The Always Pan by Our Place is a design-forward, multifunctional pan that aims to replace eight different cookware pieces, while Greenpan is a well-established cookware brand that pioneered non-toxic ceramic non-stick technology across a wide range of products. The key difference is philosophy: the Always Pan is a single, minimalist, style-focused pan, whereas Greenpan offers a comprehensive lineup of performance-focused, non-toxic cookware for various tasks at a lower price point.
Let's compare these two popular cookware choices to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your stovetop.
Always Pan: The Stylish All-in-One Skillet
Launched by Our Place, the Always Pan quickly became an internet sensation, beloved for its sleek design, vibrant colors, and promise to streamline the kitchen. It markets itself as a replacement for your fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, and more, making it an appealing choice for minimalists, small-space dwellers, and anyone tired of cluttered cabinets.
- Product mix: The core product is a single, do-it-all pan that comes with a steamer basket, a nesting spatula with a built-in spoon rest, and a modular lid. The pan is designed to handle searing, braising, steaming, frying, and sautéing.
- Style/vibe: Highly aesthetic, modern, and minimalist. It is available in a range of on-trend, muted colors like Sage, Terracotta, and Blue Salt, designed to be pretty enough to leave out on the counter.
- Price point: The Always Pan is a premium-priced item, typically retailing for around $145.
- Quality & Materials: Features a non-toxic, ceramic non-stick coating applied over a sturdy, lightweight aluminum body for even heating. The handle is designed to stay cool, and its construction feels thoughtful, though some users report the non-stick coating loses effectiveness over time.
- Dimensions/Scale: The standard pan has a 10-inch diameter and a 2.6-quart capacity, making it a good size for cooking meals for one to three people. Due to its all-in-one design, it is a significant space-saver.
- Versatility: Its tall, sloped sides make it great for tossing ingredients, but be aware the original Always Pan is not oven-safe. The current Always Pan 2.0 has been updated to be oven-safe up to 450°F.
- Return policy: Our Place generally offers a 30-day trial period, allowing you to return the product for a full refund if you're not satisfied.
The Always Pan excels as a beautiful, versatile tool for everyday cooking, especially for those prioritizing kitchen aesthetics and a minimal setup.
Shop Always Pan: ourplace.com
Greenpan: The Non-Toxic Cookware Pioneer
Greenpan made a name for itself by being one of the first brands to introduce PTFE- and PFOA-free ceramic non-stick cookware to a mass audience. Their mission is rooted in creating healthy, eco-friendly, and high-performing kitchen tools. Instead of one single pan, Greenpan offers an extensive collection of cookware to suit every cooking need and budget.
- Product mix: Greenpan sells entire lines of cookware, including frying pans, woks, griddles, saucepans, stockpots, and full cookware sets. They offer products for induction, gas, and electric stovetops.
- Style/vibe: The design is more traditional and function-forward. While some lines feature colors, most products have a classic, utilitarian look with finishes like black or stainless steel. The focus is on performance, not looks.
- Price point: Greenpan is quite accessible, with individual frying pans often priced between $40–$100. This pricing makes it easy to build a versatile collection without a huge investment.
- Quality & Materials: Their signature Thermolon ceramic non-stick is lauded for its durability and heat resistance. Pans are typically made with hard-anodized aluminum or stainless steel for excellent heat distribution and warp resistance. All products are free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
- Dimensions/Scale: Offers a wide range of sizes, from small 8-inch frying pans perfect for eggs to large 12-inch skillets for family meals, providing solutions for kitchens of all sizes.
- Durability: Greenpan cookware is built to last and is generally considered a workhorse in the kitchen. Most of their pans are dishwasher and oven-safe to high temperatures.
- Availability: Products can be purchased directly from the Greenpan website as well as through major retailers online and in stores like Amazon.
Greenpan is the standard-bearer for reliable, non-toxic cookware, appealing to health-conscious consumers and serious home cooks who value durability and function.
Shop Greenpan: greenpan.us
Always Pan vs. Greenpan Comparison
Price Comparison
This is a major difference between the two. The Always Pan is a single-purchase investment at around $145. While it claims to replace multiple items, its upfront cost is high for one piece of cookware.
Greenpan, on the other hand, operates on a traditional model. You can buy an excellent 10-inch non-stick skillet for as little as $50. For the price of a single Always Pan, you could purchase two or three different-sized Greenpan skillets, offering more flexibility for various cooking tasks. If budget is a primary concern, Greenpan offers far more accessible entry points.
Style & Aesthetic
The Always Pan wins on style, hands down. Its thoughtful design, matte colors, and minimalist vibe make it a kitchen statement piece. It is unapologetically designed for the Instagram era, where cookware is as much a part of the decor as it is a tool.
Greenpan’s aesthetic is functional and classic. It looks like high-quality cookware but isn't intended to be a design focal point. If your kitchen has a professional or traditional feel, or if you simply don't care about a "photogenic" pan, Greenpan’s focus on utility will serve you well.
Quality & Durability
Both brands use non-toxic, ceramic non-stick coatings. However, Greenpan has built its entire brand around perfecting this technology for over a decade. Its Thermolon coating is widely regarded as one of the most durable and effective on the market, especially when properly maintained.
The Always Pan's coating works very well out of the box, but a common complaint among long-term users is that its non-stick properties diminish faster than expected, demanding more careful use and maintenance. For heavy, daily use, Greenpan's cookware generally has a stronger reputation for longevity.
Product Selection & Versatility
The Always Pan boasts an 8-in-1 versatility, which is true for light sautéing, steaming, and one-pan meals. However, its original inability to go in the oven was a major drawback for cooks who like to start a dish on the stove and finish it in the oven (though the newest 2.0 version is oven-safe). It also can't handle true high-heat searing like cast iron or stainless steel.
Greenpan offers supreme versatility through its wide product range. Need a griddle for pancakes, a large skillet for a family-sized stir-fry, and a small one for omelets? Greenpan has you covered with specialized, high-performing options for each task. Their pans are also almost universally oven-proof, opening up a wider world of cooking techniques.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both companies foreground their non-toxic approach. Greenpan has the heritage here, as their primary mission has always been creating cookware that's safe for people and the planet. They are transparent about being free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Their factories also use more sustainable practices, including recycled aluminum in many of their lines.
The Always Pan from Our Place is also committed to using a non-toxic ceramic coating and ships in recyclable, biodegradable packaging. Its primary sustainability argument is through reduction - one pan replaces many, leading to less consumerism and less waste.
Which One Should You Choose?
The perfect pan for you comes down to what you value most in the kitchen: clever design and multifunctionality, or trusted performance and a wider selection.
Choose Always Pan if:
- You're furnishing a small kitchen and value space-saving, minimalist equipment.
- Kitchen aesthetics are very important to you, and you want cookware that doubles as decor.
- You are a light, everyday cook making one-pot meals for yourself or a partner.
- You love a good "system" and appreciate the convenience of its included accessories.
Choose Greenpan if:
- Your number one priority is a proven, durable, and reliable non-toxic cooking surface.
- You want to build a collection of different-sized pans for specific cooking tasks.
- You cook frequently for a family and need rugged cookware that can handle heavy use.
- You want oven-safe versatility and need pans that can withstand high temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Always Pan or Greenpan cheaper?
Greenpan is significantly cheaper on a per-pan basis. An individual Greenpan frying pan can be purchased for $40-$60, whereas the Always Pan is a single investment of around $145. For the price of one Always Pan, you could easily buy a small set of Greenpan cookware.
Which pan has a better non-stick coating?
While both are effective, Greenpan's Thermolon ceramic non-stick has a longer track record and a stronger reputation for durability and longevity under heavy use.
Are the Always Pan and Greenpan non-toxic?
Yes, both brands use ceramic non-stick coatings, which means they are free from harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium that are found in traditional Teflon cookware.
Can the Always Pan go in the oven?
The newer Always Pan 2.0 is designed to be oven-safe up to 450°F. However, the popular original version was not. Always double-check which version you have before putting it in the oven. Most Greenpan products are oven-safe, often to higher temperatures.
Which brand is more durable?
Greenpan is generally considered the more durable choice for long-term, heavy-duty cooking. Its reputation is built on performance and longevity, while the Always Pan is known more for its design and multi-functionality.
How do you wash these pans?
For both brands, handwashing with a soft sponge and mild dish soap is the best way to protect and extend the life of the ceramic non-stick coating. Avoid using metal utensils and high heat to prevent scratches and damage.
Which is better for a family?
Greenpan is the more practical choice for a family. The availability of larger pan sizes (12-inch and up), specialized stockpots, and the overall durability make it better suited for cooking larger meals and handling the demands of daily family use.
Can the Always Pan truly replace eight pieces of cookware?
For a minimalist cook in a small apartment, it does an admirable job replacing the basic functions of several pans. However, a serious home cook will still miss the specialized performance of a dedicated saucier, a high-walled stockpot, or a cast-iron skillet for a perfect sear.
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