Made In vs. Caraway: My Honest Take After Years in the Kitchen

I’ve been cooking for years—long enough to know when something is just flashy versus truly functional. If you’re stuck choosing between Made In vs Caraway, I’ve been there. I’ve used both. A lot. And today, I’m breaking it all down for you, plain and simple.

First Up: What’s the Big Deal?

So here’s the short version:

• Made In feels like it was made for serious cooking.

• Caraway feels like it was made for serious style.

Both have their place. Let me explain.

Made In: Built Like a Tank (In a Good Way)

I remember the first time I held a Made In stainless steel pan. Heavy. Solid. Like, “okay-this-thing-means-business” solid.

Made In uses 5-ply stainless steel. That’s five layers of metal sandwiched together, which means even heat, no hot spots, and great searing. You want a steak with a crust? This pan delivers.

They also have carbon steel, which cooks like cast iron but isn’t as heavy. I’ve used it for everything—pizza, frittatas, even pancakes. It heats fast and gets better the more you use it.

If you’re a serious home cook or just want gear that’ll last forever, this is your brand.

Caraway: Sleek, Stylish, and Non-Toxic

Now, Caraway. Oh man, it’s pretty.

When I first saw it on Instagram, I thought, “Okay, this looks like cookware someone who knows how to decorate would buy.” But then I tried it.

It’s ceramic-coated aluminum, so it heats up fast and the non-stick is amazing—at least at first. Eggs slide right off, pancakes flip like magic. And it’s non-toxic (no PTFE or PFOA), which is a big deal if you're cooking for little ones or just want peace of mind.

But here’s the thing: ceramic doesn’t last forever. If you’re rough with it—metal utensils, high heat—it’ll wear down. I baby mine, and it still works great after a year, but it’s not indestructible.

Design: Looks Matter Too

• Made In is clean, professional, and classic.

• Caraway is fun, bold, and colorful. Seriously, the sage green one lives rent-free in my mind.

If your cookware lives on the stove and doubles as decor (been there), Caraway wins on looks. But if you’re after pro-level vibes, Made In is more your style.

My Honest Thoughts: What Should You Get?

Here’s how I see it:

Go with Made In if:

• You cook often and want gear that’ll last forever

• You like using high heat or cooking meat

• You don’t mind seasoning your carbon steel or polishing stainless occasionally

• You want to feel like a pro chef at home

Go with Caraway if:

• You want super easy cleanup and non-toxic materials

• You love stylish, colorful cookware

• You mostly cook on medium or low heat

• You’re not looking to pass these down to your grandkids

Final Word

Both brands are solid. I still use pieces from both, depending on what I’m cooking and how I feel.

For all-day sauce simmering, searing steaks, or serious Sunday meals—Made In is my ride or die.

For quick eggs in the morning or when I want the kitchen to look extra pretty—Caraway always shows up.

Hope this helps you make your pick. If you’ve got questions or want to know how these hold up over time, just drop me a comment—I love talking shop.