I compared the Always Pan with IKEA's Klippfisk lookalike — here's what happened

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IKEA's Always Pan lookalike is $100 cheaper, but is it any good?

I put both the IKEA Klippfisk and the Our Place Always Pan to the test in the Tom's Guide test kitchen, and here's what happened.

Design

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

There are some obvious visual differences at play here, but there's also a lot these two pans have in common. Both are sauté pans designed for "stove-to-table" serving, and have a generous capacity.

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Feature

IKEA KLIPPFISK (11")

Always Pan 2.0 (Standard)

Diameter

11 inches (28 cm)

10.5 inches (26.7 cm)

Depth/Height

3.5 inches (9 cm)

2.8 inches (7 cm)

Capacity

Large (suitable for family meals)

Standard (approx. 2.6 quarts)

Weight

4.8 lbs

3 lbs

The Always Pan is marketed as a 10-in-1 tool, designed to replace your frying pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, and more. However, there's no reason for the IKEA pan to not replace some of this cookware, too. In reality, it's the addition of a stainless steel steamer basket and a nesting beechwood spatula that gives the Always Pan the edge when it comes to versatility.

The Always Pan 2.0 is oven-safe up to 450°F (230°C), whereas due to its wooden handles and glass lid, you can't put the Klippfisk in the oven whatsoever. If stove-to-oven cooking is key to you, that's your decision made.

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

These wooden handles are designed to stay cool during use, and also add an elevated Scandinavian look to the pan as a whole, but they do require more care and maintenance than the Always Pan.

However, while its transparent lid is not oven-safe, the Klippfisk's silicone rid and in-built steam vent does allow you to watch your food as it cooks, without lifting the lid away.

Both use a ceramic non-stick coating which is PFAS-free, though Our Place's proprietary "Thermakind" claims to last 50% longer than standard ceramic.

Winner: Always Pan

High heat cooking

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

To make the test fair, I cooked simultaneously at the same induction cooking setting for both pans. For the first test, I cooked two fried eggs. The first thing I noticed with the IKEA pan was that the eggs didn't immediately sizzle the way they did when I cracked them into the Always Pan. Considering both pans were set to '9' on the induction stove, I thought it was interesting that one had clearly heated, and retained heat, more than the other.

I also found that the Always Pan heated more evenly, meaning the egg was cooked consistently across the entire base, whereas there were spots around the edge of the Klippfisk that didn't sear my eggs sufficiently.

Despite this, both eggs slid along the bottom of the pan, meaning the non-stick coating was broadly consistent in performance for each. Flipping was also easy for each, with the steep edges giving something to push the egg up against before turning.

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Next, I fried some bacon by turning the stove up to '11' (out of a possible 15 settings). As you can see in the photo above, the bacon in the Always Pan again seared more consistently than it did in the IKEA pan, where it seemed to take longer to brown and gain some color. Again, I'd put this down to the thinner base on the IKEA pan, which may prevent it from retaining heat the way the Always Pan does.

Ultimately, both pans did a good job of high heat cooking, but the Always Pan was my standout top performer for this test.

Winner: Always Pan

Low-heat cooking

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

One of the main perks of sauté pans such as these is the ability to switch between frying and low-heat cooking. Because of the deep sides, you could easily use either of these pans to simmer some pasta sauce or slow-cook a curry.

I decided to cook some pasta and toss it through some sauce to test these pans' performance with gentle cooking. For both, the sauces were easy to stir around the ceramic lining and gently simmered for a good 10 minutes without the handles overheating.

However, when I added the lids to the pans, I did find that the metal handle of the Always Pan lid got a little hot to touch, whereas the wooden handle of the Klippfisk's lid managed to stay cool through prolonged use.

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Overall, the nonstick design of each of these pans made them both perfectly suited to cooking pasta, soups, curries, and any other saucy dishes you're looking to whip up for the family. I didn't have the same issues with inconsistent heating that I experienced at high heat, which means I'd confidently recommend either pan for these types of meals.

Perhaps because of that heatproof handle, the Klippfisk takes this round, but keep in mind that it can't be transferred to the oven if you're looping to keep your food warm or crisp up a cheesy top layer.

Winner: Klippfisk

Cleaning up

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Another benefit of the outstanding non-stick design is that both of these pans are very easy to clean up. Grease and dried-down sauces glided away with some warm water and dish soap.

However, because of the wooden handles, I would be concerned to submerge the Klippfisk in hot water for any prolonged period of time, which makes it a fiddlier choice than the Always Pan.

Neither can go in the dishwasher, but you at least can leave your Always Pan to soak, whereas I'd recommend cleaning IKEA's pan as soon as you're done, and drying it straight after use.

Verdict

Always Pan versus IKEA Klippfisk

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The IKEA Klippfisk is $39, and the Always Pan is $135. At over three times the price, is the Always Pan three times as good? Absolutely not. As pans go, these perform very similarly, and the IKEA pan definitely punches above its weight in terms of performance. It feels lovely to use and looks great.

However, I do think you get a better quality construction with the Always Pan. It heated more evenly in my hot heat tests, and it comes with a steaming pan and a nesting spatula for added utility. Plus, it can go in the oven, which the Klippfisk can't.

If money were no object, I'd recommend the Always Pan every time. But if you're on a budget, the Klippfisk is a worthy opponent to this viral pan, albeit with some added quirks.

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Millie Fender
Millie Fender
Managing Editor, Homes

Millie is the Managing Editor of Homes at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.

When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.

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