Our Place: Safe, Stylish Cookware

Our Place is an LA-based company that manufactures cookware and dinnerware with the mission of helping people connect over home cooking. Their product, the Always Pan, is a non-toxic, non-stick pan that combines the functions of eight traditional pieces of cookware. It is made with an exclusive non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating that is free of potentially harmful substances such as PFOAs, PTFEs, PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. The pan is also marketed as being oven-safe, lightweight, and easy to clean.

However, some users have reported that the non-stick coating wears off after a few months of use, even with proper care and maintenance. There are also concerns about the safety of the pan for birds, as it may contain traces of Teflon, which releases toxins into the air when heated. While the company claims that their products are free of harmful chemicals, independent tests have detected low levels of lead in the food surface.

Is Our Place's Always Pan coating safe?

The Our Place Always Pan is marketed as a non-toxic, non-stick pan that can replace eight traditional pieces of cookware. It is made with an exclusive non-stick ceramic coating that is described as being made without potentially toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAS, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. The company also states that the pan is free of Teflon, PFAS, and other potentially toxic materials.

However, there are some concerns about the safety of the coating. Firstly, the company does not disclose all the ingredients of their ceramic coating, particularly the type of organic polymer used. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to fully assess the safety of the coating.

Secondly, while the company claims that the coating is free of PFAS, there is some doubt about this assertion. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are potentially harmful chemicals that can interfere with the body's natural hormones and increase the risk of cancer. While the company emphasizes that their coating is free of these substances, they have not provided independent test reports to back up their claims.

Some users have also reported that the non-stick coating started to wear off after a few months of use, even with proper care and maintenance. This raises questions about the durability and long-term safety of the coating.

In conclusion, while the Our Place Always Pan may be aesthetically pleasing and functional, there are some concerns about the safety and durability of its non-stick coating. More transparency and independent testing from the company would be needed to fully assess the safety of the coating. Until then, it is recommended to use alternative cookware such as stainless steel and cast iron pots and pans.

Is Our Place's Always Pan worth the price?

The Always Pan by Our Place is a nontoxic, non-stick pan that claims to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware: a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. It is beautifully designed, lightweight, and initially easy to clean. The company also claims to invest in ethical factories and use responsible materials.

However, the pan has received mixed reviews. While some users praised it as the ultimate kitchen companion, others were disappointed that the non-stick coating wore off after a few months of gentle, responsible use. It is also not oven-safe and is not deep enough to boil a substantial amount of ingredients. At $145 USD, some may find the price too high, especially considering its limitations.

In conclusion, while the Always Pan by Our Place has its advantages, it may not be worth the price for those looking for a durable, versatile, and oven-safe pan.

Is Our Place's Always Pan oven-safe?

The Always Pan by Our Place is a non-toxic, non-stick pan that combines the functions of eight traditional pieces of cookware. It is made of aluminium, which is a good heat conductor, and has a ceramic coating. The pan is marketed as being free of potentially harmful chemicals such as PFOAs, PTFEs, PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals and nanoparticles.

However, some users have expressed concerns about the safety of the pan's coating, as the specific type of polymer used is not disclosed by the company. While Our Place does provide test reports for their products, there are still doubts about the potential presence of PTFE and PFAS in the ceramic coating.

Regarding oven safety, the Always Pan 2.0 is oven-safe up to temperatures of 450°F. However, the original Always Pan is not oven-safe, according to several user reviews.

Is Our Place's Always Pan easy to clean?

The Our Place Always Pan is marketed as being easy to clean, and many reviews agree with this statement. However, it is important to note that this seems to only be the case when the pan is new. After around six months of use, many reviews report that the non-stick coating wears off, making the pan more difficult to clean.

Cleaning Instructions

According to the Our Place website, the Always Pan should be hand-washed with soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge after it has cooled down. The company recommends avoiding the use of scourers and abrasive cleaning agents, as well as metal utensils, to preserve the non-stick coating.

Non-Stick Coating

The non-stick coating on the Always Pan is ceramic-based and is described as "50% longer-lasting" than other non-stick coatings. It is also claimed to be toxin-free, made without PTFEs, PFOAs, other PFAS, lead, cadmium, and other potentially toxic materials. However, some reviews have questioned the validity of these claims, noting that the specific ingredients of the coating are not fully disclosed.

Comparison to Other Pans

Compared to other non-stick ceramic pans on the market, the Our Place Always Pan appears to be similarly priced and may offer more features, such as a steamer basket and a nesting spatula. However, some reviews mention that the non-stick coating on the Always Pan wears off more quickly than on competing products, which affects its ease of cleaning and overall functionality.

While the Our Place Always Pan may initially be easy to clean due to its non-stick coating, the longevity of this feature is questionable. To maintain the ease of cleaning, it is crucial to follow the care and use instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, even with proper care, the non-stick coating may deteriorate over time, impacting the overall cleaning experience.

Is Our Place's Always Pan suitable for high heat?

The Our Place Always Pan is a non-toxic, non-stick pan that can be used for multiple cooking functions. It is made of aluminium, which is a good heat conductor, and has a ceramic coating. The pan is marketed as having a "non-toxic non-stick ceramic coating made without potentially toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles".

However, some users have reported that the non-stick coating wears off after a few months of use, even when following the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer recommends using the pan on low to medium-low heat and avoiding high heat for sustained periods of time. They also advise using high smoke point oils and avoiding aerosol spray oils.

Some reviews suggest that the pan is not suitable for high heat cooking and is not oven-safe. One review states that the pan is "not deep enough to boil a substantial amount of ingredients". Another mentions that the non-stick coating started to wear off after using the pan on high heat.

Therefore, while the Our Place Always Pan is marketed as having a non-toxic ceramic coating, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid using the pan on high heat for prolonged periods to preserve the non-stick coating.

Frequently asked questions