This $18.99 Aldi Find Is an Our Place Dupe (And 5 Times Cheaper!)

I might have found a rival to my favorite little frying pan that I picked up at ALDI a while back. The other day, I found the Crofton Mini Awesome Pan at ALDI, and it’s totally vying for first place in my cupboard.

What’s So Great About ALDI’s Crofton Mini Awesome Pan

This 8-inch mini pan has such a high lip that it’s almost a tiny pot and sells for only $18.99. It’s a total dupe for the Our Place Mini Always Pan, which costs five times as much—five times!

I grabbed a gray pan, but I saw online that the pan comes in pink, blue, and black. It has a thoughtful design, like a hard plastic handle and an edge handle, making it easy to pick up with both hands. I would still use oven mitts if I put the pan in the oven. It also has a matching lid. 

It works on all types of cooking surfaces, including induction. It also has a ceramic nonstick coating, perfect for making sunny-side-up eggs and scrambled eggs. The ceramic nonstick surface ensures eggs slide out effortlessly without sticking or breaking.

I mostly use this for cooking eggs when I need to feed my growing teenage son quickly in the morning, especially if he has an exam that day because I try to feed him a lot of protein on those mornings. 

Since it’s deeper than a skillet, it’s also great for making Spanish tortillas and Italian frittatas. I also like sautéing veggies for a side dish, like mushrooms and onions for burgers. Its small size makes it ideal for frying up one or two burgers or one or two chicken breasts.

While the pan is oven-safe up to 300°F, I usually avoid putting it in the oven to preserve its nonstick coating and handle. It’s best for stovetop use, where it truly shines.

Cleaning this pan is a breeze. The ceramic nonstick coating cleans up in seconds with just a quick rinse—no scrubbing required—which is especially helpful when you’re short on time or washing by hand.

The Crofton Mini Awesome Pan has quickly earned its spot in my daily rotation. Between the smart design, nonstick performance, and budget-friendly price, it’s hard to beat. Whether scrambling eggs, searing a quick protein, or sautéing vegetables, this little pan delivers way more than its size suggests.

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