Is M&S’s €35 Pan Malta’s Answer to the Viral Always Pan?
This article compares two popular multifunctional pans—the Our Place Always Pan (€145) and the Marks & Spencer All-in-One Saucepan (€35)—to help Malta’s food lovers decide which best suits their cooking needs. The Always Pan stands out for its compact design, oven-safe functionality, and eco-friendly non-stick coating, making it ideal for health-conscious cooks in smaller households or apartments. Meanwhile, the M&S pan offers a larger capacity, affordability, and dishwasher-safe convenience, making it perfect for families or meal-prep enthusiasts. Both pans support healthy cooking techniques, aligning with Malta’s Mediterranean-inspired food culture that celebrates fresh, local produce. Ultimately, the choice depends on your lifestyle, cooking habits, and budget, but either option can elevate your culinary experience while promoting wholesome eating.
Title: "Is M&S’s €35 Pan as Good as Our Place’s Viral €145 Always Pan? We Compare the Two"
When it comes to creating healthy meals at home, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Whether you're sautéing fresh vegetables from the local farmers’ market, steaming fish for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, or preparing meal-prep dishes for the week ahead, multifunctional cookware is a game-changer. In Malta, where fresh, local produce and the Mediterranean diet are celebrated for their health benefits, investing in quality cookware helps elevate your culinary experience. Today, we’re comparing two popular pans: the Our Place Always Pan and the Marks & Spencer All-in-One Saucepan.
The Our Place Always Pan: A Compact Culinary Powerhouse
Since its launch, the Our Place Always Pan has garnered viral fame for its versatility and sleek design. With its ability to sauté, fry, steam, boil, braise, bake, and roast, this pan does it all. Its compact size and modern matte finish make it perfect for small kitchens, such as those in apartments or homes in Malta’s historic towns like Valletta or Mdina. Available in five chic colorways, the pan effortlessly blends style and practicality.
The Always Pan is made from post-consumer recycled aluminum and features a silicon dioxide ceramic non-stick coating that’s free from potentially harmful materials like PFA, lead, and cadmium. For health-conscious cooks, this is an important feature, especially when preparing nutrient-rich recipes that require minimal oil. During testing, the pan’s non-stick capabilities were impressive. For example, frying an egg with just half a teaspoon of olive oil resulted in a perfectly cooked egg that slid around the pan with ease, crisping lightly at the edges.
One of its standout features is its oven-safe design (up to 230°C). This opens up more possibilities for creative cooking, such as preparing braised cabbage or roasting seasonal vegetables from Malta’s farms. The pan’s dedicated spatula and unique handle notch also eliminate mess, keeping your workspace clean while cooking.
However, the Always Pan has a few drawbacks. It’s smaller than the M&S pan, with a capacity of 2.4 liters, which might not be ideal for larger households or meal-prepping on a bigger scale. Additionally, it must be hand-washed, which can be inconvenient for busy lifestyles. At €145, it’s an investment, but one that pays off for those looking for multifunctionality and aesthetic appeal.
The M&S All-in-One Saucepan: Affordable Versatility
Marks & Spencer’s All-in-One Saucepan is a budget-friendly alternative that’s gained popularity for its €35 price point and impressive functionality. Its large 4.2-liter capacity makes it ideal for preparing big meals, such as hearty stews or pasta dishes, for family gatherings or Sunday lunches on your terrace overlooking Malta’s stunning coastlines. The pan’s depth and size also make it perfect for meal-prepping, allowing you to cook in bulk for the week while sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
This pan is made from aluminum and features a non-stick coating that performs well with minimal oil. During testing, it sautéed fish and stir-fried vegetables evenly, encouraging quick, healthy cooking for busy schedules. Unlike the Always Pan, the M&S pan allows frying at higher heat, which is useful for searing meats or boiling water for pasta dishes with fresh tomatoes and herbs from Malta’s markets.
Though it doesn’t have the oven-safe functionality of the Always Pan, its dishwasher-safe design is a major plus for those who prefer effortless clean-up. However, the loose-fitting lid could be improved, as it lets steam escape and rattles during boiling. Its larger size also makes it slightly unwieldy to clean by hand in smaller sinks, which could be a consideration for those living in compact homes.
How They Compare in Practice
Both pans offer great versatility, but they cater to different needs. For smaller households or those living in apartments, the compact size and multifunctionality of the Always Pan make it a great choice. Its ability to transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven is ideal for home cooks who enjoy preparing elaborate dishes, such as baked fish or vegetable gratins.
On the other hand, the M&S All-in-One Saucepan is better suited for larger households or meal-prep enthusiasts. Its affordable price and larger capacity make it an excellent option for families looking to prepare healthy, hearty meals without breaking the bank. It’s also a great choice for those who value convenience, thanks to its dishwasher-safe design.
Healthy Cooking in Malta: Which Pan Fits Your Lifestyle?
Malta’s food culture celebrates fresh, local produce and Mediterranean flavors, making both pans appealing for different reasons. If you enjoy experimenting with recipes that incorporate seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and whole grains, both pans can support a healthy lifestyle. The Always Pan’s non-stick coating and oven-safe functionality are perfect for low-fat, nutrient-rich cooking techniques like steaming and braising. Meanwhile, the M&S pan offers depth and volume for soups, stews, and meal-prep staples.
For those living in Malta’s bustling cities or historic villages, where space might be limited, the compact design of the Always Pan is a practical choice. Alternatively, if you’re hosting dinner parties or cooking for larger households in a spacious home, the M&S pan’s larger capacity provides more versatility.
Final Verdict: Which Pan Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice depends on your cooking habits, household size, and budget. The Our Place Always Pan shines for its multifunctionality and sleek design, making it ideal for health-conscious cooks willing to invest in quality cookware. Meanwhile, the M&S All-in-One Saucepan offers excellent value and practicality for families or anyone seeking an affordable option for everyday cooking.
Both pans have their strengths, but they share a common goal: helping you prepare delicious, wholesome meals with ease. Whether you’re crafting a colorful vegetable stir-fry or steaming dumplings for a light dinner, these pans are designed to make cooking healthier and more enjoyable.
This comparison aims to inspire Malta’s food lovers to choose cookware that complements their lifestyle while supporting their journey toward better physical and mental health. For more tips on healthy cooking and dining in Malta, stay tuned for our expert recommendations.