Emilie Meyer
The Always Pan is a non-stick ceramic pan by Our Place. It is marketed as a versatile, multi-purpose pan that can replace ten traditional cookware items. The pan is said to be made without PFAS, PFOAs, lead, and other heavy metals, with the company claiming that their ceramic coating is specifically designed without these potentially toxic materials. However, some reviewers have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the ingredients of the ceramic coating, and the absence of third-party test reports to support the company's claims. While the Always Pan has received praise for its aesthetics and functionality, there are also reports of the non-stick coating losing its effectiveness over time.
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What You'll Learn
The Always Pan is PFAS-free
The Always Pan by Our Place is a versatile, multi-purpose pan that replaces 10 cookware items. It can be used for frying, steaming, roasting, baking, and more. The pan is made with an ultra-conductive body and lid made from 100% certified post-consumer recycled aluminum, which is three times more heat conductive than stainless steel.
The Always Pan features a non-stick coating that is PFAS-free. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, are potentially toxic chemicals that have been used in non-stick coatings. PFAS, nicknamed "Forever Chemicals," do not break down easily in the environment or the human body and can release toxic fumes when overheated.
Our Place's ceramic non-stick coating, Thermakind™, is made without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals. The company states that their coating is rigorously third-party tested, although they have not released the testing reports due to proprietary information. The coating is also 50% longer-lasting than traditional coatings, providing up to 12 months of use.
The Always Pan's PFAS-free coating contributes to its safety and sustainability. However, some reviews mention that the non-stick coating can start to lose its effectiveness after a few months, requiring the use of oil or other fats for cooking. Nonetheless, the pan's depth, versatility, and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for many home cooks.
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PFAS are 'Forever Chemicals'
The Always Pan by Our Place is a multi-purpose pan that replaces 10 cookware items. It is made with a ceramic non-stick coating that, according to the company, does not contain PFAS, PFOAs, lead, and other heavy metals. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are also known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. As a result, they bioaccumulate over time, making them a highly concerning group of chemicals. PFAS-based coatings can also release toxic fumes when overheated.
The Always Pan's ceramic coating is made with Thermakind™, a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating that is based on silicon instead of PTFE. The company claims that their coating is made without potentially toxic materials. However, some reviewers have expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the ingredients of the ceramic coating and the absence of third-party test reports to back up the company's claims.
While the Always Pan is marketed as a non-stick pan, some users have reported that the non-stick coating wears off over time, causing food to start sticking to the pan even when oil is used. This typically occurs around the six-month mark, with some reviewers noting that the pan starts to stain, peel, and chip. Despite this, the Always Pan is well-received for its versatility, depth, and aesthetic appeal.
It is important to note that PFAS are commonly used in non-stick coatings, including in conventional coatings like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. These coatings have been associated with potential health risks, leading some consumers to seek alternative options like the Always Pan. However, the presence of PFAS in the environment and their accumulation in the human body remain a concern, even if they are not present in the Always Pan's ceramic coating.
Overall, while the Always Pan by Our Place claims to be free of PFAS and other potentially toxic materials, there is ongoing discussion and scrutiny regarding the safety of its ceramic coating. The lack of transparency and independent testing has left some consumers seeking more definitive evidence to support the company's claims.
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PFAS bioaccumulate over time
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s. PFAS are used to keep food from sticking to cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam. PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms, and because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. PFAS are nicknamed "'Forever Chemicals'" because they persist for a long time and bioaccumulate, making them a highly concerning chemical group.
PFAS exposure can occur through various routes, including contaminated water, food, soil, dust, air, and consumer products. Humans are exposed to PFAS primarily through food and drinking water. PFAS can accumulate in organisms and biomagnify in food webs, leading to increased exposure for humans as the final link in food chains. Certain occupations, such as firefighting and chemical manufacturing, also increase the risk of PFAS exposure.
The widespread use of PFAS in consumer products and technical processes has led to increasing scientific and political attention. PFAS have been found to have adverse health effects, including reduced bone mineral density, increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers. PFAS are also harmful to aquatic fauna, insects, and amphibians.
To address the concerns related to PFAS bioaccumulation and its potential health risks, companies like Our Place have developed PFAS-free alternatives for their products. For example, the Always Pan 2.0 uses Thermakind™, a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating that is made without potentially toxic materials like PFAS, lead, and cadmium. This coating is also designed to last longer than traditional coatings, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
While the development of PFAS-free alternatives is a positive step, ongoing research is still needed to fully understand the health effects of PFAS exposure, especially over extended periods. Additionally, the variable use of PFAS over time and the lack of transparency in product testing make it challenging to assess the true extent of PFAS exposure and its impact on human health.
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PFAS-based coatings can release toxic fumes
The Always Pan by Our Place is a non-stick, multifunctional pan made from ceramic and recycled aluminium. The pan is marketed as being free from potentially toxic materials, specifically PFAS (including PTFEs and PFOAs), lead and cadmium. PFAS, or Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are effective at repelling grease, water and stains, and can be found in a variety of products including cleaning products, non-stick cookware, personal care products and food packaging.
PFAS have earned the nickname "Forever Chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body. As a result, they bioaccumulate over time, making them a highly concerning group of chemicals. PFAS-based coatings, when overheated, can also release toxic fumes. This has been found to cause flu-like symptoms in humans and even kill pet birds.
The Always Pan's ceramic coating, Thermakind™, is marketed as being free from PFAS and other potentially toxic materials. However, Our Place has not released any third-party testing reports to substantiate this claim. While the Always Pan 2.0 seems to have addressed some of the issues with the original Always Pan, such as improving the thickness and scratch resistance of the ceramic coating, there are still concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the product's safety.
It is important to note that while PFOA and PFOS, two of the most widely used and studied PFAS compounds, have been phased out in the United States, they are still found in the environment due to historical uses. Additionally, other PFAS compounds are often used as replacements, which may be equally toxic and persistent in the environment.
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PFAS are used in non-stick coatings
PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are used in non-stick coatings. They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. PFAS-based coatings can also release toxic fumes when overheated.
PFAS are commonly used in non-stick cookware to create a non-stick coating that makes cooking and cleaning easier. However, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with PFAS. Studies have shown that PFAS can contaminate drinking water and accumulate in the human body over time, making them a highly concerning chemical group.
Some non-stick cookware manufacturers may claim that their products are free of PFAS, specifically PFTE and PFOA. However, it is difficult to trust these claims as independent testing has shown that some "PFOA-free" pans were still coated with PTFE and contained other PFAS chemicals. For example, a study by the Ecology Center found that 79% of tested non-stick cooking pans and 20% of tested non-stick baking pans were coated with PTFE, even when the packaging claimed otherwise.
To address these concerns, some companies have started using alternative materials for non-stick coatings. For instance, ceramic coatings are marketed as a safer alternative to traditional non-stick coatings. Pans such as the Always Pan by Our Place use a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating called Thermakind™ that is claimed to be free of PFAS, PFOAs, lead, and other potentially toxic materials. However, it is important to note that ceramic coatings have been known to have shorter lifespans and may not provide the same level of non-stick performance as traditional coatings.
While the use of PFAS in non-stick coatings remains controversial, consumers can take steps to avoid exposure to these chemicals. The Green Science Policy Institute provides a list of PFAS-free products, and uncoated pans made from materials such as cast iron or stainless steel are also less likely to contain PFAS. Additionally, consumers should be cautious of marketing claims and omissions, carefully researching the products they purchase to make informed choices.
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Frequently asked questions
The Always Pan by Our Place is said to be made without PTFEs, PFOAs, or other PFAS. However, some reviews note that the company has not released third-party test results to confirm this claim.
PFAS, nicknamed "Forever Chemicals", are a group of potentially toxic chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. PFAS can release toxic fumes when overheated.
The Always Pan is made with a ceramic coating that is said to be free of potentially toxic materials. The pan's body and lid are made with 100% certified post-consumer recycled aluminum.
Yes, there are other non-stick pan options available that do not contain PFAS. Some examples include cast iron pans, stainless steel pans, and ceramic-coated pans from brands like GreenPan.
