The Always Pan is known for its stylish, all-in-one design meant to replace multiple kitchen tools, while Caraway offers complete coordinating sets of non-toxic cookware with a minimalist aesthetic. Meanwhile, GreenPan serves as the affordable and widely available pioneer of eco-friendly ceramic non-stick pans for everyday cooks.
Let's look at everything you need to know to choose the right cookware brand for your kitchen and cooking style.
Always Pan: The All-In-One Stylish Pan
The Always Pan from Our Place is a cult-favorite piece of cookware designed to be your single go-to for frying, steaming, sautéing, and more. It targets modern home cooks, especially those in smaller urban spaces, who value minimalism, aesthetics, and multi-functionality. Its unique design includes a nesting steamer basket and a built-in spoon rest, streamlining the cooking process from start to finish.
- Product mix: A singular, highly versatile pan designed to replace an 8-piece cookware set. Our Place has expanded its line but the brand's identity is built around this signature product.
- Style/vibe: Post-modern and sleek. The Always Pan is famous for its wide range of on-trend, muted colors that are designed to be displayed on the stovetop.
- Price point: Premium pricing for a single piece, typically around $145.
- Quality: Built with a lightweight aluminum body for fast heat conduction and a ceramic non-stick coating. Features a stay-cool handle and modular lid.
- Dimensions/Scale: A 10-inch diameter pan with a 2.7-inch depth, suitable for meals for one to three people.
- Sustainability: Uses a non-toxic, PFOA-free ceramic coating and ships in 100% recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
- Return policy: 30-day trial period with free returns. A 100-day warranty covers manufacturing defects.
The Always Pan delivers exceptional versatility and style in a single package, making it perfect for minimalists and design-conscious cooks who want one pan that can do almost everything.
Shop Always Pan: alwayspan.com
Caraway: The Health-Conscious Cookware Set
Caraway focuses on complete cookware sets that blend health-conscious materials with simple, elegant design. The brand appeals to home cooks who are ready to invest in a full, non-toxic kitchen setup and value a cohesive, minimalist aesthetic. Each set includes smart magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder for extremely organized storage.
- Product mix: Primarily sells 4-piece cookware sets that include a fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, and Dutch oven. Individual pieces and bakeware are also available.
- Style/vibe: Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with matte finishes and a palette of muted, contemporary colors.
- Price point: A premium investment, with cookware sets ranging from $395 to $495.
- Quality: Features an aluminum core and a non-toxic mineral-based ceramic coating that is free of PTFE and PFOA. Stainless steel handles are not stay-cool, so mitts are needed.
- Dimensions/Scale: Offers a variety of standard sizes within the set, including a 10.5-inch fry pan and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven, suiting a range of common cooking tasks.
- Sustainability: Prioritizes non-toxic coatings, responsible manufacturing, and shipping materials that are recycled and biodegradable with no single-use plastics.
- Return policy: A 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy. All cookware has a limited one-year warranty.
Caraway sets are ideal for those committed to a non-toxic kitchen who want a complete, beautifully designed cookware collection with clever storage solutions.
Shop Caraway: carawayhome.com
GreenPan: The Affordable Eco-Friendly Original
GreenPan introduced the world to ceramic non-stick cookware in 2007 and remains a leader in healthy, eco-friendly kitchen tools. The brand's focus is on performance, safety, and accessibility, offering a huge variety of pans and sets. This makes them a trusted choice for families and everyday home cooks who want reliable, safe non-stick performance on a budget.
- Product mix: Extensive selection of cookware, including individual frying pans, saucepans, woks, stockpots, griddles, bakeware, and complete sets across numerous product lines.
- Style/vibe: Functional and practical. While GreenPan offers many colors and finishes, the overall look is more traditional and less design-forward than its competitors.
- Price point: Highly accessible, with individual pans starting around $30 and full sets typically costing between $100 and $200.
- Quality: Uses their proprietary Thermolon ceramic non-stick - free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium - on aluminum or stainless steel bases for great performance.
- Dimensions/Scale: Offers the widest range of sizes, from small 8-inch fry pans to large 12-inch versions and various pot capacities, accommodating any household size.
- Sustainability: A core brand principle. They own their factory for PFOA-free production and prioritize responsible sourcing and eco-conscious manufacturing.
- Return policy: Varies by retailer. When purchased directly, they offer 60-day returns. Includes a two-year warranty on the non-stick coating and a lifetime warranty on the body.
For budget-conscious cooks who prioritize proven safety and variety, GreenPan offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, reliability, and eco-friendly technology.
Shop GreenPan: greenpan.us
Always Pan vs. Caraway vs. GreenPan Comparison
Price Comparison
The price differences between these three brands are stark. GreenPan is the clear budget leader, with individual pans often under $40 and full sets available for less than the price of a single Always Pan. This makes GreenPan highly accessible for shoppers looking to build their kitchen on a budget.
The Always Pan sits in the middle, positioned as a premium single item at around $145. Its value comes from its multifunctionality, as it is intended to replace the need for several other pots and pans. At the top end, Caraway is the most significant investment, with its popular cookware set costing nearly $400. The price reflects a complete, curated system with premium materials, an eye-catching design, and included organizational tools.
Style &, Aesthetic
Lifestyle and design are where Always Pan and Caraway set themselves apart. The Always Pan is iconic, built to be an aesthetic centerpiece on your stove. Its modern lines and sophisticated color palette appeal to those who see their cookware as part of their home decor. Caraway follows a similar path with its distinctly minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired look. The matching muted colors, matte finish, and clean lines are perfect for a modern, decluttered kitchen.
GreenPan, by contrast, is far more functional in its design. Its primary focus is on cooking performance and durability rather than aesthetics. While they offer various colors and styles across their different collections, the overall appearance trends more classic and utilitarian.
Quality &, Materials
All three brands use an aluminum base for efficient heating and a proprietary ceramic non-stick coating that is free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE. This shared foundation means all three are a healthier alternative to traditional Teflon pans. Caraway builds its sets for long-term use, and their construction feels substantial and durable.
The Always Pan is designed for frequent, versatile use but is more delicate than a full set. Its single-piece nature means any damage to the non-stick surface can render the entire system less effective. GreenPan has been refining its Thermolon ceramic coating for over a decade and offers different grades of durability across its product lines, some of which are exceptionally robust and scratch-resistant.
Product Selection &, Versatility
GreenPan offers the most choice by a wide margin. You can find almost any size or type of pan you need, from tiny egg pans to massive stockpots, sold individually or as part of a set. This lets you build a collection piece by piece to fit your specific habits.
Caraway’s approach is the opposite: it provides a single curated set meant to cover all the bases for the average home cook. This is less flexible but removes the guesswork altogether. The Always Pan champions versatility through clever design in a single product. It’s perfect for someone with limited kitchen storage who needs one piece to handle sautéing, steaming, and light frying, though it can't bake or handle high-heat searing.
Shopping Experience
The shopping experience highlights a key difference in business models. Always Pan and Caraway operate primarily as direct-to-consumer online brands. This results in a highly controlled, aesthetically pleasing online journey with stylized packaging directly from their websites. You'll also find them at upscale retailers like Nordstrom.
In contrast, GreenPan is almost universally available. You can easily find their products at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Williams-Sonoma. This makes it easier to compare prices, see the products in person, and take advantage of retail sales events.
Sustainability &, Ethics
All three brands prioritize creating safer, more responsible cookware. GreenPan established the category and remains a leader, with a strong focus on toxin-free coatings and responsible manufacturing in their own factory. Caraway also places high importance on a healthy home, ensuring their entire product - from the pan to the sustainable packaging - is free of harmful chemicals.
Always Pan shares this commitment to a non-toxic coating and also uses responsible, plastic-free packaging. While all are strong ethical choices, GreenPan and Caraway arguably make healthy materials a more central part of their brand identity.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to your budget, cooking style, and what you prioritize in your kitchen.
Choose Always Pan if:
- You're furnishing a small apartment or have minimal kitchen storage.
- You value aesthetics and want a single, stylish pan that looks great on your stove.
- You cook simple, one-pan meals most of the time.
- You treat your cookware gently to preserve the non-stick surface.
Choose Caraway if:
- You're investing in a complete, high-quality cookware set and want everything to match.
- A minimalist, high-end design and clever organization are top priorities for you.
- You want to eliminate the guesswork and get a full collection of non-toxic cookware at once.
- Your budget is higher, and you view cookware as a long-term kitchen investment.
Choose GreenPan if:
- Performance and affordability are your biggest concerns.
- You want the flexibility to buy individual pans as you need them.
- You value a brand with a long, established track record in safe non-stick technology.
- You prefer to shop at major retailers and take advantage of frequent sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Always Pan, Caraway, or GreenPan cheaper?
GreenPan is by far the most affordable option. You can often buy an entire set of GreenPan cookware for less than the cost of a single Always Pan or find an individual pan for as little as $30. Caraway is the most expensive, positioned as a premium full-set investment.
Which pan is the most non-toxic?
All three brands are excellent choices for non-toxic cooking. They all use ceramic non-stick coatings that are free of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), lead, and cadmium, ensuring no harmful fumes are released even if the pan overheats.
Are these pans dishwasher safe?
While many Caraway and GreenPan products are listed as dishwasher-safe, it is highly recommended to hand wash all ceramic non-stick cookware. The harsh detergents and high heat in dishwashers can degrade the non-stick coating over time, shortening the life of the pan. Gentle hand washing with a soft sponge is best for longevity for all three brands.
Is the Always Pan worth it?
The Always Pan can be worth its $145 price tag if its specific benefits match your needs. It's a great choice for cooks in small spaces who love its multifunctional design and visual appeal. However, if you need pieces that can go in the oven or require a more durable pan for high-heat cooking, another brand may offer better value.
Which brand is best for a family?
GreenPan is typically the best choice for a busy family. The brand offers larger pans, durable options suited for heavy use, and the affordable price makes it less of a concern if a piece needs to be replaced. Caraway's large set is also a great option if budget isn't a factor.
How long do ceramic non-stick pans last?
With proper care, a quality ceramic non-stick pan can last between 1 and 3 years with regular use. To maximize lifespan, avoid using metal utensils, cook on low to medium heat, and always hand wash with non-abrasive sponges.
Can the Always Pan go in the oven?
The classic Always Pan is not oven-safe due to its handle design. However, Our Place has since released the Always Pan Pro, which is designed to be oven-safe up to 600°F.
What makes GreenPan different from other non-stick brands?
GreenPan's key differentiator is that they invented the category. As the original creator of Thermolon ceramic non-stick, they have over a decade of experience and own their factories, giving them significant control over quality and innovation. Their wide retail availability and affordable prices also set them apart from newer, design-focused online brands.
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