Many people wonder if their Our Place cookware meets modern safety standards for everyday cooking. You might be asking yourself, is our place cookware safe, especially with its unique non-stick surfaces and vibrant colors. This article provides a clear, detailed look at the materials, certifications, and best practices to help you use these popular pots and pans with confidence.
Is Our Place Cookware Safe
Overall, Our Place cookware is designed with safety as a priority, utilizing materials that are free from concerning chemicals like PFOA, PFOS, lead, and cadmium. The brand’s flagship product, the Always Pan, and other items feature a non-stick ceramic coating called Thermolon, which is a common alternative to traditional PTFE-based non-stick. While ceramic coatings are generally considered safer at high heats, proper use and care are essential for maintaining their integrity and your safety.
Understanding The Always Pan Coating
The core of the safety conversation revolves around the non-stick coating. Our Place uses a coating by Whitford called Thermolon. This is a sol-gel ceramic coating derived from sand, not from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is the material used in conventional non-stick like Teflon.
Key safety points of the Thermolon coating include:
- PFOA and PFOS Free: It is manufactured without perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), synthetic chemicals of concern that were historically used in some non-stick production.
- Lower Processing Temperatures: The coating is applied at lower temperatures than PTFE coatings, which reduces the creation of harmful byproducts during manufacturing.
- Stable at Moderate Heats: The coating is designed to be stable during normal cooking, typically recommending use under medium heat.
Safety Of Materials And Construction
Beyond the coating, the construction of the cookware plays a big role. Our Place states their products are made from recycled aluminum with a non-toxic, non-stick surface. The exterior colored finish is also ceramic-based.
Aluminum Core And Health
The use of aluminum is common in cookware due to its excellent heat conduction. Concerns about aluminum leaching into food and potential health risks are often raised. However, the high-quality, hard-anodized or coated aluminum used in products like the Always Pan creates a barrier between the food and the metal. As long as the ceramic coating remains intact, the risk of aluminum leaching is extremely low.
Exterior Finish And Pigments
The vibrant colors are a signature of Our Place. The company asserts that these exterior ceramic glazes are free from lead and cadmium, two heavy metals that you do not want in your kitchen. They comply with California’s Proposition 65 standards for heavy metals, which are some of the strictest in the United States.
Certifications And Compliance Standards
Our Place cookware carries several important certifications that back up its safety claims. Looking for these marks can give you peace of mind.
- FDA Compliance: The materials are compliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards for food contact surfaces.
- Proposition 65 Compliance: As mentioned, the products meet California’s strict requirements regarding heavy metals and chemical exposure.
- REACH: The brand complies with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations in the European Union, which restrict hazardous substances.
- NSF Certification: Some of their kitchen tools and accessories may carry NSF certification, indicating they meet public health standards.
Potential Safety Concerns To Consider
No cookware is perfect, and being aware of potential issues helps you use it correctly. The primary concerns with Our Place cookware relate to high heat and coating durability.
High Heat And Fume Release
While the Thermolon ceramic coating is marketed as safer at higher temperatures than traditional non-stick, all non-stick coatings can degrade if overheated. Exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended heat (usually medium or below) can potentially cause the coating to break down, releasing fumes. These fumes can be irritating to lungs and are harmful to pet birds. This is not unique to Our Place but is a general rule for any non-stick surface.
Coating Durability And Longevity
Some users report that the non-stick coating on the Always Pan can wear down or scratch faster than expected, especially if used with metal utensils or abrasive cleaners. A compromised coating is less effective and could potentially allow the underlying aluminum to be exposed. While this doesn’t pose an immediate acute toxicity risk, it’s not ideal for the pan’s performance or long-term safety profile.
Best Practices For Safe Use And Maintenance
Following the proper care instructions is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your Our Place cookware remains safe and effective for years.
- Use Low to Medium Heat: Never preheat an empty pan and avoid high-heat searing or broiling. These pans are designed for sautéing, simmering, and steaming.
- Choose The Right Utensils: Always use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils. Metal utensils can scratch and damage the ceramic coating very easily.
- Hand Wash Gently: Although some products claim to be dishwasher safe, hand washing with a soft sponge and mild soap is recommended to preserve the coating. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers.
- Cool Before Cleaning: Let the pan cool completely before washing. Pouring cold water into a hot pan can cause thermal shock, warping the aluminum base.
- Store Carefully: Avoid stacking other heavy pots inside the pan. Use a protective liner or a soft cloth between pans if you must stack them to prevent scratches.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your pan for deep scratches, chips, or areas where the coating has worn away. If the coating is significantly damaged, it’s time to replace the pan.
Comparing Safety To Other Cookware Types
To fully understand the safety of Our Place, it helps to compare it to other common materials.
Versus Traditional PTFE Non-Stick
Our Place’s ceramic coating avoids the PTFE and PFOA concerns associated with older non-stick pans. While modern PTFE is also PFOA-free, ceramic options are often prefered by those wishing to avoid fluoropolymers entirely. Both types require similar care and low-heat cooking.
Versus Cast Iron Or Carbon Steel
These are inert, extremely durable materials that can withstand very high heat. They require seasoning (a layer of polymerized oil) for non-stick properties. They can leach small amounts of dietary iron, which is generally beneficial for most people. They are heavier and require more maintenance than ceramic non-stick.
Versus Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is incredibly durable and non-reactive. It doesn’t leach metals into food and can handle high heat. It’s not non-stick, so it requires more oil or fat for cooking and has a steeper learning curve to prevent food from sticking.
Versus Pure Ceramic Cookware
This can be confusing. “Ceramic” cookware often refers to two things: a pure clay or sand-derived vessel (like a Dutch oven) or a metal pan with a ceramic-based coating (like Our Place). Pure ceramic is inert and very safe but often heavy and not typically non-stick. The coated versions prioritize easy release and cleaning.
When To Replace Your Our Place Cookware
Knowing when to retire a pan is crucial for safety and cooking performance. Here are the clear signs:
- Visible Scratches: Light surface scratches are normal, but deep gouges that show a different colored metal beneath are a problem.
- Loss of Non-Stick Properties: If food starts consistently sticking even with proper oil use and medium heat, the coating is likely worn.
- Discoloration or Staining: While staining from oils is common, permanent discoloration or a “blotchy” coating can indicate degradation.
- Chipping or Flaking: If you see any pieces of the coating coming off into your food, stop using the pan immediately.
Addressing Common Consumer Questions
Many users have specific questions based on their experiences and online reviews.
Are The Fumes From An Overheated Pan Toxic?
Overheating any non-stick coating, ceramic or PTFE, can cause it to break down and release fumes. These fumes can cause polymer fume fever in humans (temporary flu-like symptoms) and are known to be fatal to birds. The best practice is to never let your pan overheat or smoke.
Is It Safe If The Coating Gets Scratched?
A small, superficial scratch is not a major health crisis, but it can worsen over time. A deeply scratched pan with exposed aluminum may allow trace amounts of metal to migrate into food, especially when cooking acidic foods like tomatoes or lemon juice. For optimal safety and performance, heavily scratched pans should be replaced.
Can You Use Cooking Spray?
It’s not recommended. Many cooking sprays contain lecithin or other additives that can leave a gummy, hard-to-remove residue on ceramic coatings, which actually promotes sticking over time. It’s better to use a small amount of regular oil in a liquid or pump spray form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Our Place Cookware PFOA Free?
Yes, all Our Place cookware is manufactured without PFOA and PFOS. Their Thermolon ceramic coating is designed as an alternative to traditional PTFE non-stick coatings that historically used these chemicals.
Can The Always Pan Go In The Oven?
The Always Pan is oven-safe up to 425°F, but only without its lid and steam basket. The knob on the lid has a lower heat tolerance, so always check the specific product manual for the latest instructions, as recommendations can change.
Is Our Place Cookware Dishwasher Safe?
Our Place states their cookware is dishwasher safe, but they strongly recommend hand washing to preserve the non-stick coating’s lifespan and appearance. Dishwasher detergents can be harsh and the physical jostling can cause premature wear.
What Is The Our Place Cookware Made Of?
The main body is made from recycled aluminum with a non-stick, ceramic-based interior coating (Thermolon). The exterior features a lead-free and cadmium-free colored ceramic glaze.
How Long Does The Non-Stick Coating Last?
With very gentle care—using soft utensils, hand washing, and avoiding high heat—the coating can last for several years. With typical use or less careful handling, some users report a decline in performance within a year or two. Your mileage will vary based on how frequently you use it and how well you follow the care guidelines.
In conclusion, Our Place cookware is a safe option for everyday cooking when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Its ceramic coating avoids several chemicals of concern found in older non-stick pans. The key to maintaining its safety lies in your hands: use low to medium heat, choose gentle utensils, hand wash carefully, and replace the pan when the coating shows significant wear. By following these steps, you can confidently enjoy the convenience and style these products offer in your kitchen.