Deciding between Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0?
I get it, it’s confusing, there are so many similarities between them. They’re both 2 of the newer players in the Direct to Consumer cookware category. Both offer ceramic based nonstick cookware. Both even look kinda similar, with their sleek, colorful designs. Which gives rise to a series of questions:
Which one performs better?
Which one is more durable?
Which one is more versatile?
And how to choose between them?
This review of Caraway vs Always Pan will help!
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What are they made of?
Both cookware are made of heavy aluminum and feel solid to hold.
While Always Pan doesn’t specify, Caraway cookware is very intentional about stating that they use plain aluminum and not anodized aluminum.
The process of anodizing aluminum, as per their CEO Jordan Nathan, is a “nasty manufacturing process” and they don’t support it.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What’s the Product Offering?
Caraway Cookware comes in a full 4-piece set. It includes:
- 10.5” Fry Pan
- 3 QT Sauce Pan w/ Lid
- 5 QT Dutch Oven w/ Lid
- 5 QT Sauté Pan w/ Lid
- 4 Magnetic Pan Racks
- Canvas Lid Holder w/ Hooks
The beauty of this set is that it includes pretty much everything you could need for all your cooking needs. Plus it comes with accessories for organizing your kitchen and cookware!
Our Place’s Always Pan 2.0 is a single pan, positioned as a 10-in-1 cooking system.
Is Always Pan 2.0 really 10-in-1? We put it to the test and found that it does have the functionality of 10 individual pieces of cookware. And even more if you get their add on accessories.
However, practically speaking, if you need to cook multiple things at the same time, it doesn’t matter if the pan is 10-in-1. You can only use it for one thing at a time.
Additionally, I cook for a family of 4, so the quantities tend to be larger than say a 1-2 person household for which the Always Pan 2.0 would be ideal.
For this reason, I prefer the versatility of Caraways’ full set.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What’s in the nonstick?
Caraway Cookware has a proprietary ceramic nonstick coating. It is PTFE and PFOA free and applied in 2-3 layers.
Always Pan 2.0 is coated with Thermakind™ ceramic nonstick coating (also proprietary). It is also PTFE and PFOA free and applied in a single layer.
A bit about the layers.
Ceramic nonstick coatings are generally applied as a single layer over metal using a ‘sol-gel’ technique.
When I first interviewed Caraway cookware, they initially said their cookware has 3 layers of ceramic nonstick coating. When I later reached out again, they simply confirmed that their cookware has ‘more’ layers of ceramic coating than other ceramic coated pans out there, without commenting on the number of layers.
Either ways, assuming Always Pan 2.0 has the industry standard of a single layer, Caraway cookware has 1 to 2 additional layers of coatings.
What does this mean for you? It means that:
Caraway nonstick is potentially more durable and longer lasting.
More about the nonstick’ durability below.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Style & Look
Caraway Cookware comes in a sleek, stylish, ‘show off’ worthy design.
It’s available in 11 colors.
It is coated with ceramic on both the inside and outside.
The outside has a glossy finish.
Always Pan 2.0 is also very stylish. It’s considered ‘Instagram famous’ for its appearance.
Comes in 6 standard colors and another 6 limited time options.
It is also ceramic coated inside and out. The outside has a matte, textured finish.
Both Caraway and Always Pan 2.0 offer equally good looking pieces of cookware
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Handles
Caraway Cookware handles are made of stainless steel.
They are riveted to the pans. This means they won’t loosen or come off. They’re rounded and feel comfortable and secure in the hand
Always Pan 2.0 handles are also stainless steel and this is an improvement over their first version that used plastic.
Always Pan 2.0’s handles are screwed on to the pans. The main fear with screws versus riveted handles is there’s a higher chance of them coming loose over time.
The handles are a boxy squared design. There’s a reason for it though. Always Pan 2.0 comes with a wooden spatula that nests perfectly on the handle and for that, it needs a flat surface.
I prefer the more ergonomic, rounded design of Caraway Cookware handles.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Lids
Caraway Cookware lids are made of cast aluminum, with stainless steel handles.
They have a small steam vent and an interlocking design which allows them to sit securely on the pans.
Always Pan 2.0 lid is made of recycled aluminum, just like the body of the pan. It comes in a dome-shaped, modular design. The domed shape adds a versatility to the pan. E.g. it allows you to fit a full chicken in there and use it as a roasting pan. It also allows you to lock in steam when you need it or release it when you don’t (example when you’re braising something).
No preference here, each has lids that complement the cookware.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Oven Safe?
Caraway Cookware is oven safe to 550 F.
Always Pan 2.0 is oven safe to 450 F. Note, the first version of the Always Pan was not oven safe so this is an improvement.
Caraway Cookware allows for a higher temperature in the oven
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Broiler Safe?
Caraway Cookware is broiler safe to 550 F.
Always Pan 2.0 is not broiler safe. Only their enameled cast iron Always Pan is both oven and broiler safe.
Caraway Cookware is broiler safe while Always Pan 2.0 is not
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Dishwasher safe?
Caraway Cookware is dishwasher safe.
Always Pan 2.0 recommends handwashing i.e. is not dishwasher safe
I will add here though, that as the Cookware Advisor, I always suggest washing ANY cookware by hand. Particularly nonstick pans, even if the manufacturer says its safe. Dishwasher use is the sure fire way to reduce the life of your nonstick cookware.
Caraway Cookware can be used in the dishwasher, Always Pan 2.0 needs to be handwashed.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Induction Compatible?
Both pans have a stainless steel base which makes them induction compatible.
Now you might be wondering at this point,
‘Hey Cookware Advisor, you just said a minute ago that these pans are both made of aluminum. Where did the stainless steel come in from?‘
And you’d be right. So let me ‘splain.
Induction cook tops work by transferring magnetic energy from the cook top to the cookware. For any cookware to work on an induction cook top, it has to be magnetic. Now aluminum is not magnetic. Certain types (not all) of stainless steel are (specifically the nickel free ones).
So to make cookware induction compatible, the outside base of the pan is made of magnetic stainless steel, which is the case in both Caraway and Always Pan 2.0.
Both Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0 can be used on induction cooktops
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – How is the cooking experience?
Both Caraway cookware and Always Pan 2.0 are made of a similar heavy gauge aluminum so I would expect them to perform similarly. Aluminum is one of the best conductors of heat. Heavy gauge aluminum means a thick layer of aluminum, i.e. a heavier pan.
A heavier pan is a sign of quality since it means more metal was used to produce, so it costs more to make. It is also less likely to warp with usage and provide more even heating without hot spots.
Both Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0 heat up quickly and evenly.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Which one is more durable?
I want to preface this section with a reality check:
ANY non-stick coating, whether its Teflon/PTFE or ceramic based will eventually wear out, that’s a given. Food will start to stick, no matter how delicately you treat the pan. How long depends on the type and quality of nonstick as well as you, the user.
Once, out of sheer frustration, I even did an experiment and tested 3 nonstick alternatives, with a surprising result.
But anyhow, back to Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 nonstick performance.
Initially, the nonstick for both performed really well. Nothing stuck and food rolled around the pan like nobody’s business.
As one Always Pan customer said:
“I love how nothing sticks and everything slides right off!”
The difference in Caraway vs Always Pan starts at around the 1 year mark.
Caraway cookware still retains its nonstick and functions as good as day 1.
I did a video after 10 months of use which you can view here.
I even did a video update after 3.5 years of use since I’ve had that cookware for longer. The nonstick still works, though definitely showing signs of breaking down now.
Always Pan 2.0, on the other hand, starts to stick around the 1 year mark, no matter how carefully you use it. According to the company, their new nonstick is 50% more durable than before. But Caraway still wins.
Caraway cookware offers a more durable nonstick cookware vs the Always Pan 2.0.
Cookware Advisor pro-tip: If all you really want is a good nonstick though, get a Teflon type pan. And if you have the budget, upgrade to a brand like Made in cookware’s nonstick, it’s one of the best I’ve seen so far.
Ceramic coatings will never match the performance and durability of PTFE/Teflon. By some counts, a ceramic nonstick coating will last 6 times less than a PTFE nonstick.
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – How does the price compare?
It’s a bit unfair to compare a single Always Pan 2.0 with a whole Caraway set.
So to make it a fair comparison, I looked at the Caraway Sauté pan vs the Large Always Pan. These are the most comparable in terms of size and capacity. Here’s how they stack up:
- Caraway Sauté Pan (12” diameter, 4.5qt capacity): $145
- Large Always Pan: (12.5” diameter, 4 qt capacity): $180
Caraway Cookware offers better value for money
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What are people saying?
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
| 4.8/5 on company website | 4.6/5 on company website |
| From around the web: | From around the web: |
| "These are chemical free and beautiful!" | "Best pan I have ever used!!!" |
| "Perfect Set For The Basic Coverage!" | "Love that it comes with accessories." |
| "Knowing its non toxic gives me a peace of mind knowing I'm choosing a healthier option for my family." | "An amazing kitchen tool and the depth is perfect to hold an decent amount of food." |
| "Sturdy and well crafted. They have a nice heaviness and an ergonomic handle that feels comfortable in my hand." | "The non-stick surface is non-toxic and really non-stick! It's a decent size and cleans up easily! I love how the spoon can rest on the handle when you are not using it." |
| "Beautiful color, easy to handle, and most importantly an effective non-stick surface." | "Love that it comes with accessories." |
| Our Review | Our Review |
Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What does the Cookware Advisor recommend?
When it comes to Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0, its essentially a choice between a full set and a single pan.
Choose Caraway if you:
- Have the space
- Cook for a 4 or more person household
- Want more versatility
- Want a better value for money
You can buy Caraway Cookware on their website or on Amazon
Choose Always Pan 2.0 if you:
- Have a smaller kitchen
- Cook for a 1-2 person household
- Are on a tighter budget
You can buy Always Pan 2.0 on their website or on Amazon
Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.