When you spend a fair amount on a new cookware set, the last thing that you want is for it to fail to impress. Sigh. I’ve tried plenty of cooking tools in my time that, sadly, just haven’t lived up to the hype. But, the good news is that the 8-in-1, pastel-hued, TikTok viral Always Pan isn’t one of them. And I'm not talking about the classic Always Pan that you probably see everywhere. In fact, It's this pan's newer (and much stronger) sister, which comes in a cast iron finish, that I adore. So much so that when I used it I immediately understood the hype. This non-toxic cookware is *chefs kiss.*
The backstory: After my old pans got damaged in a house move, I decided to splurge on the Always Pan as a little housewarming treat for myself and wow, am I glad I did. This pan is a serious cut above. You know those pans where, no matter how much oil you pour in, everything always seems to stick? Well, this is nothing like that — even without oil, food almost hovers above the bottom of the pan, effortlessly gliding about. It's also oven safe — both with and without its lid — and I've always found it to be quick and easy to clean, no matter what I've just whipped up.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to test out the pan, I've found the best excuse to do so. The Cast Iron Always Pan is still 25% off for Presidents' Day, which means today is your chance to invest. If you're interested, here's a little more about why I love it.
Whatever it is that you're cooking, be it fried eggs, a grilled cheese, or pesto-coated crispy fried gnocchi, this ultra-versatile pan will serve you well. Thanks to its seriously slick coating, it's almost impossible to get food stuck to the bottom of this pot.
What I love about the Cast Iron Always Pan
Personally, I think the question should be: what’s not great about it? Because, honestly, since I’ve had it I’ve been hooked.
It's super versatile (and oven-proof!)
It sears, braises, fries, sautees, roasts, bakes, broils, and stews, and can even be used as a serving dish — what more could you want from a pan? While the original Always Pan can't go in the oven, the cast iron iteration is ovenproof up to 425°F with its lid and 500°F without its lid. Plus, unlike a classic cast iron skillet, it doesn’t require time-consuming seasoning or care.
It comes in cute colors
Yes, this pan comes in your choice of seven colors. This makes it even easier to match it to the rest of your kitchen decor or serveware, and even better: It means that having it on display on your stovetop will leave a good impression (and it will ensure your guests comment).
It's made from high-quality cast iron
Made from ultra-high-quality enameled cast iron, this pan is cut out for browning food more quickly. The easy-to-care-for piece also features a helpful side spout for safely and easily pouring away excess liquid.
It features storage and comes with a "spoontula"
It also comes complete with a wooden, non-scratch "spoontula" that can be easily attached to the pan’s handle-slash-spoon-rest — while cooking. Yes, this is the same combo that you'll find on the classic Always Pan.
Its non-stick is unrivaled
Of all the features offered, it’s the non-stick element of the design that is most impressive. This pan is so well designed that it’s almost as if the enameled surface repels food, ensuring that absolutely nothing sticks.
It's toxin-free
The fact that the pan is also completely toxin-free is another bonus. After some of my old pans started to peel, I decided that going forward I'd always opt for only toxic-free cookware for my own health. Is anyone else on the toxin-free kitchen side of TikTok or is it just me? Scary stuff.
It's perfect for smaller kitchens
Despite being a rather sizable pan — which, btw, is ideal when making larger portions — it’s still a great buy for smaller kitchens. Its pretty, pastel-hued color range and, not to mention, aesthetically-pleasing design, means that it looks fabulous when displayed atop your stove. So no worries about trying to find storage in a small kitchen.
If you're outfitting your entire tiny kitchen, then see our guide on the best small kitchen appliances.
You get a 100-day trial
Still not convinced? Well, the good news is that if you buy it and for some random reason hate it, you have 100 days to return the pan and get your money back, no questions asked.
What I dislike about the Cast Iron Always Pan
It's not dishwasher-safe (boo hoo!)
The only downside to this pan IMO is that it’s not dishwasher-safe. Although, thanks to having an ultra slick, non-stick surface, cleaning it by hand couldn’t be simpler.
Honestly, alongside my Ninja Max Foodi, it’s one of the most useful kitchen gadgets I own, and something that I use day in and day out.
