The Making of the Cookware Set: How Our Best-Seller Came to Be

At Caraway, we’re proud to be known for our non-toxic kitchenware. But if there’s one product that continuously stands out as a customer (and employee) favorite, it’s the Cookware Set—a thoughtfully designed, non-stick ceramic set that combines versatility, style, and function like no other.

Read on to discover the story of how our best-seller came to life, from the very first sketch to the final color swatch.

The Essentials, Perfected

When designing the Cookware Set, our goal was simple: create a collection of healthy, everyday cooking essentials—no more, no less. After months of market research and deliberation, we landed on four signature shapes: a Sauce Pan, Sauté Pan, Dutch Oven, and Fry Pan. Together, they cover about 99% of the top meals cooked at home, offering everything you need without any unnecessary extras.

A Nearly Two-Year Journey

Bringing the Cookware Set to life was no small feat. Over the course of nearly two years, we spent thousands of hours designing the product, testing samples, refining features, and developing the non-stick ceramic coating our customers know and love.

Naturally slick, free of harmful chemicals, and perfect for everything from scrambling eggs to sautéing proteins, our ceramic surface is the star of our cookware. We worked diligently to ensure that our proprietary coating was free of any toxins, including PTFE (AKA Teflon^®), PFOA, PFAS, lead, cadmium, and more.

But to us, great cookware design goes beyond what happens during the hour or two you spend cooking. It’s about creating pieces that elevate the entire experience—from the moment you grab a pan to the ease of putting it away. We wanted to design cookware for all 24 hours of the day.

A Palette With Personality

When it came to the Cookware Set’s classic colors, we wanted to break away from the black-and-grey standards of the market. Instead, we sought to create a palette that felt fresh, modern, and distinctly Caraway.

We worked closely with a color specialist (yes, that’s a real job!) to develop custom color chips informed by Pantone swatches we loved. Along the way, we adjusted tones to make them more versatile and ownable—like softening a bold green into a timeless Sage or putting a modern twist on Terracotta to create Perracotta, a fan-favorite pink hue.

We also sought to fill gaps in the kitchenware space. Navy, for example, was rare yet highly desired at the time, making it an easy choice for our palette.

From Cardboard to Clever Storage

Storage was an area we knew we needed, but weren’t totally sure how to bring to life. Initially, we designed cardboard inserts to hold the pans and lids neatly within their packaging. But as development progressed, we saw an opportunity to turn that structure into reusable Storage Organizers that would keep your kitchen clutter-free, long after unboxing.

That happy accident became one of our most beloved features. It’s proof that even the small details make a big impact—and why we continue to sweat the small stuff, even to this day. 

Sustainability at the Forefront

Along with the health of our customers and their families is the health of our planet. When creating the Cookware Set—and all of our Caraway products—we designed our packaging to minimize waste. Our sustainable packing and shipping solutions are made from recycled materials, free of single-use plastics, and maximize every inch to ensure no space goes unutilized. Even the low-impact dyes used for printing were chosen with the planet in mind.

We also work exclusively with BSCI and SMETA manufacturing partners to ensure that every person that touches Caraway is safe, paid fairly, given benefits, and works regular hours.

Made With You in Mind

Whether you’re making a simple weeknight meal or hosting a holiday feast, the Cookware Set was designed to bring ease and elegance to your kitchen. It’s more than just a set of pans—it’s a reflection of our commitment to creating products that make life healthier, safer, and more beautiful.