Our Place is known for its trendy, colorful, and multi-functional cookware designed to simplify everyday cooking, famously embodied by its all-in-one Always Pan. Caraway, on the other hand, positions itself as a premium, health-focused brand, offering non-toxic ceramic cookware sets with a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic and a higher price tag.
Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right cookware for your kitchen.
Our Place: The Colorful, Multi-Functional Cookware
Our Place is a modern kitchenware brand that captured social media's attention with its stylish, space-saving designs. Their core product, the Always Pan, was created to replace eight different pieces of traditional cookware, making it a go-to for young professionals, first-time homeowners, and anyone living in a smaller space who values both style and convenience.
- Product mix: Their lineup is built around versatile flagship products like the Always Pan and Perfect Pot, but has expanded to include cutting boards, knives, glassware, and tableware.
- Style/vibe: Playful, trendy, and minimalist. Known for a palette of vibrant and unique colors like "Spice" and "Blue Salt" that are designed to be displayed on your stovetop.
- Price point: Mid-range and accessible. The popular Always Pan retails for around $145, with other major cookware pieces falling in a similar range.
- Quality: Made from aluminum with a non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating. Their newer cookware versions are oven-safe up to 450°F, increasing their versatility.
- Key Features: The biggest selling point is multi-functionality. Their pans are designed to fry, saute, steam, strain, and serve, and often come with useful accessories like a steamer basket and nesting spatula.
- Sustainability: Uses eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging and works with responsible manufacturing partners to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Sales: Frequently runs bundle deals and seasonal sales, particularly around major holidays like Black Friday and Mother's Day, often offering significant discounts.
- Return policy: Offers a 100-day trial for most items, allowing for returns or exchanges if you aren't satisfied.
Our Place is the perfect choice for home cooks who want beautiful, functional, and affordable cookware that simplifies their routine and looks great in their kitchen.
Shop Our Place: ourplace.com
Caraway: The Premium Non-Toxic Cookware Choice
Caraway focuses on creating high-quality, non-toxic ceramic cookware for the health-conscious consumer. Their products are free from harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, which are often found in traditional non-stick pans. Their sleek design, muted color palette, and clever organizational tools appeal to those who view their kitchenware as a long-term investment in both health and style.
- Product mix: Best known for their comprehensive cookware and bakeware sets which include frying pans, saucepans, a saute pan, and a Dutch oven. They also sell individual pieces and kitchen accessories.
- Style/vibe: Minimalist, sophisticated, and understatedly modern. The color palette consists of muted, earthy tones like "Cream," "Sage," and "Slate" that complement contemporary kitchen designs.
- Price point: Premium. A four-piece cookware set typically costs around $395, with a complete set going for close to $595.
- Quality: Features an aluminum core for even heat distribution, a durable ceramic coating, and stainless steel handles. The pans are oven-safe up to an impressive high temperature (brief lists 600°F, though company site clarifies 550°F), making them far more versatile for recipes that go from stovetop to oven.
- Key Features: Beyond being non-toxic, a huge perk is the included storage system. Each set comes with magnetic pan racks and a canvas lid holder to keep cabinets tidy and organized.
- Sustainability: Prioritizes eco-friendly practices, including manufacturing in facilities that have ethical standards, shipping in recycled packaging, and promoting lower-energy cooking habits.
- Sales: Holds sales less frequently than Our Place but typically offers good deals during major shopping holidays.
- Warranty: Offers a warranty on their cookware against manufacturing defects.
Caraway delivers a durable, brilliantly designed non-toxic cooking system for home chefs who prioritize health, organization, and a premium aesthetic.
Shop Caraway: carawayhome.com
Our Place vs. Caraway Comparison
Price Comparison
Price is one of the most significant differentiators. Our Place is positioned as a much more affordable option. You can get their signature Always Pan for about $145, which performs the functions of multiple pieces of cookware. This makes it an excellent value for someone building a kitchen from scratch or working with a modest budget.
Caraway is a clear step up in price, sold primarily in sets that start around $395. While a bigger initial investment, the price reflects their robust construction, premium non-toxic materials, and the inclusion of their clever storage solution. For those prioritizing long-term durability and organization, the cost can be justified.
Style & Aesthetic
Your style preference will play a huge role in your decision. Our Place offers a fun, trendy, and vibrant aesthetic. Their bold colors are designed to be a centerpiece of the kitchen, adding personality to your space. It's a look that feels fresh and modern and appeals to those who enjoy a pop of color.
Caraway’s design is more subtle, sophisticated, and mature. The muted color palette is reminiscent of high-end brands like Le Creuset or Staub, focusing on a minimalist and timeless look. Their cookware is perfect for contemporary, Scandinavian, or modern farmhouse kitchens where a chic, understated design is preferred.
Quality & Construction
Both brands use an aluminum base with a ceramic non-stick coating, which is a safer alternative to traditional Teflon. However, there are key differences in their build. Caraway's pans feel heavier and more substantial, with stainless steel handles that stay cool and a higher oven-safe temperature of up to 550°F. This makes them more durable and versatile for advanced cooking techniques.
Our Place's cookware is lighter and designed more for everyday convenience. Their newer pieces are oven-safe up to 450°F, which is sufficient for most home recipes, but falls short of Caraway's high-heat tolerance. The focus for Our Place is less on rugged durability and more on ease of use and clever, all-in-one functionality.
Product Selection
Our Place built its brand around individual, multi-functional hero products. While they now sell sets, their main appeal lies in buying one or two key pieces - like the Always Pan and Perfect Pot - that can do it all. This approach is great for minimalists or those with limited kitchen storage.
Caraway primarily markets cohesive sets. Their four-piece cookware set covers all the basics and is designed to work together visually and functionally. The included storage rack reinforces this systemized approach, appealing to home cooks who want a complete, matching collection from day one.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both brands prioritize creating better products for you and the planet. Caraway's primary mission is built around providing a non-toxic cooking surface, giving them an edge for health-conscious shoppers who are specifically trying to avoid PTFE and similar chemicals.
Our Place also uses a safe non-toxic coating and focuses on ethical labor practices and using recycled and eco-friendly materials in their packaging. Ultimately, both are responsible choices, but Caraway places a stronger emphasis on the "chemical-free" angle in their marketing.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your budget, cooking habits, and design preferences. Both brands offer high-quality non-stick cookware, but they cater to different customers.
Choose Our Place if:
- You're on a budget and looking for excellent value for the price.
- You want versatile, space-saving pieces that replace multiple pans.
- You love bold, vibrant colors that add personality to your kitchen.
- You're furnishing your first apartment or have limited cabinet space.
Choose Caraway if:
- Your top priority is non-toxic materials and high-heat oven safety.
- You are investing in a durable, long-lasting cookware set that you'll use for years.
- You appreciate a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic with muted, high-end colors.
- Kitchen organization is important, and you love their included storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Our Place or Caraway cheaper?
Our Place is significantly more affordable. Their signature Always Pan costs around $145, while a Caraway cookware set starts at $395. Caraway is positioned as a premium investment, while Our Place is more accessible for everyday budgets.
Which cookware is safer, Caraway or Our Place?
Both brands use non-toxic ceramic coatings that are free of PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, making them safe alternatives to traditional non-stick pans. Caraway puts a stronger marketing focus on its health and safety standards, but both are considered excellent choices from a safety perspective.
Can you use metal utensils on Our Place or Caraway pans?
No. For both brands, it is strongly recommended that you only use wood, silicone, or plastic utensils. Metal utensils will scratch and damage the ceramic non-stick coating on both Caraway and Our Place cookware, reducing their lifespan and effectiveness.
Which brand is more durable?
Caraway's cookware is generally considered more durable. The pans are heavier, feature stainless steel handles, and are oven-safe to a higher temperature (550°F) than Our Place (450°F), suggesting a more robust, long-lasting construction.
Which brand is better for a beginner cook?
Our Place is often better for beginners due to its lower cost, simplicity, and multi-functional design. The Always Pan simplifies the cooking process by consolidating multiple tools into one, making it less intimidating for those new to the kitchen.
How is Caraway cookware cleaned?
Caraway recommends hand washing their pans with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to preserve the ceramic coating. While technically dishwasher-friendly, hand washing will significantly extend the life of the non-stick surface.
Do Our Place and Caraway ever go on sale?
Yes, both brands have sales throughout the year, especially during major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day. Our Place tends to offer deals more frequently, often bundling products for a discount.
Is the Always Pan worth it?
For many people, yes. The Always Pan's value comes from its versatility as a fryer, steamer, and saute pan all in one. If you have a small kitchen or want to minimize clutter, it’s a brilliant solution. More experienced chefs who require high-heat searing might prefer a collection of specialized pans.
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.
