The reviewers I know are incredibly insightful. If you ask a member of the Gear team any query—be it about zipper integrity, the tactile experience of knobs, the resilience of materials, or whether a particular shade of blue leans more towards green—they will have a knowledgeable perspective (and data to substantiate it). So, a few years back, when my beloved grandmother presented me with the Our Place Always Pan, I felt a twinge of apprehension. WIRED contributor Joe Ray had assigned it a score of 3 out of 10.
However, my grandmother’s excitement about gifting me something stylish and practical was heartwarming, and I was taken by the pan’s aesthetic. I started cooking with it. Since then, it has become my go-to for nearly every meal.
Our Place acknowledged both customer and reviewer feedback. Ray wasn’t the sole critic of the initial version of the Always Pan. The iteration I received, and the current one available for purchase, is the upgraded Our Place Always Pan 2.0. This version comes in three different sizes, and I’ve consistently utilized the standard size measuring 10.5 inches. I adore it thoroughly.
Photograph by: Louryn Strampe
A Fresh Perspective
The critique surrounding the original iteration of the pan was justified. It faced issues related to quality control, such as an uneven base, variations in cooking surfaces among pans, and inconsistent paint application. Additionally, it wasn’t oven-safe. However, I’m pleased to note that, based on my experience with two distinct Always Pan 2.0 models (the one I received as a gift and another I borrowed for comparison), this pan now appears nearly flawless. This is even before considering the numerous accessories designed to enhance its functionality. It comes in a variety of colors, and each pan is equipped with a lid, a steamer basket that doubles as a colander, and a nesting spatula.
I contacted the company to inquire about the differences between the original pan and the Always Pan 2.0. The updated version boasts enhanced nonstick capabilities, greater stain resistance, and an induction-compatible, oven-safe construction. There were modifications to the design as well, featuring a larger helper handle and improved curvature. While the company didn’t directly address the concerns regarding convex cooking surfaces or paint chipping raised by Joe Ray, I’ve found that both pans I used had flawless surfaces, and the paintwork on both remained pristine, even under close inspection.
Photograph by: Louryn Strampe
