The Our Place Always Pan and a traditional cast iron skillet offer vastly different cooking experiences, centered on materials, maintenance, and heat performance. The Always Pan is a modern, lightweight ceramic non-stick pan designed for user convenience and style, while a classic cast iron skillet, like those from Lodge, is a heavy-duty, indestructible piece prized for its superior heat retention and versatility from stove to oven.
Here's everything you need to know about these iconic pans to decide which one deserves a spot on your stovetop.
Our Place Always Pan
The cult-favorite Always Pan is a do-it-all cookware system designed to replace eight separate kitchen tools. It functions as a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, and more, all wrapped up in a sleek, minimalist design that has made it an Instagram sensation. Its main draw is its convenience-focused features, like the slippery non-stick surface and included accessories.
- What it is: A multifunctional 10.5-inch non-stick skillet designed to handle a wide variety of daily cooking tasks.
- Key features: Non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating, comes with a nesting beechwood spatula, a stainless steel steamer basket, and a modular lid.
- Price: Around $145
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. It is available in a wide range of trendy, muted colors that are meant to be displayed.
- Materials/Construction: Cast aluminum body for quick, even heating with a non-toxic ceramic coating that is PFOA and PTFE-free.
- Pros: Replaces multiple pans, saving kitchen space. Extremely easy to clean thanks to the ceramic surface. Lightweight and easy to handle. Includes helpful accessories. Exceptionally stylish design.
- Cons: Non-stick coating has a limited lifespan and will eventually wear out. Not suitable for high-heat searing or use with metal utensils. Can't be used in the broiler and is only oven-safe up to 425°F. More expensive upfront.
This pan is ideal for the daily home cook who values stylish design, space-saving multifunctionality, and effortless cleanup for low-to-medium heat cooking.
Shop this product: ourplace.com/products/always-pan/
Traditional Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a timeless kitchen workhorse, celebrated for its durability, versatility, and incredible ability to retain heat. Brands like Lodge have made these pans an accessible staple in kitchens for over a century. With proper care, they develop a natural, non-stick surface known as seasoning and can be passed down for generations.
- What it is: A heavy, durable skillet made from a single piece of cast iron, recognized for its even heating and high-heat cooking capabilities.
- Key features: Unmatched heat retention for a perfect sear. Can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, on a grill, or even over a campfire. Builds up a natural non-stick "seasoning" with use.
- Price: $20 to $40 for a standard 10 or 12-inch skillet.
- Style: Rustic, rugged, and traditional. Its classic black finish has a utilitarian charm that fits in any kitchen, from country farmhouse to modern industrial.
- Materials/Construction: Made entirely from solid cast iron, it often comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil.
- Pros: Virtually indestructible and can last for decades. Extremely affordable. Superior at high-heat searing and frying. Incredibly versatile for all types of cooking surfaces. Becomes more non-stick over time.
- Cons: Very heavy and can be difficult to manage. Requires a specific maintenance routine to prevent rust and maintain its seasoning. Heats up slowly (but stays hot). Not ideal for cooking highly acidic foods like tomatoes.
The cast iron skillet is perfect for home cooks who prioritize durability, high-performance searing, and cooking versatility and are happy to engage in the time-honored maintenance ritual it requires.
Shop this product: lodgecastiron.com/product/seasoned-cast-iron-skillet
Our Place Always Pan vs. Cast Iron Comparison
Materials & Durability
This is the most significant difference. The Always Pan is made from cast aluminum, an excellent heat conductor, with a ceramic non-stick coating. This coating is what makes it so easy to clean but is also its weak link. With regular use, even when cared for correctly, non-stick coatings will inevitably scratch, degrade, and lose their effectiveness, usually within a few years.
Cast iron is an heirloom material. Made from a single piece of iron, it is nearly impossible to destroy. While it can rust if you are not careful, it can almost always be restored with some elbow grease. Instead of wearing out, a cast iron pan improves as its seasoning (layers of polymerized oil) builds, creating a durable, naturally renewed non-stick surface that will last a lifetime or longer.
Heat Performance & Versatility
The Always Pan's aluminum body heats up quickly and spreads heat evenly, which is good for quick tasks like frying eggs or making pancakes. However, its non-stick coating cannot handle very high temperatures or the heat of being used directly in a broiler flame. Being oven safe up to only 425°F limits its versatility.
A cast iron skillet excels in areas where the Always Pan is less powerful. It may heat slowly, but once hot, its superior heat retention is unmatched, crucial for creating an amazing sear and crispiness for foods like steaks, chicken, or potatoes. Any cast iron pan can transition from stovetop to oven at extreme temperatures, or even from a grill over an open flame, making it a versatile tool in any kitchen.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Cleaning the Always Pan is its defining feature. Thanks to the non-stick coating, food remnants glide off easily with just a gentle sponge and warm, soapy water. It's fast, simple, and requires no special techniques.
A cast iron skillet requires a specific cleaning process. Pans should not be cleaned using soap or soaking, as these practices remove the seasoning. Instead, they should be scrubbed with a brush and water, thoroughly dried, and coated with a layer of oil to protect against rust. For many users, this ritual is a rewarding part of cooking, but it can be a hassle for those who prefer ease of use.
Price & Value
The Always Pan costs around $145. For this price, you get a pan, steamer basket, and included spatula. It's a great all-around starter piece that saves space, though it may require replacement after a few years.
A 10-inch cast iron skillet costs only $20 to $40, making it a budget-friendly option. Despite its low price and incredible durability, it's an unbeatable value and could be one of the best long-term investments in cooking you make.
Style & Aesthetic
Our Place built its brand on aesthetic appeal. The Always Pan is sleek, modern, and minimalist, available in a rainbow of trendy colors like "Spice" and "Blue Salt." It's a pan that looks great directly on the stovetop or as the centerpiece of a brunch Instagram post.
Cast Iron is timeless. Its vintage, rugged, and rustic appeal looks just as nice in a modern kitchen as it does in a farmhouse or at a campsite for cooking with friends.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pans are excellent options for home cooks, but they serve different cooking styles and priorities.
Choose the Always Pan if:
- Space-saving multifunctionality is important to you.
- You like making dishes like omelets, one-pot pasta, and steamed veggies. Your cooking is mostly at low or medium heats.
- You value how quickly and easily it can be cleaned after use.
Choose the Cast Iron Skillet if:
- You prioritize durability and high-performance searing.
- You're willing to engage in the maintenance routine for seasoning.
- You want a versatile kitchen tool that works across all cooking surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Always Pan be used in the oven?
Yes, the Always Pan is oven-safe up to 425°F. In contrast, cast iron pans can handle much higher temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of cooking methods.
Which pan is better for searing meat?
For searing meat like steak, which requires very high temperatures, a cast iron pan is superior due to its excellent heat retention and ability to maintain high heat for long periods.
How should I clean a cast iron pan?
Cleaning a cast iron pan involves wiping it with a brush and water, drying it thoroughly, and applying a thin layer of oil to maintain its seasoning. Avoid using soap or soaking, which can strip the seasoning.
How long do these pans last?
The non-stick coating of the Always Pan lasts around three years with proper care, after which it may need replacement. Cast iron pans, on the other hand, can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Are these pans healthy to use?
The Always Pan's non-toxic coating is free from PTFE and PFOA, and cast iron can provide small amounts of dietary iron.
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