Our Place Always Pro Pan Vanilla Bean
Named ceramic non-stick coating, with a brand PFAS statement we have not verified.
Our Place says its ceramic non-stick coating is made without PFAS, including Teflon-type coating and PFOA. We record that as an unverified brand claim. Its record describes a non-stick coating of unstated type, which is still counted.
Brand says: “Our Place says its ceramic non-stick coating is made without PFAS, including PTFE and PFOA.”
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Nonstick ceramic-hybrid coating, composition unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand claims PFAS-free
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Disclosed non-fluorinated coating
Coating is named and the brand states it is made without PFAS.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
Coating degradation and unknown leachables
Ceramic-hybrid coating composition is proprietary and undisclosed. If the binder or underlying layer includes polymers or heavy metal oxides not publicly identified, degradation from scratching or thermal stress could release unknown substances into food; no third-party testing on record.
Aluminum substrate leaching
The Always Pro Pan is aluminum-based with a nonstick coating. If coating is compromised (scratches, chipping), direct contact between acidic foods and bare aluminum can leach small amounts of aluminum; risk is low with intact coating but increases with product age.
PFAS
Brand claims PFAS-free formulation but has not published third-party lab confirmation or submitted to independent certification. The ceramic-hybrid blend may contain fluorine-free binders, but composition details are withheld, leaving the claim unverifiable by consumers.
Source, ATSDR ↗Durability and premature failure
Ceramic nonstick coatings generally show faster wear than Teflon-type coating under typical residential use; some consumer reviews cite loss of nonstick performance within 1-2 years, though no systematic failure data is published by the manufacturer or third parties.
What’s reassuring
Brand-stated PFAS-free
The brand states this product is PFAS-free. We have not verified the claim.
PFAS
Ceramic coatings do not contain Teflon-type coating and are not known to release hazardous fumes at normal cooking temperatures (under 400F). Risk rises if coating is damaged or if cookware is preheated empty above 500F, but no reported incidents specific to this brand.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Always Pro Pan uses a ceramic-hybrid nonstick coating whose exact composition Our Place has not publicly disclosed beyond the ceramic descriptor. Ceramic coatings typically contain inorganic mineral compounds rather than synthetic Teflon-family coating, which reduces fume risk at normal cooking temperatures. However, 'hybrid' suggests a blend with other binders or polymers whose identity remains opaque. Without full ingredient transparency, independent verification of durability and leaching behavior under stress (scratching, high heat) is limited.
The brand's record and disclosure
Our Place has made a public PFAS-free claim but has not independently certified this statement through third-party labs or published detailed coating chemistry. The brand markets cookware as a premium, health-conscious alternative and has generally avoided major safety recalls in the cookware category. Transparency on coating composition and aging stability is below industry best practice; the company relies on marketing language rather than material safety data sheets accessible to consumers.
How it compares in its category
Ceramic-hybrid nonsticks occupy a middle ground between traditional Teflon-type coating nonsticks (faster fume risk at high temperature) and uncoated carbon or cast iron (no fume risk but higher maintenance). The Always Pro Pan competes with brands like GreenPan and Caraway, which offer similar claims but with slightly better public disclosure. It underperforms cast iron in longevity and bare carbon steel in heat tolerance, but appeals to consumers prioritizing ease of use and perceived health safety.
If you buy it
Keep heat below medium-high to avoid coating stress and potential fume release; ceramic coatings degrade faster than Teflon-type coating under extreme temperature swings. Hand wash only and avoid abrasive scouring pads, as scratches to the coating expose underlying material and accelerate leaching. Replace the pan if the coating shows visible chipping or flaking, or after 3-5 years of regular use, as ceramic hybrid durability data is sparse. Store in a dry place to prevent moisture ingress at rivets and seams.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Our Place has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Woks
Our Place
Carbon Steel Wok
carbon steel (bare metal, no coating)
Iron leaching from bare metal surface
Limited concern
Rust formation from improper storage or care
High concern
Brand PFAS statement on record, which we have not verified.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Calphalon
Premier Stainless Steel 13" Wok
Stainless steel with no nonstick coating
Metal leaching (chromium, nickel, iron)
Limited concern
Handle integrity and burn risk
Limited concern
Stainless steel without nonstick coatings avoids common PFAS sources.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More woks grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.