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Moving in with a significant other typically comes with a bit of a learning curve. My husband (a Food Network devotee and once-upon-a-time culinary school graduate) and I (happy to stick to the basics when it comes to cooking) faced a pretty steep one when it came to our kitchen.
We quickly learned that, while we were combining many facets of our lives, it was okay for us to keep things separate in the cookware department (perhaps you can imagine the conversation we had after I attempted to make pancakes on high heat in his beloved stainless steel pan). He keeps his set of stainless steel pots and pans in one drawer; my easy-to-use and easy-to-clean non-stick pan lives in another.
But, when I saw that Our Place was coming out with an Always Pan Pro – designed to combine the searing power of stainless steel with the ease of a nonstick – I wondered if I’d finally found a pan that would work for us both (and help us declutter our redundant kitchen). I snagged one (quickly – the brand’s pans always sell out) to find out. Here’s what happened…
The (Very!) Big Idea
The Always Pan Pro is a pretty revolutionary concept, which is no surprise coming from the innovators of the internet-favorite 10-in-1 cookware (you’ve likely seen the brand’s Always Pan in some gorgeous colorway on your IG feed, or perhaps their collab with Selena Gomez?).
Historically, home chefs have had to choose between stainless steel cookware (lauded for its durability, versatility, and ability to provide even heat distribution for a wide range of cooking techniques) and non-stick cookware (known for its effortless food release, easy cleanup, and suitability for cooking delicate ingredients without the need for excess oil or fat). Both have a number of benefits – and the Always Pan Pro essentially packages the best parts of both types of cookware into one really handsome pan.
A First-Of-Its-Kind NoCo™ Nonstick Technology
The magic is in Our Place’s new NoCo™ Nonstick Technology, which is actually ‘constructed, not coated,’ meaning the non-stickiness isn’t a coating – it’s actually built into the pan. The pan’s lotus-inspired pattern is pressed into the titanium, making the surface naturally hydrophobic and therefore non-stick. This is a really big deal when you consider that most nonstick surfaces are either: 1. Made from harmful forever chemicals like PFAS, or 2. Known for having a decently short lifespan as their nonstick coating wears off over time. NoCo™ is something totally new – and the result of thousands of hours of R+D from the Our Place team. It’s no small feat!
What’s More? It’s Virtually Indestructible
At this point, I was sold. But I noticed my husband grew curious when he read this part: The pan’s fully-clad tri-ply construction boasts timeless, high-shine stainless steel, an ultra-conductive aluminum core, and a durable titanium interior that’s 300% harder than stainless steel. 300%!
It’s also dishwasher safe (unlike most nonstick pans – including the one I already owned), can be used with metal utensils and scours, and is heat safe up to 1000 degrees fahrenheit. This number is pretty astounding – higher than most stainless steel pans on the market (Le Creuset’s pans, for example, are safe up to 500 degrees; All-Clad are 600 degrees)! Basically, the pan is designed for the performance serious chefs have come to expect; on top of that, it’s easy to care for, and user-friendly for home chefs of all levels, too.
We Tried It – Here’s What Happened
So, is this pan really all that it’s cracked up to be? In short, it’s more impressive than either of us could have ever expected. First and foremost, we both agree that we love how it looks (and even let it sit on our stovetop when it’s not in use!). For once, we’re also on the same page about cooking with it, too.
From my perspective, I now understand why serious chefs are so obsessed with stainless steel pans. I am not exaggerating when I say that my food literally tastes better when I cook it in this pan. The NoCo™ 's textured surface allows my food to consistently cook evenly, and I can get those delicious crispy edges I had waved goodbye to when I chose the non-stick-pan life.
It’s also a relief to know that there’s basically nothing I can do to ruin this pan. I’ve thrown it in the oven, the dishwasher, and even on the floor (well, dropped, and it was just once – on accident!), and it’s still as gorgeous as ever. No matter what I cook – or how I cook it – nothing ever sticks to it, and it emerges from its hand wash or dishwasher wash looking brand new.
And my husband has actually incorporated it into his repertoire, too! He’s not exactly one who embraces change without good reason – so it appears this pan is good! reason! I think he enjoys being able to toss it into the dishwasher and not having to obsessively care for it to ensure that it continues to perform. And on the topic of performance, he noted that it cooks as evenly and crisp-ily as the pans he invested in over a decade ago. Basically, we’re all winners when we cook with the Always Pan Pro.
Cook Like A Pro
I can’t say I was surprised to discover that Our Place had come out with another great product – all of their products are equal-parts beautiful and functional. But I was shocked at the extent to which this pan is impressive. The brand has advertised the Always Pan Pro as a really big deal, and my husband and I can both attest: the Always Pan Pro is a really big deal. Huge!
