Always Pan 2.0 Review

Is it really a 10-in-1 piece of cookware?

If you haven't been living under a rock, it's highly likely that you've come across an advertisement or mention of the Always Pan 2.0 on your social media platforms.

It's hard to deny that this cookware is visually appealing and catches your attention as you scroll through your feed.

The creators of the Always Pan, Our Place, assert that it is a versatile 10-in-1 system that can handle all your cooking needs.

But does it truly live up to these claims? In this review, we embarked on a mission to uncover the truth about the Always Pan 2.0.

Who or What is ‘Our Place’?

I am always fascinated by companies that have a clear mission, and this particular one is no different. Our Place is a relatively new brand in the Direct to Customer cookware industry. It was established by a pair of immigrants who discovered that cooking at home and sharing meals has the power to unite people and create a sense of belonging. 

With this in mind, they launched 'Our Place', a brand that warmly embraces and celebrates the diverse culinary traditions from around the world. 

Everything seems to be going well for them so far.

What is The Always Pan 2.0?

The Always Pan 2.0, the most sought-after pan from the company, is crafted from aluminum and features a ceramic nonstick coating. In this review, I will solely concentrate on the standard 10.5" size of the Always Pan 2.0, which is an enhanced iteration of their initial pan, now designed to be oven-friendly.

It also comes in 2 other sizes, mini in 8.5” and large in 12.5”

What’s included?

Here’s what you get when you buy an Always Pan 2.0:

• Always Pan 2.0
• Modular, steam-release lid
• Nesting Beechwood Spatula
• Steamer basket and colander

This one pan is supposed to be doing the job of 10 pieces of traditional cookware and I’m keen to find out exactly how it does that.   

So how does it do the job of 10 pieces of cookware?

I was eager to delve into this claim and explore its validity. As someone who embraces minimalism and views cooking as a necessity rather than a passion, I am always drawn to kitchen tools that offer efficiency. With that in mind, I was curious to discover the ten jobs that could be accomplished with just one pan.

Upon conducting my research, I came across the following information:

1. Braise

Initially, I was unfamiliar with the concept of braising, so I sought out its definition. Braising is a cooking technique that involves browning meat or vegetables in oil and then simmering them in a small amount of liquid within a covered pan, either on the stovetop or in the oven. This slow cooking process enhances the flavor and tenderness of even the toughest cuts of meat. According to Better Homes & Gardens, a pan with a well-fitting lid that effectively seals in moisture and flavor is essential for braising. The Always Pan 2.0, with its domed-shaped lid, is designed to lock in steam, making it an ideal choice for this cooking method.

2. Sear

The concept of searing meat using a nonstick pan intrigued me. Typically, when searing meat, I would opt for stainless steel or cast iron cookware. Searing, also known as the Maillard reaction and caramelization, involves exposing meat to high temperatures (usually between 425 F-500 F) to achieve a crispy, brown exterior.

To successfully sear meat, two crucial features are necessary:

1. A sturdy pan that evenly conducts and retains heat.
2. A pan with a coating that can withstand high temperatures without deteriorating.

The Always Pan 2.0 is constructed from aluminum, a material known for its excellent thermal conductivity among other metals. This ensures that the pan heats up quickly and evenly. Additionally, the pan boasts a ceramic nonstick coating, which is highly durable and does not disintegrate at higher temperatures like traditional Teflon coatings. Consequently, the Always Pan 2.0 proves to be an excellent choice for searing.

3. Steam

To effectively steam your food, it is essential to have a lid that can control the release of steam. The Always Pan 2.0 offers a unique solution with its modular lid. This lid can be locked in to trap steam when needed or easily released to let it escape when not required.

4. Strain

One of the standout features of the Always Pan 2.0 is its inclusion of a steamer basket that also functions as a colander. This clever addition provides convenience and versatility in the kitchen. Furthermore, the pan is equipped with a generous pour spout, ensuring that you won't be left with a messy, drippy situation.

5. Saute

A sauté pan is typically a cross between a saucepan and a frying pan, offering a balance between depth and flatness. It is also important for a sauté pan to have a lid.

The Always Pan 2.0 surpasses the average fry pan by being 1.5 inches deeper, making it incredibly versatile. Additionally, its modular lid allows you to control the steam, providing further flexibility in your cooking endeavors.

6. Fry

When it comes to frying, the Always Pan 2.0 is a no-brainer. With its deeper design, you can easily pan fry or even deep fry your favorite dishes with ease and precision.

7. Boil

While the shape of the Always Pan 2.0 may not be the first choice for boiling, its extra depth proves to be advantageous in various cooking scenarios. This added versatility ensures that the pan can handle a wide range of culinary tasks beyond its primary functions.

8. Bake

This particular pan has been designed to be oven safe up to a temperature of 450 F. It is important to note that most baking, whether it is sweet or savory, typically occurs within a temperature range of 325 F to 450 F. Therefore, you can confidently utilize the Always Pan 2.0 for recipes that require both stovetop and oven cooking methods.

9. Serve

Undoubtedly, the pan's aesthetic appeal speaks for itself, serving as a testament to its visual attractiveness.

10. Roast

Thanks to its generous depth and the inclusion of a domed lid, this pan provides ample space for roasting purposes.

However, the benefits don't end there!

In addition, the cookware set includes a wooden spatula that conveniently nests on the handle, serving the dual purpose of a spoon rest, which fulfills job #11.

And there's even more. The company's claim of this pan being capable of fulfilling all your cooking needs is not an exaggeration.

The Always Pan 2.0 offers a range of custom accessories that can transform it into whatever you require. Whether it's a Moroccan tagine, a stacked steamer, or even a flipping platter, this pan has got you covered.

What is it made of?

The Always Pan 2.0 is crafted using recycled aluminum for both its body and lid. This choice of material ensures rapid and uniform heating due to aluminum's exceptional heat conductivity. Additionally, the pan's lightweight nature, compared to alternative materials, makes it a durable and easy-to-handle cooking essential.

What about the handle?

The handle of this product is crafted from durable stainless steel. Its innovative design ensures that it remains cool to the touch, however, it is always advisable to exercise caution and use a pot holder if necessary. Additionally, the handle features a convenient nesting groove, allowing the accompanying spatula to rest securely on it.

What about the nonstick coating?

The Always Pan 2.0 features a ceramic nonstick coating, which is often recognized as a non-toxic alternative due to its absence of PTFE and PFOAs. While I personally don't take a definitive stance on PTFE, it's important to be well-informed about the product you're purchasing and whether it aligns with your preferences. If you're someone who prefers to avoid traditional nonstick materials, this pan is a great choice for you. Additionally, the coating used is a proprietary one called Thermakind, which the company claims to be 50% more durable. 

Now, it's crucial to emphasize that regardless of the precautions you take or how delicately you handle the pan, all nonstick pans will eventually wear down and start sticking. This is something we'll delve into further later on.

Is the nonstick coating on the Always Pan 2.0 safe?

I have extensively discussed ceramic nonstick coatings in a previous article. In essence, these coatings are composed of silicon and oxygen, similar to sand or clay. The metal surface of the cookware is then coated using a specialized process called 'sol gel' to create a non-stick surface.

One of the major drawbacks of Teflon/PTFE coating on non-stick pans is that it begins to deteriorate at temperatures around 500F. Interestingly, it only takes a few minutes for an empty pan to reach such high temperatures. If a Teflon pan is overheated, it releases fumes that can be irritating to humans and fatal to birds.

On the other hand, even if a ceramic coated pan is accidentally overheated, it will not emit any toxic fumes and the coating will not break down. This makes it safe for both humans and pets.

However, when used at normal cooking temperatures below 500F, a ceramic coated non-stick pan is equally safe as a Teflon type non-stick pan.

To sum it up, the non-stick coating on the Always Pan 2.0 is indeed safe.

Does it perform?

There are two aspects to consider in this inquiry.

Firstly, does the pan effectively conduct heat evenly and rapidly, and does it fulfill the claimed 10+ functions? The answer is affirmative! According to the evaluation conducted by the Cookware Advisor, it appears that this pan is capable of performing beyond the advertised 10 functions, whether used independently or in conjunction with certain accessories.

Secondly, does the nonstick feature function as anticipated? This aspect is slightly more complex. Initially, all nonstick pans perform exceptionally well. The Always Pan 2.0 is no exception, and most users are astounded by the quality of its nonstick surface. The majority of comments express satisfaction, stating:

"I am delighted by how nothing sticks and everything effortlessly slides off!"

However, the question still remains regarding the longevity of the nonstick coating.

Will the nonstick last?

Here's where I step in to provide a realistic perspective. 

Regardless of whether it's a teflon/ptfe or ceramic-based coating, any non-stick coating will eventually wear out, leading to food sticking to the surface. 

The duration of the coating's effectiveness depends on various factors. It's not just about the quality of the nonstick material, but also how frequently and roughly it is used. In other words, it's not solely the nonstick material's responsibility, but also yours! 

According to some estimates, a ceramic nonstick coating may last six times less than a ptfe nonstick coating. 

The key takeaway here is to be prepared for the eventual wear and tear of the nonstick coating. You'll either need to look for a new nonstick pan or use extra fat while cooking to prevent food from sticking. 

We understand that the nonstick coating on the Always Pan 2.0 is a proprietary formula designed to last 50% longer. Some customers have reported excellent nonstick performance even after two years of regular use, while others have noticed sticking around the one-year mark. 

Your personal experience may fall anywhere within this range.

What’s the deal with Selena Gomez and the Always Pan?

Our Place has partnered with the talented home cook, Selena Gomez, to bring you an exciting collaboration.

Is the Always Pan 2.0 expensive?  

And most importantly, is it of value?

Here's the straightforward response. It may not be inexpensive, priced at $150 USD as of the current writing.

However, considering its ability to function as 10 different cookware items (and on top of that, its attractive design!), this pan will provide you with many years of use and serve multiple purposes. In my opinion, this justifies its worth.

What are people saying?

The companies' website boasts over 34k reviews for the Always Pan 2.0, with an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars!

Here are a few snippets from satisfied customers:

- "This pan is truly a worthwhile investment for your kitchen."
- "It's fantastic and incredibly easy to clean!"
- "I love how versatile this pan is, it has so many uses."
- "Without a doubt, this is the perfect pan for all your cooking needs."
- "The heat distribution is impeccable and cleaning up is an absolute breeze."

Can I use the pan in the oven?

The Always Pan 2.0 has the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 450 F in the oven. This allows you to utilize it for various cooking methods such as roasting, baking, and preparing dishes that require transitioning from the stovetop to the oven.

Can I wash the Always Pan 2.0  in the dishwasher?

The Cookware Advisor, along with the company, strongly advises handwashing for all types of cookware, especially nonstick cookware. Dishwashers are not suitable for the delicate nature of nonstick cookware and can cause damage.

Can it be used with induction cooktops?

Yes, the Always Pan 2.0 works on induction stovetops.

What about the warranty?

Our Place provides customers with a 1-year limited warranty for the purchase of the Always Pan 2.0.

Any negatives? 

The recurring issue that arises repeatedly is the limited durability of the nonstick coating.

To be frank, this is not an exclusive problem with the Always Pan. The truth is that no nonstick pan can withstand the test of time indefinitely, and every pan will eventually lose its nonstick properties. This holds true even if you meticulously adhere to the recommended maintenance guidelines.

If your primary requirement is simply a reliable nonstick pan, it would be advisable to opt for a basic Teflon pan. However, if you desire a versatile and dependable pan, the Always Pan 2.0 should be taken into consideration.

And the final verdict?

The Cookware Advisor highly recommends purchasing the Always Pan 2.0. 

Not only does this pan have a stylish appearance that will enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen, but it also offers exceptional versatility. If you prioritize functionality over appearance, rest assured that this pan performs exceptionally well. 

It distributes heat evenly and is effortless to clean and maintain. Don't just take our word for it, a satisfied customer even referred to it as a '30-in-1' pan!

Where can I buy it?

The direct-to-customer model is followed by the Always Pan 2.0, which implies that you will not come across it in physical stores. Instead, you can purchase it conveniently from the company's website or through Amazon. Take the opportunity to buy it now from the marketplace of your preference.