Is The Always Pan Really As Great As People Say?

Between TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, it seems like new trends are popping up daily, and it can be tough to sort out things that are popular because they actually work and things that are popular just because they look cool. Taking the world by storm recently is the pastel Always Pan, which look like something you would — and do — see in aesthetic kitchen Instagram posts from influencers to celebrities alike. 

Created by the brand Our Place, these pans promise to replace eight pieces of traditional cookware by being your new go-to "fry pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, spatula, and spoon rest." The website says you can braise, sear, saute, fry, serve, boil, and more. With a steep price tag, we need to know if these trendy pans are really as great as everyone (including Oprah, who calls these the "kitchen magician") claims they are (via CNN).

Reviews from multiple publications had similar feeling on the Always Pan — it's not the incredible piece of cookware that so many people seem to think it is. The Kitchn writes, "this is a beautiful and well-designed pan, but it won't replace every pot in your cabinet," though they do mention that it does work incredibly well as a non-stick pan. A reviewer at CNN says, "I will keep using it, but it won't be the only pan I ever use again," but it is worth mentioning that the reviewer does say it would make a great gift for someone that is new to living on their own. 

Wired also had a few issues with this pan, including the convex cooking surface, chipping paint, and potential damage to ceramic cooktops due to the rough bottom of this pan. They do mention that the design is nice and the pan looks good, but end their review recommending a different pan to use as your go-to. So, while it is a flashy and well-designed pan, it may not be completely worth the hype surrounding it. If you're someone who loves to cook, we recommend doing a bit more research.