What it is: A collection of non-toxic ceramic non-stick aluminum cookware known for its affordability and being free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
- Key features: Lightweight aluminum construction for fast and even heating, durable ceramic non-stick coating, compatible with all stovetops including induction.
- Price: Individual pieces start around $50, with full sets costing between $150 and $300.
- Style: Modern and functional. The design prioritizes performance over aesthetics, with simple lines and common kitchen colors like black and navy.
- Materials/Construction: The cookware is built on a lightweight aluminum body that ensures quick and even heat distribution. It features a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating.
- Pros: More affordable than many competitors. Widely available online and in retail stores. Proven track record in non-toxic cookware. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: The non-stick coating may not be as long-lasting as premium alternatives. The aesthetic is more basic and less focused on design cohesion.
GreenPan Nova is an excellent choice for budget-conscious cooks or anyone who needs durable, non-toxic pans for daily meals without investing in a high-end set.
Shop this product: https://www.greenpan.us/
Caraway Cookware
Caraway has quickly become famous in the direct-to-consumer space for its beautifully designed, non-toxic ceramic cookware. With a minimalist Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, the brand targets style-conscious consumers who want a matching set of high-performing cookware that also doubles as kitchen decor. Their sets are known for thoughtful details like included storage organizers.
- What it is: A premium, design-forward cookware set featuring a non-toxic ceramic surface that is free of PTFE and other harmful chemicals.
- Key features: Sold primarily in complete sets, comes with a pan rack and lid storage solution, durable ceramic coating over an aluminum core, minimalist design.
- Price: Complete sets are typically priced between $395 and $495.
- Style: Minimalist and contemporary. The matte finish and cohesive color palette (including cream, navy, terracotta, and gray) are Instagram-famous and designed to be displayed.
- Materials/Construction: The pans have an aluminum core for even heating, finished with a mineral-based ceramic non-stick coating. Handles are stainless steel.
- Pros: Exceptionally stylish design with attractive color options. Non-stick surface is very effective and durable. Sets come with proprietary storage solutions. Great for a cohesive kitchen look.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than other options. Primarily sold in sets, making it difficult to buy individual pieces. Heavier than the GreenPan alternatives.
This brand is ideal for those who prioritize aesthetic appeal just as much as cooking performance and are willing to invest in a complete, cohesive kitchen set.
Shop this product: https://www.carawayhome.com/
GreenPan Nova vs. Caraway Comparison
Price & Value
There is a clear price difference between these two brands. GreenPan Nova is positioned as an affordable entry into non-toxic cookware, with sets often available for under $300. This provides excellent value for someone who needs a full set on a budget or simply wants to replace a single pan.
In contrast, Caraway operates in a premium bracket, with its signature cookware set retailing for around $395. While more expensive, the value comes from the superior design, cohesive aesthetic, long-lasting coating, and the convenient storage organizers included with a full set. It is an investment in both function and kitchen style.
Quality & Materials
Both brands use a similar foundation: an aluminum core for effective heat distribution and a non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating. They both promise surfaces free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, making them a safe choice for healthy cooking. However, Caraway's products generally have a more substantial, heavier feel, which contributes to a perception of higher quality and better heat retention. User reports suggest Caraway's coating may be slightly more durable over the long term, though proper care is essential for both brands.
Style & Aesthetic
This is where Caraway truly stands out. Its minimalist aesthetic, thoughtful matte color palette, and polished stainless steel handles are designed to be seen. If you have open shelving or just want your cookware to complement a modern kitchen design, Caraway is the obvious winner. Their pots and pans look like they belong in a design magazine.
GreenPan Nova has a much more traditional and functional appearance. Its look is clean and modern but utilitarian. It's designed to cook with and be stored in a cabinet, not necessarily to be the centerpiece of your kitchen decor. It focuses on practicality over presentation.
Shopping Experience
GreenPan Nova is highly accessible, sold through its own website as well as major online retailers like Amazon and physical stores like Bed Bath & Beyond. This makes it easy to find discounts, read a wide range of reviews, and purchase individual items as needed.
Caraway offers a curated, direct-to-consumer experience through its own beautiful website. The brand focuses on storytelling and educating customers about non-toxic materials. While it can now be found at some other retailers like Crate & Barrel, the main experience is designed to be streamlined and focused on their flagship set.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both GreenPan Nova and Caraway deliver great-quality non-toxic cookware, but they serve different priorities in the kitchen.
Choose GreenPan Nova if:
- You're on a tighter budget and want great value.
- You need to buy individual pans rather than a full set.
- Practicality and performance are more important to you than style.
- You prefer lightweight cookware that is easy to handle.
Choose Caraway if:
- Kitchen aesthetic and design are top priorities for you.
- You want a complete, coordinated cookware set.
- You can invest more in premium materials with a heavier, more substantial feel.
- You would benefit from the included cookware and lid storage organizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between GreenPan Nova and Caraway?
The main difference is design and price. Caraway is a premium, design-focused brand with a minimalist aesthetic and a higher price point. GreenPan Nova is a more affordable, workhorse brand focused on practical, everyday, non-toxic cooking.
Are both Caraway and GreenPan considered non-toxic?
Yes, both brands have built their reputation on being non-toxic. Their ceramic coatings are free from potentially harmful chemicals like PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium that can be found in traditional non-stick pans.
Which cookware is more durable?
Both brands produce durable cookware, but Caraway's heavier weight and premium coating give it a slight edge in perceived long-term durability. To maximize the life of any ceramic non-stick pan, avoid metal utensils, high heat, and abrasive cleaning pads.
Can you use metal utensils on these pans?
No, it's not recommended. To protect the ceramic non-stick surface, you should use wood, silicone, or nylon utensils for both GreenPan Nova and Caraway cookware.
Are GreenPan Nova and Caraway oven-safe?
Yes, both are oven-safe, though their temperature limits differ slightly by product line. The GreenPan Nova pans are generally oven-safe to around 320°F (160°C). Caraway cookware is typically oven-safe up to 550°F (288°C), giving it much more versatility for recipes that go from stovetop to oven.
Which brand is better for induction cooktops?
Both GreenPan Nova and Caraway cookware collections are designed to be compatible with all common stovetops, including gas, electric, and induction. Both will perform well on induction surfaces.
Is Caraway cookware worth the high price?
If aesthetics, a cohesive set, and included storage solutions are important to you, then Caraway can absolutely be worth the investment. However, if you are looking purely for non-toxic cooking performance on a budget, GreenPan offers better value.
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.
