Is the New Our Place Always Pan Too Good to Be True? We Put It to the Test

We all have our go-to cookware, and for many, it's been the Our Place Always Pan. But years after its initial launch in 2019 (and being a consistent brand best-seller), the Always Pan got a makeover with new improvements that sound like an absolute dream, but does it actually live up to the hype? As an owner of the original Always Pan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new design to test it out and compare the two. Read on for my honest Our Place Always Pan 2.0 review.

‌(For transparency, I did receive the Always Pan 2.0 from Our Place; however, all of the thoughts and opinions expressed below are my own and are not influenced by the brand in any way.)‌

Like many of the Our Place Always Pan fans out there, I was immediately hooked by its undeniably adorable colorways, especially in a sea of standard silver cookware. In all honesty, it was my favorite piece of cookware for a few months. Unfortunately, the nonstick coating started to fade after around six months of use — a common complaint among many original Always Pan users. After my food was sticking pretty frequently, I stopped using the pan altogether and explored my options with other brands — that is, until I had the opportunity to test out the new Our Place Always Pan.

The Always Pan 2.0 is a new and improved version of the original with the same sleek design, eye-catching colors, and multifunctionality but with a handful of upgrades that address many of the setbacks of the first Always Pan.

The Always Pan 2.0 features Thermakind, a 100% toxin-free, nonstick ceramic coating designed to last 50% longer than others. It's made from an "ultra-conductive" aluminum core made from post-consumer waste and is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. And last but not least, it beats its predecessor with a 10-in-1 multifunctional design as a pan you can use to braise, sear, steam, strain, saute, fry, boil, bake, serve, and store compared to the original's 8-in-1. Just like the original, the new pan comes with a few extra accessories, including a steam-release lid, nesting beechwood spatula, steamer basket, and colander.

Since its launch, I've been using the Always Pan 2.0 consistently, and I must say it feels good to have Our Place back in my rotation. For starters, the design really is amazing, and I love the pop of pink that Spice adds to my kitchen. While using cute cookware doesn't necessarily make each dish a 10/10, it does make it a little more fun.

As for the nonstick coating, it's held up very well so far, and I haven't had any issues yet. I've also missed how multifunctional the Always Pan is, especially the built-in spoon rest and spout.

Currently, I have very few complaints about the Always Pan. My biggest con so far is that the pan is only designed for low-to-medium heat, limiting some cooking options. And since it's a new product, there's no telling if it'll live up to its claim of the nonstick coating lasting longer than the original. Only time will tell, and I'll be sure to update the review if any issues arise.

With any cookware, it's important to properly clean and maintain it, and the Always Pan 2.0 is no exception. In fact, proper maintenance is what will help you increase the life span of the nonstick coating. From using the Always Pan to cleaning it, keep the following tips in mind.

According to the brand, the pan is designed for low-to-medium heat only in order to help keep up the nonstick coating. (This is a rule I've been on top of. I've only used a heat level of five or below out of 10 on my stovetop.) Our Place also recommends not heating an empty pan, using "high smoke point oils," and avoiding aerosol spray oils. You should also skip out on using metal utensils, as they might scratch the nonstick coating. Try silicone or wood utensils instead, like the beechwood spatula that comes with the pan.

When cleaning the Always Pan 2.0, the brand recommends handwashing it only once the pan is cooled and not using scours or harsh and abrasive cleaning products.

If you want a stylish piece of cookware and don't mind sticking to low-to-medium heat when cooking, then the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is for you. As of now, the upgrades have seemed to address customer feedback about the longevity of the nonstick coating and oven use, making it a solid pan for any home.

The Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is available online for $150 in Spice, Steam, Char, Sage, Lavender, Blue Salt, Azul, and Rosa.