Perfect Pot

I spent weeks researching the Perfect Pot because so many of you asked whether Our Place's Dutch oven alternative lives up to the Always Pan hype. Here's what I found.

Let's start with the good news: the ceramic nonstick coating is genuinely PFAS-free. I reviewed the same third-party lab reports that verified the Always Pan coating, and the Perfect Pot uses identical materials. If you're trying to eliminate forever chemicals from your cookware, this pot delivers on that promise—no greenwashing, just verifiable safety data.

The design is undeniably gorgeous. That signature Our Place aesthetic translates beautifully to a larger format, and the handles stay cool on the stovetop (a surprisingly rare feature). The included steamer basket and spoon rest add convenience, and the modular lid works across their product line if you already own the Always Pan.

But here's where I hit the same concerns that made me hesitant about the Always Pan: durability and capacity. At 5 quarts, the Perfect Pot is noticeably smaller than standard 6-7 quart Dutch ovens. When I'm making a batch of chili or braising short ribs for my family, that 1-2 quart difference matters. I've talked to home cooks who love the size for weeknight soups, but if you're feeding four or doing any meal prep, you might find yourself wishing for more room.

The bigger issue is longevity. User reviews follow a consistent pattern: the ceramic coating performs beautifully for the first few months, then gradually loses its nonstick properties. By month 6-12, many users report food sticking and visible coating wear, even with gentle care. At $165, that's a concerning value proposition when a Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($60-80) or Caraway Dutch Oven ($165 with lifetime warranty) will last decades.

I also noticed the pot can't go above 450F, which limits high-heat techniques like searing before braising. Traditional enameled cast iron handles 500F+ without issue.

The Perfect Pot works well for certain cooking styles—think weeknight soups, small-batch grains, or reheating leftovers for 2-3 people. The lightweight design (compared to cast iron) might appeal to you if wrist strain is a concern. But if you're investing $165 in a Dutch oven, most families will get more versatility and longevity from traditional enameled cast iron.

If you already own the Always Pan and love the ecosystem, the Perfect Pot integrates nicely. But as a standalone purchase, I'd point you toward more durable options that offer better capacity and proven decade-plus lifespans.

I spent weeks researching the Perfect Pot because so many of you asked whether Our Place's Dutch oven alternative lives up to the Always Pan hype. Here's what I found.

Let's start with the good news: the ceramic nonstick coating is genuinely PFAS-free. I reviewed the same third-party lab reports that verified the Always Pan coating, and the Perfect Pot uses identical materials. If you're trying to eliminate forever chemicals from your cookware, this pot delivers on that promise—no greenwashing, just verifiable safety data.

The design is undeniably gorgeous. That signature Our Place aesthetic translates beautifully to a larger format, and the handles stay cool on the stovetop (a surprisingly rare feature). The included steamer basket and spoon rest add convenience, and the modular lid works across their product line if you already own the Always Pan.

But here's where I hit the same concerns that made me hesitant about the Always Pan: durability and capacity. At 5 quarts, the Perfect Pot is noticeably smaller than standard 6-7 quart Dutch ovens. When I'm making a batch of chili or braising short ribs for my family, that 1-2 quart difference matters. I've talked to home cooks who love the size for weeknight soups, but if you're feeding four or doing any meal prep, you might find yourself wishing for more room.

The bigger issue is longevity. User reviews follow a consistent pattern: the ceramic coating performs beautifully for the first few months, then gradually loses its nonstick properties. By month 6-12, many users report food sticking and visible coating wear, even with gentle care. At $165, that's a concerning value proposition when a Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven ($60-80) or Caraway Dutch Oven ($165 with lifetime warranty) will last decades.

I also noticed the pot can't go above 450F, which limits high-heat techniques like searing before braising. Traditional enameled cast iron handles 500F+ without issue.

The Perfect Pot works well for certain cooking styles—think weeknight soups, small-batch grains, or reheating leftovers for 2-3 people. The lightweight design (compared to cast iron) might appeal to you if wrist strain is a concern. But if you're investing $165 in a Dutch oven, most families will get more versatility and longevity from traditional enameled cast iron.

If you already own the Always Pan and love the ecosystem, the Perfect Pot integrates nicely. But as a standalone purchase, I'd point you toward more durable options that offer better capacity and proven decade-plus lifespans.