If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, you’ve probably asked, ‘who makes our place cookware?’ It’s a brand that’s become popular for its colorful, stylish pots and pans. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the company behind the products, so you can decide if they’re right for your home.
Who Makes Our Place Cookware
Our Place cookware is made by the company Our Place, Inc. It was founded in 2019 by Shiza Shahid and Amir Tehrani. The brand’s mission was to create thoughtfully designed, multifunctional kitchenware that celebrates cultural traditions and simplifies cooking. They are a direct-to-consumer company, which means they design, market, and sell their products primarily through their own website. The actual manufacturing of the cookware is done by partner factories, mainly located in China and Korea. Our Place oversees all design, quality control, and material specifications to ensure their standards are met.
The Founders and Their Vision
The story starts with Shiza Shahid and Amir Tehrani. They wanted to create a brand that felt inclusive and modern. Their idea was to move away from single-use gadgets and offer beautiful, versatile tools instead. The Always Pan was their first big hit. It combined several pieces of cookware into one, appealing to people with smaller kitchens or less storage. Their vision was always about more than just pots. They focused on community, sharing recipes, and honoring diverse cooking heritage.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
While Our Place is an American company headquartered in Los Angeles, the production happens overseas. This is common for many cookware brands. They work with manufacturing partners who have expertise in non-stick coatings and ceramic materials. Our Place states they use a non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating called Thermolon. It’s made from sand and is PFOA, PFOS, lead, and cadmium free. They have strict quality checks in place. Every product batch is tested for safety and durability before it’s shipped to customers.
Key Manufacturing Locations
- Ceramic Non-Stick Coatings: Sourced from a company in South Korea.
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum Bodies: Typically manufactured in specialized factories in China.
- Final Assembly & Packaging: Handled by their partnered facilities before direct shipping.
What Materials Are Used?
Understanding what your cookware is made from is crucial. Our Place uses a few key materials:
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum: This is the base for most of their pots and pans. It’s lightweight, heats up quickly and evenly, and is very durable. The anodizing process makes it harder than stainless steel and prevents it from reacting with acidic foods.
- Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (Thermolon): This is their signature coating. It’s advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional PTFE-based non-stick. It’s oven-safe up to 425°F and is designed to be easier to release food.
- Stainless Steel: Used for some utensils and accessories, like the steamer basket or spoon rest.
- Silicone: Used for handles on lids and utensils to stay cool to the touch and be heat-resistant.
The Our Place Product Line-Up
Our Place is known for more than just the Always Pan. They have expanded into a full suite of kitchen products.
The Always Pan
This is the product that started it all. It’s designed to replace eight pieces: a fry pan, sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, non-stick pan, and spoon rest. It comes with a steamer basket and a wooden spatula shaped to rest on it’s side. It’s available in many vibrant colors.
The Perfect Pot
This is their versatile pot with a lid that doubles as a colander. It’s great for boiling pasta, making soups, or steaming vegetables. The lid has built-in holes for easy draining, which is a clever space-saving feature.
Other Notable Products
- Wonder Oven: A countertop oven/air fryer that also steams and toasts.
- Drinking Glasses & Dinnerware: Color-coordinated cups, plates, and bowls made from durable materials.
- Utensils & Tools: Silicone-tipped tools designed to be gentle on the ceramic coating.
- Specialty Items: Like the joyride Tray or the Together Mug set.
How Does It Compare to Other Brands?
It’s helpful to see where Our Place fits in the market.
- vs. Traditional Non-Stick (T-fal, Calphalon): Our Place focuses on ceramic coating and aesthetic design, while traditional brands often use PTFE-based coatings and emphasize technical performance.
- vs. High-End (All-Clad, Le Creuset): Our Place is generally more affordable and offers modern non-stick convenience. Brands like All-Clad specialize in professional-grade stainless steel or copper, which require more cooking skill.
- vs. Other DTC Brands (Caraway): Caraway is the most direct competitor, also offering ceramic non-stick cookware sets. The differences are often in specific design features, color palettes, and accessory offerings.
Care and Maintenance Instructions
To make your Our Place cookware last, proper care is essential. Here’s a simple guide:
- Initial Wash: Always wash your new pan or pot with warm, soapy water before first use.
- Cooking Tips: Use low to medium heat. High heat can damage the ceramic coating over time. Preheat the pan for a minute or two with a little oil or butter.
- Recommended Utensils: Use wooden, silicone, or nylon tools. Metal utensils can scratch the surface, which will reduce the non-stick performance.
- Cleaning: Let the cookware cool completely before washing. Hand wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
- Storing: If you stack pans, place a soft cloth or paper towel between them to prevent scratches.
Common Customer Feedback
Reviews for Our Place cookware are mixed, which is important to consider.
Positive Reviews
- Love the beautiful colors and modern aesthetic.
- Appreciate the multi-functionality, saving cabinet space.
- The non-stick performance is excellent when new and cared for.
- Lightweight and easy to handle, especially for people with weaker grips.
Common Criticisms
- The ceramic coating can wear down or chip sooner than expected for some users, sometimes within a year.
- It is not as durable as high-end clad stainless steel or cast iron.
- Some report issues with customer service regarding replacements under warranty.
- The need for gentle care (hand-washing, no metal tools) is a downside for some busy households.
Warranty and Customer Service
Our Place offers a limited warranty on their products. Typically, it covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. It’s important to note that the warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, scratches from utensils, or damage from misuse (like using high heat or putting a hot pan in cold water). If you have a problem, you should contact their customer service team through the website. Response times and satisfaction can vary, so it’s good to be patient and have your order information ready.
Where to Buy Our Place Cookware
The primary and best place to buy is directly from the Our Place website. This ensures you get the full warranty, access to all colors, and any new product launches. Occasionally, you might find some products at select retailers like:
- West Elm
- Anthropologie
- Violet Grey
Be cautious of third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay, as warranty coverage may not transfer and products could be counterfeit.
Is Our Place Cookware Right for You?
Deciding if Our Place is a good fit depends on your cooking style and needs.
You might love Our Place if: You value design and want your kitchen to look colorful and modern. You have a small kitchen and need multi-functional tools. You cook simple meals at medium heat and are willing to hand-wash your pans. You’re looking for an alternative to traditional non-stick coatings.
You might want to look elsewhere if: You cook at very high temperatures often. You prefer the durability and longevity of stainless steel or cast iron. You want cookware that can withstand metal utensils and dishwasher cleaning. You are looking for a lifetime investment piece.
Final Thoughts on the Brand
Our Place has successfully carved out a niche by combining style, function, and a strong brand story. They make cookware that appeals to a generation that shops online and values aesthetics. While their products may not have the heirloom durability of some legacy brands, they offer a great solution for many everyday cooks. Knowing who makes Our Place cookware—a modern, direct-to-consumer company focused on design and versatility—helps you make an informed choice for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Our Place cookware made in the USA?
No, Our Place cookware is not manufactured in the USA. The company is based in Los Angeles, but the products are made in partnered factories in China and South Korea.
What is the Our Place pan made of?
The main body of the Always Pan and similar items is hard-anodized aluminum. It’s coated with a ceramic-based non-stick surface called Thermolon.
Is Our Place cookware safe?
Our Place states their ceramic non-stick coating is free from PFOA, PFOS, lead, and cadmium. The materials are generally considered safe for cooking when used according to the instructions, such as avoiding high heat.
Can you use metal utensils on Our Place pans?
No, you should not use metal utensils. They can scratch and permanently damage the ceramic coating. Always use wooden, silicone, or nylon tools.
Are Our Place pans oven safe?
Yes, but up to a certain temperature. The Always Pan and it’s lid are oven-safe up to 425°F. Always check the specific product guide for exact details.
How long does the non-stick last on Our Place?
With proper care (hand-washing, using the right utensils, medium heat), the coating should last for several years. However, some users report diminished performance sooner, which can depend heavily on usage habits.
Where is Our Place products sold?
They are sold primarily on the Our Place website. You can also find a limited selection at some home goods retailers like West Elm and Anthropologie.