Photo:Eating Well / Caraway

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Eating Well / Caraway

As an EatingWell editor, I’ve tested a lot of kitchen products. I nearly gave myself tendonitis withgarlic presses, and I still have about three gallons of hummus in my freezer as a result of mycan 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!

Caraway Petite Cooker 2 Qt Ceramic Coated PotPHOTO: Caraway Home$155$104 at Carawayhome.com

Caraway Petite Cooker 2 Qt Ceramic Coated Pot

PHOTO: Caraway Home

Caraway Petite Cooker 2 Qt Ceramic Coated Pot

$155$104 at Carawayhome.com

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.

EatingWell / Katie Tuttle

caraway petite cooker lavender on cutting board

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 usewood or silicone utensilsto 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.

caraway-petite-cooker-full-of-rice

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