This is a review of the Neoflam Carat Cookware, including both pros and cons.
Neoflam Carat Cookware Review
I was eager to test this set because so many cookware lines repeat the same designs and materials. Neoflam is a South Korean company that has made cookware since 1990 and now sells in over 70 countries. We used the Carat collection daily for a month to evaluate its performance in a typical family kitchen.
PRO: The design is unique and attractive, resembling a cut diamond. It looks striking in a modern kitchen.
The Carat line is made from cast aluminum, meaning the metal is poured into molds. Larger pots are cast as one piece so the handles and pot body are integrated. This construction reduces seams and weak points. Neoflam applies manufacturing techniques inspired by the automotive industry to create consistent shapes and finishes.
PRO: The larger pots and Dutch ovens have no rivets, which makes cleaning easier since there are no crevices for grease to collect.
The nonstick surface is Neoflam’s Ecolon coating, described by the company as an all-natural, sol-gel based coating derived from silicone and naturally occurring minerals. It provides a PTFE-free nonstick finish intended to be durable and scratch resistant while avoiding the potential concerns associated with traditional PTFE coatings.
PRO: The Ecolon finish is nontoxic and allows safe use on the stovetop and in the oven.
CON: The coating is relatively thin and can scratch if inappropriate utensils are used. I recommend using wood, silicone, or plastic utensils to preserve the finish; avoid metal tools.
PRO: Because the Carat pieces are aluminum, they heat up quickly and respond well to temperature changes. They are also lightweight, which makes them easy to lift, handle, and clean—useful if you prefer cookware that’s effortless to maneuver.
I have tendonitis, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel in my arms, so I particularly appreciated the light weight of the Carat pieces during daily use.
The pans in the collection that have a single long handle use a Bakelite handle secured with a single screw.
CON: The attachment point for the Bakelite handle can trap oil and food particles. Fortunately the screw is located on the underside, which reduces debris buildup, but it still requires occasional cleaning. Bakelite is heat resistant so the handles stay cool during normal stovetop use, though the material’s production and disposal have raised environmental concerns.
PRO: The lids include a built-in steam release, a thoughtful feature that lets steam escape without propping the lid open. The lids are lightweight and domed, helping condensation drip back onto food to keep it moist.
The Neoflam Carat 5-Piece Cookware Set (three cookware pieces plus two lids) includes:
- 1.5 QT covered saucepan with stainless steel knob
- 4 QT covered stockpot with stainless steel knob
- 11″ frying pan
The set retails for around $189, with occasional discounts available from the manufacturer.
Overall, the Carat set is a pleasure to cook with. My favorite pieces are the Dutch oven and stockpot because they are lightweight and oven-safe, which makes them versatile for a range of recipes. The aesthetic appeal is a bonus—they look lovely on the stove and in storage.
Neoflam Carat Cookware Set Giveaway
We are giving away a 5-piece Neoflam Carat Cookware Set.
Good luck to everyone who enters.