Always Pan 2.0 vs. Caraway: Non-Toxic Cookware Showdown
When it comes to stylish, non-toxic, and versatile cookware, two names often pop up: the Our Place Always Pan and the Caraway Fry Pan.
Both pans have garnered a lot of attention and popularity for their aesthetics and multifunctionality, but which one is right for your kitchen? For more than a year, I have owned them both, used them often, and found my favorite. In this article, I’ll put them up against each other to compare their design, durability, price, and more.
Our Place vs. Caraway
The Caraway Fry Pan vs. The Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Design & Aesthetics: Our Place
Cooking Versatility: Caraway
Non-Stick Performance: Tie
Durability: Caraway
Ease of Cleaning: Tie
Accessories: Our Place
Price & Value: Tie
Overall: Our Place Always Pan 2.0 for for functionality and aesthetics. The Caraway Fry Pan for simplicity and versatility.
Caraway vs. Our Place: The Comprehensive Breakdown
Design and Aesthetics
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Trendy, minimalist design with vibrant colors like sage, spice, and lavender, making it very Instagram flashy. The matte finish and smooth curves fit nicely in modern kitchens. It comes in three sizes: Mini (8.5”), Standard (10.5”), and Large (12.5”).Caraway Fry Pan
Sleek and refined with muted, earthy tones like cream and navy. The polished handles add a professional feel but are less vibrant than the Always Pan. It comes in two sizes: Mini (8”) and Standard (10.5”).
Winner: Our Place
Cooking Versatility
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Great for quick, one-pan meals and meals that need a deeper pan. It’s not built for oven-use and it’s limited to 450°F of heat.Caraway Pan
Oven-safe up to 550°F, allowing more variety with cooking techniques like baking and searing.
Winner: Caraway
Non-Stick Performance
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
It uses Thermakind™ which is “our exclusive, most advanced, 50% longer lasting ceramic nonstick coating made without potentially toxic materials like PFAS (including PTFEs and PFOAs), lead and cadmium.” “No evidence of decreased performance with the non-stick after a year of use.Caraway Fry Pan
”Our cookware coating is free of: PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, Heavy Metals, Hard Anodization.” Also no evidence of degrading non-stick performance after a year of use.
Winner: Tie
Durability
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Lighter build, which can show wear more quickly. Some concerns about long-term non-stick performance.Caraway Fry Pan
Heavier and sturdier, designed for longevity. It stands up well to frequent use and more rigorous cooking.
Winner: Caraway
Ease of Cleaning
Our Place Always Pan 2.0 & Caraway Fry Pan
They are both similar in their non-toxic non-stick approaches so the instructions for care are similar: It’s best to hand wash the pan after it cools completely and avoid dishwashers, scouring pads, and harsh cleaners. Stick to low-medium heat to maintain the nonstick coating, never preheat a dry pan, and steer clear of metal utensils.
Winner: Tie
Accessories & X-Factors
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
This is where the pans set themselves apart. The Always Pan comes with a domed, modular lid to control the amount of steam inside the pan. The underside of the lid is also ridged to let the steam go to the top and then drop back down at different points instead of just at the middle which always annoyed me with other pans. There’s also a built-in spoon rest that fits the Beechwood spatula that it comes with. The pan is deeper than typical frying pans and it has a spout on the side for mess-less pours. It also has a 100-day trial and free returnsCaraway Pan
It has a steam-release hole in the pan, and a hole in the handle for hanging, and Caraway backs up their pan with a 30-day return policy, so you’ve got some peace of mind if it doesn’t live up to expectations.
Winner: Our Place
Price and Value
Both pans are premium, but the value depends on your needs:
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
It comes in at a higher price than Caraway. The Always Pan offers good value if you prioritize style, convenience for one-pan meals, and the X-factors like the modular lid, spoon holder, and steam release feature.Caraway Fry Pan
A lesser price with greater durability and versatility. Ideal for those who want more flexibility in cooking techniques but without the added features.
Winner: Tie
Caraway vs. Our Place Summary
Caraway Fry Pan Summary
The Caraway Fry Pan is perfect for those who want something that looks great and performs well in a busy kitchen. It’s got that clean, simplistic, earthy vibe with its muted colors and polished handles, making it a stylish piece to leave on display. The big win here is its oven-safe design (up to 550°F), so you can easily switch from stovetop to oven for more involved recipes like roasting or baking. The non-stick coating is durable and holds up better than most, even with frequent use. It’s also priced lower than the Always Pan 2.0.
On the flip side, it’s a bit on the heavier side. It doesn’t come with the bells and whistles of the Alaways Pan, and it comes in two sizes instead of three.
If you’re serious about cooking and want a pan that’s versatile and built to last, it’s a solid investment.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0 Summary
The Our Place Always Pan 2.0 is a fan favorite for its Instagram-ready look and all-in-one design. It’s super versatile, claiming to replace 8 different kitchen tools, which is a huge plus if you’re short on space. The color options like sage, spice, and lavender make it a pretty stylish piece that fits right into any modern kitchen. It uses a toxin-free ThermakindTM ceramic nonstick coating which holds up with all kinds of cooking.
The Always Pan has some thoughtful extras that set it apart. It comes with a domed, modular lid that’s designed to lock in steam when you need it and release it when you don’t simply by turning it in different directions. The lid also has ridges on the underside so that the trapped steam doesn’t rise to the center and drip in the same spot. The built-in spoon rest is another handy feature, and it pairs perfectly with the included Beechwood Spatula, which nests securely across the pan’s long handle, keeping your counters mess-free. The pan is deeper than your typical fry pan, with pour spouts to reduce disasters.
But there are a few catches. It’s not meant for very high-heat cooking (>450°F) or oven use and it’s more expensive than the Caraway Fry Pan.
If you’re all about convenience, quick meals, and aesthetics, the Always Pan is a great pick.
My Experience
Our kitchen is a bit dated, but both of these pans instantly elevate the space—even if they do stand out a bit. We cook a lot, and it’s not uncommon for us to have most of the burners going at once. When that happens, both the Caraway and the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 are in full use. While I’ve only placed the Caraway pan in the oven a handful of times, I appreciate that it’s oven-safe—something the Always Pan lacks.
Still, when it comes to everyday cooking, I find myself reaching for the Always Pan more often. The adjustable lid that controls steam release, the built-in spoon rest, and the deeper design give it an edge in versatility. The Caraway pan is more minimalist and blends in nicely with the kitchen, while the Always Pan has a bolder, eye-catching look that tends to draw a second glance from guests.
We’ve had both pans for over a year, and despite heavy use, they’re holding up well. We’re careful to follow proper care guidelines—like letting them cool before cleaning, hand-washing, and avoiding metal utensils—and that attention to detail has definitely paid off.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Caraway Pan
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
For Functionality and Aesthetics: If you’re looking for a versatile and Instagram-worthy pan that looks great on your stovetop and handles most everyday cooking tasks, the Our Place Always Pan is a solid pick. It's ideal for those who value design and need a lightweight, space-saving solution.
For Simplicity and Versatility: If you prioritize performance, durability, and need a pan that can transition from stovetop to oven, the Caraway Pan is a better investment. It’s built to last and offers more cooking options, especially for those who bake or frequently sear meats.
In the end, both pans offer non-toxic cooking and stylish designs, but your choice comes down to whether you value form over function (Always Pan) or long-term performance (Caraway Pan).
If you’ve tried these pans, leave your thoughts in the comment section.
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