Who Owns Our Place Cookware

The Company Behind Our Place

Our Place is owned by Shiza Shahid, who co-founded the company in 2019 alongside Amir Tehrani. Shahid serves as the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand. The company operates as a privately held business based in Los Angeles, California.

Shiza Shahid gained recognition as the co-founder and former CEO of the Malala Fund. She transitioned into the consumer goods sector with Our Place, bringing her experience in mission-driven organizations. Amir Tehrani, her co-founder, contributed expertise in product development and operations.

The ownership structure includes venture capital backing. Our Place raised significant funding rounds from investors including:

• Initialized Capital
• Coefficient Capital
• Collaborative Fund
• Female Founders Fund
• Individual investors like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ayesha Curry

The company maintains control through its founding team while operating with investor support. Our Place remains independent and has not been acquired by a larger corporation as of early 2025.

The Birth of Our Place: Company Origins

Shahid and Tehrani launched Our Place with a specific vision. They wanted to create cookware that reflected diverse cooking traditions. The founders observed a gap in the market for products that served immigrant families and multi-generational households.

The company’s first product, the Always Pan, launched in 2019. This single pan aimed to replace eight traditional pieces of cookware. The concept resonated with consumers who valued space efficiency and simplicity.

Our Place built its brand on three core principles:

1. Functionality – Products serve multiple cooking methods
2. Design – Aesthetic appeal for modern kitchens
3. Community – Representation of diverse food cultures

The direct-to-consumer model allowed Our Place to control pricing and customer relationships. The company invested heavily in digital marketing and social media presence. This strategy helped the brand gain rapid visibility among millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Product Line Overview

Our Place offers a focused collection of cookware and kitchen tools. The brand emphasizes quality over quantity in its product selection.

Core Products

Always Pan: The flagship product functions as a frying pan, steamer, saucepan, sauté pan, skillet, spatula holder, and serving dish. The pan includes a modular steamer basket and lid. It features a non-stick ceramic coating and aluminum body.

Perfect Pot: A multi-functional pot designed for boiling, steaming, straining, and serving. The 5-quart capacity suits family-size meals. The product includes an integrated strainer basket and lid.

Wonder Oven: An electric oven that combines six cooking functions in one appliance. It bakes, broils, roasts, reheats, toasts, and air fries. The compact size fits small kitchens and countertops.

Supporting Items

• Drinking glasses and tumblers
• Cutting boards in various sizes
• Knives and kitchen tools
• Aprons and textiles
• Food storage containers

Technical Specifications and Materials

Always Pan Construction

The Always Pan measures 10.5 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches deep. The cookware weighs approximately 2.5 pounds without the lid.

Materials breakdown:

Component	Material	Purpose
Body	Cast aluminum	Heat distribution
Coating	Ceramic non-stick	Food release
Handle	Stainless steel with silicone	Heat resistance
Base	Aluminum	Stovetop compatibility

The ceramic coating contains no PTFE, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. The pan works on gas, electric, and induction cooktops. The maximum oven-safe temperature reaches 450°F.

Perfect Pot Specifications

The Perfect Pot holds 5 quarts of liquid. The dimensions are 10 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches in height. The pot uses the same material construction as the Always Pan.

The integrated strainer features holes sized to drain pasta and vegetables while retaining small grains. The tempered glass lid allows visibility during cooking. Four steam vents in the lid prevent boiling over.

Wonder Oven Features

The electric oven provides 1500 watts of heating power. The interior capacity is 6 slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza. The temperature range spans 200°F to 450°F.

Six cooking modes:

1. Bake
2. Broil
3. Toast
4. Air Fry
5. Reheat
6. Roast

The oven includes a crumb tray, baking pan, and air fry basket. The exterior stays cool to the touch during operation. Digital controls allow precise temperature and time settings.

Benefits for Home Cooks

Space Efficiency

The multi-functional design reduces cabinet clutter. One Always Pan eliminates the need for eight separate pieces. Urban dwellers with limited storage space benefit most from this consolidation.

Ease of Cleaning

The ceramic coating allows food to release without sticking. Most residue wipes away with a soft sponge and warm water. The non-stick surface requires no aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

The Always Pan and Perfect Pot are dishwasher safe, though hand washing extends the coating’s lifespan. The components disassemble for thorough cleaning.

Cooking Versatility

Home cooks can prepare complete meals with fewer tools. The Always Pan handles eggs for breakfast, stir-fry for lunch, and pan-seared proteins for dinner. The steamer basket adds a healthy cooking option without additional equipment.

The Perfect Pot serves as a pasta cooker, soup pot, and serving vessel. The strainer eliminates the need for a separate colander. This integration saves time and reduces dishes.

Aesthetic Value

Our Place cookware comes in distinctive colors:

• Spice (red-orange)
• Blue Salt (light blue)
• Char (black)
• Sage (green)
• Steam (cream)

The visual appeal transforms cookware into displayable kitchen accessories. Many users leave Our Place products on the stovetop rather than storing them away.

Maintenance and Care Guidelines

Daily Cleaning Protocol

Step-by-step cleaning process:

1. Allow cookware to cool completely
2. Rinse with warm water to remove loose debris
3. Apply mild dish soap with a soft sponge
4. Wipe in circular motions
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
6. Dry immediately with a soft cloth

Protecting the Non-Stick Surface

The ceramic coating requires gentle treatment. Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils during cooking. Metal utensils can scratch the surface and reduce non-stick properties.

Cook on low to medium heat settings. High heat damages the ceramic and creates discoloration. The aluminum body conducts heat efficiently, so maximum temperatures are unnecessary.

Addressing Discoloration

White or brown spots may appear on the ceramic coating over time. These marks result from mineral deposits in water or oil residue. They do not affect cooking performance.

Removal method:

• Mix baking soda with water to form a paste
• Apply paste to discolored areas
• Let sit for 15 minutes
• Wipe with a damp sponge
• Rinse and dry thoroughly

Storage Recommendations

Stack cookware with protective layers between pieces. Use pan protectors, paper towels, or soft cloth to prevent scratches. Store lids separately or upside down on the cookware.

Keep Our Place products in dry environments. Moisture trapped in cabinets can affect the coating over time.

Price Points and Value Assessment

Cost Analysis

The Always Pan retails for $145. The Perfect Pot sells for $145. The Wonder Oven costs $295. These prices position Our Place in the premium cookware category.

Comparison to traditional cookware sets:

Item Type	Traditional Cost	Our Place Alternative
8-piece pan set	$200-400	Always Pan: $145
Pot + colander	$80-150	Perfect Pot: $145
Countertop oven	$200-350	Wonder Oven: $295

Warranty and Support

Our Place offers a limited one-year warranty on all products. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but excludes damage from misuse or normal wear. Customer service handles returns within 30 days of purchase.

The company provides replacement parts for handles, lids, and accessories. This service extends the usable life of products beyond the warranty period.

Customer Reception and Market Position

Our Place achieved rapid market penetration through social media marketing. Instagram and TikTok campaigns featured diverse home cooks using the products. User-generated content amplified brand visibility.

The company reported over $100 million in revenue within its first two years. The Always Pan became a viral product, particularly during pandemic-driven home cooking trends.

Customer feedback patterns:

Positive aspects:

• Visual appeal and color options
• Space-saving design
• Easy cleaning process
• Cooking performance for everyday meals

Common criticisms:

• Ceramic coating durability concerns
• Price point compared to alternatives
• Weight distribution in the Always Pan
• Learning curve for multi-function use

Environmental and Social Commitments

Our Place emphasizes responsible manufacturing practices. The company uses recycled aluminum in product construction. Packaging materials come from recycled and recyclable sources.

The brand partners with non-profit organizations focused on food access and community kitchens. A portion of sales supports these initiatives. Our Place also features recipes and cooking techniques from various cultural traditions on its website and social media channels.

Selection Criteria for Potential Buyers

Who Benefits Most

Ideal candidates for Our Place cookware:

• First-time home cooks setting up kitchens
• Urban residents with limited storage space
• Consumers prioritizing design aesthetics
• Individuals cooking for one or two people
• Those seeking streamlined kitchen tools

Who Might Look Elsewhere

Better alternatives exist for:

• Professional chefs requiring specialized tools
• Large families needing high-capacity cookware
• Budget-conscious shoppers seeking basic functionality
• Cooks preferring traditional cast iron or stainless steel
• Users who cook at very high temperatures regularly

Decision Factors

Questions to consider before purchasing:

1. Does the multi-function design match your cooking style?
2. Will the color options complement your kitchen?
3. Can you commit to proper maintenance for ceramic coating?
4. Does the price align with your cookware budget?
5. Do you have compatible cooktops (for induction users)?

How Our Place Compares to Competitors

The direct-to-consumer cookware market includes brands like Caraway, Made In, and HexClad. Each offers distinct advantages.

Brand positioning:

Our Place – Multi-function design, cultural storytelling, vibrant colors

Caraway – Complete cookware sets, ceramic coating, storage solutions

Made In – Professional-grade materials, restaurant partnerships, lifetime warranty

HexClad – Hybrid non-stick technology, metal utensil safe, dishwasher durable

Our Place distinguishes itself through product consolidation rather than comprehensive sets. The brand appeals to minimalists and design-conscious consumers.

Final Assessment

Our Place remains under the ownership and leadership of co-founders Shiza Shahid and Amir Tehrani. The privately held company operates with venture capital support while maintaining its founding vision.

The brand succeeded by identifying underserved consumers who value both function and representation. The direct-to-consumer model enabled rapid growth and strong customer relationships.

Our Place cookware serves specific user needs effectively. The products deliver on promises of space efficiency, easy maintenance, and attractive design. The premium pricing reflects brand positioning rather than materials alone.

Potential buyers should evaluate their cooking habits, storage constraints, and budget priorities. The multi-function approach suits some kitchens better than others. Those who value consolidated tools and modern aesthetics will find Our Place products worthwhile. Consumers seeking traditional cookware characteristics or maximum durability might prefer alternative brands.

The company’s success demonstrates market demand for cookware that reflects diverse cooking traditions and modern living spaces. Our Place continues to expand its product line while maintaining focus on its core mission of bringing people together through cooking.