I Tried the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set – It’s the Non-Toxic, No-Fuss Classic I’ll Keep for Years
It's truly one of the most versatile sets I've tested
After testing the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set for the last few weeks in my kitchen, I have found it to be a great, timeless investment for home cooks and bakers. With a range of tray sizes, it has everything for hosting groups and single portions, is easy to clean, and is non-toxic. It's durable, too, but may chip if banged or dropped.
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Lightweight
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A range of tray sizes in one set
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Relatively low-stick
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Versatile, can be used for sweet and savoury meals
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Oven- and stove-safe
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Dishwasher safe
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Easy to clean
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Non-toxic
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Generally very durable
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May chip if dropped (but won't shatter)
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Not safe for induction
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Higher price point
You can trust Homes & Gardens.
Having used the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set for the last few weeks for a range of sweet and savoury dishes, I now understand the appeal of this rustic cookware.
Some of the best non-toxic cookware and enamelware uses porcelain fused to a steel core, making a smooth, durable, and, importantly, non-reactive surface designed for use on stoves, in ovens, and fridge/freezers. The five-piece set can be used for everything from individual weeknight dinners to hosting a crowd, and looks good while doing so.
I could hardly fault the set during my testing, and I have even sent a few trays off with a cousin to university. It's a great baking set designed for rugged everyday home use. Here's exactly how it performed, and who I think would make the most of this timeless investment.
Product Specifications: Falcon Enamelware Bake Set
The Caraway Bakeware set is available in an impressive nine colorways.
Material |
Steel, coated in enamel |
Included items |
Five rectangular dishes in the following sizes: 14½" bake pan, 13⅜" bake pan, 12¼" bake pan, and two 7⅞" pie dishes |
Colors |
White with blue rim, Pillarbox Red, and Pidgeon Grey |
Cleaning |
Dishwasher safe |
Oven safe |
Up to 530°F |
Warranty |
Limited one-year |
Design and First Impressions
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I unbox countless pieces of cookware and appliances a month, so the simpler the packaging, the better.
The Falcon Enamelware Bake set arrived in a simple cardboard box, with cardboard wraps to hold everything in place. It took me a matter of seconds to have everything out, and less than a few minutes to have all the packaging cleared away.
Enamel, unlike cast iron, does not need any prep, so besides a quick wipe-out to remove any dust, they were ready to use from the get-go. This is another big win in my book.
The classically designed trays are all rectangular in shape, just varying in size. There is something for every occasion here, from single servings to hosting dishes or meal prep. I found a way to use every size in the set quite easily. I love the fact that they safely nest together without the risk of scratching, for easy storage in my small kitchen.
Cooking Performance
Generally speaking, enamelware is great for just about anything from roasting meats to baking lasagne. It is safe for use in both the oven and freezer, and it can even be used for homemade ice cream.
I decided to put it through a string of sweet and savoury tests to get a feel for the true versatility:
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Fall is finally rolling in, so I thought there was no better test than a hearty, homemade apple crisp. This autumnal recipe was the perfect big-batch test, acting as my offering for a family meal at the weekend.
I started by cooking down the apples and sultanas with spices and butter in my Le Creuset Pumpkin Cocotte (which I was also reviewing at the time), then added the filling to the ungreased tray, topped it with my oat and pecan crumble, and baked it.
The resulting crumble was perfectly cooked, bubbling all the way through to the middle with no burnt bits at the edges. The crumble was easy to transport as the tray is lightweight. I simply topped it with some aluminium foil and placed it gently in my car. On arrival, it was easy to serve, with no sticking or charred spots on the base. Everyone was very satisfied (with a small 'fight' over the final slice).
Chicken Pies
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The smaller duo pans were perfect for individual pies. I settled on a chicken and leek pie.
I cooked the filling down in a separate pan before ladling into the ungreased tins. Before adding the pastry and baking, I let the filling cool and set it in the fridge. I loved that the enamelware allowed for this versatility. They would be fantastic for preparing meals ahead for this very reason; for instance, if you know you have a busy night ahead but still want a hearty home-cooked meal.
I pulled the trays out later that night as the oven preheated, allowing them to come back closer to room temperature as I added the puff pastry tops to prevent thermal shock from cracking the glass. While enamelware is very durable, sudden temperature changes can cause fractures.
The resulting pies were perfectly cooked through, released easily, and were the perfect large portion for one. There were no scratches even after using metal utensils, and no cracks. I will absolutely classify these as a new meal prep essential.
Roasted Vegetables
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Roasted vegetable couscous is a go-to mid-week recipe in my household; it packs plenty of nutrients into a dish that makes cleaning a kitchen after dinner a breeze.
After chopping up eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, and adding a tin of chickpeas, the vegetables are covered in oil and spices before heading to the oven for two 20-minute bouts.
They cooked as well as they do in my usual ceramic non-stick tray, with no sticking or burning (which is more than I can say for my old PFAS-based non-stick tray). Things were easy to stir partway through, and simple to serve.
Cake Test
Falcon Enamelware does not specifically advertise their trays as cake tins, but a class with a Le Creuset chef taught me that anything can become a cake tin.
After craving cinnamon rolls, but having none of the energy to make dough, I whipped up a quick cinnamon roll sheet cake, adding a thin batter to a tray and swirling in a cinnamon sugar paste. I heavily buttered the tray first to help limit sticking.
The sheet cake cooked quickly and evenly, with a little browning at the edges where the mix was spread a little too thinly (this is certainly user error in my rush for a sweet treat). It was quickly topped with glaze and left to cool to a more palatable temperature.
The cake did stick a little bit on this test, but it was not enough to ruin the sponge. The worst parts were the clumps of cinnamon butter which had sunk to the base, and the sugar had melted. I did have to use a knife to scrape these up when serving.
I think if I were to grease and flour the pan before baking next time, and be more cautious about keeping the cinnamon sugar paste at the top of the pan, I would have no issues with using this set for cake, either. It's truly versatile.
Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance
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I will admit that I was nervous about cleaning the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set at first, as it is not naturally non-stick. That said, I have zero issues washing these dishes by hand.
They are dishwasher-safe, but lacking that appliance, I washed each with a soft sponge. From the roasted vegetables to the crumble to the cake batter debris, everything washed away with gentle dish soap and hot water. I had less hassle cleaning these than I have with any ceramic bakeware I have tried in the past. They were then left to air dry, but being so lightweight, they are easy to dry with a cotton dish towel, too.
As these dishes are so durable, they are ideal for small kitchen storage, as they can be stacked without concern. A simple Joseph Joseph baking tray organizer from Wayfair can help to keep them upright and neat when organizing kitchen cabinets.
What Do Shoppers Say About the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set?
The overall shopper experience with the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set is very positive. Averaging 4.8 stars on the Falcon site and 4.5 stars on Amazon, shoppers have been thrilled with the vintage aesthetic, durability, and how easy they are to clean.
Several comment on the quality of the set, claiming that it feels like a set that will last a lifetime, despite how light they are.
One anonymous shopper also praised the service, sharing, 'Really impressed with these items; they are super quality, and I can’t wait to use them in my new kitchen. I am also impressed with the delivery to New York. Ordered on a Saturday night and they arrived by Thursday, all the way from Sheffield. These would be great for a large family, but as an empty nester, I would definitely purchase a smaller (size) set if they were available. Side note: I also purchased the square tin separately.'
My Verdict: Should You Buy The Falcon Enamelware Bake Set?
Overall, I would recommend the Falcon Enamelware Bake Set to anyone looking to upgrade their baking trays away from PFAS-based non-stick, or who need a no-fuss, easy to clean, bake set for home cooking and baking. They're incredibly versatile, dishwasher safe, and durable, making them an heirloom investment that does not break the bank.
They are ideal for just about any home cook, especially those who are low on storage with a nesting design that saves plenty of space. They are pretty, practical, and limit fuss. There is very little to not like.
How We Test Cookware at Homes & Gardens
The best cookware has to tick all the boxes: Versatility, manageable weight, safe materials, brilliant cooking performance, and, crucially, ease of cleaning.
You can read more details about how we test cookware here at Homes & Gardens, including how long we vet each piece for and specifically which recipes we trial.
I test all cookware in my own home under real-world conditions – usually mid-week meals cooked after work, putting the pans through regular use over a range of recipes to get a good understanding of how these pans perform and fit into the everyday, hard-working home. For bakeware, I test pieces using recipes that I have used for years, so I know what results to expect to see where pieces succeed, and where they could be better.
What Else to Shop
From other enameled favorites to essential care tools, I have rounded up a selection of pieces I love in my kitchen.
All prices were correct at the time of publishing.
This set includes five mixing bowls and one colander, ideal for everything from baking cakes to prepping ingredients or serving snacks.
This adjustable OXO organizer is ideal, with a wide base to avoid tipping and moving dividers to accommodate any sized pan or tray.
The Le Creuset Signature Round Deep Ovens use enameled cast iron for the same non-toxic experience. Plus, they are currently discounted by $171, so you can add a new piece to your collection without as eye-watering a hit to your bank account.
Ideal for everything from mixing to icing to scraping the bowl clean, this set of five silicone spatulas is the perfect non-toxic upgrade for home baking. They are damage-free, too, preventing scratches on stainless steel, enamel, and ceramic bakeware.
Sponge cloths are ideal for delicate cleaning tasks, such as ceramic cookware. They are also plant-based, meaning they are free from plastics and decompose in compost heaps in around 10 months, making them an eco-friendly, hygienic alternative to traditional sponges and paper towels.
Approved by the Environmental Working Group as non-toxic, this gentle dish soap is perfect for caring for delicate pans and bakeware without the risk of toxic residue.
Looking for a more conventional baking set? Consider the Caraway Bakeware Set I reviewed, with non-toxic ceramic coatings.
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Chiana is Homes & Gardens’ kitchen appliances editor. With a lifelong passion for cooking and baking, she grew up experimenting in the kitchen every weekend with her baking-extraordinaire Mom, has spent time cooking with Le Creuset's expert chefs, and has developed a great understanding of how tools and appliances can make or break your ideal relaxing kitchen routine.