M&S's £30 All-in-One Pan Challenges Viral £125 Our Place Cookware
The viral Our Place always pan, a kitchen staple praised for its versatility and sleek design, now faces a formidable £30 rival from Marks & Spencer. After four months of rigorous testing in a home kitchen, we delve into how these multifunctional pans stack up against each other in terms of performance, design, and overall value.
Our Place Always Pan 2.0: The Premium Performer
Priced at £125, the Our Place always pan has cemented its status as a bestseller due to its all-in-one capabilities. This pan excels at sautéing, frying, searing, steaming, boiling, and braising, with the added benefit of being oven-safe up to 230°C. Its compact size and aesthetically pleasing colourways make it particularly appealing for those with smaller kitchens or flats.
Key features include a post-consumer recycled aluminium construction and a silicon dioxide ceramic non-stick coating, which Our Place claims is free from potentially toxic materials like PFA, lead, and cadmium. During testing, the pan demonstrated excellent non-stick properties, allowing eggs to glide effortlessly while still achieving a crispy edge. However, users must adhere to guidelines such as using only low to medium heat and avoiding preheating without contents.
The design incorporates thoughtful touches like a raised notch on the handle for resting the included beechwood spatula, reducing mess. Despite its advantages, the pan has a smaller 2.4-litre capacity compared to the M&S option and requires hand washing, as it is not dishwasher-safe.
M&S All-in-One Saucepan: The Budget Powerhouse
Retailing for just £30, the M&S all-in-one saucepan offers impressive versatility at a fraction of the cost. It is designed for deep frying, steaming, searing, sautéing, and braising, though it lacks oven-safe capabilities due to plastic handles and a lid knob. With a 4.2-litre capacity and a depth of 22cm, this pan is ideal for larger households or meal prepping.
Constructed from aluminium with a standard non-stick coating, the M&S pan heats up slightly slower than the Our Place version but provides even heat distribution once at temperature. It allows for higher heat settings, making it suitable for quick frying and boiling tasks. The non-heat-conducting handles offer a comfortable grip, though the lid fits loosely, which can lead to steam escape and rattling during vigorous boiling.
A significant advantage is its dishwasher-safe design, appealing to those who prefer easy cleanup. However, its larger size may be cumbersome for hand washing in smaller sinks.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Which Pan Reigns Supreme?
Both pans excel in multifunctionality, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The Our Place always pan stands out for its oven-safe feature, compact design, and superior non-stick performance, making it a top choice for home cooks who value versatility and style. Its ability to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven is a game-changer for recipes requiring multiple cooking techniques.
On the other hand, the M&S all-in-one saucepan offers exceptional value with its large capacity, affordability, and dishwasher compatibility. It is particularly suited for families or those who prioritize practicality and cost-efficiency. While it may not match the Our Place pan in terms of oven use or design finesse, it delivers reliable performance for everyday cooking tasks.
In testing, the Our Place pan emerged as the overall winner due to its broader functionality and sleek aesthetics. However, the M&S pan is a compelling alternative for budget-conscious shoppers seeking a versatile, high-capacity option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual kitchen needs, cooking habits, and financial considerations.
Testing Methodology
The evaluation spanned four months, involving a variety of dishes from simple fried eggs and steamed dumplings to complex one-pan pasta and braised cabbage. Key metrics included non-stick performance, heating speed, heat distribution, ease of cleaning, and design functionality. Both pans were assessed in real-world kitchen scenarios to provide an accurate and comprehensive comparison.
