Caraway Petite Cooker Review

As an EatingWell editor, I’ve tested a lot of kitchen products. I nearly gave myself tendonitis with garlic presses, and I still have about three gallons of hummus in my freezer as a result of my can opener tests. My first and most basic approach is practical: Is the product I’m testing functional? Can it handle the wear and tear of an average person’s kitchen? Then and only then do I consider aesthetics.  

Then I got to preview a Petite Cooker from Caraway’s limited-edition Birthday Collection, and my mind went to where it goes when I see a puppy. EEEeeeeeee!

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Perhaps this 2-quart ceramic-coated pan was created with Millennials of a certain age in mind. Those of us who grew up with Polly Pocket and Micro Machines will certainly understand its allure. It is, full stop, adorable. You will want to pinch its cheeks. This feeling is further compounded by the limited-edition colors that Caraway has re-released in honor of its fifth birthday. You can choose from candy-like hues (Sky Blue, Lavender and Peach), vivid primary colors (Emerald, Brick Red) and classy neutrals (Stone, Midnight), in addition to Caraway’s usual lineup of bold colors.  

That’s not to say this little pan doesn’t pull its weight in the kitchen. Like others in this line, the Petite Cooker has a nontoxic, nonstick ceramic coating, and is oven-safe up to 550°F. It has a surprising heft to it (it weighs almost 3 pounds with the lid), giving it a satisfyingly durable feel. Despite its small size, the handles on the pan’s sides are wide enough to grip securely, even when I’m wearing oven mitts. 

Will you use it to cook up a stew for a family of five? No! But I’ve used it to prepare a double serving of rice, for a single serving of pasta and to heat a can of soup (don’t judge me, I’m tired). It also made an excellent double boiler substitute when I had to melt dipping chocolate for a holiday recipe—the Petite Cooker’s small size made it much easier to find a heatproof bowl to stack over the pan’s simmering contents.

While it may be surprisingly versatile, you do have to pamper the Petite Cooker a bit. This pan is not dishwasher-safe, and you’ll want to use wood or silicone utensils to avoid damaging its interior. However, I have found cleanup to be a fairly painless task, with rice and other food debris releasing quite easily with a little soap and water.

In short, don’t let its size fool you—the Caraway Petite Cooker is a versatile addition to any kitchen. Just remember: The Birthday Collection is only around for a limited time. If you want one of these colorful, limited-edition pans, you’ll want to act fast—this party won’t last forever.