The Worth Of Always Pan: Is It Worthwhile?

The Always Pan by Our Place is a non-toxic, non-stick pan that claims to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware. It comes in a variety of colours and is marketed as a stylish, multi-functional piece of cookware. However, there are mixed reviews about the Always Pan. While some users praise its ease of use, lightweight design, and quick heating, others complain about the non-stick coating wearing off within a few months, making it difficult to clean and causing food to stick. Some reviews also mention that the pan is not oven-safe and is not suitable for high-heat cooking. Overall, the Always Pan may be a good choice for those who are just starting out and looking for an easy-to-clean option, but for those with a fully stocked kitchen, it may not offer enough versatility to justify the price.

The Always Pan is not oven-safe

The inability to use the Always Pan in the oven means that it cannot adequately replace multiple pieces of traditional cookware, despite its multifunctional design. This means that you will still need a range of cookware to prepare different types of dishes, defeating the purpose of the Always Pan's space-saving, do-it-all design.

The Always Pan 2.0, an upgraded version of the original Always Pan, addresses this issue and is now oven-safe up to temperatures of 450°F. However, it is important to note that the helper handle on the Always Pan 2.0 is not made from heat-resistant material, so you will need to use a mitt to handle it after it has been on a hot stove.

The non-stick coating wears off

The Always Pan by Our Place is a nontoxic, non-stick pan that combines multiple cooking functions. It has been praised for its aesthetics and functionality, but some users have reported issues with the non-stick coating wearing off over time. This issue has prompted discussions about the pan's durability and whether it is worth the high price tag.

The non-stick coating on the Always Pan is designed to provide a smooth and slick surface that prevents food from sticking to the pan. However, some users have reported that the coating starts to wear off after a few months of use, even with gentle and responsible usage. This can result in food sticking to the pan, making it difficult to cook certain dishes effectively.

To address this issue, it is recommended to follow proper care and maintenance procedures. This includes avoiding high heat for extended periods, using non-metal utensils, and hand washing the pan instead of putting it in the dishwasher. These practices can help extend the life of the non-stick coating and delay any wear and tear.

Additionally, seasoning the pan with oil or shortening can help protect the coating. Seasoning involves coating the pan with oil and heating it at extreme temperatures, allowing the oil to polymerize and form a protective layer. This process should be repeated regularly to maintain the non-stick properties of the pan.

While the non-stick coating on the Always Pan may wear off over time, proper care and maintenance can help prolong its effectiveness. Users should be aware of the potential for the coating to deteriorate and take the necessary steps to mitigate this issue. However, if the coating does wear off significantly, it may be necessary to invest in a new pan to ensure optimal cooking performance.

It's not suitable for browning and searing

The Always Pan is not suitable for browning and searing. While the pan can be used for browning and searing, it is not designed for these purposes. Browning and searing require high temperatures, typically 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which can damage the non-stick coating on the Always Pan.

The non-stick coating on the Always Pan is not designed to withstand high temperatures. Some users have reported that the non-stick coating wore off after a few months of use, even when following the care instructions provided by the company. The company recommends using the pan on medium to low heat and avoiding metal cooking tools and abrasive sponges, which can damage the coating.

In addition, the Always Pan is not oven-safe, which limits its functionality for browning and searing. Many recipes for browning and searing meat involve finishing the dish in the oven, which cannot be done with the Always Pan.

While the Always Pan may be suitable for occasional browning and searing, it is not designed for these purposes and may not produce the desired results. If you are looking for a pan specifically for browning and searing, there are other options available that are better suited for these techniques.

Cast iron skillets, for example, are excellent for browning and searing as they can withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. They also have the added benefit of becoming naturally non-stick over time with proper care. Other options include tri-ply stainless steel skillets, which are durable and suitable for high-heat cooking, or a wok-shaped pan, which is ideal for sautéing and steaming.

It's not worth the price

The Always Pan is not worth the price. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, the Always Pan is not built to last. Despite its hefty price tag, the pan's non-stick coating wears off after a few months of use, with some customers reporting that their pans became sticky and discoloured. This is a significant issue as the pan's non-stick property is one of its main selling points. The pan is also prone to chipping and staining, with oil splatters and pan drippings staining the exterior. The pan is challenging to clean, especially the triangular gap where the handle attaches, which collects food splatters and is too small to scrub clean easily.

Secondly, the Always Pan is not a good value for money. For $145, you get a pan that is not oven-safe and not suitable for high-heat cooking. There are other pans in the market that offer similar or better features at a lower price point. Additionally, the Always Pan is not as versatile as it claims to be. While it is marketed as an "8-in-1" pan that can replace eight traditional pieces of cookware, in reality, it cannot adequately replace all of them. For example, it is not deep enough for boiling a substantial amount of ingredients, and it cannot be used in the oven.

Thirdly, the Always Pan's performance does not justify its price. While it may be suitable for gentle cooking methods like steaming and sautéing, it is not suitable for high-heat cooking or searing. The pan's non-stick surface starts to deteriorate if used over medium heat for sustained periods, which is not ideal for browning or searing foods. The pan's handle also becomes loose over time, affecting its durability.

Lastly, the Always Pan's marketing is misleading. The pan is heavily promoted on social media and by influencers, creating a sense of hype and trendiness. However, the reality is that the pan is overpriced and underperforming. The company behind the Always Pan, Our Place, has also been criticised for its aggressive marketing tactics, with customers reporting being bombarded with marketing emails and ads even after purchasing the pan.

It's not durable

The Always Pan is not durable. While the pan is initially non-stick, lightweight, easy to clean, and aesthetically pleasing, the non-stick coating wears off after a few months of use, making it less effective and more difficult to clean. Some customers have also reported issues with the handle, such as it becoming loose or cracked.

The non-stick coating is advertised to be free of potentially toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticals. However, despite these claims, the coating does not stand up to the competition and starts to deteriorate over time. This is a common issue with ceramic non-stick coatings, which are not actually made of ceramic but of a ceramic-like coating called sol-gel. The non-stick properties of these coatings do not last long, and the coating may start to wear off after about a year of use.

In addition to the issues with the non-stick coating, the Always Pan is not oven-safe, which limits its functionality. It also has a domed bottom, which can cause oil and sauces to pool at the edges. The pan is also not deep enough to boil a substantial amount of ingredients.

Overall, while the Always Pan may be initially appealing due to its design and functionality, it is not a durable option and may not be worth the high price tag.

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