If asked to guess what product could earn the title of Oprah’s “favorite thing”, attract a waitlist of over 30,000 people, and find its way into the homes of celebrities like David Beckham and Selena Gomez, a pan may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, those familiar with Our Place and its cult-favorited Always Pan know otherwise. This high-tech pan aimed to reduce the clutter of multiple pans in our kitchens, and not only did it receive rave reviews from the start, but it also made the start-up profitable just six months after launching.
Shiza Shahid, co-founder of Our Place, shared that she immigrated to America to study at Stanford University and started learning to cook as a way to connect with her culture while being far away from her family. The overwhelming clutter of kitchenware in American stores inspired her to create a positive change in people’s homes. The mission was clear: to build better products that were multifunctional, design-forward, healthy, and sustainable. Despite facing challenges in the beginning, including bootstrapping for two years, Shahid’s unwavering belief in the product and mission fueled the success of Our Place.
The Always Pan, the flagship product of Our Place, aimed to replace multiple traditional cookware pieces with its versatile design. It could perform a variety of cooking tasks, from frying to steaming, all in one pan. The proprietary ceramic coating, Thermakind, was free from harmful chemicals typically found in nonstick coatings, making it a standout feature of the pan. Shahid emphasized the importance of transparency in a market filled with deceptive marketing practices regarding kitchen products.
The introduction of the Always Pan Pro marked a significant evolution in kitchenware technology. This virtually-indestructible pan was constructed, rather than coated, to be nonstick. Drawing inspiration from the lotus effect, Our Place engineered the titanium pan with micro-structures that allowed food to release easily from the surface. This innovative NoCo® no-coating technology took extensive research and development to perfect, resulting in a product that was easy to use and built to last a lifetime.
The success of the Always Pan led to the rapid expansion of the Our Place product line, which included oven- and dishwasher-safe pots, bakeware, tableware, and more. The brand’s unique colorways, such as Blue Salt and Sage Green, appealed to customers looking to add joy and inspiration to their kitchens. Our Place’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility extended beyond its products, as seen in their Traditionware collections designed in partnership with communities to honor multicultural traditions.
Our Place’s dedication to innovation, design, and sustainability has transformed the kitchenware industry. By focusing on creating products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious, the brand has captured the hearts of many home cooks. The combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and a mission-driven approach has set Our Place apart as a leader in revolutionizing the way we think about kitchenware.
Our Place’s journey from a start-up to a household name showcases the power of vision, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact. By reimagining traditional cookware and appliances, the brand has inspired a new generation of home cooks to embrace creativity and joy in the kitchen. With a focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity, Our Place continues to pave the way for a more thoughtful and inspired culinary experience.