The Cast Iron Always Pan
I’m definitely influenced by Instagram ads, but it takes a while for me to make a move. Usually I need a few months AND I need to hear good things from people I actually know (or watch obsessively on YouTube). Sometimes I will get them as a present for someone else and wait to hear what they say about it. I did just that with my mother, by buying her an Always Pan for Christmas. She began raving immediately, telling me she was going to throw out every one of her other cooking vessels. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to make the leap. I have plenty of high quality nonstick stuff at home, and to be honest, I didn’t have room in my kitchen.
But then I found out about their cast iron skillet, mainly because it’s currently on sale for 25% off. I’ve found cast iron to be a bit of pain since my mother-in-law showed me how to clean them six years ago. The thing about the Our Place version that I found intriguing was 1. It’s stunning 2. It doesn’t require any pre-seasoning or regular oiling maintenance and 3. It can be washed with soap and water.
I asked if they’d be willing to send me one to review, and the company sent one immediately! The first thing I did, as per box instructions, was wash the pan, the lid, and the little silicone grips they come with. Oh and the wooden spatula that fits on the handle — aka the reason this thing caught my eye on IG to begin with.
Then I quickly seasoned it with some oil for a few minutes (they say you only need to do this before the first use, and then once a month or so) and began cooking. I decided to make a gluten-free grilled cheese using Super Bloom Bakery sourdough (use code “LYNN” for 15% off) some Chao Cheese and a piece of string cheese. So, half-vegan?
I appreciated the detachable silicone handle and the lid too. Most cast iron skillets don’t come with one that fits nice and tight.
It’s a cast iron skillet, so yes it’s still pretty heavy. But nothing like my Le Creuset dutch ovens that already live on my stove (where this will also hold permanent residency). I think people who cook meat regularly will probably be annoyed that there isn’t a pouring spout, but since I cook mostly vegetarian, I don’t think this will be too much of an issue for me.
Obviously, I just got this so it’ll take some time to see how much I enjoy using this new pan. But I wanted to share it now since the sale is still going on! It’s $116 (down from $155) which is still a lot, but I do think for something cast iron, non toxic, and STUNNING STUNNING STUNNING — it’s worth it. I would’ve bought one even if they hadn’t gifted me this, and I’m already impressed.
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