Ourplace Cookware: Safe, Non-Toxic, And Sustainable?

Our Place is a cookware brand that gained popularity through Instagram influencers, promoting its Always Pan as a non-toxic, non-stick pan that can replace at least 10 kitchen products. The company claims to use ethical factories and a sustainable supply chain, but there is no evidence to support these claims. While the pan is marketed as non-toxic and PTFE-free, there are no third-party test results available to confirm this. The pan's non-stick coating has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting that it wears off after a few months of use, making it difficult to clean and causing food to stick. However, others have found it to be a good starter pan, especially for those new to cooking.

Our Place's non-stick coating

Our Place states that their coating is made without PFAS (including PTFEs and PFOAs), lead, cadmium, and other potentially harmful toxins. They also claim that their products are made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum.

However, there is some debate over the safety of the non-stick coating. While Our Place disclosed their test report results in December 2020, which showed that lithium, lead, cobalt, cadmium, and mercury were non-detectable, the report did not specify the minimum detectable levels. Additionally, it is unclear if the coating was tested for other heavy metals such as aluminum, PTFE, or PFOA.

Some users have also reported that the non-stick coating wears off after a few months, even when following the care instructions provided by Our Place. It is recommended to use low to medium heat, avoid metal utensils, and hand wash the pan to prolong the life of the non-stick coating.

The pan's durability

Our Place's Always Pan 2.0 is a lightweight pan made from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum. It is toxin-free and has a ceramic non-stick coating. The pan is designed to be versatile and multifunctional, replacing ten traditional pieces of cookware. It is also designed to save space in the kitchen.

The Always Pan 2.0 has a sturdy aluminum body that provides even heat distribution, making it perfect for searing. The pan is oven-safe up to 450°F, allowing for stovetop-to-oven recipes. It has a domed lid that provides ample space for roasting and a versatile shape that is suitable for pan-frying or deep-frying. The pan also has a steamer basket and a colander, as well as a nesting beechwood spatula.

The Always Pan 2.0 has a toxin-free ceramic non-stick coating that is exclusive to Our Place. The coating is made from a sand derivative and water, without harmful chemicals. It is also 50% longer-lasting than the original coating, addressing some of the issues with the original Always Pan.

However, there are some concerns about the durability of the non-stick coating. Some users have reported that the non-stick properties start to deteriorate after six months of use, with the pan becoming sticky and difficult to clean. There are also reports of staining and discolouration, as well as chipping of the coating, which can expose the aluminum beneath.

To maintain the non-stick coating, the manufacturer recommends using only low to medium heat and avoiding high heat. They also advise against using metal utensils and abrasive cleaning agents, as well as dishwasher cleaning. Despite these care instructions, some users have still experienced issues with the durability of the non-stick coating.

In conclusion, while the Always Pan 2.0 offers a versatile and aesthetically pleasing design, there are concerns about the long-term durability of its non-stick coating. Proper care and maintenance are essential to prolong the life of the coating, but even with careful use, some users have experienced issues after a few months.

The company's sustainability claims

Our Place is a cookware and dinnerware company based in LA. The company's mission is to bring people together over home-cooked food. They aim to create thoughtful products that help beginner cooks and more experienced home cooks.

Our Place claims to use ethical factories and a sustainable supply chain. However, they do not provide any evidence to support these claims. The company's products are designed in LA but made in China, Thailand, Mexico, or India. This means the products may have a significant carbon footprint.

Our Place does, however, use sustainable packaging materials. Their products are shipped in recyclable cardboard with no single-use plastics.

The company also claims that their products are made with recycled post-consumer aluminum and non-toxic materials. Again, they do not offer any certification for the recycled components or third-party test results for the non-toxic materials.

Our Place states that their non-stick ceramic coating is made without potentially toxic materials, including PFAS, PFOAs, and other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. They also claim that their products are free of Teflon.

While Our Place has disclosed some information about the composition of their ceramic coating, there is a lack of transparency around testing and composition. They have not published any third-party test results, despite stating a couple of years ago that they would do so.

In summary, while Our Place makes several sustainability claims, there is a lack of transparency and evidence to support these claims.

The pan's versatility

The Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is a 10-in-1 pan that can braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, boil, bake, serve, and store food. It is compatible with all cooktops, including induction stoves, and comes with a lid and a steamer basket. The pan is lightweight, weighing only 3 pounds, and has a sturdy aluminium body for even heat distribution. It is also oven-safe up to temperatures of 450°F, making it suitable for stovetop-to-oven recipes.

The Always Pan 2.0 is designed to save space and money, as it can replace ten pieces of traditional cookware. Its depth and pour spouts make it versatile, and it is made with 100% recycled aluminium, which is highly conductive and allows for fast and easy cooking. The pan's ceramic non-stick coating, Thermakind™, is exclusive to Our Place and is said to be 50% longer-lasting than other coatings. It is also free from potentially toxic materials like PFAS, PFOAs, lead, and cadmium.

The Always Pan 2.0 comes with a nesting beechwood spatula that eliminates the need for a spoon rest. The pan's iconic domed lid is designed to lock in steam or release it as needed. The stainless steel steamer basket doubles as a colander, and the pan has two pour spouts for left- and right-handed users.

While the Always Pan 2.0 offers versatility and convenience, it is important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to maintain its non-stick properties and prevent scratching and chipping. Some users have reported that the pan's non-stick coating wears off after about six months, and it is recommended to use only wooden or silicone utensils to avoid damaging the coating. Additionally, the pan should only be washed by hand and is not dishwasher-safe.

The company's ethical claims

Our Place is a Los Angeles-based cookware and dinnerware company with a mission to help people connect over home cooking. The company was founded by a woman of colour, and it intends to make thoughtful products that help beginner cooks and those with more experience in the kitchen.

Our Place claims to invest in ethical factories that provide supportive environments and fair compensation to their teams. They also state that they make products with thoughtful and responsible materials as often as possible.

The company's website states that their products are made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium and without potentially harmful toxins. They also claim that their packaging is free of plastics and is biodegradable.

Our Place's ceramic non-stick coating is made without potentially toxic materials like PFAS (including PTFEs and PFOAs), lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals. They also assert that their products are oven-safe up to 450°F.

However, there have been some concerns and mixed reviews about the company's claims. While Our Place disclosed their test report results in December 2020, which showed that lithium, lead, cobalt, cadmium, and mercury were non-detectable, the report did not specify the minimum detectable levels. Additionally, it did not appear that they tested for other heavy metals, PTFE, or PFOA and other PFAS.

Some customers have also reported issues with the non-stick coating wearing off after a few months of use, even when following the care instructions provided by the company.

Overall, while Our Place makes several ethical claims about their products and manufacturing processes, there are some concerns about the transparency of their testing and the longevity of their non-stick coating.

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