Our Place Cookware Review: A Culinary Revolution
The Our Place ceramic cookware set has reached viral popularity, but does it live up to the hype? We tested the Always Pan 2.0, Perfect Pot, and mini versions to see if they’re worth the investment.
In a world of cluttered kitchen cabinets and infinite specialized gadgets that take up precious space, Our Place has carved out a unique position with its minimal yet highly versatile ceramic cookware collection.
Founded in 2019 by Shiza Shahid, a Pakistani-American entrepreneur and activist who also co-founded the Malala Fund, Our Place was born from a vision of creating sustainable, multi-functional cookware that builds community through cooking.
At Organic Authority, we’ve long been fans of Our Place. In this Our Place cookware review, we’ll cover the ins and outs of the Always Pan and Perfect Pot set, its price point, and my own experience using the cookware.
The Always Pan and Perfect Pot Set: What’s the Hype About?
At the heart of this 13-piece Our Place cookware collection is the viral sensation that started it all — the Always Pan. It has since evolved into the Always Pan 2.0, alongside its petite counterpart, the Mini Always Pan 2.0, and is complemented in this set by the Perfect Pot lineup.
What sets these pieces apart is their impressive multi-functionality. Each item promises to replace multiple traditional cookware pieces — the Always Pan alone claims to perform ten different functions, from braising and searing to steaming and straining.
This practical versatility also comes wrapped in eco-conscious materials. The cookware features recycled aluminum construction and Our Place’s proprietary non-toxic ceramic coating, Thermakind®, which is free from harmful PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ like PFOAs and PTFEs, as well as heavy metals like lead and cadmium.
With endorsements from celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, who called the Always Pan “the kitchen magician,” and a collaboration with Selena Gomez, Our Place has solidified its status as both a style statement and a practical solution for home cooks. But beyond the hype and Instagram-worthy appearance, how do these pieces actually perform in daily use? This Our Place cookware review will put their complete ceramic cookware collection through its paces to determine if these multi-tasking tools truly deserve a place in your kitchen.
TL;DR
- The 13-piece Our Place Always Pan and Perfect Pot set stands out for its stylish and modular design, making it perfect for minimalist chefs and small kitchens.
- The whole set makes use of Our Place’s proprietary ceramic nonstick coating, Thermakind®, which is completely toxin-free (no PFAS, PTFE, or heavy metals like lead and cadmium).
- This set is a great option for those looking for a complete solution for light to moderate everyday cooking that’s also beautiful, non-toxic, and multi-functional.
- Individual items range from $100-$140, or you can unlock excellent savings on the complete set at $349.
Durable Ceramic Nonstick Coating
Our Place developed their own proprietary ceramic nonstick coating called Thermakind® that uses a sol-gel method for application. Derived primarily from silica, sand, and water, the nonstick coating does not contain any heavy metals or synthetic PFAS chemicals like PTFE. Consumer Reports tested their cookware for 96 PFAS chemicals and found none1.
If the original version of their nonstick coating was good, the 2.0 version is seriously impressive. The brand claims that this new and improved coating lasts 50% longer than the 1.0 version — and so far, that’s proven true. I’ve been testing my set since 2024 and I’ve yet to see a single scratch, and the pan slicks up perfectly with the use of a small amount of oil or fat.
It’s so good that it landed the #2 spot on our list of the 9 Best Ceramic Cookware Sets of 2025. Our Place also met all of our standards for clean cookware, and officially earned our Organic Authority Approved Seal.
It’s worth noting that I do take very good care of my Our Place cookware — I hand wash the pots and pans and only use the wooden utensils that are included with the set — so I’d recommend gentle care for the best results.
Lightweight Cast Aluminum Construction
Admittedly, when I saw that these pans were made of cast aluminum without a stainless steel cladding, I was worried. In the past, nearly all of the aluminum cookware I’d tested had hot spots and created an uneven cooking surface. Those cookware options ended up in the recycling bin, and fast. Here’s why Our Place cookware is different.
Solid Cast Aluminum
The Always Pan isn’t a pressed pan with layers, it’s one solid cast aluminum core. This is achieved by melting aluminum and pouring it into a mold, creating a single, solid piece. This makes it heavier than the aluminum cookware I’ve used in the past (which is a good thing for eliminating hot spots!), but lighter than the aluminum cookware clad with stainless steel. If you’re sensitive to heavy cookware and aren’t looking for an unplanned workout in the kitchen, this could be a great option for you.
The solid cast aluminum core also allows Our Place to include integrated features such as pour spouts on both sides of their pots and pans. Their casting process also eliminates annoying rivets from the pan’s design to avoid trapping food remnants, making them more hygienic and easier to clean.
If you’re concerned about cooking in aluminum (and rightfully so, as certain substances can cause chemical leaching), don’t worry — Our Place ensures that your food never comes into contact with it. The aluminum core is encased with their Thermakind® ceramic coating that prevents any leaching. And yes, they’ve conducted leachability tests to confirm this (I asked for results and they will be sharing them soon!).
Unbeatable Heat Conduction
I have six words for you: These Pans Excel at Heat Conduction. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat, and these pans show that off really well. Each pot and pan comes with a stainless steel plate that helps with even heat conduction and makes their cookware compatible on all stovetops (including induction).
The stainless steel plate actually slows down the initial heat conduction, which IMHO is a good thing (you don’t want your pots and pans to heat up too quickly, that can cause issues). And once your pan reaches temperature, you’ll have even heat conduction throughout the whole pan with zero hot spots.
That being said, does aluminum hold heat well? No, it does not. But do you need every single pot and pan in your kitchen to hold heat for hours? Also no. That’s where pure ceramic or cast iron comes into play. Different materials have different strengths, so knowing when to use certain pans over others is part of the game.
Our Place Ceramic Cookware Set: A Closer Look
To kick off our Our Place ceramic cookware review, let’s jump into the basics — what the set includes, the color options it comes in, and the criteria we’re using to evaluate it.
The Our Place Ceramic cookware set represents a thoughtfully curated collection that brings together the brand’s most iconic pieces in one comprehensive package (and at a reduced price — you save $50 when you buy the set!).
What’s Included in a Set
- 10.5-inch Always Pan 2.0 with lid
- 8.5-inch Mini Always Pan 2.0 with lid
- 5.5-quart Perfect Pot with lid
- 2.5-quart Mini Perfect Pot 2.0 with lid
- 9.7-inch Steamer Basket
- Beechwood Spoons (set of 2)
- Beechwood Spatulas (set of 2)
If a set is too much for you to buy, or you’re not sure Our Place is right for you, you can also buy the pieces a la carte to give them a try.
Color Options
Available in six sophisticated colorways (Cream, Spice, Blue Salt, Steam, Sage, and Char), the set delivers on Our Place’s signature aesthetic appeal. These muted, contemporary hues ensure the cookware looks as good displayed on your stovetop as it performs.
Criteria Breakdown
To provide a comprehensive assessment of these pots and pans in this Our Place cookware review, we’ve evaluated it across ten key criteria. This breakdown offers a quick glance at how the cookware performs in various aspects, from its famous versatility to its long-term durability.
| Criteria | Summary | Rating |
| Versatility | Multi-functional pieces can replace several traditional pots and pans. | 5/5 |
| Nonstick performance | Thermakind® ceramic coating releases food easily. | 5/5 |
| Ease of cleaning | Easy to wipe down; some staining may occur on the exterior over time (which is natural and expected). | 5/5 |
| Durability | Good with proper care, but some reports of coating wear. | 4.5/5 |
| Aesthetics | Sleek, modern design with beautiful matte finishes in multiple colors. | 5/5 |
| Heat distribution | Aluminum body heats evenly across its surface, suitable for most cooking styles. | 5/5 |
| Weight and handling | Even the larger pots are lightweight and easy to handle. | 5/5 |
| Safety | Free from toxic materials like PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. | 5/5 |
| Price | On the lower end of the premium price point category, and a great deal as a set. | 5/5 |
| Warranty and support | One-year limited warranty with generally responsive customer service. | 4/5 |
My Experience Cooking with Our Place’s Ceramic Nonstick Cookware
I’ve cooked everything in this Our Place cookware, from delicate dishes like scrambled eggs and fish, to proteins like hearty sausages and steaks. The pans also performed very well with vegetables like shaved Brussels sprouts and chopped kale. And the large Perfect Pot is one of my favorites for soups and stews like this gorgeous brothy bean soup and this spicy chicken tortilla soup.
I like to brown and caramelize my food for extra layers of flavor, and these pans passed with flying colors. Not only did the skin come out crispy on my fish the way my husband likes it, but it nicely browned chicken sausages and shaved brussels sprouts. Win and win.
Ideal cooking temperature: Low to medium heat. It will tolerate medium-high heat and does brown food (just keep an eye on it).
Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations
These Our Place ceramic cookware reviews highlight honest opinions from real customers on what makes this cookware stand out.
“I love these pans. Nothing sticks and I know I’m using nonstick without harmful chemicals. It’s a breeze to clean.” — Leslie G., verified customer
“These pans are worth the price. They cook anything evenly and with efficiency. They were a gift for my mom and she loves them. I love that it came with its own spatulas and a place to put them. Thank you so much for your commitment and care in making these pans.” — Kiara G., verified customer
The Always Pan 2.0
The famous Our Place Always Pan has come a long way. The new ceramic nonstick coating on the Always Pan 2.0 lasts 50% longer than their previous version, and it shows.
Some of my favorite features are the deep curved walls that make it ideal for cooking large family meals or hosting dinner parties. The curved walls make it easy to flip an egg, and the wide cooking surface is excellent for browning food. The pour spouts on both sides of the pan make it easy to pour any pan sauce over your proteins or veg. And the integrated wooden spoon holder keeps your kitchen counters free of potentially stain-causing drips.
The helper handle is a game-changer, making it easy to lift and maneuver a large pan full of food around the kitchen. Do note that the aluminum construction means the handles get hot, so you must use hot pads or thick dish towels when handling. Another criticism I have is the long square shape of the handles. I prefer curved handles that fit easily in the hand, so these take a bit of getting used to.
Additional Accessories
What’s also unique about Our Place’s cookware system is their additional accessories that further enhance your pots and pans. If you love frying up your favorite homemade dumplings, they have a Fry Deck to drip dry and rest your food while keeping them warm, a frying splatter guard called the Fearless Fry, an Egg Poacher for Sunday morning’s brunch. Their handmade Tagine Pot slots neatly on top of your Always Pan for an authentic Moroccan slow-cook, and their Flipping Platter is perfect for your favorite upside down cake or Maqluba recipes.
Specs
- 10.5-inch pan
- 19.9-inch length, 2.8-inch depth, 5.7-inch height with lid
- 2.6-quart capacity
The Mini Always Pan 2.0
This compact version of the Always Pan 2.0 is designed for smaller servings, but it delivers on the same big features. Ideal for solo cooks, tiny kitchens, side dishes, or simply reheating leftovers (particularly if you don’t have a microwave like me).
The Mini Always Pan 2.0 features the same toxin-free Thermakind® ceramic nonstick coating and pretty silhouette that made the original famous. It’s a true minimalist’s pan with its simple but pleasing design, no-fuss clean-up with a quick rinse of mild soap and water, and its space-saving size.
Specs
- 8.5-inch pan
- 16.9-inch length, 2.3-inch depth, 4.8-in. height with lid
- 1.2-quart capacity
The Perfect Pot
The Perfect Pot from Our Place is a versatile 5.5-quart nonstick stock pot or Dutch oven that aims to do a lot — boil, bake, roast, braise, and more (although if your main objective is to bake, may we suggest our list of the Best Non-Toxic Bakeware Options in 2025). Lighter than traditional Dutch ovens but just as functional, it’s a welcome addition to any busy home kitchen. It’s large enough to roast a whole chicken and veg and so much more! Plus, despite how much it can hold, its light weight makes it easy to go from stovetop to oven to sink.
Specs
- 10.5-inch diameter, 5.5-inch depth
- 5.5-quart capacity
The Mini Perfect Pot 2.0
This pint-sized version of the Perfect Pot from Our Place keeps all incredible features of the full-sized version, but trims them down for smaller uses and households (and adds a nifty handle).
Its 2.5-quart size makes it ideal for dishes like oatmeal, rice, sauces, or reheating soups. It includes their classic Thermakind® coating, a nesting Beechwood Spoon, pour spouts, and the same versatile oven-safe design.
Specs
- 8.5-inch pot
- 16.9-inch length, 4.2-inch depth, 6.7-inch height with lid
- 2.5-quart capacity
Price Point: Is It Worth the investment?
Our Place cookware sits in the premium ceramic nonstick category, and in my opinion is worth the investment. It’s beautiful and durable for nonstick cookware, and it tackled all the meals I threw at it with ease.
What’s not worth the investment are the low-end, flimsy, cheap imitation pots and pans that will end up in the recycling bin in as little as three months. Believe me, I’ve tested those and it’s never worth it! While they may seem cheap in the short run, investing in more durable cookware is always the better choice in the long run. If you can’t afford the full set at this time, I’d recommend buying one solid pan and adding to your collection over time.
Purchasing Our Place Cookware
You can purchase from Our Place a la carte as single items, or you can grab better deals on their duos or full sets depending on your needs.
With the Always Pan and Perfect Pot full 13-piece set coming in at $349, that’s a great deal and probably the most affordable set in the premium category of ceramic nonstick cookware. Plus, you get the advantage of their ‘System’ with the addition of spatulas, spoons, and a steamer basket (which can double as a shallow colander).
FAQs
How long does the nonstick coating last?
This is one of the most common questions I get asked when it comes to this Our Place cookware review, and I’m happy to report that Our Place exceeded my expectations with its durability. The longevity of the pots and pans nonstick coating will vary based on usage and care, but proper care can really extend its lifespan. I avoid using high heat and only use gentle utensils (the wooden ones that come with the sets!), and I can see it lasting for up to five years.
Can they go in the oven?
The Always Pans (both the 2.0 version and the Mini) are oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, although using them under the broiler is not recommended.
Is Our Place cookware dishwasher-safe?
One of the things I love about Our Place ceramic cookware is that they’re really easy to clean. I always recommend hand washing for nonstick cookware, as the heat and harsh detergents from the dishwasher will deteriorate the coating. They’re lighter than most pots and pans which makes them easy to lift, move, and clean with mild soap and water.
What’s the warranty on Our Place cookware?
Our Place offers a limited 1-year warranty if you follow their easy care instructions. You can read more about their policy on their website.
Can I use metal utensils with my ceramic pots and pans?
I strongly recommend avoiding metal utensils with Our Place cookware. The ceramic nonstick coating can be easily scratched or damaged by metal, significantly reducing its lifespan and performance. Stick to the provided wooden spatula or silicone utensils for best results.
Final Thoughts: Is the Our Place Cookware Set the Right Choice for You?
While I’ve been thoroughly loving my Our Place pots and pans, the answer to whether this set is right for you will depend on your cooking style. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is clean, PFAS-free nonstick cookware a priority for you?
- Do you mostly cook with medium to medium-low cooking temperatures for things like eggs, fish, and daily proteins?
- Do you also want or need a set that will help you roast, braise, steam, sear, saute, boil, fry, and serve from?
- Do you want a multi-function cooking system that saves space and helps declutter your kitchen drawers and cupboards?
If you said yes to any of the above questions, the Our Place cookware set could be for you.
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