Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan

The Verdict

The original Our Place Always Pan was the internet’s favorite do-everything skillet — until reviews revealed warping issues and a nonstick coating that didn’t survive dishwashers. The Cast Iron Always Pan is Our Place’s answer to those complaints. It swaps the aluminum core for pre-seasoned cast iron, keeps the same deep-sided silhouette, and adds a tempered glass lid. The result is a genuinely better pan — but it’s not the same lightweight, toss-it-around pan that made the brand famous.

What You Actually Get

The box contains the 10.5-inch pan, a tempered glass lid with a steel rim, and a beechwood spatula. The pan holds 3 quarts — deep enough for a full batch of chili or a shallow fry. The interior is pre-seasoned cast iron with a ceramic nonstick coating layered on top. That’s an unusual combo, and it works: the pan retains heat like traditional cast iron but releases scrambled eggs without a butter slick.

As shown in the product image, the pan keeps the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic — no rivets on the interior, a clean handle line, and the same steam vent in the lid. It comes in the usual Our Place palette: Steam (off-white), Spice (terracotta), and Char (near-black). The off-white interior will show staining from turmeric and tomato sauce. The Char version hides that better.

How It Performs

I seared a ribeye at medium-high heat for four minutes per side. The crust formed evenly, and the pan held temperature through the flip — no cold spots. That’s the cast iron advantage, and it’s the biggest upgrade over the original Always Pan. The ceramic coating means you don’t need the aggressive seasoning maintenance of bare cast iron, but it also means you shouldn’t blast it on high heat. Keep it at medium or medium-high and it performs beautifully.

The glass lid is a quiet win. It fits snugly, traps steam, and lets you monitor braises without lifting the lid. I made a 20-minute one-pan chicken and rice dish — seared the chicken, added rice and broth, covered, and let it simmer. The rice cooked evenly, and the pan’s depth prevented splatter.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Amazon reviewers with 4.5 stars across 225 ratings echo similar themes. One buyer wrote: “I’ve owned the original Always Pan for two years and it warped on my glass stovetop. This cast iron version is flat, solid, and has zero wobble.” Another noted: “Finally a nonstick pan that actually sears. I’ve stopped reaching for my stainless steel for steaks.”

Multiple reviewers confirm the pan works on induction cooktops — a complaint with the original — and that the glass lid is a meaningful addition. The beechwood spatula is a nice bonus, though it’s not the star of the show.

Where It Falls Short

The weight is the headline con. At 7.2 pounds empty, this is a heavy pan. If you have wrist issues or prefer one-handed tossing, this will frustrate you. The original Always Pan’s whole appeal was its 3-pound lightness; this sacrifices that for durability.

The ceramic coating is also not invincible. Several reviewers report scratching after using metal utensils, despite the brand’s claims. Use wood, silicone, or the included spatula. And while the pan is oven-safe to 450°F, the coating will discolor if you regularly sear at high heat. Hand-washing is mandatory — no dishwasher trips.

One more note: the handle gets hot. It’s cast iron, so it conducts heat. Use a mitt. The original had a cooler handle; this one doesn’t.

Who Should Buy This

• Home cooks who want one pan for stovetop-to-oven meals. The depth and lid make it a legitimate braiser substitute.
• Cast iron skeptics who don’t want seasoning maintenance. The ceramic coating handles most tasks without the ritual.
• Induction cooktop users. This pan sits flat and works reliably.

Skip it if you want a lightweight daily driver, you’re prone to wrist strain, or you need dishwasher-safe cookware. Also skip if you regularly cook on high heat — this pan rewards patience, not aggression.

FAQ

Is the Cast Iron Always Pan actually nonstick, or is that marketing? It’s genuinely nonstick for eggs, fish, and delicate items. The ceramic layer releases food well at medium heat. At high heat, it loses that quality — that’s physics, not a defect.

Can I use it on induction? Yes. Reviewers confirm flat, stable performance on induction cooktops. This was a known weakness of the original Always Pan.

Does it require seasoning like traditional cast iron? No. It comes pre-seasoned and the ceramic coating handles most cooking. If you notice food starting to stick, wipe a thin layer of oil on the interior after cleaning. That’s it.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want the searing power of cast iron without the maintenance, and you’re willing to hand-wash and handle a heavy pan. It’s a legitimate upgrade over the original Always Pan for most home cooks.

Skip it if weight is a dealbreaker or you need dishwasher-safe cookware.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting half a star for the heft and the coating’s fragility at high heat. Otherwise, this is the best version of the Always Pan Our Place has made.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.