Best Casserole Dish Do You Really Need To Spend Hundreds On A Pot Or Will A Budget Buy Suffice? Ive Tested Dozens Of Dutch Ovens Over The Years To Bring You A Definitive Guide To The Best

Best Casserole Dish Do You Really Need To Spend Hundreds On A Pot Or Will A Budget Buy Suffice? Ive Tested Dozens Of Dutch Ovens Over The Years To Bring You A Definitive Guide To The Best
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When the cold weather hits, there’s nothing better than tucking into a big pot of something comforting – which is why a good casserole dish is, in my opinion, a kitchen essential.
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Even if you don’t use your dutch oven all year round, it’s still worth investing in a good one but do you really need to spend hundreds of pounds on the perfect pot?
As a one-pot cooking enthusiast, I have strong feelings about cookware. The best oven pot – needs to be easy to use, have good heat retention and most importantly, should stand the test of time.
Three casserole contenders for the best of the best – but did they all make the cut?
In general, a good casserole pot should have a heavy lid and solid base to keep the heat in. Cast iron is usually best for this – but I’ve also given a shout out to one of my favourite stainless steel pieces here.
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I’ve tested a multitude of casserole dishes over the years from and even for this guide, in order to find the very best for every kitchen. Whether you’re looking for the perfect wedding or Christmas gift or just need something robust for your own kitchen – these are top recommendations.
I’ve also listed my favourites below if you just want to click through and see for yourself, otherwise, continue scrolling for my reviews.
Best casserole dishes: Quick list
How we test
At the Daily Mail, we take product reviewing seriously. All of the products we test for our solo reviews and buying guides are put through a number of real-world tests for at least a week. We live with the products in our homes and use them as intended to give you the best overall picture of what they’re really like – both the good and the bad.
Does your lid have nodules to trap moisture?
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A good handle is essential for safety
I’ve been using casserole dishes for years but when it comes to testing – I’m looking at a few things. Is it made from a strong, sturdy material like cast iron or stainless steel? Is it deep enough for a proper big pot of stew or a joint of meat? Is it large enough for a family, or better suited to a couple? How well does it hold onto heat and is the heat well distributed?
I’ll also take into consideration value for money – how well does it perform against pricier or cheaper pots and can you spend less and still get a proper pot that will stand the test of time.
The best casserole dishes to buy right now
John Lewis Cast Iron Round Casserole
Product Specs
- MaterialCast iron/porcelain enamel
- Sizes available21cm, 24cm, 28cm
Review
This surprisingly affordable cast iron offering from John Lewis is, in my opinion, exceptional value for money. Not only does it look like a certain other popular brand over three times the price, it’s fantastic quality too.
The main body is fully cast iron, while the exterior shell is porcelain enamel, all non-toxic and non-stick. There are nodules on the inside of the lid – which fits well – for collecting and redistributing moisture back into the pod. I am a particularly big fan of handles too, which are easy to grab onto and make removing it from the oven a breeze.
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You can choose from three colours – ombre green, frost grey or blue and it comes in three sizes 21, 24 or 28cm.
Hexclad 4.7L stainless steel casserole dish
Product Specs
- MaterialStainless steel
- Sizes availableJust the one
Review
For fans of stainless steel, this gorgeous offering from HexClad is definitely an investment piece to consider. Though expensive, it’s made from lightweight stainless steel, meaning it’s about half the weight of a traditional cast iron dish.
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Weight aside, it’s also non stick and can be put in the dishwasher and if that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is oven safe up to 480 degrees, meaning you could even technically use it in a pizza oven.
What I value the most about this pot though, is that it can be used as a standard saucepan or cooking pot for pasta and risotto or used for searing meats.
Lifetime warranty, metal-utensil safe, dishwasher safe, induction-safe – well worth every penny.
ProCook Cast Iron Casserole Dish
Product Specs
- MaterialMolten iron/enamel
- Sizes availableMultiple
Review
I’ve been using this ProCook dish for a few years now and it’s still one of my favourites – mainly because it’s induction friendly, but also because I just love its matte black exterior. You don’t see many casserole dishes and dutch ovens in a matte finish, especially ones that are made from strong molten iron with a non-stick interior.
Like most dutch oven dishes, this has a self basting lid to help lock in moisture and is oven-safe up to 260 degrees celsius, making it ideal for those winter warmers. You do need to oil the rim as this part is uncoated but it takes just a few seconds – certainly not as time consuming as standard cast-iron.
With a 25 year guarantee as well, you know it’s going to last.
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M&S Cast Iron Casserole Dish
Product Specs
- MaterialCast iron/ceramic
- Sizes availableJust the one – 14cm
Review
Although I love my ProCook pot, I have to say that this charming compact casserole dish from M&S won me over. Ignore the single bad review on the site – it’s from someone who thought it was a large dish. Instead, consider this – at 14cm it’s the perfect little cast iron pot for yourself or you and a partner.
Not only is it an ideal size for smaller households, it’s gorgeous too. The non-stick deep green glaze is simply enchanting.
Will it last you as long as some of the others on this list?
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Perhaps not. But it is still cast iron and should last a good long while, what’s , it’s breathtakingly cheap at under £20 – go buy it now for yourself or as a gift, you won’t regret it.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Round Casserole
Product Specs
- MaterialCast iron/enamel
- Sizes availableMultiple
Review
It’s a classic for a reason. The original and the best cast iron casserole dish.
Available in colours than you could ever imagine, with even spin off shapes and sizes.This dish has five star reviews than anything I’ve ever seen and when you cook with it, you’ll know why. It has unparalleled heat retention, a strong, sturdy build despite being daily lightweight and a perfectly fitting lid.
It’s versatile, it’s fabulous to look at and of course it’s very expensive. Do you NEED to buy a Le Creuset to make the best stews and stocks? No, but if you can afford it, it’s the best there is.
It’s also dishwasher-safe, oven safe and induction-hob safe, it can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees celsius. Lifetime guarantee included.
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Aldi Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Product Specs
- MaterialCast iron/enamel
- Sizes available24cm, 26cm
Review
An in-store marvel that comes and goes. It’s hard to get your hands on it but the Aldi cast iron has been applauded for its price, versatility and its striking resemblance to a far pricier rival that might also be featured here.
This one comes in three colours and a couple of sizes. It feels sturdy, especially given the price and is made from cast iron with an enamel non-stick coating, much like the other classic dutch ovens on this list. Does it come with a long guarantee, no, is it an absolute bargain – of course it is.
They’re currently in store as I write this but I doubt they’ll hang around for long. If you can get your hands on one, then do.
It makes a great budget gift, too.
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Verdict
If you don’t want to spend £100s on a statement Le Creuset piece, I think the John Lewis cast iron casserole dish is the next best thing. It has a nice range of sizes and some really pretty colours – though not nearly as many as Le Creuset.
Those who want something that works for a modern kitchen should consider the ProCook can – it’s an obvious choice. Not only is it oven safe, b,t it’s induction-friendly too. meaning you can bake, simmer, roast and with it. In fact, the brand has a whole range of induction friendly cast iron.
My (well used) ProCook dish is one of my personal favourites
The petite M&S dish means that solo or two person homes don’t have to miss out on one of the best dishes of winter either – and as a bonus, it’s also quite affordable.
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Why trust us
Danielle is an experienced product tester, with seven years experience in the reviews space. She specialises in kitchen products and small appliances, and offers honest and impartial reviews and advice on everything she tests.
FAQs
Is ceramic or cast iron better for casserole dishes?
Ceramic and cast iron are both sturdy materials but when it comes to slow cooking and roasting – cast iron is usually best. It offers better heat retention and typically better heat distribution as a result. Ceramic is good if solid heat retention isn’t necessary or if you don’t like how heavy cast iron is.
There’s nothing better than a bold colour – this orange is a classic
Is ProCook as good as Le Creuset?
ProCook’s cast iron pots offer better value for money when compared to The Crucible but they’ll never quite match the distinct quality and diversity of Le Creuset’s pots. ProCook’s pots are made from molten iron and have an enamel coating inside and out – and are oven safe up to 260 degrees celsius, meaning you cert
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Author: uaetodaynews
Published on: 2025-11-21 18:15:00
Source: uaetodaynews.com


