If you’re looking for stylish, non-toxic nonstick cookware, you’ve probably come across Caraway and Target’s new in-house brand, Figmint. Both have that modern, matte finish aesthetic, both offer ceramic-coated nonstick, and both market themselves as healthier alternatives to traditional cookware.
But here’s the thing…
Caraway is a premium direct-to-consumer brand that exploded in popularity with its clean design and influencer-worthy kitchen sets.
Figmint, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly Target brand made to look like Caraway—but at a much lower price.
So which one should you actually spend your money on? Let’s break it all down: design, nonstick performance, durability, price, materials, and real usability.
Quick Comparison: Figmint vs. Caraway
| Feature | Figmint (Target Brand) | Caraway |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum with ceramic nonstick coating | Aluminum with ceramic nonstick coating |
| Nonstick Type | PTFE-free ceramic coating (unknown source) | PTFE-free ceramic (Sol-Gel mineral-based) |
| Core | Pressed aluminum | Heavier-gauge aluminum |
| Design Aesthetic | Modern, matte finish (Caraway-inspired) | Sleek, premium, Instagram-famous look |
| Induction Compatible? | No | Yes |
| Oven-Safe Temperature | Up to 400°F | Up to 550°F |
| Dishwasher Safe? | No (handwash recommended) | No (handwash recommended) |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier, more premium feel |
| Price (per item) | $25–$40 | $95–$145 |
| Cookware Set Price | ~$100 for 5-pc | $395 for 7-pc set |
| Made In | China | China |
| Warranty | None listed (Target policy only) | 1-year limited warranty |
1. What’s the Real Difference Between Figmint and Caraway?
The biggest difference is quality and performance over time.
- Figmint cookware is more of a budget-friendly lookalike. It mimics Caraway’s sleek aesthetic but is made with lighter materials and unknown ceramic coatings.
- Caraway cookware is heavier, better built, and designed to last longer (with better oven safety, induction compatibility, and durability).
If you’re on a tight budget and want something that looks good on your stovetop, Figmint is fine.
If you’re after longer-lasting nonstick performance and serious usability, Caraway is worth the upgrade.
2. Build Quality & Materials: Light vs. Premium
Figmint: Looks Good, Feels Light
Target’s Figmint line is clearly designed to hit the entry-level market—and it succeeds. The cookware looks great, with its matte finish and soft-touch handles, and it feels light in the hand.
But that’s the thing—it feels light.
The pans are made of thinner aluminum, so they don’t retain heat well, and the ceramic coating isn’t as smooth or durable as premium alternatives.
Also: No induction compatibility, which is a dealbreaker for some kitchens.
Caraway: Aesthetic + Performance
Caraway’s build is noticeably more solid. The aluminum core is thicker, the ceramic coating is smoother and more consistent, and the handles and lids feel premium.
It’s also oven-safe up to 550°F, induction-friendly, and comes with a storage system included in their cookware set.
You feel the quality right away—heavier in the hand, but still very easy to cook with.
3. Nonstick Performance: How Do They Actually Cook?
| Feature | Figmint | Caraway |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs slide off? | ✅ At first, yes | ✅ Smooth every time |
| Need oil? | ⚠️ A little | ✅ Optional (still browns nicely) |
| Works with metal utensils? | ❌ No (will scratch easily) | ❌ No (use wood/silicone only) |
| After 3–6 months? | ⚠️ Coating may degrade with use | ✅ Holds up with care |
Figmint pans work well for the first few months, especially for basic foods like eggs, pancakes, and veggies. But like most lower-end ceramic nonstick, the coating can wear down fast—especially if you use high heat, metal utensils, or wash it in the dishwasher.
Caraway’s ceramic holds up longer, and the coating feels more refined. The pan heats evenly, and food releases with little effort even after months of use, as long as you treat it right.
4. Heat Performance: Which One Cooks Better?
Figmint: Quick Heat, Fast Cool-Down
- Heats up fast because the aluminum is thin
- Doesn’t retain heat well
- Not ideal for high-heat searing
Great for quick meals, not great for precision cooking or holding temperature across the surface.
Caraway: Better Heat Distribution
- Thicker core = more consistent, even heating
- Can handle higher temps
- Great for low-to-medium heat cooking (which is exactly how ceramic should be used)
5. Oven Use: Can You Finish a Dish in the Oven?
| Brand | Oven Safe? | Max Temp | Lids Oven Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figmint | ✅ Yes | 400°F | ⚠️ Only to 350°F |
| Caraway | ✅ Yes | 550°F | ✅ Yes |
Caraway blows Figmint out of the water here. If you like to finish dishes in the oven—frittatas, shakshuka, one-pan meals—go with Caraway. Figmint can handle basic stuff but is not built for extended or high-temp oven use.
6. Price: What Are You Really Paying For?
| Item | Figmint | Caraway |
|---|---|---|
| 10-inch Fry Pan | ~$30 | ~$95 |
| 4-piece Cookware Set | ~$100–$120 | $395 (7-piece w/ storage) |
| Replacement Warranty | ❌ None (Target return policy) | ✅ 1-Year Warranty |
So, what are you paying for with Caraway?
- Heavier build quality
- Better ceramic coating
- Induction compatibility
- Longer-lasting performance
- Real brand warranty
- Included storage (lid holder + pan organizer)
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Choose Figmint If… | Choose Caraway If… |
|---|---|
| You’re on a tight budget and want a set that looks nice | You want high-performance ceramic nonstick cookware |
| You cook occasionally or for light meals | You cook frequently and need something that lasts |
| You’re okay with replacing pans every 1–2 years | You want cookware that holds up for years |
| You don’t need induction compatibility | You want induction-ready, oven-safe cookware |
My Personal Take?
If you just want something pretty that gets the job done for a year or two, Figmint is a good pick—especially for college students, first apartments, or gifts.
But if you want cookware that feels premium, performs better, and lasts longer, Caraway is the smarter investment. You’ll feel the difference on day one—and still love it years later (as long as you handwash and treat it right).
Aesthetics aside, Caraway wins where it matters most: performance and longevity.
Leave a Reply