Caraway vs Our Place: Which Ceramic Set Wins?

Caraway and Our Place are the two names that defined the modern, design-forward, non-toxic cookware wave — both PFAS-free, both Instagram-famous, both sold in colors you would actually leave out on the stove. But they take opposite approaches. Caraway sells you a complete, coordinated 12-piece set with matching storage. Our Place builds around a couple of clever multitaskers — the Always Pan and Perfect Pot — that each replace several traditional pieces. We compared them on coating safety, what you actually get, storage, and value to settle which one belongs in your kitchen.

How We Picked These

For this caraway vs our place comparison, we applied the framework laid out in our Editorial Policy: we evaluate materials and construction first, then weight long-term durability heavily — six-month and one-year owner-review patterns matter more than first-week impressions. We hold each candidate to the same criteria (material quality, real-world performance, warranty terms and how the manufacturer actually honors them, and value at each price tier), then note where one option clearly wins, where the difference is marginal, and where the cheaper option is good enough for most people.

1.: Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Set (12-Piece)

2.: Our Place Cookware Set, 13-Piece Kit (Always Pan + Perfect Pot)

Alternative Pick: GreenPan Lima Hard Anodized Ceramic Nonstick 12-Piece Set

The Comparison Table

Product	Brand	Role	Key spec
Caraway	Caraway	Contender A	Mineral ceramic coating free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
Our Place	Our Place	Contender B	13-piece kit centered on the Always Pan and Perfect Pot
GreenPan	GreenPan	Wildcard	Thermolon ceramic coating, free of PFAS and PFOA

The Verdict

Get Caraway if you want a complete kitchen in one box. The 12-piece set covers every pan you will reach for, the magnetic racks and lid holder solve storage, and the ceramic coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. It is the more traditional full set and the better value per piece.

Get Our Place if you have a small kitchen or love multitaskers. The Always Pan replaces a fry pan, sauté, and steamer; the Perfect Pot does stockpot, Dutch oven, and steamer duty. Fewer pieces, less storage, the same toxin-free ceramic — ideal for apartments and minimalist cooks.

Both share the same coating caveat. Ceramic nonstick is wonderful but less durable than PTFE — expect to baby either set with low-to-medium heat and silicone or wood utensils, and to see the nonstick fade over a couple of years of heavy use. Neither is buy-it-for-life the way clad stainless is.

Want the savings? Look at GreenPan Lima. If the look matters less to you than the PFAS-free coating, GreenPan's hard-anodized Lima set delivers the same ceramic-nonstick benefit for noticeably less than either Caraway or Our Place.

Buyer Scenario Decision Matrix

Stop comparing specs. Start with what you're actually doing, then the right product is obvious:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caraway or Our Place better?

Caraway is the better pick if you want a complete, coordinated set with storage solved out of the box. Our Place is better for small kitchens and people who prefer multitasking pieces over a cabinet full of single-use pans. Both use safe, PFAS-free ceramic coatings, so it comes down to format and budget.

Are Caraway and Our Place non-toxic?

Both use mineral-based ceramic coatings free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, which is the basis of their non-toxic marketing. As long as you do not overheat them, both are considered safe for everyday cooking.

How long does the ceramic nonstick last on these sets?

Realistically two to three years of regular use before the nonstick noticeably fades — sooner with high heat or metal utensils. To maximize lifespan on either brand, cook on low-to-medium heat, use silicone or wooden tools, and hand-wash.

Is Our Place's Always Pan worth it in a set?

If you value versatility and counter space, yes — it genuinely replaces several pans and is a joy to use. If you cook large meals or want dedicated pieces like a real stockpot and a big skillet, a full set such as Caraway's will serve you better.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Caraway and Our Place?

Yes. The GreenPan Lima set offers the same PFAS-free ceramic nonstick on hard-anodized bodies for less money. You give up some of the design polish and coordinated storage, but the core cooking benefit is the same.

What is the top-rated pick for Caraway vs Our Place?

The Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Set (12-Piece) is our top-rated choice — The complete, coordinated set: 12 pieces of PFAS-free ceramic plus magnetic storage racks, in a dozen colors. Choose the Our Place Cookware Set, 13-Piece Kit (Always Pan + Perfect Pot) if built around the cult-favorite Always Pan and Perfect Pot — fewer, multitasking pieces meant to replace a cabinet's worth of tools.

Caraway or Our Place — which is safer?

Both use PFAS-free ceramic coatings — neither contains the chemicals (PFOA, PTFE) that drive non-stick safety concerns. The 'safety' question is essentially tied; pick based on size, color, and whether you want a full set (Caraway) or a multi-use single pan (Our Place's Always Pan).

Which is easier to clean — Caraway or Our Place?

Caraway, slightly — the dedicated saucepan and stockpot are easier than the multi-purpose Always Pan, which has a steamer insert and pour spout that trap food. Both are hand-wash only and lose their non-stick faster than promised if put in the dishwasher.

Want to dig deeper? See our guides to Best Non-Toxic Cookware (2026), Best Nonstick Cookware Set (2026), and Best Cookware Sets (2026).