The Short Answer
The Always Pan 2.0 is safer than traditional Teflon because it is 100% PFAS-free. If you overheat it, you won't get "Teflon flu."
However, we give it a Caution rating because the "Thermakind" coating is notoriously fragile. Thousands of customers report the non-stick function failing within 3 to 6 months. Once a ceramic coating scratches or chips, it can release titanium dioxide nanoparticles and expose the aluminum core beneath.
Marketing it as an "heirloom" or "Always" pan is misleading. This is a short-lifespan product that will likely end up in a landfill within a year of daily use.
Why This Matters
"Ceramic" non-stick isn't actually ceramic.
When brands like Our Place say "ceramic," they don't mean a solid clay pot like your grandma's casserole dish. They mean sol-gel, a liquid chemical solution derived from silica (sand) that is sprayed onto metal and baked. Is Greenpan Actually Clean
Nanoparticles are a hidden risk.
To make these coatings durable, manufacturers often embed titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Research shows that when these coatings are scratched—which happens easily with the Always Pan—these nanoparticles can migrate into food. The EU has banned titanium dioxide as a food additive due to potential gut health and genotoxicity concerns.
Transparency is missing.
Our Place states their pans pass "rigorous third-party testing" for lead and cadmium, but they do not publish the full lab reports. Independent testing on the original Always Pan found trace lead in the exterior coating and high cobalt levels in the base. While the food surface tested clean, the lack of open data for the 2.0 model is a red flag.
What's Actually In The Always Pan
The pan is relatively simple, which is part of its appeal, but the materials matter.
- Thermakind Coating — A proprietary sol-gel ceramic coating. It is silicone-based and free of Does Teflon Cause Cancer|PTFE, but prone to degrading quickly under high heat or abrasion.
- Recycled Aluminum Core — The body is made from 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum. This is great for the planet, but aluminum is neurotoxic if leached into food. The coating must stay intact to keep you safe. Is Aluminum Bakeware Safe
- Exterior Paint — The colorful matte finish. Independent tests on the previous model found trace heavy metals here. While not on the cooking surface, handle breakage or chipping could theoretically pose a risk.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- PFAS-Free — Verified free of PTFE, PFOA, and GenX chemicals.
- Oven Safe — The 2.0 version is safe up to 450°F (the original was not).
Red Flags:
- Rapid Wear — If food starts sticking, the coating is degrading.
- Chipping — Any visible flakes mean you are eating the coating. Stop using it immediately.
- Scratches — Sol-gel coatings are soft. Metal utensils will ruin this pan instantly.
The Best Options
If you want a pan that actually lasts "always," skip the coated cookware entirely.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge | Cast Iron Skillet | ✅ | Indestructible, affordable, and naturally non-stick over time. |
| All-Clad | D3 Stainless Steel | ✅ | Professional standard; no coating to wear out. |
| Xtrema | Pure Ceramic Skillet | ⚠️ | 100% solid clay (no metal), but food sticks easily. |
| Our Place | Always Pan 2.0 | ⚠️ | Beautiful but disposable. Coating fails quickly. |
The Bottom Line
1. Don't buy it for longevity. The Always Pan is a fashion accessory for your stove, not a workhorse. Expect to replace it annually.
2. Use it gently. If you already own one, use only silicone utensils, wash by hand, and never use high heat. High heat destroys sol-gel coatings rapidly.
3. Switch to Cast Iron or Carbon Steel. For a truly non-toxic, non-stick experience that lasts generations, learn to season a Is Cast Iron Safe To Cook With|Cast Iron or Is Carbon Steel Cookware Safe|Carbon Steel pan.
FAQ
Does the Always Pan contain Teflon?
No. The Always Pan uses a "ceramic" sol-gel coating that is 100% free of PTFE (Teflon) and PFAS. Is Non Stick Cookware Safe
Is the Always Pan 2.0 better than the original?
Slightly. The 2.0 is oven-safe and the coating is claimed to last "50% longer," but user reviews indicate it still loses non-stick properties within months.
Can I put the Always Pan in the dishwasher?
Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Dishwasher detergents are abrasive and will eat away the "Thermakind" coating very quickly. Hand wash only if you want it to last.