Caraway Half Bakeware Set Review, Tested by Food & Wine

A few signs indicate you’ve struck gold with a non-toxic cookware purchase. Some people tell everyone they know to buy it immediately. Others plan their weekly menu around it. For me, it’s when I’m willing to wash it multiple times each week to reuse it instead of resorting to other pans sitting clean in my cabinets. That’s how I knew I’d found my favorite non-toxic ceramic bakeware collection in Caraway’s Half Bakeware Set. 

Comprised of two different-sized baking sheets, a cupcake tin, and a baking dish, this comprehensive collection has wooed me so much that I’ve tossed my other bakeware. I rely on this small but mighty set to bake everything from cupcakes and cookies to wings and lasagna recipes. 

How I Use Caraway’s Bakeware Set

Don’t be fooled by the name. Caraway’s Half Bakeware Set isn’t just for baking. I only use this collection for baking tasks about 30% of the time. The five pieces in this set include a 10-inch medium baking sheet, a 13-inch large baking sheet, a 9-inch rectangle pan, a 10-inch muffin pan, and a convenient cabinet organizer. This set is the epitome of flexible, function-forward cookware that looks great. They’re the ideal size for any kitchen and come in seven stylish colorways, so finding a set that perfectly coordinates with your favorite cookware set is a cinch. 

When I first purchased this set, I lived in a small New York City apartment and ate out several times a week, so function wasn’t necessarily the first thing on my mind. I got lucky, though; Caraway’s collection has proven to be a workhorse in my kitchen, where I now cook no less than seven dinners a week with my two toddlers. I constantly turn to the small baking sheet to roast veggies for our main meal, while the rectangle baking pan is my go-to for everything from roasted chicken breast to baked ziti. I use it similarly to a casserole dish for weeknight pasta dishes. Regardless of what’s on the menu for the week, I know that at least one of my Caraway pans can tackle it with finesse — and that I won’t have to worry about an uneven cook, burnt edges, or scrubbing a pan clean for hours after we eat.

What I Love About Caraway’s Bakeware Set

I won’t mince words: I chose this set initially because of its gorgeous aesthetic. And it’s true — this has to be one of the most stunning baking tools out there. Each piece is glazed on the exterior with your choice of seven chic colors and on the interior with a ceramic nonstick coating, then finished with wide stainless steel handles. The only thing better than how they look is how these pieces perform in my daily cooking and baking. 

When I say that I’ve never had anything stick to these pans, I mean it. Caraway’s nonstick coating is the real deal, and I love that it’s free of harmful chemicals and toxins (think PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, and heavy metals), so I can cook for my family worry-free. I’ve also found that quality nonstick cookware helps me minimize the amount of oil or butter I use to cook.

The Tests

In case you didn’t want to shop based on my recommendation alone, know this: Caraway’s products are a favorite here at Food & Wine and top performers in our tests. Most notably, we put the brand’s large baking sheet (which comes in this collection!) to the test during our hunt for the best cookie sheets, where it won top honors as the best pick for savory bites. We loved how well it performed with savory food items, like roasted potatoes or veggies, thanks to the sloped rim that contained everything.

Other great buys include Caraway’s Ceramic Fry Pan which aced our tests of the best frying pans, and their Ceramic Cookware Set, which landed at the top of the pack during our non-toxic cookware and ceramic sets tests. Across our tests, we were impressed with the nonstick coating of every piece and noted how easy cleanup was. 

The Caveats

I have very few complaints about my Caraway Half Bakeware set, but there are a few things you should consider before buying it. Like all nonstick cookware, these pans should not be cleaned in the dishwasher to preserve and maintain their effectiveness. I’ve been pretty good at drawing that boundary and washing them exclusively by hand, but there have been a few occasions where I’ve noticed my husband sneak them into the dishwasher after a busy night. The same preventative attitude also applies to pairing kitchen utensils with these pieces. You’ll want to steer clear of using anything metal or (gasp!) cutting on the pans, lest you end up with scratches and a ceramic coating that’s been worn away. My advice is to stick to soft silicone spatulas or wooden kitchen utensils.

Beyond that, it’s also worth noting that this collection is pricey at just under $300. I still think it’s a great value for what you get regarding quality and quantity, but it may be more than you want to spend if you’re not a frequent home cook. Add it to your home baker wishlist and keep your eyes peeled for sales, which happen frequently.  

Tips and Tricks

• Use less cooking fat like olive oil or butter than you think you’ll need. You can always finish with the perfect drizzle later. These pans are nonstick, so the only thing you’ll end up doing is making your food extra greasy. 
• Store your bakeware set in the brand’s handy storage organizer, which comes with your purchase. Not only will it keep things from spiraling into chaos within your kitchen cabinets, but it will also prevent the pans from rubbing up against each other, which can result in chips or scratches on the finish. 
• Stick to using wooden, silicone, or nylon cooking utensils on these pans, which will help you maintain the nonstick coating.
• When using these pans in the oven, keep your heat below 550°F to avoid damaging the pans or the ceramic coating. 

The Verdict

Caraway’s Half Bakeware Set is a worthy splurge and one I’d recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their bakeware or pare down their collection to only the essentials. For most home cooks, the four pieces in this collection are enough to carry you through any recipe on your weekly to-do list. If you’re a frequent home baker, you can even consider splurging on the Full Bakeware Set, which adds in other nice-to-haves like a cooling rack, square pan, loaf pan, and round cake pan. No matter which you choose, one thing is for certain: You’ll join me in wondering how you ever lived without it.

Our Expertise

Alyssa Longobucco is a writer, editor, and stylist with expertise in kitchen product reviews and interior design. She has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry creating unique and innovative content for brands like Food & Wine, Food52, and Good Housekeeping.