The Our Place Always Pan and a HexClad Hybrid Pan approach modern cooking from two very different angles. The Always Pan is an aesthetically focused, multi-functional ceramic pan for the style-conscious casual cook, while HexClad’s pan is a high-performance, durable stainless steel hybrid built for serious home chefs who prioritize longevity and searing power. Our Place focuses on simplicity and design, whereas HexClad emphasizes professional-grade technology.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you find the best pan for your kitchen and cooking style.
Our Place Always Pan
The Our Place Always Pan is a cleverly designed piece of cookware made to replace eight different kitchen tools. It became an online sensation for its minimalist aesthetic, vibrant color options, and non-toxic ceramic non-stick surface, making it an excellent centerpiece for modern kitchens and a practical choice for those with limited storage.
- What it is: A multi-functional, 10-inch ceramic non-stick pan intended to braise, sear, steam, strain, sauté, fry, boil, and serve.
- Key features: Comes with a nesting Beechwood spatula, stainless steel steamer basket, a modular lid with a built-in steam release, and an integrated spoon rest.
- Price: Around $150
- Dimensions: 10-inch diameter, 2.7-inch depth, 1.7L capacity.
- Materials/Construction: Forged aluminum core for even heating with a non-toxic, PFOA-free ceramic non-stick coating.
- Style: Minimalist and modern with a distinctive matte finish, available in numerous eye-catching colors that complement contemporary decor.
- Pros: Replaces multiple pans to save space. Exceptionally easy to clean due to its slick ceramic surface. Visually stunning design. Comes with very useful accessories. Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Cannot be used with metal utensils. The non-stick coating has a shorter lifespan than stainless steel. Not dishwasher safe. Only oven-safe up to 450°F.
This pan is ideal for the everyday cook who values kitchen aesthetics, needs to save space, and wants a simple, easy-to-clean solution for daily meals.
Shop this product: fromourplace.com/products/always-pan
HexClad Hybrid Pan
HexClad creates high-performance cookware that merges the best attributes of stainless steel and traditional non-stick pans. Its signature feature is a patented hexagonal, laser-etched surface that provides durability and excellent searing capabilities while maintaining easy food release, built to withstand the demands of serious cooking.
- What it is: A premium tri-ply hybrid pan combining stainless steel and a PFOA-free non-stick surface arranged in a hexagonal pattern.
- Key features: Scratch-resistant surface that is safe for metal utensils, tri-ply construction for even heating, stay-cool ergonomic handle, oven safe up to 500°F.
- Price: Around $150-$200 for a 10-inch skillet with a lid.
- Dimensions: Available in various standard frying pan sizes, including 8, 10, and 12 inches.
- Materials/Construction: Includes a layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel. The cooking surface features a grid of stainless steel "peaks" protecting the non-stick material in the "valleys."
- Style: Sleek and professional with an industrial feel. The geometric pattern and polished finish look great in high-end or commercial-style kitchens.
- Pros: Extremely durable and scratch resistant. Safe to use with metal utensils. Combines the searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. Dishwasher safe. Great for high-heat cooking and achieving a perfect crust.
- Cons: Heavier than the Always Pan. Requires some oil or fat for truly non-stick performance with delicate foods like eggs. More expensive upfront.
This pan is built for the passionate home chef who wants a pan that will last a lifetime, can handle high-heat cooking, and doesn't want to worry about scratching the surface.
Shop this product: hexclad.com
Our Place Always Pan vs. HexClad Comparison
Materials, Durability & Construction
The fundamental difference lies in their construction. The Our Place Always Pan has a standard aluminum construction with a sprayed-on ceramic non-stick coating. While effective and non-toxic, it can scratch easily with metal utensils and will wear down over time, requiring more careful use. Its lifespan is ultimately limited by the integrity of that single non-stick layer.
In contrast, HexClad's tri-ply construction combines an aluminum core with stainless steel for superior heat control and durability. The patented hexagonal grid protects the non-stick coating from scratches, allowing you to use metal utensils without fear of damage. This makes HexClad far more durable and a better long-term investment. They are also oven-safe to a higher temperature (500°F vs 450°F) and dishwasher-safe, unlike the Always Pan.
Performance & Versatility
The Always Pan shines in its multi-functional design. With the included steamer basket and high sides, it truly can boil pasta, steam vegetables, and saute ingredients effectively, making it a versatile tool for one-pan meals. However, its ceramic surface isn't ideal for achieving a deep, hard sear that requires very high heat.
HexClad excels in high-performance cooking. The stainless steel component of its hybrid surface allows it to get incredibly hot and produce a beautiful sear on steaks, burgers, and scallops. While it doesn't come with a steamer basket, its ability to transition from stovetop to oven provides excellent versatility for pan-roasting or finishing dishes. It delivers professional-level results that the Always Pan can't quite match.
Style & Design
Our Place is a clear winner for those prioritizing aesthetics. Its minimalist design, matte finish, and an array of sophisticated, trendy colors make it a beautiful piece to leave on the stovetop or use as a serving dish. It’s part of a lifestyle kitchen where form is just as important as function.
HexClad features a sleek, technical, and industrial look. The shimmering stainless steel, clean lines, and unique hexagonal pattern appeal to those who favor a professional kitchen aesthetic. It looks like serious cookware because it is - and is better suited for cooks who value performance over color palettes.
Price & Value
Both pans are similarly priced upfront, hovering around $150. However, their long-term value propositions are different. The Our Place Always Pan offers tremendous value by consolidating eight pieces of cookware into one stylish item, which can save money and space.
HexClad, while costing slightly more depending on the size, offers superior long-term value through its durability. Given its resistance to wear and tear and lifetime warranty, it's a pan you can buy once and use for many years, whereas the Always Pan may need replacing when its non-stick coating eventually wears out.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Our Place Always Pan is perfect for beginner cooks, apartment dwellers, and anyone working with limited kitchen space. Its all-in-one functionality simplifies cooking and cleanup, and its beautiful design makes it a joy to use. If you primarily cook simple, one-pan meals and care deeply about how your cookware looks, this is the pan for you.
The HexClad Hybrid Pan is designed for experienced home cooks, cooking enthusiasts, and anyone who's tough on their cookware. It's for an individual who appreciates the art of getting a perfect sear and wants a pan that delivers reliable, professional-grade results meal after meal, year after year.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pans are excellent, but they cater to very different needs and cooking philosophies.
Choose the Our Place Always Pan if:
- You want to save cabinet space by replacing multiple pots and pans with one item.
- Kitchen aesthetics are a top priority, and you love minimalist design and color options.
- You mostly cook one-pan dishes that involve sautéing, steaming, or light frying.
- You are careful with your cookware and are comfortable with hand-washing a non-stick pan.
Choose the HexClad Hybrid Pan if:
- Durability and long-term performance are your biggest concerns.
- You prioritize high-heat searing for meats and vegetables.
- You want the flexibility to use metal utensils and put your pan in the dishwasher.
- You view cookware as a long-term investment and are willing to pay for professional-grade technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Our Place Pan and HexClad?
The core difference is in the cooking surface and purpose. Our Place has a fully ceramic non-stick surface designed for simplicity and style. HexClad uses a hybrid of stainless steel and recessed non-stick coating for professional-grade searing and long-term durability.
Which pan is better for a beginner cook?
The Our Place Always Pan is generally better for beginners. Its completely non-stick surface is more forgiving, the included accessories streamline the cooking process, and its all-in-one design is less intimidating than building a full cookware set.
Is the HexClad pan truly non-stick?
It's a hybrid. It is remarkably easy to clean, but for delicate items like eggs, it performs best with a small amount of fat or oil. The stainless steel portions are designed for searing, so it's not slick in the same way a 100% non-stick pan is, but it offers better food release than traditional stainless steel.
How do you clean the Our Place Always Pan?
The Always Pan must be washed by hand. After it has completely cooled, use a soft sponge with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they will damage the ceramic non-stick coating. It is not dishwasher-safe.
Can you use metal utensils on a HexClad pan?
Yes. HexClad's patented design explicitly protects the non-stick material from scratches, making it safe to use with metal spatulas, whisks, and spoons.
Is the Always Pan oven-safe?
Partially. The Our Place Pan is oven-safe up to 450°F, but it's important to remember that it's meant for shorter finishing tasks, not long-duration baking or roasting.
Which pan offers better long-term value?
The HexClad pan offers better long-term value due to its extreme durability, resistance to scratches, and accommodation for high-heat cooking. It is built to last for many years, unlike traditional non-stick pans which are often considered consumable.
Do I need to season a HexClad pan?
HexClad recommends seasoning your pan before the first use and occasionally after to maintain its hybrid non-stick properties. This involves heating the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil, a simple process detailed in their instructions.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
