Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing between Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0 can be a challenging decision due to their many similarities. Both brands are relatively new players in the Direct to Consumer cookware category and offer ceramic-based nonstick cookware. Additionally, they both feature sleek and colorful designs. Consequently, several questions arise when trying to make a decision:

- Which one delivers better performance?
- Which one is more durable?
- Which one offers greater versatility?

To assist you in making an informed choice, this comprehensive review comparing Caraway and Always Pan will provide valuable insights.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What are they made of?

1. The cookware made of heavy aluminum are solid and sturdy to hold, with both the Always Pan and Caraway cookware falling into this category.

2. Unlike the Always Pan, Caraway cookware explicitly mentions that they utilize plain aluminum instead of anodized aluminum. According to their CEO Jordan Nathan, anodizing aluminum involves a "nasty manufacturing process" which they do not endorse.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What’s the Product Offering?

Caraway Cookware offers a comprehensive 4-piece set that consists of the following items:

- A 10.5” Fry Pan
- A 3 QT Sauce Pan with Lid
- A 5 QT Dutch Oven with Lid
- A 5 QT Sauté Pan with Lid
- 4 Magnetic Pan Racks
- A Canvas Lid Holder with Hooks

What makes this set truly remarkable is its ability to cater to all your cooking requirements. Not only does it provide essential cookware, but it also includes accessories to help you organize your kitchen and cookware efficiently.

The Always Pan 2.0 from Our Place is a versatile cooking system that combines 10 functions into a single pan.

The functionality of the Always Pan 2.0 truly lives up to its claim of being 10-in-1, as we discovered during our test. Not only does it possess the capabilities of 10 separate cookware pieces, but it can offer even more versatility with the use of their additional accessories.

However, in practical terms, the 10-in-1 feature becomes less significant when you need to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Since the pan can only be utilized for one task at a time, its multi-functionality may not be as advantageous in such situations.

Moreover, considering that I cook for a family of four, the quantities of food I prepare are typically larger compared to a smaller household of 1-2 individuals, making the Always Pan 2.0 more suitable for the latter scenario.

For this reason, I prefer the versatility of Caraways’ full set.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What’s in the nonstick?

Caraway Cookware boasts an exclusive ceramic nonstick coating that is free from PTFE and PFOA. This exceptional coating is meticulously applied in 2-3 layers.

The latest version of the Always Pan, known as the Always Pan 2.0, features a unique coating called Thermakind™ ceramic nonstick coating. This coating is not only proprietary, but it is also free from PTFE and PFOA. Additionally, it is applied in a single layer for optimal performance.

Caraway cookware's ceramic nonstick coatings are typically applied as a single layer over metal using a 'sol-gel' technique. During my initial interview with Caraway, they mentioned that their cookware has 3 layers of ceramic nonstick coating. 

However, when I followed up with them later, they simply confirmed that their cookware has 'more' layers of ceramic coating compared to other ceramic coated pans in the market, without specifying the exact number of layers. In any case, if the industry standard for the Always Pan 2.0 is a single layer, it means that Caraway cookware has an additional 1 to 2 layers of coatings. 

This suggests that Caraway nonstick cookware has the potential to be more durable and longer lasting than other options.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Style & Look

Caraway Cookware boasts a sophisticated and elegant design that is sure to impress. With its sleek and stylish appearance, it is perfect for those who want to show off their kitchenware. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of 11 vibrant colors, allowing you to choose the perfect one to match your kitchen decor.

Not only does Caraway Cookware look great, but it is also highly functional. It is coated with ceramic both on the inside and outside, ensuring even heat distribution and easy cleaning. The outside of the cookware features a glossy finish, adding a touch of luxury to your cooking experience.

Similarly, the Always Pan 2.0 is renowned for its exceptional style. It has gained popularity on Instagram for its visually appealing design. This cookware is available in 6 standard colors and an additional 6 limited-time options, giving you plenty of choices to suit your personal taste.

Like Caraway Cookware, the Always Pan 2.0 is also ceramic coated inside and out. However, it offers a unique twist with a matte and textured finish on the outside. This not only adds a modern touch to your kitchen but also provides a non-slip grip while handling the pan.

Both Caraway Cookware and the Always Pan 2.0 offer equally stunning pieces of cookware that combine style and functionality. Whether you prefer the glossy finish of Caraway or the textured finish of the Always Pan 2.0, you can be confident that you are investing in cookware that will elevate your cooking experience.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Handles

Caraway Cookware handles are crafted from durable stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance. These handles are securely riveted to the pans, guaranteeing that they will not loosen or detach during use. With their rounded shape, they provide a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to cook with confidence.

On the other hand, the handles of Always Pan 2.0 are also made of stainless steel, representing an improvement from their previous version that utilized plastic handles. However, unlike Caraway Cookware, the handles of Always Pan 2.0 are screwed onto the pans. While this design choice offers convenience, there is a slightly higher possibility of the handles becoming loose over time compared to riveted handles.

Furthermore, the handles of Always Pan 2.0 feature a boxy squared design. This design serves a purpose as it accommodates the wooden spatula that comes with the pan. The flat surface of the handle allows the spatula to nest perfectly, enhancing the overall functionality of the pan.

Personally, I find the ergonomic and rounded design of Caraway Cookware handles to be more preferable. They offer a superior grip and comfort while cooking, ensuring a pleasurable culinary experience.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Lids

The lids of Caraway Cookware are crafted from durable cast aluminum and feature stainless steel handles. These lids are designed with a small steam vent and an interlocking mechanism, ensuring a secure fit on the pans.

On the other hand, the lid of Always Pan 2.0 is constructed from recycled aluminum, matching the material of the pan itself. It boasts a unique dome-shaped design that adds versatility to the pan. This shape allows you to conveniently roast a whole chicken or utilize it as a roasting pan. Additionally, the lid enables you to control the release of steam, making it ideal for braising dishes.

Both cookware sets offer lids that perfectly complement their respective pans, providing you with a seamless cooking experience.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Oven Safe?

Caraway Cookware can withstand temperatures up to 550 F in the oven.

The enameled cast iron Always Pan from Caraway is the only one that is safe to use in both the oven and broiler, unlike the Always Pan 2.0 which is not suitable for broiling.

Caraway Cookware enables the oven to reach higher temperatures.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Broiler Safe?

Caraway Cookware can withstand temperatures up to 550 F in the broiler.

The new version of Always Pan, known as Always Pan 2.0, is not suitable for broiling. However, their enameled cast iron Always Pan is designed to be safe for both oven and broiler use.

The Caraway Cookware is suitable for broiling, whereas the Always Pan 2.0 is not designed to be used under the broiler.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Dishwasher safe?

It is important to note that Caraway Cookware is designed to be dishwasher safe, while the Always Pan 2.0 is recommended for handwashing. As the Cookware Advisor, I always recommend handwashing any cookware, especially nonstick pans, to ensure their longevity. Using a dishwasher can significantly reduce the lifespan of your nonstick cookware.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Induction Compatible?

Both Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0 are suitable for use on induction cooktops. This is because both pans have a stainless steel base, which allows them to be compatible with induction cooking. 

Induction cooktops rely on magnetic energy transfer, and in order for cookware to work on these cooktops, it must be magnetic. While aluminum is not magnetic, certain types of stainless steel, specifically the nickel free ones, are magnetic. 

Therefore, to ensure induction compatibility, the outside base of both Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0 is made of magnetic stainless steel.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – How is the cooking experience?

Both Caraway cookware and the Always Pan 2.0 are crafted from high-quality heavy gauge aluminum, indicating that they are likely to exhibit comparable performance. Aluminum is renowned for its exceptional heat conductivity, making it an ideal material for cookware. The term "heavy gauge aluminum" refers to a substantial layer of aluminum, resulting in a sturdier and more substantial pan.

A pan with a greater weight indicates superior quality as it signifies the use of a larger amount of metal during production, resulting in higher manufacturing costs. Additionally, it is less prone to warping over time and ensures more uniform heat distribution without any areas of excessive heat.

Both Caraway Cookware and Always Pan 2.0 exhibit rapid and uniform heating capabilities.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – Which one is more durable?

I would like to begin this section by emphasizing an important fact: all non-stick coatings, whether they are Teflon/PTFE or ceramic-based, will eventually wear out. It is inevitable that food will start to stick to the pan, regardless of how carefully you handle it. The duration of the non-stick performance depends on the type and quality of the coating, as well as the user.

In the past, I conducted an experiment out of sheer frustration, testing three alternative non-stick options, and the results were quite surprising.

Now, let's shift our focus back to comparing the non-stick performance of Caraway and Always Pan 2.0.

Initially, both pans exhibited excellent non-stick properties. Nothing adhered to the surface, and food effortlessly glided around the pan.

As one satisfied Always Pan customer expressed:

"I absolutely adore how nothing sticks to the pan and everything effortlessly slides off!"

The distinction between Caraway and Always Pan becomes apparent after approximately one year of use. Caraway cookware maintains its nonstick properties and performs just as well as it did on day one. I have even created a video update after 10 months of use, which you can watch here. Additionally, I have provided an update video after 3.5 years of use, as I have owned the cookware for an extended period of time. While the nonstick feature still functions, it is starting to show signs of wear and tear.

On the other hand, the Always Pan 2.0 begins to lose its nonstick capabilities around the one-year mark, regardless of how carefully it is used. The company claims that their new nonstick coating is 50% more durable than before, but Caraway remains the superior choice.

Caraway cookware offers a more resilient nonstick coating compared to the Always Pan 2.0.

As a tip from Cookware Advisor, if your main priority is a reliable nonstick surface, consider purchasing a Teflon-type pan. If your budget allows, upgrading to a brand like Made in cookware's nonstick line is highly recommended, as it is one of the best options available.

It is important to note that ceramic coatings will never match the performance and durability of PTFE/Teflon. In fact, a ceramic nonstick coating typically lasts six times less than a PTFE nonstick coating, according to some sources.

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – How does the price compare?

To ensure a fair assessment, I decided to compare the Caraway Sauté pan with the Large Always Pan. These two pans are the most similar in terms of size and capacity. Here's a breakdown of their specifications:

Caraway Sauté Pan: 12" diameter, 4.5qt capacity, priced at $145.
Large Always Pan: 12.5" diameter, 4qt capacity, priced at $180.

Based on these factors, it is evident that Caraway Cookware provides 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."

Caraway vs Always Pan 2.0 – What does the Cookware Advisor recommend?

When deciding between Caraway and Always Pan 2.0, you are essentially choosing between a complete set and a single pan.

If you have ample space, cook for a household of 4 or more people, desire more versatility, and want better value for your money, then Caraway is the ideal choice for you. You can purchase Caraway Cookware either on their website or on Amazon.

On the other hand, if you have a smaller kitchen, cook for a 1-2 person household, and are on a tighter budget, then Always Pan 2.0 is the perfect option for you. You can buy Always Pan 2.0 on their website or on Amazon.