The Our Place Mini Always Pan 1.0 and its successor, the Mini Always Pan 2.0, look nearly identical but have key upgrades in durability and performance. The 2.0 features a significantly more durable, longer-lasting ceramic non-stick coating and is now oven-safe, while the 1.0 is the more budget-friendly original that is not cleared for oven use. These differences make the 2.0 a better all-around tool, while the 1.0 remains a solid choice for simple stovetop cooking on a budget.
Here’s a detailed look at what separates these two compact pans from Our Place to help you decide which one best fits your kitchen.
Our Place Mini Always Pan 1.0
The Mini Always Pan 1.0 is the original compact, multi-functional pan designed for small kitchens, single servings, and quick, simple meals. It established Our Place's reputation for versatile cookware, offering a non-stick surface perfect for tasks like frying an egg, reheating leftovers, or cooking for one. Its lightweight feel and sleek design made it a quick favorite for apartment dwellers and those with limited cooking space.
- What it is: A compact 8.5-inch non-stick pan intended to replace several pieces of cookware for individual meals and small tasks.
- Key features: Lightweight aluminum construction, first-generation ceramic non-stick coating, an included beechwood spatula, and nesting design.
- Price: Around $95-$105, though often available on sale as the company phases it out.
- Dimensions: 8.5-inch diameter accommodates one or two eggs and small portion sizes perfectly.
- Materials/Construction: Built from lightweight aluminum with a non-toxic ceramic non-stick coating. It has a lightweight handle and is intended for stovetop use only, it is not oven-safe.
- Style: Features the brand's signature minimalist design and is available in a range of aesthetic, muted colors.
- Pros: More affordable price point, extremely lightweight and easy to handle, excellent for simple, low-heat cooking tasks.
- Cons: The ceramic coating can be prone to scratching with use over time, not oven-safe, and lacks the longevity of the newer version.
The original Mini Always Pan 1.0 is a great entry point for anyone who loves the brand's style and needs a simple, effective pan for occasional stovetop use.
Shop this product: ourplace.com/products/mini-always-pan
Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0
Building on the praised design of the original, the Mini Always Pan 2.0 is an upgraded version that addresses the primary feedback on the 1.0: durability and versatility. The 2.0 features the new Thermakind™ advanced ceramic non-stick technology that is engineered to last much longer. Critically, this new pan is also oven-safe, dramatically increasing its functionality in the kitchen.
- What it is: An upgraded, compact 8.5-inch non-stick pan made with higher-quality, more durable materials for improved longevity and versatility.
- Key features: Upgraded Thermakind™ ceramic non-stick coating, reinforced aluminum body, and it's now oven-safe up to 450°F.
- Price: Approximately $115-$120, reflecting its premium construction and features.
- Dimensions: Same 8.5-inch diameter as the original, making it ideal for the same compact tasks.
- Materials/Construction: The most significant upgrade is the tougher ceramic coating, which is more resistant to scratches and wear. The pan can now be used in the oven.
- Style: Maintains the iconic minimalist look of the original, with subtle design refinements and an updated color palette that feels polished.
- Pros: Significantly more durable and long-lasting non-stick surface, oven-safe feature adds major versatility, better long-term value despite the higher price.
- Cons: Higher initial cost, still requires gentle care to protect the non-stick surface long-term.
The Mini Always Pan 2.0 is intended for frequent home cooks who need a reliable, durable, and more versatile pan for daily use.
Shop this product: ourplace.com/products/mini-always-pan-2-0
Mini Always Pan 1.0 vs. Mini Always Pan 2.0 Comparison
Materials & Durability
This is the most significant difference between the two pans. The Mini Always Pan 1.0 uses Our Place's original ceramic non-stick coating. While effective, it's known to be susceptible to scratches and can wear down with frequent use and less-than-perfect cleaning habits. It's perfectly fine for occasional cooks who are careful with their tools.
The Mini Always Pan 2.0 incorporates the much more robust Thermakind™ coating. It’s engineered to last 50% longer than the previous generation, offering superior scratch resistance. This makes it a much better companion for daily cooking, as it can withstand more wear and tear.
Performance & Versatility
While both pans heat quickly and evenly on the stovetop thanks to their aluminum construction, the 2.0's oven-safe rating fundamentally changes what you can do with it. Its ability to go from stovetop to oven (up to 450°F) allows for recipes like frittatas, baked pasta for one, or perfectly finishing a seared protein. The Mini Always Pan 1.0 is strictly a stovetop tool, limiting its overall utility in the kitchen.
Price & Value
The Mini Always Pan 1.0 is the clear winner on upfront cost, typically retailing for about $20 less than the 2.0 model. For shoppers on a tight budget who just need a simple egg pan, it's a tempting choice. However, the value proposition shifts when considering longevity.
The Mini Always Pan 2.0, with its durable coating and added oven functionality, provides better long-term value. Investing a bit more upfront means you will likely not have to replace the pan as soon, making it the more economical choice in the long run for anyone who cooks regularly.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Mini Always Pan 1.0 is best suited for the occasional cook or someone on a strict budget. It excels at its basic job - being a non-stick pan for simple stovetop tasks. If you only plan to fry an egg here and there or need a secondary pan for effortless cleanup, the 1.0 is a reasonable option.
The Mini Always Pan 2.0 is designed for the serious home cook who values performance and longevity. If this will be your go-to small pan for daily breakfasts, reheating, and single-serving meals that might start on the stove and end in the oven, the upgrades are well worth the extra investment. It is the definitive choice for anyone who wants a "buy it once, buy it right" piece of cookware.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pans offer the beautiful design Our Place is known for, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.
Choose the Mini Always Pan 1.0 if:
- You are on a tighter budget and want to save some money upfront.
- You only cook occasionally and primarily make simple stovetop meals.
- You just need a small, stylish pan specifically for quick tasks like eggs.
- You are extremely careful with your non-stick cookware and confident you can prolong its life.
Choose the Mini Always Pan 2.0 if:
- You cook frequently and need a small pan that can withstand daily use.
- Durability and scratch resistance are important to you.
- You want the versatility of an oven-safe pan for more complex recipes.
- You're willing to invest more initially for a product that will last significantly longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Mini Always Pan 1.0 and 2.0?
The three main differences are the coating, oven-safety, and longevity. The Mini Always Pan 2.0 features a more durable, scratch-resistant ceramic coating (Thermakind™), is oven-safe up to 450°F, and is designed to last over 50% longer than the 1.0 version, which is not oven-safe.
Is the Mini Always Pan 2.0 worth the extra money?
For most people, yes. The significant improvement in durability and the added versatility of being oven-safe make it a much better long-term investment. If you cook more than a couple of times a week, the 2.0 will prove its value quickly.
Are both pans oven-safe?
No. The Mini Always Pan 2.0 is oven-safe up to 450°F. The Mini Always Pan 1.0 is designed for stovetop use only and should not be placed in the oven.
How do you clean the Mini Always Pan?
Both versions should be allowed to cool completely before being washed by hand with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. Using abrasive scrubbers or putting them in the dishwasher will damage the non-stick coating over time and is not recommended.
Is the Our Place ceramic coating safe?
Yes, both versions use a non-toxic ceramic coating that is free of potentially harmful materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAS, lead, and cadmium, ensuring a safe cooking surface.
Can I put the Mini Always Pan in the dishwasher?
Our Place strongly advises against dishwasher use for both the 1.0 and 2.0 pans. The harsh detergents and high heat in a dishwasher can degrade the ceramic non-stick coating over time, reducing its lifespan and effectiveness.
How big is the Mini Always Pan?
Both models have an 8.5-inch diameter, which is the perfect size for cooking one or two eggs, making a grilled cheese sandwich, or preparing a single-serving meal. It’s ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs.
Do I need to season the ceramic coating of the Mini Always Pan?
No, you do not need to season the pan. The ceramic non-stick surface is ready to use out of the box. To maintain its performance, always cook using low to medium heat and use a small amount of high-smoke-point oil or butter.
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