Where Is Our Place Cookware Made?

The Origins of Our Place Cookware Manufacturing

Our Place cookware comes from factories in China. The company partners with manufacturing facilities that specialize in ceramic nonstick coatings and cast aluminum construction.

The brand launched in 2019 with a direct-to-consumer model. Shiza Shahid founded the company with a goal to create multifunctional kitchen products. The signature Always Pan debuted as the flagship product.

Our Place works with ISO-certified factories in China. These facilities follow strict quality control protocols. The company maintains oversight of production standards through regular factory audits.

Why Our Place Manufactures in China

Cost Efficiency and Expertise

Chinese manufacturing facilities offer several advantages:

• Lower production costs compared to domestic manufacturing
• Established infrastructure for cookware production
• Access to skilled workers with decades of experience
• Proximity to raw material suppliers
• Advanced ceramic coating technology

The factories Our Place uses have produced cookware for major brands for over 20 years. This expertise ensures consistent quality across production runs.

Quality Control Measures

Our Place implements multiple quality checkpoints:

1. Raw material inspection before production begins
2. In-line quality checks during manufacturing
3. Final product testing before shipment
4. Third-party lab testing for safety standards

The company tests products for PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. All Our Place cookware meets California Prop 65 standards.

Manufacturing Process for Our Place Cookware

Base Construction

The Always Pan and Perfect Pot use cast aluminum as the base material. This metal offers excellent heat distribution at a lower weight than cast iron.

The casting process involves these steps:

• Molten aluminum pours into precision molds
• Metal cools and solidifies into the pan shape
• Each piece undergoes grinding to smooth rough edges
• Handles attach through secure riveting or welding

Ceramic Nonstick Coating Application

Our Place applies a mineral-based ceramic coating in multiple layers:

1. Primer layer: Bonds to the aluminum base
2. Middle layers: Build coating thickness (typically 2-3 layers)
3. Top layer: Creates the smooth cooking surface

Each layer requires curing at high temperatures. The total coating thickness reaches approximately 40-50 microns.

The ceramic formula contains no PTFE or PFOA. The coating comes from natural materials like sand and minerals.

Final Assembly and Testing

Workers attach wooden or silicone handles after coating. Each pan goes through:

• Visual inspection for coating defects
• Heat distribution testing
• Weight verification
• Packaging quality check

Comparison: Our Place vs. Other Cookware Brands

Brand	Manufacturing Location	Base Material	Coating Type	Price Range
Our Place	China	Cast Aluminum	Ceramic Nonstick	$145-$195
GreenPan	China	Aluminum	Thermolon Ceramic	$40-$150
Caraway	China	Aluminum	Ceramic Nonstick	$95-$395
Made In	USA/France	Stainless Steel	None (Clad)	$80-$200
All-Clad	USA	Stainless Steel	None (Clad)	$100-$400

Benefits of Our Place Manufacturing Approach

Consistent Product Quality

The centralized manufacturing model provides uniformity across all products. Each Always Pan matches the specifications of others from the same production run.

Quality metrics show:

• Less than 2% defect rate in shipped products
• Consistent coating thickness across product lines
• Uniform color matching between production batches

Accessible Pricing

Manufacturing in China keeps costs manageable. The Always Pan retails at $145, which positions it as a mid-range option.

Similar multifunctional pans from European manufacturers cost $250-400. The price difference reflects labor and operational cost variations.

Innovation Speed

Our Place can test and launch new products quickly. The manufacturing partners offer rapid prototyping capabilities.

The company released five major products in its first three years:

1. Always Pan (2019)
2. Perfect Pot (2020)
3. Wonder Oven (2021)
4. Drinking Glasses (2021)
5. Main Plate Set (2022)

Technical Specifications of Our Place Cookware

Always Pan Details

Dimensions: 10.5 inches diameter, 2.75 inches deep

Weight: 3 pounds empty

Compatible Cooktops: Gas, electric, radiant ring, induction (with separate induction plate)

Oven Safe: Up to 450°F

Included Components:

• Modular lid with steamer insert
• Nesting steamer basket
• Spatula with integrated spoon rest

Material Composition

The pan body contains aluminum alloy 3003. This grade offers good formability and corrosion resistance.

The ceramic coating uses a sol-gel process. Silicon dioxide forms the primary component. The coating achieves hardness ratings of 6-7 on the Mohs scale.

Handles use beechwood that undergoes heat treatment. The treatment improves moisture resistance and dimensional stability.

Maintenance Requirements for Our Place Products

Daily Care Instructions

Proper cleaning extends the life of ceramic coatings:

• Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water
• Use soft sponges or cloths (no abrasive scrubbers)
• Dry completely before storage
• Avoid thermal shock (don’t pour cold water on hot pans)

Never use cooking sprays. The additives in aerosol sprays create buildup that degrades nonstick performance.

Long-Term Maintenance

Follow these practices to maintain coating integrity:

1. Cook on low to medium heat settings
2. Add oil or butter before heating
3. Use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils
4. Store with pan protectors between nested cookware
5. Season the pan every 6 months with a thin oil layer

Expected Lifespan

With proper care, Our Place cookware lasts 3-5 years of regular use. The ceramic coating shows wear after approximately 1,000 cooking cycles.

Signs that coating needs replacement:

• Food sticks consistently despite proper technique
• Visible scratches or chips in the surface
• Discoloration that doesn’t clean away
• Uneven heating patterns develop

Transparency and Ethical Manufacturing

Factory Working Conditions

Our Place publishes information about factory partnerships. The company requires partners to maintain:

• Fair wages above regional minimum standards
• Reasonable working hours (maximum 60 hours per week)
• Safe working environments with proper ventilation
• No child labor or forced labor practices

The brand conducts annual third-party audits of manufacturing facilities.

Environmental Considerations

The ceramic coating process produces fewer emissions than traditional PTFE coating application. The manufacturing facilities use:

• Water-based coating formulas
• Recycled aluminum content (typically 30-40%)
• Energy-efficient curing ovens
• Wastewater treatment systems

Our Place ships products in recyclable packaging with minimal plastic components.

How to Verify Authenticity

Official Purchase Channels

Buy Our Place products through:

• Official website (ourplace.com)
• Authorized retailers (Food52, Nordstrom, Goop)
• Amazon storefront (verified seller)

Avoid third-party marketplaces where counterfeit products appear. Fake versions use inferior coatings and materials.

Authentication Features

Genuine Our Place products include:

• Embossed logo on the handle
• Serial number on the bottom
• High-quality packaging with brand details
• Registration card for warranty activation

The warranty covers defects for one year from purchase date.

Alternative Manufacturing Locations to Consider

USA-Made Cookware Options

For buyers who prefer domestic manufacturing:

Lodge Cast Iron (Tennessee): Pre-seasoned cast iron cookware, $20-60 per piece

Finex Cast Iron (Oregon): Artisan cast iron with stainless steel springs, $100-300

360 Cookware (Wisconsin): Vapor cooking stainless steel, $150-400

European Manufacturing

Premium options from Europe:

Le Creuset (France): Enameled cast iron, $200-500

Mauviel (France): Copper and stainless steel, $150-800

Fissler (Germany): Stainless steel pressure cookers and pans, $100-600

Decision Framework for Cookware Selection

Step 1: Define Your Cooking Needs

List the dishes you cook most frequently. Match cookware features to your typical recipes.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Budget

Set a realistic price range. Factor in the cost per year based on expected lifespan.

Example calculation:

• Our Place Always Pan: $145
• Expected lifespan: 4 years
• Annual cost: $36.25

Step 3: Research Manufacturing Standards

Check if the brand discloses:

• Factory locations
• Safety testing results
• Warranty terms
• Return policies

Step 4: Read User Reviews

Look for reviews that mention:

• Performance after 6+ months of use
• Customer service experiences
• Coating durability
• Heat distribution quality

Step 5: Consider Total Value

Assess the complete package:

• Included accessories
• Multifunctionality
• Design aesthetics
• Brand values alignment

The Bottom Line on Our Place Manufacturing

Our Place cookware comes from Chinese factories that specialize in ceramic nonstick products. The manufacturing location allows the brand to offer competitive prices while maintaining quality standards.

The company implements quality control measures throughout production. Third-party testing verifies that products meet safety requirements.

Buyers should weigh the benefits of the manufacturing approach against personal preferences for production location. The ceramic coating technology and cast aluminum construction deliver good performance for the price point.

Our Place provides transparency about manufacturing partners and practices. The brand continues to expand its product line while maintaining consistent quality standards across all items.

For consumers who prioritize multifunctional design and ceramic nonstick surfaces, Our Place offers a solid mid-range option. The Chinese manufacturing origin enables accessible pricing without compromising core quality metrics.