The Our Place 1.0 and 2.0 cookware lines represent the evolution of the brand's popular kitchen essentials, primarily differing in durability, functionality, and price. The 2.0 collection is an upgraded version featuring a much tougher non-stick ceramic coating, improved heat-resistant handles, and oven-safe capabilities, while the original 1.0 line set the standard for multifunctional, stylish design at a more accessible price point.
Here’s a clear comparison to help you decide which version of the famous Always Pan and other cookware is right for your kitchen.
Our Place 1.0 Cookware
The Our Place 1.0 collection is the original line that launched the brand into popularity, centered around the iconic Always Pan. This version introduced the concept of a multi-purpose pan designed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware, perfectly blending a minimalist, colorful aesthetic with everyday functionality for modern kitchens.
- What it is: The original range of multifunctional cookware, including the first-generation Always Pan, designed for cooking convenience in small spaces.
- Key features: Non-stick ceramic coating, stay-cool handle, integrated spoon rest, nesting steamer basket, pouring spouts.
- Price: The Always Pan was typically priced around $145.
- Style: Sleek and minimalist design available in a range of playful, modern colors that made cooking essentials look like decor.
- Materials/Construction: Cast aluminum core for even heating with a non-stick ceramic coating free of PFOAs, PTFEs, and other PFAS.
- Pros: Innovative 8-in-1 functionality saved space. Visually appealing design. Great entry-point pricing for a premium product. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Non-stick coating could wear down over time with heavy use. The handle not being heat-resistant was a common complaint. Not oven-safe, limiting its versatility.
The 1.0 line is a great introduction for those new to the Our Place brand who prioritize style and multipurpose design over long-term durability or oven capabilities.
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Our Place 2.0 Cookware
The Our Place 2.0 line reflects significant upgrades based on customer feedback from the original cookware. It keeps the same aesthetic and all-in-one appeal but doubles down on durability and performance, introducing a next-generation non-stick surface and making the cookware oven-safe for even more versatility.
- What it is: The current, upgraded cookware line featuring improved materials and expanded functionality, most notably seen in the Always Pan 2.0.
- Key features: Extremely durable Thermakind™ ceramic non-stick coating, oven-safe up to 450°F, redesigned stay-cool handles, and an expanded line including the "Perfect Pot."
- Price: The Always Pan 2.0 starts at around $165.
- Style: Maintains the beloved minimalist, colorful aesthetic but with subtle refinements for a more polished and premium feel.
- Materials/Construction: Improved ceramic coating built for longevity, same reliable cast aluminum body, and upgraded components. Made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum.
- Pros: Drastically improved durability and non-stick longevity. Now oven-safe, expanding cooking methods. Redesigned handle is more comfortable and heat-resistant. Addresses the main complaints of the 1.0 version.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to the original. Can be slightly heavier due to the more robust build.
Our Place 2.0 is ideal for the home cook who wants the style of the original but demands higher performance, longevity, and versatility for frequent use.
Shop this product: ourplace.com/
Our Place 1.0 vs. 2.0 Comparison
Materials & Durability
This is the most significant difference. The 1.0's non-stick ceramic coating, while functional, was prone to scratching and wearing down over time, a common criticism among long-term users. The Our Place 2.0 introduces Thermakind™, a far more robust ceramic coating designed to be fifty percent more durable than its predecessor. It is built to better withstand scratches, high heat, and frequent washing.
Additionally, the 2.0 handles have been re-engineered for better heat resistance and a more comfortable grip. This focus on upgraded materials in the 2.0 line makes it a more reliable and long-lasting piece of cookware for regular use.
Dimensions & Functionality
While the physical dimensions of the Always Pan remain largely the same (a versatile 11-inch diameter), the functionality of the 2.0 is substantially better. The biggest functional upgrade is that the 2.0 collection is now oven-safe up to 450°F. This allows you to start a dish on the stovetop and finish it in the oven - something the 1.0 version could not do.
The 2.0 line also includes a wider range of products, like the larger "Perfect Pot" for braising and roasting, giving you more options to build out a cohesive and high-performing cookware collection.
Style & Aesthetic
Both cookware generations share the signature Our Place aesthetic: minimalist, clean lines, and a beautiful palette of modern colors. Visually, they are very similar from a distance. However, the 2.0 products have subtle refinements in their finishes and handle design that lend a more premium, polished look. Both versions excel at being "counter-worthy," but the 2.0's improved build quality is a slight aesthetic step up.
Price & Value
The original Always Pan was priced at $145, while the new 2.0 version is about $165. While the 1.0 line offered great value as a stylish, introductory all-in-one pan, the $20 increase for the 2.0 line provides disproportionately high value. For that small price difference, you get significantly better non-stick durability, oven-safe capabilities, and a better handle. In terms of long-term value, the 2.0 collection is the clear winner, as it's built to last longer and perform better under heavy use, reducing the need for replacement.
Who Each One Works Best For
The 1.0 line (if you can find it on sale or secondhand) remains a solid choice for occasional cooks, people living in their first apartment, or anyone prioritizing a specific color from the original collection over peak performance. It’s for users who value aesthetics and multifunctionality for light-duty cooking.
The 2.0 line is for a much broader audience. It serves dedicated home cooks, anyone who was hesitant about the durability of the first version, and those looking to build a matching kitchen set that is as functional as it is beautiful. It’s for anyone who wants to invest in a versatile pan for the long haul.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both generations offer style and convenience, but they serve different priorities when it comes to performance and longevity.
Choose the original Our Place 1.0 line if:
- You can find it at a significant discount and are on a strict budget.
- You are an infrequent cook who values aesthetics over long-term durability.
- You mostly cook on the stovetop and don't need oven-safe cookware.
- You're simply looking for an attractive pan to start your collection.
Choose the Our Place 2.0 line if:
- You want your cookware to last as long as possible.
- You need a durable non-stick pan that can handle daily cooking.
- You want the versatility of moving a dish from the stovetop to the oven.
- You are willing to invest a little more for significantly better performance and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Our Place 1.0 and 2.0?
The main differences are in durability and functionality. The Our Place 2.0 has a much more durable, longer-lasting non-stick coating and is oven-safe up to 450°F. The 1.0 version's coating was less durable, and the pan was not meant for use in the oven.
Is the Our Place 2.0 pan worth the extra money?
Yes, for most users. The roughly $20 price difference gets you significant improvements in durability and the massively useful ability to be used in the oven. These features make it a much better long-term investment for anyone who cooks regularly.
Is the new Always Pan oven-safe?
Yes, the Always Pan 2.0 is oven-safe up to 450°F (232°C). The original 1.0 pan was not designed for oven use.
Are Our Place pans non-toxic?
Yes, both versions use a non-toxic ceramic coating that is free from PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAS, as well as lead and cadmium, ensuring a safe cooking surface.
Did the size of the Always Pan change between versions?
No, the core dimensions of the Always Pan remain roughly the same at 11 inches in diameter, making it a versatile size for everyday cooking tasks from frying eggs to steaming dumplings.
Can I use metal utensils on Our Place pans?
It's best to avoid metal utensils on any non-stick pan, including both generations of Our Place cookware. The brand recommends using wood, silicone, or plastic to protect the ceramic non-stick surface and prolong its life.
Does the 2.0 cookware solve the common problems with the original?
Yes, Our Place intentionally designed the 2.0 collection to address the most common feedback from customers. The longer-lasting non-stick surface, improved handle, and oven-safe capability directly solve the primary issues some users had with the 1.0 line.
Is the new cookware heavier?
The Always Pan 2.0 is about the same weight as the original, still coming in at around 3 lbs. without the lid. The focus of the D2C line was on higher-end materials and features without adding unnecessary bulk.
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