Savvy Starter Pans: Affordable Alternatives to Le Creuset
Affordable Cast Iron Casserole Dish Returns to Aldi Shelves: A Five-Year User Amplifies Its Superiority Over Other Available Models.
Rebecca Knight
With nearly a decade of experience under my belt, I've been writing about Aldi's homeware and kitchen drops for around 6 years now. Don't be surprised if you spot a few Aldi Specialbuys scattered throughout my home! While not every purchase has stood the test of time, my Aldi cast iron set, which I bought five years ago, is still going strong.
This weekend, the Aldi cast iron casserole dish is back in three new colors, including a warm grey, green, and blue. Priced at an incredible £20, I consider it one of the best budget cast iron cookware options out there – a solid contender even against Le Creuset.
The Aldi cast iron casserole dish and roasting pan remain popular choices, and have returned year after year, available separately in the latest trending colors.
If you're looking for an affordable Le Creuset alternative, the Aldi cast iron casserole dish stands out among the crowd. It's a whopping £280 cheaper than the iconic Le Creuset cast iron casserole, retailing at £305 at Le Creuset.
Over the past five years, I've had the opportunity to test a ProCook cast iron casserole dish (£55 at ProCook) and a Staub Pumpkin Shaped (£319 at John Lewis). Despite the significant price difference, I found it hard to distinguish their cooking capabilities from my trusty £20 Aldi version.
When it comes to differences, looks, durability, and size set the prized apart. While Aldi offers an assortment of new colorways, Le Creuset boasts a more extensive range, giving you a greater variety of choices. If you're stuck with an outdated color scheme like me, you might be itching to upgrade your Aldi set.
Aldi's cast iron casserole dish holds up well over time, but the enamel can acquire chips, dents, and dark cooking marks. For instance, my Staub casserole dish, which resides on the same shelf and endures the same wear and tear, remains pristine. Similar durability can be witnessed with my Mum's Le Creuset dish, which has outlived my young adulthood.
Another point to consider is size. If you expect the Aldi version to have the same capacity as the most popular 4.2-liter Le Creuset, you might be disappointed, as it only holds 4 liters. Although it's sufficient for a stew for three to four people, it's not well-suited for large serving quantities.
Despite a few drawbacks, the Aldi Dutch oven continues to be an exceptional value-for-money option. For £20, it serves as an excellent introduction to the world of cast iron pans. If you've been eyeing a cast iron pan for your collection, I recommend going for an affordable version like Aldi's first to see if you like it. Even though it may not match the quality of a £300 Le Creuset, it serves as a fantastic starting point, especially if you're on a tight budget.
For those unlucky enough not to have an Aldi nearby, don't worry. There are other affordable options available online, including Habitat's cast iron range and the slightly smaller ProCook dish. If Le Creuset is still your first choice, look into the more budget-friendly shallow casserole dish, which is considered the most versatile Le Creuset dish by our Kitchen Appliances editors.
Rebecca Knight
Rebecca Knight has been serving as Deputy Editor on the our platform website since 2022. She earned a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018 and began her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. After joining the our platform team in 2019 as a Digital Writer, she moved into the role of Homes News Editor, covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hacks to the next big interior trend.
Budget-Friendly Cast Iron Alternatives
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillets: With prices ranging from $20-$30, Lodge skillets offer robust durability and heat retention, making them a popular choice for searing and cooking various dishes. However, they require regular seasoning.
- Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillets: Priced at approximately $23, Cuisinel skillets are a cost-effective choice suitable for home cooks. Although the handles may be too small for some users, it's a good option for those seeking an affordable cast iron skillet.
- Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillets: Available for around $17, this budget cast iron skillet offers good performance at a decent price point. However, its design could be improved for greater comfort.
- Calphalon Cast Iron Skillets: These pre-seasoned skillets retail for around $50 and are easy to clean with sufficient non-stick performance. Although they are heavy and may exhibit uneven heating.
For an enameled cast iron alternative similar in style to Le Creuset, consider Caraway's Enameled Cast Iron for superior heat retention and non-toxic cookware options. Although it is not as affordable as the previously mentioned options, it provides a viable alternative to Le Creuset's enameled cast iron offerings.
The Aldi cast iron casserole dish, with its affordable price of £20, can serve as an excellent budget-friendly alternative to high-end interior-design brands like Le Creuset, especially for those looking to explore the home-and-garden world of cast iron cookware. If you're in search of an enameled cast iron option similar in style to Le Creuset, consider Caraway's Enameled Cast Iron for superior heat retention and non-toxic cookware options.
