Place's Pans: Worth The Investment?

The Our Place Always Pan is a trendy, Instagram-worthy pan that claims to replace eight kitchen tools. It is a non-stick, multi-purpose pan that can be used for frying, steaming, straining, sautéing, and more. The pan has received mixed reviews, with some praising its even heating, non-stick surface, and built-in spoon rest, while others have criticised its weight, inability to go in the oven, and quality control issues. The pan retails for around $145, which is relatively expensive for a frying pan. So, are Our Place pans worth it? The answer depends on individual needs and preferences. While the pan may be a good option for those with limited kitchen space or those who are new to cooking, it may not be the best investment for serious cooks or those looking for oven-safe cookware.

Our Place Always Pan's pros and cons

The Our Place Always Pan is a trendy, Instagram-worthy pan that claims to replace eight kitchen tools. While it has its pros, there are also some cons to consider before investing in this cookware.

Pros:

• Aesthetic: The pan is available in trendy colours and has a stylish design that can complement kitchen décor.
• Multi-functional: The pan can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including frying, sautéing, steaming, straining, braising, and searing.
• Non-stick: The ceramic non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning easier, although some reviews mention that the non-stick properties weaken over time.
• Sustainable packaging: The pan arrives in cardboard packaging without any plastic, which is a plus for environmentally-conscious consumers.
• Even heating: The pan heats up quickly and evenly, making it energy-efficient.
• Built-in spoon rest: The pan has a clever built-in spoon rest, which helps keep countertops clean and mess-free.
• Space-saving: The pan's nesting design makes it a good option for those with limited kitchen storage space.
• Easy to clean: The non-stick surface and smooth design make cleaning a breeze. Simply wipe it down with a paper towel or gently clean it with a sponge and soapy water.

Cons:

• Price: At $145, the pan is not a budget-friendly option and may not be worth the cost for those who are serious about cooking.
• Not oven-safe: Despite its versatility, the pan cannot be used in the oven, which is a notable limitation.
• Weight: Weighing 3 pounds, the pan is relatively heavy for a frying pan, making it cumbersome to handle and flip food.
• Limited simultaneous cooking: While the pan can replace eight tools, it cannot be used to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, as it is a single pan.
• Not practical for everything: While the pan is multi-functional, it may not be the best choice for certain tasks, such as whipping up a quick breakfast or cooking specialised dishes.
• Not built to last: Some reviews mention quality control issues, such as a convex cooking surface, chipped paint, and a rough bottom that can scratch cooktops. The non-stick coating may also wear off with frequent use.
• Not suitable for high heat: The pan is not suitable for high-heat cooking as it can damage the non-stick coating.
• Domed bottom: The pan has a domed bottom, which can cause oil and sauces to pool at the edges.
• Spout design: The spouts are inconveniently placed due to the pan's weight, making them difficult to use for pouring.
• Handle design: The square handle is uncomfortable to grip, and the pan's overall weight distribution can make it challenging to manoeuvre.

How does the Always Pan compare to other pans?

The Always Pan from Our Place is a chic and functional tool that promises to replace eight cookware items: a steamer and strainer, sauté pan, saucepan, saucier, skillet, fry pan, nonstick pan and spoon rest. The pan's non-stick surface, tall sides, tapered pour spots, and helper handle make it a convenient and attractive option for cooking.

However, when compared to other pans on the market, the Always Pan has its pros and cons. Here's a detailed look at how it stacks up:

Pros:

• Versatility: The Always Pan can be used for a variety of cooking tasks such as boiling, braising, frying, sautéing, steaming, and straining. It also doubles as a spoon rest and can go directly from stovetop to table for serving.
• Non-stick Surface: The pan's non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. It requires minimal oil and prevents food from sticking, making cleanup easy.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The Always Pan comes in trendy and subtle colors that add to its Instagram-worthy appeal. It can enhance the décor of your kitchen and even be used as a centerpiece for family-style dinners.
• Sustainable Packaging: The pan arrives in eco-friendly packaging, with cardboard boxes and strips instead of plastic. This is a plus for environmentally conscious consumers.
• Built-in Spoon Rest: The pan features a clever built-in spoon rest, keeping your countertops mess-free.
• Even Heating: The Always Pan distributes heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking results.
• Space-saving Design: With its multi-functional design, the Always Pan can replace multiple pieces of cookware, saving space in your kitchen cabinets.

Cons:

• Limited Oven Use: One of the major drawbacks of the Always Pan is that it is not oven-safe. This limits its functionality, especially for recipes that require stovetop-to-oven cooking.
• Weight: At 3 pounds, the pan is relatively heavy for a frying pan. This weight makes it cumbersome for tasks like flipping pancakes or serving food with one hand.
• Prone to Chipping: Some users have reported issues with paint chipping, especially around the rim of the pan. This can be unsightly and may raise concerns about food safety.
• Not Ideal for High Heat: The non-stick coating of the Always Pan is not suitable for high-heat cooking. This limits its ability to sear or crisp foods like steak or fish skin.
• Steamer Basket Design: The included steamer basket has a small gap between it and the pan's surface, which may be insufficient for certain steaming tasks.
• Handle Design: The square handle of the Always Pan may be uncomfortable to grip for some users.

Overall, the Always Pan from Our Place offers a stylish and versatile option for home cooks. While it excels in certain areas, it also has some limitations when compared to other pans on the market. It may be a good choice for those with limited kitchen space or those seeking an aesthetically pleasing addition to their cookware collection. However, for cooks who require oven use or high-heat cooking, alternative options may be more suitable.

Is the Always Pan good value for money?

The Always Pan from Our Place is a chic and functional tool that promises to replace eight cookware items: a steamer and strainer, sauté pan, saucepan, saucier, skillet, fry pan, nonstick pan and spoon rest. It is made from sturdy aluminium and coated with non-stick ceramic that's free of chemicals. The pan is also compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

The Always Pan delivers on its non-stick promise. Users report that cooking with the pan is a breeze, with foods like cheesy scrambled eggs, fried fish, smashed potatoes, and pasta cooking evenly with close to zero residue sticking to the pan’s surface. The pan also comes with a steamer basket, which can be used to steam vegetables or strain pasta.

The Always Pan also has a built-in spoon rest, which is a clever feature that keeps messes off countertops. The pan's accompanying beechwood spatula fits neatly into the handle, and while not necessary for kitchen success, is a thoughtful addition. The pan is also easy to clean and can be washed in the dishwasher, although handwashing is recommended to prolong its lifespan.

However, the Always Pan is not oven-safe, which is a notable downside for a pan that claims to replace eight pieces of cookware. It is also a bit heavy, clocking in at 3 pounds, with the lid weighing an additional pound. This makes it difficult to wield and flip food.

The Always Pan is a good value for money if you are looking for a durable, attractive, and functional piece of cookware, especially if you have limited cabinet space. However, if you are an avid cook who requires oven-safe cookware, there may be better options available.

Who is the Always Pan suitable for?

The Always Pan is suitable for those who are short on space in their kitchen. Its ability to replace eight different pieces of cookware means you can get rid of your other pots and pans and just use this one. It's also a good option for those who like their kitchenware to be aesthetically pleasing, as it comes in trendy colours and has a stylish design.

The Always Pan is also a good choice for those who are new to cooking or living on their own. It's easy to use and clean, and the non-stick surface means you don't have to worry about food sticking to the pan. It's also a good option for those who only cook simple meals, as it has limited functionality compared to other pans on the market.

However, if you're an experienced cook who loves to experiment with different dishes, the Always Pan might not be the best option for you. It can't be used in the oven, so you can't use it for baking or roasting. Additionally, it can't sear meat or crisp fish skin due to the non-stick coating.

The Always Pan is also not suitable for those with weak wrists, as it's on the heavier side. It's also not a good choice if you have a ceramic stovetop, as the paint on the pan can chip and scratch your stove.

What can the Always Pan do?

The Always Pan from Our Place is a multi-functional pan that can replace eight cookware items: a steamer, strainer, sauté pan, saucepan, saucier, skillet, fry pan, and spoon rest. It can also be used for boiling, braising, frying, sauteing, searing, steaming, and straining. The pan has a non-stick coating that is free from PFOAs, PTFEs, PFAs, cadmium, lead, nanoparticles, and toxic metals. It is also compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

The Always Pan has a modular lid that allows steam to escape or be locked in, and it comes with a nesting steamer basket and colander. The pan also features a built-in spoon rest and a beechwood spatula that fits neatly into the handle. The pan is made from sturdy aluminum and has a high-domed lid and a square handle. It weighs 3 pounds, which is relatively heavy for a frying pan. The lid adds an additional pound of weight.

The Always Pan has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised its non-stick surface, even heating, and built-in spoon rest. However, others have criticized its weight, lack of oven-safety, and inability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Some reviews also noted quality control issues, such as a convex cooking surface, chipped paint, and a rough bottom that could scratch glass or ceramic cooktops. Despite these shortcomings, the Always Pan is still a popular and aesthetically pleasing option for those looking to streamline their cookware collection.

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