I’m no chef, but I love cooking—whether it’s whipping up a quick stir-fry or simmering a Sunday sauce. Choosing the right cookware, though, can feel like navigating a maze.
With trendy brands like Our Place, Caraway, and GreenPan flooding my social feeds with their sleek, nontoxic pans, I decided to put them to the test.
In this article, I’ll break down the pros, cons, and key features of each, sharing my firsthand experience to help you pick the perfect set for your kitchen.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Our Place Always Pan 2.0 | Caraway Cookware Set | GreenPan Valencia Pro |
| Material | Ceramic-coated aluminum | Ceramic-coated aluminum | Hard-anodized aluminum with Thermolon |
| Nonstick Coating | Nontoxic ceramic, PFAS/PFOA-free | Nontoxic ceramic, PFAS/PFOA-free | Thermolon ceramic, PFAS/PFOA-free |
| Oven-Safe Temp | Up to 450°F | Up to 550°F | Up to 600°F |
| Induction Compatible | Yes | Yes | Some collections (varies) |
| Dishwasher Safe | No | No | Yes (select models) |
| Key Pieces | Always Pan (10.5″), steamer, spatula | Fry pan, saucepan, sauté pan, Dutch oven | Fry pans, saucepans, sauté pan, stockpot |
| Price (Approx.) | $150 (single pan) | $395 (7-piece set) | $396 (11-piece set) |
| Colors | 9 (e.g., Spice, Azul) | 13 (e.g., Sage, Perracotta) | Varies (e.g., Black, Olive) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited (US only) | 2-year (nonstick), lifetime (defects) |
| Storage Solutions | None included | Magnetic pan/lid racks | Stackable options (select collections) |
Why I Chose To Compare These Brands?
Scrolling through Instagram, I couldn’t escape the pastel-colored cookware ads. Our Place’s Always Pan, with its all-in-one promise, Caraway’s chic sets, and GreenPan’s eco-friendly vibe kept popping up.
As someone who values health, style, and functionality, I wanted cookware that’s nontoxic, looks good, and performs well. These brands seemed to check those boxes, but I needed to know which one truly delivers.
After months of cooking with each, I’m ready to share what worked, what didn’t, and why.
My Journey With Our Place’s Always Pan 2.0
- What I Loved About the Always Pan
The Always Pan 2.0 is the darling of social media, and I get why.
It’s marketed as an eight-in-one wonder: fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucepan, saucier, nonstick pan, and even a spoon rest.
At $150, it’s a single pan designed to declutter your kitchen.
The first time I unboxed mine in Spice (a warm terracotta shade), I was smitten. It’s lightweight at about 3 pounds, with a smooth ceramic coating that’s free of PFAS, PFOA, and other nasties.
Cooking eggs was a dream—the nonstick surface let them slide right off with minimal oil. The included steamer basket was a game-changer for dumplings, and the pour spouts made draining pasta a breeze.
I also appreciated the matte finish, which gives it a premium, almost cast-iron-like look despite being aluminum. The handle’s clever knob doubled as a spoon rest, keeping my counter clean. Plus, it’s induction-compatible, which worked perfectly with my stovetop.
- Where the Always Pan Fell Short
But it’s not all rosy. The original Always Pan wasn’t oven-safe, which was a dealbreaker for dishes like frittatas. The 2.0 version fixes this, handling up to 450°F, but that’s still lower than competitors.
The 10.5-inch size felt limiting—too small for family meals but too bulky for small tasks like toasting nuts. After a few months, I noticed grease collecting in the handle’s triangular gap, which was a pain to clean. The exterior also stained slightly from oil splatters, especially on my lighter-colored pan.
You can’t toss it in the dishwasher, and high heat is a no-go to preserve the nonstick coating. I accidentally used medium-high heat once, and some sauce stuck, requiring gentle scrubbing.
The price feels steep for one pan, especially when it doesn’t excel at every task it claims to replace.
My Experience With Caraway’s Cookware Set
- Why Caraway Won Me Over
Caraway’s 7-piece set ($395) includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart saucepan, 4.5-quart sauté pan, 6.5-quart Dutch oven, and lids, plus magnetic storage racks. Unboxing it in Sage, I was struck by the glossy finish and modern design.
The ceramic-coated aluminum is nontoxic, free of PTFE, PFOA, and heavy metals, and the pans felt sturdy yet lightweight.
The nonstick performance was stellar—eggs glided, and sticky rice didn’t cling, even after months of use. The set’s oven-safe up to 550°F, which gave me flexibility for roasting or baking. I seared chicken thighs in the sauté pan and finished them in the oven without a hitch.
All pieces are induction-compatible, and the heat distribution was impressively even. The storage solutions were a lifesaver in my small kitchen, keeping everything organized without stacking scratches.
- Caraway’s Downsides
Caraway isn’t perfect. The lids are heavy—combine the 12-inch fry pan and its lid, and you’re lifting nearly 7 pounds. Hand-washing is a must, and I found myself babying the pans to avoid scratches from metal utensils.
The shiny exterior chipped slightly after a year, especially on the edges. While the set is comprehensive, it lacks a mini saucepan, which I missed for small tasks. At $395, it’s pricier than some GreenPan sets, and the one-year warranty feels short for the cost, especially since it’s US-only.
Testing GreenPan’s Valencia Pro Set
- GreenPan’s Strengths
GreenPan’s Valencia Pro 11-piece set ($396) is a powerhouse, with two fry pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, and lids.
Its hard-anodized aluminum body and Thermolon ceramic coating are PFAS- and PFOA-free, and some models are dishwasher-safe—a rarity for ceramic cookware.
I tested it in Olive, and the sleek, professional look with gold-toned handles felt luxe.
The nonstick performance was solid, though not as slick as Caraway’s. I boiled water in the saucepan faster than with my old stainless steel set, and cleanup was easy, especially since I could pop some pieces in the dishwasher.
Oven-safe up to 600°F, it outshines Our Place and Caraway for high-heat recipes. GreenPan’s range of collections (over 10) means you can pick one tailored to your needs, like stackable designs for small spaces.
- GreenPan’s Weaknesses
GreenPan has its flaws. Not all pieces are induction-compatible, which was a hassle when I switched stovetops. The nonstick coating, while durable, isn’t metal-utensil-safe in most collections, and I noticed slight degradation after stress-testing with repeated high-heat cooking.
The lighter exterior showed discoloration over time, especially on the bottom. Pricing varies widely, but the Valencia Pro set is close to Caraway’s cost without the storage solutions.
A 2019 lawsuit raised concerns about “toxin-free” claims, though it was dismissed, leaving me skeptical about transparency compared to Caraway’s open testing.
Breaking Down The Pros and Cons
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
Pros
- Multifunctional: Replaces multiple pans with steamer and spatula included.
- Stylish: Nine color options with a matte, premium look.
- Nontoxic: Ceramic coating free of PFAS, PFOA, and heavy metals.
- Induction-compatible: Works on all stovetops.
- Easy to use: Lightweight, with pour spouts and a spoon rest.
Cons
- Limited oven safety: Only 450°F, less versatile for oven recipes.
- Size constraints: Too small for big meals, too large for small tasks.
- Cleaning challenges: Handle gap traps grease; not dishwasher-safe.
- Pricey for one pan: $150 feels steep for limited functionality.
- Staining: Exterior shows oil marks over time.
Caraway Cookware Set
Pros
- Comprehensive: Seven pieces cover most cooking needs.
- Nonstick excellence: Super slick, even with sticky foods.
- Oven versatility: Safe up to 550°F for stovetop-to-oven dishes.
- Storage solutions: Magnetic racks keep things tidy.
- Eco-friendly: Nontoxic coating and sustainable packaging.
Cons
- Heavy lids: Can make pans cumbersome.
- Hand-wash only: No dishwasher convenience.
- Exterior wear: Chips and scratches appear over time.
- Short warranty: One year, US-only.
- Higher price: $395 is a big investment.
GreenPan Valencia Pro
Pros
- Durable construction: Hard-anodized aluminum resists wear.
- Dishwasher-safe: Select models save cleanup time.
- High oven safety: Up to 600°F for versatile cooking.
- Wide range: Multiple collections for different needs.
- Affordable options: Some sets are cheaper than Caraway.
Cons
- Inconsistent induction compatibility: Varies by collection.
- Nonstick longevity: Declines with high heat or metal utensils.
- Transparency issues: Less open about testing than Caraway.
- No storage solutions: Stackable designs not universal.
- Exterior discoloration: Light colors show wear.
Key Features That Mattered To Me
- Nonstick Performance: Caraway took the crown here. Its ceramic coating was the slickest, handling everything from eggs to caramelized onions without sticking. Our Place was close but required more oil for sticky foods. GreenPan’s Thermolon coating performed well initially but lost some slickness after heavy use, especially when I pushed the heat too high.
- Oven Safety: GreenPan’s 600°F limit gave me the most flexibility, perfect for high-heat roasting. Caraway’s 550°F was solid, but Our Place’s 450°F felt restrictive, especially for dishes needing a quick oven finish.
- Induction Compatibility: Both Caraway and Our Place are fully induction-compatible, a must for my modern stovetop. GreenPan’s spotty compatibility across collections was a letdown, forcing me to double-check before buying.
- Design and Aesthetics: All three brands are Instagram-worthy, but Caraway’s 13 color options and glossy finish edged out the competition. Our Place’s matte texture and unique colors like Azul were striking, but GreenPan’s darker tones and gold handles felt less trendy. Caraway’s storage racks also gave it a practical edge for my cramped cabinets.
- Ease of Cleaning: GreenPan’s dishwasher-safe models were a time-saver, though hand-washing is recommended for longevity. Caraway and Our Place require hand-washing, and Our Place’s handle gap was a cleaning nightmare. Caraway’s smooth surfaces were the easiest to wipe down.
- Price and Value: Our Place’s $150 pan is affordable but limited. Caraway’s $395 set is a splurge but covers more ground. GreenPan’s Valencia Pro, at $396 for 11 pieces, offers the best value for a full set, especially if you snag a budget-friendly collection.
Which Brand Wins?
After months of testing, Caraway stands out for its balance of performance, style, and practicality. Its nonstick coating is unmatched, the set is versatile, and the storage solutions are a godsend for small kitchens.
However, it’s not without flaws—the price and short warranty sting. GreenPan is a close second, especially for budget-conscious cooks who want a comprehensive set and don’t mind hand-washing some pieces.
Its durability and high oven safety are big wins, but inconsistent induction compatibility and transparency concerns hold it back.
Our Place’s Always Pan is perfect for minimalists who want one versatile pan, but it’s overpriced for what it delivers and lacks the flexibility of a full set.
Your choice depends on your cooking style. If you’re a solo cook or love one-pan meals, Our Place might suffice.
For serious home cooks needing a full arsenal, Caraway or GreenPan is the way to go.
I lean toward Caraway for its reliability and aesthetics, but GreenPan’s value is hard to ignore if you don’t need storage solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Caraway edges out GreenPan for its superior nonstick performance, full induction compatibility, and included storage solutions. GreenPan offers better value with more pieces and higher oven safety, but its nonstick coating degrades faster, and not all collections work on induction.
We still recommend GreenPan for its durability and affordability, but concerns about transparency in third-party testing (unlike Caraway’s open results) and inconsistent induction compatibility make it less reliable for some users.
A 2019 class-action lawsuit claimed GreenPan’s “toxin-free” marketing was misleading due to other chemicals in its manufacturing. The lawsuit was dismissed, but it raised questions about transparency.
There’s no definitive evidence that Bobby Flay uses GreenPan in his personal or professional kitchens. Endorsements are often marketing-driven, so take such claims with a grain of salt.
Conclusion: Your Kitchen, Your Choice
Picking between Our Place, Caraway, and GreenPan comes down to what you value most. If you want a single, stylish pan for small meals, Our Place’s Always Pan is a fun choice despite its limitations.
For a versatile, high-performing set, Caraway’s my top pick, though it’s pricey. GreenPan offers great value and durability, perfect if you need a full set on a budget. I’ve loved experimenting with these brands, and I hope my experience helps you find the cookware that makes your kitchen feel like home.
What’s your cooking style? Let that guide your decision!