Caraway Cast Iron Cookware Review: Our Dietitians Put It To The Test

I grew up cooking almost exclusively with cast iron. My dad has a knack for finding vintage cast iron cookware pieces at yard sales and flea markets and for bringing the rusty treasures back to life. I still cook with cast iron daily because I love how well it retains heat and cooks food evenly. And I love how sturdy it is and the fact that it’s naturally non-toxic.

But what I don’t love is having to season and re-season it every time I use it. Which is why I’m really drawn to enameled cast iron cookware these days as a busy working mom of teenagers. You get all the non-toxic benefits of cast iron without having to season the pans before use and they’re a breeze to clean. 

I’m not the only one on our team that loves cast iron though so our team recently put the enameled cast iron cookware from Caraway to the test in our own kitchens and here’s what we think of it.

This post was created in partnership with Caraway Cookware.

Our Verdict

The Caraway enameled cast iron cookware is well-made, has a stylish modern look, and is easy to use. We love that it does not require seasoning before or after use, goes from stove to oven, is compatible with gas, electric, and induction ranges, and easy to clean. Plus, the colors are stunning ranging from everyday neutrals to jewel tones and a whimsical light blue. 

The pans, if cared for properly, should last a lifetime. While we love them for daily use to feed our families, testing recipes and for preparing dishes for photos and videos. They do, however, take some time to get used to cooking with if you’re new to cast iron cooking. And they’re heavier than non-cast iron cookware so those with limited hand or wrist strength may find them more difficult to use. 

But overall, we think they’re a great choice for anyone looking to ditch their chemical-laden pans and move into the world of non-toxic cookware. 

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
We love the superior heat retention and even cooking.	These pans are heavy which may make it difficult for those with limited hand or wrist strength to use.
Compatible with gas, electric, and induction ranges. Oven safe up to 500℉.	We found that the handles and lids can become hot when in use on the stovetop with higher heat cooking and when used in the oven  necessitating hot pads or oven mitts.
The non-toxic, non-porous, non-reactive enameled cooking surfaces are a huge selling point for us.	This cookware requires use of wooden or silicone utensils to protect their enamel surfaces.
We love that it’s free from forever chemicals such as PFAS, PTFE, and PFOA and heavy metals. Plus made with recycled materials.	Being free from all the things adds to the cost of manufacturing so this cookware is more expensive than typical pots and pans.

Is Enameled Cast Iron Better Than Regular Cast Iron?

We can’t say it’s ‘better’, it’s just different. However, from an ease of use and cleaning perspective, we think it’s great for every cook – from beginners to experts. While both offer superior heat retention and distribution, enameled cast iron does not require seasoning before or after use which makes cast iron cooking much more appealing and approachable for many people. 

One of our favorite things about this cast iron cookware in addition to it being non-toxic and easy to care for is its durability. It is crafted for the modern busy home which means it’s meant to be used now and for generations to come. You may think that sounds crazy but I still cook with my great-grandmother’s cast iron skillet nearly everyday. I love cooking with my Caraway enameled cast iron pieces knowing that someday my daughters will do so too. 

We also love that the Caraway enameled cast iron cookware is available in 6 gorgeous colors to complement your kitchen aesthetic: 

• Cream
• Midnight Blue
• Gray
• Charcoal
• Light Mist
• Rust

Is This Cookware Non-Toxic?

Like the ceramic non-stick cookware Caraway makes, these pans are made without the use of forever chemicals. Enameled cast iron cookware is free of:

• PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene (commonly known a Teflon)
• PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic acid (health risks include cancer and hormone disruption)
• PFAS – Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (group of manufactured chemicals linked to an increase in cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system suppression)
• Lead
• Hexavalent chromium
• Phthalates (used in manufacturing plastics and may have the potential to disrupt hormones and potentiate reproductive health and development issues)
• Cadmium (a toxic heavy metal that may increase risk for cancer and organ system damage)
• Mercury (a known neurotoxin that can cause tremors, altered nerve responses, and emotional changes)
• Antimony (chronic exposure may have negative effects on the kidneys, blood, and liver plus respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, and the digestive tract)

As mom’s and health-conscious active women, we’re particularly drawn to this aspect of the cookware. We go to great lengths to feed our families nutritious meals and love knowing that the cookware we use to do so isn’t adding to the overall toxic burden on our bodies.

What Do You Get In A Caraway Cast Iron Set?

The 8-piece enameled Cast iron set includes:

• 3.5-quart Braiser
• 6.5-quart Dutch oven
• 10.5-inch Grill pan
• 10.5-inch Skillet
• Domed lid that is compatible with the Braiser Dutch Oven, and Skillet
• Flat lid that is compatible with the Braiser Dutch Oven, and Skillet
• 2 Birch Wood Storage Organizers to keep your cast iron pans and kitchen tidy

What We Love About This Cookware

Thanks to the triple layer of non-toxic enamel coating there is no need for seasoning before or after use to help us save time in the kitchen. We loved that we could literally unbox our cookware, give it a quick wash and put it to use right away. Plus the modern styling and stunning colors make the cookware pretty enough to leave out on display. 

In addition to being everyday workhorses in the kitchen and free from “forever chemicals” like PFAS, PTFE, lead, and more, we appreciate the superior craftsmanship and the fact that they’re built to last a lifetime. 

Where To Buy Caraway Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Caraway enameled cast iron cookware is available direct-to-you and exclusively at CarawayHome.com. There you’ll also find their popular ceramic-coated cookware and bakeware in addition to other kitchen essentials such as their popular food storage collection (we love those, too). You can get 10% off when you shop using our link and code (DIETITIANS).

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This is a sponsored post. Although we received compensation for this post, the opinions expressed here are – as always – 100% our own. Thank you for supporting the great companies we work with thereby allowing us to continue creating high-quality recipes and content for you.