Is Always Pan Safe?

slug: is-always-pan-safe

title: "Is Always Pan Safe?"

teaser: "The Instagram-famous pan is free of PFAS, but its 'Thermakind' coating has a lifespan that might shock you."

category: cookware-bakeware

subcategory: non-stick-pfas

verdict: caution

status: published

is_new: true

updated: 2026-03-03

tldr: >

The Always Pan 2.0 is safe from PFAS ("forever chemicals"), but it earns a Caution rating due to durability issues and lack of transparency.

While the "Thermakind" ceramic coating is free of Teflon, it is a sol-gel material that users report loses its non-stick properties in as little as 3-6 months. Once the coating scratches or chips, there is a risk of ingesting coating particles and underlying aluminum.

key_findings:

• No PFAS or Teflon: The "Thermakind" coating is 100% PTFE-free, making it safer than traditional Teflon pans at high heat.
• Durability Concerns: Despite claims of being "50% longer lasting," thousands of users report the coating fails in under a year.
• Nanoparticle Risk: Sol-gel ceramic coatings often rely on titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which can migrate into food when the surface is scratched.
• Lack of Transparency: Our Place claims their pans are "toxin-free" but does not release full third-party lab reports to the public.

sources:

• title: "Nanoparticles released by quasi-ceramic pans"

url: "https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/nanoparticles-released-by-quasi-ceramic-pans"

type: study

• title: "Lead Safe Mama XRF Testing (Original Always Pan)"

url: "https://tamararubin.com/"

type: lab-test

• title: "Class Action Investigation: Our Place Durability"

url: "https://classlawdc.com/"

type: article

recommendations:

• name: "Lodge Cast Iron Skillet"

brand: "Lodge"

verdict: recommended

note: "Indestructible, naturally non-stick when seasoned, and truly lasts 'always'."

• name: "Xtrema Pure Ceramic"

brand: "Xtrema"

verdict: acceptable

note: "100% solid ceramic (no metal core/coating) if you want a toxin-free option, though it sticks more."

• name: "Always Pan 2.0"

brand: "Our Place"

verdict: caution

note: "Safe from PFAS, but effectively a disposable product due to fragile coating."

related:

• is-caraway-cookware-worth-it
• is-greenpan-actually-clean
• what-is-the-safest-cookware-material

suggested_articles:

• title: "What is Sol-Gel Ceramic Coating?"

reason: "Readers need to understand that 'ceramic' non-stick is actually a chemical solution, not solid clay."

• title: "Is the Titanium Always Pan Pro Safe?"

reason: "Our Place launched this non-coated version to address durability complaints—is it actually better?"

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.

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.