The Our Place Always Pan has over 40,000 five-star reviews, a devoted Instagram following, and the kind of marketing that makes you feel like buying a pan is a lifestyle choice. It promises to replace eight pieces of cookware, comes in colors with names like “Steam” and “Spice,” and looks gorgeous on a shelf. But the question that brought you here is simpler: is it actually non-toxic, and does it actually work?

Every product on this list was evaluated against our criteria for ingredient safety, third-party testing, and real-world performance. Our testing methodology explains the full process. I have been cooking with the Always Pan 2.0 for five months now, and I have answers to both questions. The short version: yes, it is genuinely free of PFAS and other chemicals of concern. And yes, it works well as a daily-use pan, but it has real limitations that the marketing downplays. Let me get specific.

The Safety Question First

The Always Pan uses a ceramic nonstick coating that Our Place states is free of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, and other toxic chemicals. After digging into their materials documentation and third-party testing, I can confirm that the safety claims are legitimate. The coating is a mineral-based ceramic surface (similar in technology to the Thermolon coating used by GreenPan) applied over an aluminum pan body.

What does “mineral-based ceramic” mean in practice? The coating is derived primarily from silicon dioxide and other inorganic minerals. It achieves its nonstick properties through physical smoothness rather than the chemical slipperiness of PTFE (Teflon). No fluorinated compounds are involved in the manufacturing process.

Dr. Shanna Swan, whose research has documented the reproductive health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday consumer products, has written about the importance of reducing exposure to PFAS compounds in kitchen items. Swan’s work shows that these chemicals, which are present in traditional nonstick coatings, can accumulate in the body and interfere with hormonal function. The Always Pan’s ceramic coating sidesteps this concern entirely.

The pan body is aluminum, which raises a separate question. Aluminum in direct contact with acidic foods can leach small amounts of metal. However, the ceramic coating creates a barrier between the aluminum and your food. As long as the coating is intact, the aluminum body is not in contact with what you are cooking. If the coating is severely scratched or chipped (exposing bare aluminum), that protection is compromised, and you should replace the pan.

Based on testing from NonToxicLab’s kitchen product reviews, the Always Pan meets the same safety standard as other reputable ceramic nonstick brands. It is a safe choice for non-toxic cooking.

What the Always Pan Claims to Replace

Our Place markets the Always Pan as a replacement for eight pieces of cookware:

  1. Fry pan
  2. Saute pan
  3. Steamer
  4. Skillet
  5. Saucier
  6. Non-stick pan
  7. Spatula
  8. Spoon rest

In reality, it functions well as items 1, 3, 6, and 7 (the included beechwood spatula is nice). The steamer basket is a genuine bonus that I use weekly for vegetables and dumplings. As a saucier or saucepan? The shallow, sloped sides mean liquids reduce too quickly and you can only hold small volumes. As a deep saute pan for large batches? The capacity is too limited.

The “replaces 8 pieces” claim is marketing. It is a good 10-inch nonstick fry pan with a steamer basket. That is what you are buying. If you go in with those expectations, you will be happy with it.

Design and Build Quality

The Always Pan is undeniably well-designed from an aesthetic standpoint. The colors are beautiful, the silhouette is clean, and it looks great sitting on a stovetop or hanging from a rack. The beechwood spatula nests into the handle when the pan is not in use, which is a clever touch.

The handle stays cool during stovetop cooking and has a comfortable shape. The lid fits snugly and has a built-in strainer slot. The steamer basket sits inside the pan and holds a reasonable amount of food.

What I like less: the pour spout. It is shallow and does not pour cleanly. Liquids tend to dribble down the outside of the pan. The pan’s walls are aggressively sloped, which looks elegant but means you have less usable flat cooking surface than a pan this size should offer. Stir-frying in the Always Pan means food constantly rides up the walls and out of the heat zone.

The 2.0 version added some thickness to the aluminum body compared to the original, which improved heat distribution. But compared to something like the GreenPan Valencia Pro with its hard-anodized body, the Always Pan still feels lighter and thinner.

Cooking Performance

Eggs: Excellent for the first 3-4 months. Fried eggs slid around without oil. Scrambled eggs released cleanly. This is where ceramic nonstick shines, and the Always Pan delivered.

Pancakes and crepes: Good, but the hot spot in the center of the pan means you get uneven browning. The first pancake is always darker in the middle. This is an aluminum heat distribution issue, not specific to Our Place, but more expensive pans handle it better.

Searing: Not the right pan for this job. High-heat searing degrades ceramic coatings faster than any other cooking task, and the Always Pan’s thinner construction makes hot spots more pronounced at high temperatures. Use stainless steel or cast iron for searing. Treat the Always Pan as a medium-heat pan and it will last longer.

Steaming: The included steamer basket is surprisingly functional. I use it for broccoli, green beans, and dumplings regularly. It sits securely inside the pan and holds enough for two servings.

Sauces: Small sauces and reductions work fine. Anything requiring more than about 2 cups of liquid is going to be too shallow. The sloped sides accelerate evaporation, which is a problem for slow simmering.

Coating Durability: The Real Issue

Here is where my experience with the Always Pan diverges from the marketing. After five months of regular use (cooking 5-6 days a week), the ceramic coating on my Always Pan has degraded faster than equivalent coatings on the GreenPan and Caraway pans I have tested.

By month three, the center of the pan where I cook most frequently had lost its glassy smoothness. By month four, eggs required a thin film of oil. By month five, the coating in the center has a slightly rough texture and food sticks without adequate oil.

I followed all recommended care practices: hand washing only, silicone and wood utensils, medium heat, no cooking spray, cooling before washing. The coating still degraded faster than I expected based on competitor products.

My theory is that the Always Pan’s thinner aluminum body contributes to hotter spots in the center, and those concentrated heat areas wear the ceramic coating faster. Pans with thicker bases (like the GreenPan Valencia Pro) distribute heat more evenly and seem to keep their coatings longer.

This does not make the Always Pan bad. It makes it a pan with a realistic lifespan of about 1-2 years of daily use before the nonstick coating needs a replacement. At $150, that is a higher cost-per-year than some competitors.

Who Should Buy This Pan

The Always Pan makes the most sense for:

  • People who want one attractive, non-toxic pan for everyday cooking (eggs, vegetables, light sautes)
  • Small kitchens where the steamer basket and all-in-one design saves meaningful space
  • Cooks who primarily cook at medium heat and below
  • Gift buyers looking for something beautiful and functional
  • Anyone switching from PTFE nonstick for the first time who wants a single pan to start with

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Consider other options if:

  • You cook at high heat regularly (stir-fry, searing)
  • You want the longest-lasting ceramic nonstick coating (GreenPan Valencia Pro or Caraway hold up longer in my testing)
  • You need induction compatibility (the standard Always Pan is not induction-compatible; Our Place offers a separate induction version)
  • You already have good cookware and are mostly drawn to the aesthetic
  • You need cookware that can handle large-volume cooking

For a full comparison of non-toxic cookware options, including cast iron and stainless steel, see our guide on whether ceramic cookware is safe.

Price and Value

At $150 for a single pan, the Always Pan is not cheap. For comparison:

  • GreenPan Valencia Pro 10-inch fry pan: ~$50-$60
  • Caraway 10.5-inch fry pan (sold separately): ~$95
  • Lodge 10.25-inch cast iron skillet: ~$20

The Always Pan’s price includes the steamer basket and spatula, which adds some value. But you can buy a GreenPan fry pan and a separate steamer basket for less than $80 total and get a pan with a more durable coating.

The value proposition of the Always Pan is design, convenience, and brand experience rather than pure cooking performance per dollar. If those things matter to you, the price makes sense. If you are purely optimizing for non-toxic cooking performance, there are better values available.

Dr. Leonardo Trasande has emphasized that the health benefits of removing endocrine-disrupting chemicals from your kitchen are real and measurable. Any ceramic nonstick pan that eliminates PFAS from your cooking routine is a step in the right direction, regardless of brand. The question is which specific pan gives you the best combination of safety, performance, and longevity for your budget.

The Short Version

The Our Place Always Pan is a genuinely non-toxic, well-designed pan that works well for everyday medium-heat cooking. The ceramic coating is legitimately PFAS-free, the steamer basket is a useful addition, and the pan looks beautiful in any kitchen.

The coating does not last as long as competitors, the “replaces 8 pieces” claim is a stretch, and the price is on the higher side for what you get in terms of cooking performance. If you value the design and the brand experience and understand that you are getting a good daily-use pan (not a do-everything kitchen workhorse), the Always Pan is a solid purchase.

If cooking performance and coating longevity are your top priorities, spend the same money on a GreenPan set or a Caraway fry pan and you will get more durable results.

Questions We Hear Most

Is the Our Place Always Pan really non-toxic?

Yes. The ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. The coating is mineral-based and does not release toxic fumes if accidentally overheated. Our Place provides third-party test data to verify these claims. The pan body is aluminum with a ceramic barrier, so food does not contact the aluminum during normal use.

How long does the Always Pan nonstick coating last?

Based on my testing with daily use, the nonstick performance starts declining around month 3-4 and becomes noticeably reduced by month 5-6. With lighter use (3-4 times per week), the coating can last 1-2 years. Following proper care practices extends the life, but ceramic nonstick is not permanent on any brand.

Can you use the Always Pan on induction?

The standard Always Pan is NOT induction compatible. Our Place sells a separate version with an induction-compatible base. Check which version you are ordering if you have an induction cooktop.

Is the Always Pan dishwasher safe?

Our Place does not recommend dishwasher use. The harsh detergents and high temperatures in dishwashers accelerate ceramic coating degradation. Hand wash with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge for best results and longest coating life.

Does the Always Pan replace 8 pieces of cookware?

In practice, no. It functions well as a fry pan, nonstick pan, and steamer (with the included basket). Its shallow, sloped design limits its effectiveness as a saucepan, deep saute pan, or large-batch cooking vessel. Think of it as a versatile fry pan with a steamer bonus, not a complete cookware replacement.

Is the Always Pan worth $150?

That depends on your priorities. For cooking performance per dollar, you can get better value from GreenPan or Caraway. For design, brand experience, and a single attractive pan with a steamer basket included, the Always Pan delivers. If you are buying it purely for non-toxic cooking performance, there are more durable options at the same price or less.

You Might Also Like

Sources