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I live in New York City, which means I put my entire paycheck toward rent and consider a 900-square-foot apartment (for two people) massive. When I moved into a new space last month, I was too blinded by its prewar charm, the in-unit washer and dryer, and floor-to-ceiling living room windows to care that the kitchen stove is made for American Girl Dolls. Not literally, of course, but let’s just say it’s closer in size to an Easy Bake Oven than a normal one. (And yet, it still takes 45 minutes to preheat. A modern miracle! A quiet quitting queen!) As someone who only cooks for my roommate, my partner, or myself, I’m not too bent out of shape about its laughably small size. However, I quickly found that none of my existing pots and pans were quite right for the doll-size appliance.
As if through divine timing, my friends at Our Place launched the new Mini Always Pan and Perfect Pot. I’m a huge fan of the cookware brand: I own the first iteration of the Always Pan in the gorgeous sage hue, plus the Perfect Pot, a stack of dishware, and even the newly launched glass food containers. So, when Our Place offered to send me the new mini versions of the cult-favorite cookware, I wasn’t about to say no. I opted for the lavender color, because, duh.
Our Place Mini vs Our Place Original Always Pan
The Our Place Mini Always Pan is the same as its larger counterpart, except with a diameter of 8.5 inches and a total length of 16.9 inches. It comes with a built-in spoon rest (plus a beechwood spoon that nestles perfectly), a spout, and a longer stay-cool handle. It’s lightweight like the original, heats quickly and efficiently thanks to its aluminum construction, and has the same nonstick ceramic coating. I have a gas stovetop, and I love that this pan has an aluminum base that keeps the ceramic coating from getting discolored. (The OG first edition Always Pan does not.)
I cook nearly every day, and this pan has helped me whip up citrusy pork tacos, pancakes, an apricot and chickpea tagine, scrambled eggs, brown butter gnocchi, and more. It boils, sautés, braises, sears, and strains as well—if not better—than my original Always Pan. I also have the lavender Mini Perfect Pot, which is just as delightful as its shallower companion. I would wax poetic about that, too, but it’s completely sold out, so I’ll save my lip service for a later date.
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Is the Always Pan actually good?
I am truly obsessed with this little pan, and can say without hesitation that the hype is real and warranted. I enthusiastically recommend it for anyone else navigating a small kitchen, including dorm rooms and campers. It doesn’t need much heat and the nonstick coating (which is crafted without nasties like PFOAs, PFAs, and lead) means you can use less oil and still have an easy cleanup.
My only gripe is one that I’ve had since the beginning: These pans are not oven-safe. I will beg on my hands and knees so that one day I’ll be able to make my favorite shakshuka in an Always Pan. But until that day…I’ll use my 300-pound cast iron skillet.
If you’re a lucky duck with a normal size kitchen, I’ll point you to the Always Pan Duo, which includes both the original and mini Always Pan. That way, you can cook your main and side dishes on your spacious, sprawling stovetop. But I’m not bitter…promise.
Our Place Always Pan Duo
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Source: SELF
