Everyone has been raving about the Our Place Pot and Pan on social media, so I decided to purchase both and put them to the test every single day for 6 months straight. In this review, I will share my honest, unfiltered experience with both the pot and pan. Let’s dive right in!
At the beginning, I purchased these pots and pans for a specific reason – their appealing and charming appearance! During my move to a new apartment, I aimed for a neutral black and white decor, hence I was drawn to the “steam” color. This shade resembles a nude or beige tone, which I believed would enhance the beauty of my kitchen and cooking videos. Therefore, I decided to buy them to complement my desired aesthetic for the new space.
THE PRICE
The Always Pot is priced at $145, while the Perfect Pot costs $165. When purchased together as a duo, you are eligible for a discount. Instead of paying $310, the price is reduced to $265. I was aware of the high cost initially, but after waiting for months, I eventually decided to make the purchase, and I’m pleased that I did.
First Impression Upon arrival, I was thoroughly impressed with the contents considering the price tag. The pan was accompanied by a wooden spatula and a steamer basket. Similarly, the pot included a wooden spatula, but instead of a steaming rack, it came with a roasting rack.
The color of the pot and pan was truly striking, and I adored their appearance and texture. I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight they felt! The pan weighs only 3 pounds, while the pot is 4.5 pounds, significantly lighter than many other pots and pans I own. For my first meal, I cooked pasta using the pan for the sauce and the pot for boiling the pasta.
The standout feature is the integrated strainer in the pot’s lid. There’s no need to transfer the pasta to a colander for draining; simply tilt the covered pot over the sink, and the water drains away effortlessly.
Upon experiencing the benefits of the product, I encountered a significant drawback that required a challenging discovery process. The knobs located on the lids become extremely hot during use.
Although the pan handle remains cool, the pot handles heat up, necessitating the use of mittens when removing the lid while cooking. While this aspect is not a deal-breaker for me, it is certainly an inconvenience that should be taken into account before making a purchase.
NON-STICK FEATURE
The standout feature promoted for these pots and pans is their non-stick quality! Before purchasing, I watched videos demonstrating the pan in use, where the food effortlessly slid off, so I was eager to test it out myself. It did not disappoint! While preparing sauce in the pan, it smoothly glided down the edges, leaving no residue behind. I was truly impressed, as I had never experienced this level of performance with a pan or pot before.
I also fried an egg with minimal oil, which I absolutely loved. This not only made cleaning a breeze since nothing adhered to the surface, but it also required just a simple wash with soapy warm water and a soft sponge. After cooking, I allowed the pot and pan to cool before rinsing them. If you prefer to toss everything in the dishwasher rather than hand wash, this set may not be the best choice for you, as it requires hand washing.
The most appealing aspect of the non-stick feature is its complete lack of toxicity, as it is a nonstick ceramic coating created without harmful substances such as PFOAs, PTFEs, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. However, after three months of regular use, the non-stick property gradually began to diminish.
This was disappointing, considering I believed I was maintaining and using it correctly. It is important to note that subjecting the pan and pot to high heat will lead to the deterioration of the nonstick ceramic coating.
Despite this, the non-stick function of the pot remains intact after six months, as long as it is not exposed to high heat. It is crucial to understand that this issue is not exclusive to Our Place; any nonstick coating will degrade quickly if exposed to high temperatures.
STAINING
I am an avid cook and spices play a crucial role in my culinary adventures. Turmeric, chili powder, saffron, and any other vibrant spice are my go-to ingredients. Despite preparing curries, yellow rice, and soups regularly, I have never encountered any staining issues inside the pot. Cleaning it is a breeze with warm, soapy water.
Externally, the pot maintains its pristine appearance. However, the bottom of the pan tells a different story.
The severe staining is not caused by the food but rather by direct heat exposure. This discoloration might be a result of occasional high-heat usage, which seems unusual given the short period of use. The staining has even spread up one side, prompting me to strategically position it during video recordings to avoid it being an eyesore. It’s an aspect to consider, especially since many people buy these pots for their visual appeal.
SUMMARY: PROS & CONS
THE PROS
- super cute! very unique colors
- non-stick is out of this world
- built in strainer for the pot
- steamer and wooden spoon comes with both pot and pan
- very easy to clean!
- lightweight
- works on all stovetops
THE CONS
- knobs on lid get very very hot!
- handles on pot only get hot, not pan
- can’t use over high heat to protect non-stick
- pan is not oven safe
- pot is only oven safe up to 425°F
- external staining
WOULD I RECOMMEND?
Having used the pot and pan for six months and considering all my experience, I continue to highly recommend them. It is crucial to be well-informed by reading reviews and be prepared to invest time and effort in their maintenance. Despite this, if the appearance resembled traditional dark grey cookware, I would not justify spending $300 on the set. The visual appeal and performance of these kitchen items are significant factors. If aesthetics are not a priority for you, the $300 price tag may not be justifiable.
