The Ultimate Our Place Always Pan Review: 3 Years of Honest Use (Original vs. 2.0)

For three full years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to experience the evolution of Our Place’s iconic Always Pan. From its inaugural model to the latest iterations, I’ve put every version through rigorous daily use in my kitchen. This comprehensive review aims to share my unfiltered thoughts, highlight the significant improvements, and help you decide if this much-hyped piece of cookware deserves a spot in your home.

Three Our Place Always Pans in blue, pink, and green stacked on top of each other with wooden spoons and lids in the corner — A collection of Always Pans showcasing their vibrant color options.

My journey with Our Place began in October 2020. Like many others, I was captivated by the vibrant advertisements flooding my social media feeds. The pan’s striking colors and minimalist design were incredibly appealing, and I was eager to understand what made this “10-in-1” pan so revolutionary. I took the plunge, purchasing my very first Always Pan during a 20% off sale, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s important for me to be fully transparent: while I initially purchased my first two Our Place products independently, the company has since generously gifted me several of their newer items as they’ve launched new collections and improved existing ones. This extended experience has given me a comprehensive perspective on their product line.

Green Always Pan with colander and wooden spoon inside, ready for cooking — The Always Pan in Sage, showcasing its steamer basket and integrated spoon rest.

What Exactly is the Always Pan? Unpacking Its Versatility

At its core, the Always Pan is a premium non-stick skillet designed to simplify your cooking experience. It comes from Our Place, a female and immigrant-owned company based in Los Angeles, known for its thoughtfully designed kitchenware that celebrates the diverse cultures of the modern kitchen. The brand promotes conscious consumption by offering versatile tools that reduce the need for multiple, specialized pieces of equipment.

The pan’s primary appeal lies in its audacious claim to be a “10-in-1 bestselling cookware system that does it all.” This means it’s engineered to replace a multitude of common kitchen items, performing tasks such as:

Braises: Perfect for slow-cooking meats and vegetables.
Sears: Achieves a beautiful crust on proteins.
Steams: Thanks to its custom-fitted steamer basket.
Strains: The integrated spoon rest and pour spout design aid in straining.
Sautés: Ideal for stir-fries and quick-cooking dishes.
Fries: Suitable for shallow frying.
Boils: Functions effectively as a small pot.
Bakes: A significant upgrade in the 2.0 model, allowing oven use.
Serves: Its aesthetic appeal makes it suitable for direct-to-table serving.
and Stores: Compact design for easy storage.

This multifunctional approach aims to declutter kitchens and streamline meal preparation, making it a compelling option for those with limited space or a desire for efficiency.

Blue Always Pan sitting on a marble board, highlighting its sleek design — The Always Pan in Blue Salt, a popular color option.

Always Pan 2.0: Key Features and Dimensions

According to the official Our Place website, the Always Pan 2.0 boasts impressive specifications designed for modern cooking:

Dimensions: 19.9 inches in length (including handle), 10.5 inches in diameter, 2.8 inches in depth, and 5.7 inches in height with the lid on.
Capacity: A practical 2.6 quart capacity, suitable for meals for 2-4 people.
Weight: Its lightweight construction, with a 3 lb. body, ensures easy handling despite its robust feel.
Compatibility: Universally compatible with all cooktops, including induction, which is a crucial feature for many contemporary kitchens.
Material: Crafted with an aluminum body, ensuring fast and remarkably even heat distribution for consistent cooking results.
Non-Stick Coating: Features a durable, 50% longer-lasting ceramic nonstick coating, specifically formulated without potentially toxic materials like PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium.
Oven Safe: A standout improvement in the 2.0 model, it is now oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pink Always Pan sitting on a marble board with a wooden spoon resting on the handle — My original Always Pan in Spice, demonstrating the convenient spoon rest.

The pink skillet pictured above represents my very first Always Pan, the original model. Since its launch, Our Place has refined and re-released it as the “new and improved” Always Pan 2.0, which is now the standard model available for purchase. Many of the initial complaints and minor inconveniences I and other users experienced with the original model were thoughtfully addressed and largely resolved with the introduction of the 2.0 version. The most notable and widely celebrated enhancement is the 2.0’s oven-safe capability, a feature the original model lacked entirely. We’ll delve deeper into this and other crucial improvements shortly.

Cost and Value: Is the Always Pan Worth the Investment?

The pricing for the Our Place Always Pan reflects its position as a premium, design-forward piece of cookware:

The CLASSIC 10.5-inch Always Pan 2.0 is priced at $150. While this might seem like a significant investment for a single pan, it’s crucial to remember its multi-functional design, aiming to replace several items. Our Place frequently runs promotions and sales, so I highly recommend waiting for one of these deals to get the best value. I purchased my first pan during a 20% off sale, which made the initial investment feel more accessible.
The LARGE 12.5-inch Always Pan is a newer addition, offering an expanded cooking surface for larger families or bigger batches. It shares the same design and features as the 2.0 but with two additional inches in diameter.
The MINI 8.5-inch Always Pan is another recent release, perfect for single servings, small kitchens, or side dishes. This compact version provides the same 2.0 enhancements in a smaller footprint.

Considering its versatile capabilities and the quality of its construction, the Always Pan’s price point, especially when purchased on sale, can represent good value. It’s designed to be a workhorse that reduces clutter, potentially saving money in the long run by eliminating the need for separate braisers, steamers, and frying pans.

Pink Always Pan sitting on a marble board with a wooden spoon hanging out the side — The Original Always Pan, my first Our Place purchase.

Green Always Pan sitting on a marble board with a wooden spoon hanging out the side — The Original Always Pan, my first Our Place purchase.

Always Pan Original vs. 2.0: Key Differences and Improvements

While discussing the original Always Pan might seem somewhat academic now that only the 2.0 model is widely available, understanding these differences is crucial. Many common “pain points” or criticisms leveled against the Always Pan were specifically addressed in the updated 2.0 model, significantly improving the user experience and earning my stronger endorsement. Let’s explore the key evolutions:

Oven-Safe Functionality: A Game Changer. A frequent complaint about the original Always Pan was its inability to go into the oven. This limited its “10-in-1” claims, particularly for recipes requiring finishing in the oven. Our Place listened to user feedback: the Always Pan 2.0 is now proudly oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a massive improvement, expanding its versatility for dishes like frittatas, baked pasta, or oven-finished chicken. Many new users may not even realize this was an upgrade, assuming it was always oven-safe.
Enhanced Non-Stick Durability. Concerns about the non-stick coating wearing off after a relatively short period (some reviews cited as little as 6 months) plagued the original model. Our Place addressed this directly with the 2.0. The website boasts a “50% longer lasting ceramic nonstick coating made without potentially toxic materials.” Based on my experience, this claim holds true. I’ve been using the 2.0 pan since March 2023 (over 7 months of extremely frequent use), and the non-stick surface performs identically to the day I first unboxed it. Eggs slide effortlessly, and cleanup remains a breeze. This improvement tackles one of the most critical aspects of any non-stick pan.
Redesigned Handle for Improved Ergonomics. Another common critique revolved around the original pan’s handle, which some found uncomfortable to grip, especially when lifting a full pot. I fully concurred with this assessment for the original model. The 2.0 model, however, features a more subtly curved handle that significantly enhances comfort and makes it much easier and more secure to pick up, even with a single hand. This might seem like a small detail, but it drastically improves the overall user experience and safety.

My Honest Review of the Always Pan 2.0: A True Advocate

To be perfectly frank, if I had written this review a year ago, my sentiments might have been slightly more reserved. However, with the release and my extensive use of the Always Pan 2.0, I’ve become a huge advocate. The improvements are substantial and directly address previous shortcomings. Here are my key takeaways after years of cooking with it:

Unparalleled Non-Stick Performance: The non-stick surface on the 2.0 model is, without a doubt, the best I have ever tried. After more than seven months of almost daily use—and often multiple times a day—I have not noticed any degradation in its non-stick properties. Food consistently slides off with ease, and cleaning requires minimal effort. This durability is a significant factor in my high recommendation.
Aesthetics That Elevate Your Kitchen: While function is always my priority, I genuinely appreciate when beauty and utility merge seamlessly. The Always Pan exemplifies this fusion. Available in a stunning array of colors, there’s truly an option for every kitchen aesthetic. I’m particularly fond of their pastel palette. My current collection includes three beautiful shades: Blue Salt (a soothing blue), Spice (a warm pink), and Sage (a calming green). They look fantastic both on the stovetop and hanging in the kitchen.
The Integrated Wooden Spoon: This is arguably my least favorite component of the Always Pan package. While I appreciate the innovative design that allows it to rest securely on the handle without overheating, I personally find myself rarely reaching for it. It’s a matter of personal preference, as I often opt for other utensils. However, the concept is clever for those who appreciate all-in-one convenience.
The Versatile Steamer Basket: In contrast to the spoon, the steamer basket is an absolute winner for me. I use it at least several times a week, primarily for steaming vegetables to perfection. Its custom fit and ease of use make healthy cooking incredibly convenient. It’s a well-designed accessory that genuinely enhances the pan’s multi-functional promise.

Stainless steel steamer basket made for the Always Pan — The custom-fitted stainless steel steamer basket, a highly useful accessory.

Addressing the Cons: Durability and Maintenance Tips

No product is without its minor drawbacks, and the Always Pan is no exception. While I am largely impressed with the 2.0, there are a couple of points that frequently arise in discussions and reviews that I wish to address with my own observations:

One of the most common complaints I’ve encountered is that the exterior of the pan can show signs of wear and staining relatively easily. Here’s a photograph of my green Always Pan after about seven months of consistent, heavy use:

Discoloration on the bottom side of a green Always Pan after extended use — Visible staining on the exterior bottom of my Always Pan after 7 months of active cooking.

As you can see, there are definitely some permanent stains and discoloration on the exterior bottom of the pan. This is despite my diligent care, always hand-washing it between uses and never putting it through the dishwasher, as recommended. However, it’s crucial to understand that this kind of staining is quite standard for cookware in general, especially on surfaces exposed to direct heat over time. I own several high-end pans, including Le Creuset and Staub, which exhibit similar signs of wear and tear on their exteriors. This discoloration is purely cosmetic and has absolutely no impact on the pan’s cooking performance or its non-stick properties.

Another concern I’ve heard is about the outer coating wearing off. I have not experienced this on the main body of the pan at all. The only area where I’ve noticed a tiny bit of paint wear is on the handle, which I believe is primarily due to how I store and stack my pans. Here’s a close-up picture of the minor paint chips on the handle after seven months of regular use:

Minor paint chips visible on the handle of an Always Pan — Small paint chips on the handle, likely from stacking.

While somewhat subtle in the photograph, there are indeed small areas where the paint has rubbed off on the top edge of the handle. This minor cosmetic issue hasn’t occurred anywhere else on the pan, confirming my belief that it’s a result of friction from stacking. To prevent this, consider using pan protectors or storing your Always Pan by hanging it if possible.

Proper Care for Longevity: To maximize the life and performance of your Always Pan 2.0, always adhere to the care instructions. Hand washing with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge is paramount to preserving the non-stick coating. Avoid abrasive cleaners, metal utensils, and extreme temperature changes. Using medium-low heat for most cooking tasks will also help protect the pan’s integrity and non-stick properties over time.

Who is the Always Pan For?

The Always Pan truly shines for several types of home cooks:

The Space-Conscious Cook: If you live in a small apartment or have limited cabinet space, the 10-in-1 functionality is a dream. It genuinely helps declutter your kitchen.
The Stylish Home Cook: For those who appreciate aesthetics as much as utility, the pan’s beautiful design and diverse color palette make it a statement piece, even when not in use.
The Everyday Enthusiast: If you cook regularly but aren’t a professional chef, the Always Pan’s ease of use, superior non-stick, and quick cleanup make daily cooking a more enjoyable experience.
The Beginner Cook: Its forgiving non-stick surface and versatile design are perfect for those just starting their culinary journey, simplifying many basic cooking tasks.

Final Thoughts and Future Reviews

That largely concludes my in-depth review of the Our Place Always Pan, particularly the much-improved 2.0 model. After three years of living with it and experiencing its evolution, I can confidently say that the Always Pan 2.0 is a fantastic piece of cookware that delivers on many of its promises. Its enhanced non-stick durability, oven-safe feature, and ergonomic improvements make it a highly recommended addition to any kitchen.

Now, I turn it over to you: are you already an Our Place Always Pan fan, or are you considering adding one to your collection? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

My Our Place journey doesn’t end here! I have quite a few of their other innovative products that I plan to review in the near future. Keep an eye out for upcoming in-depth reviews of their brand-new Wonder Oven, the versatile Dream Cooker, and their acclaimed Perfect Pot. I am particularly excited to share my experiences with these, as they represent Our Place’s continued commitment to thoughtful and multifunctional kitchen solutions.

Our Place Perfect Pot in blue salt — The Perfect Pot in Blue Salt, a versatile companion to the Always Pan.

Our Place Wonder Oven on a kitchen counter — The Perfect Pot in Blue Salt, a versatile companion to the Always Pan.

As you can probably tell from my growing collection, I’m a huge fan of Our Place’s “Blue Salt” color – it perfectly complements my kitchen!

A Final Note on Transparency: Once again, this has been my completely honest and unbiased review. I purchased my first two Always Pans with my own money and have genuinely loved using them ever since. That being said, I do have an affiliate link that provides me with a small commission for each sale made through my link, at no extra cost to you. This support helps me continue creating helpful content like this review. Thank you for reading!