Le Creuset, the premium French cookware brand, has been producing its iconic enamel cast-iron pans for nearly 100 years. You'll have seen them on many TV cookery shows, and Nigella Lawson told the New York Post in 2018 that she has “a particular fondness for Le Creuset enamel cast-iron cookware” - it's no surprise that we covet their signature casserole dish.
Having a casserole dish that can be used on the hob and transferred to the oven is practical and useful when you're cooking for a large family or crowd; they're great for one-pot recipes and stews.
The smallest Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Casserole dish is 18cm in diameter and comes in a range of pastel and bold colours, including the original volcanic orange.
Le Creuset dishes are investment pieces, but if you can’t justify the expense, we’ve found some alternatives:
Le Creuset Lookalikes
1 of 10ProCook Cast Iron Casserole Dish, 30cm
A consistent bestseller, this dish has a tough enamel coating that prevents rusting and is easy to clean. The chunky handles are easy to grip and it's also suitable for BBQs.
2 of 10House by John Lewis Cast Aluminium Non-Stick Round Casserole, Black
With two sizes to choose from (24cm and 28cm), this is a lightweight dish with a simple design for those who prefer a more minimalist look in the kitchen. Aluminium allows for better heat distribution so you can ensure an evenly cooked meal.
3 of 10M&S Cast Aluminium 5L Casserole Dish
Ideally for a hungry family, this cast aluminium dish is available in five shades – teal, ivory, pistachio, charcoal and red – one to suit every kitchen interior. A big plus is that it can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning and is stylish enough to grace the table at a dinner party.
4 of 10Denby Pavilion Cast Iron 28cm Oval Casserole
Denby is a world-famous British brand renowned for its quality stoneware. It's been making pottery since 1809 and as the company has grown so has its range. This cast iron casserole is ideal for slow-cooking and there's four colours to choose from – Natural Canvas, Halo, Pavilion & Pomegranate.
5 of 10MasterClass Shallow Casserole Dish with Lid
This one is more shallow, so suitable for a small stew or perhaps an oven-baked risotto dish.
6 of 10STAUB Pumpkin Cocotte Cast Iron Casserole
As if a Le Creuset-type casserole wasn't enough, this is shaped like a pumpkin - perfect for Autumn stews and dishes to warm the soul. Yes, it's a tad pricey, but this will last you a lifetime and is certainly a talking point for your dining table centrepiece. It comes with a 30-year guarantee. (If you don't fancy a pumpkin, there's a cherry version, too).
7 of 10VonShef 3.8L Casserole Dish
We like the funky pattern on the lid of this VonShef casserole. Includes a two-year warranty.
8 of 10Aldi Plum Cast Iron Casserole Dish 26cm
The internet went into a frenzy when Aldi dropped their latest version of a Le Creuset casserole, and there's no surprise - it's supremely affordable, looks great, and cooks up a storm. It comes in plum ochre with a cream interior.
9 of 10Berndes Round Casserole Dish with Lid, 20cm
It's made of enamel cast iron so is robust and can go both on the hob and in the oven. Berndes isn't a new company either – it's been making kitchenware since 1921.
10 of 10Le Creuset Signature Enamelled Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid
However, if you do want to invest in the real thing, here's the signature casserole dish from Le Creuset. It comes in a range of colours and sizes; this is the famous Volcanic colour in 27cm.