A good cast iron oval casserole dish is a quick way to make the kind of significant comfort meal that everyone enjoys. A best casserole dish always helps you to achieve the desired results without too much sticking or burning, whether you’re slow cooking and grilling quickly.
Casserole dishes can be expensive, so before making a purchase you should know about all important factors. It would be a bonus if you should go for one that works on a hob and stove both. Now let’s move towards the list of some of the best cast iron oval casserole dishes that we’ve compiled after having done a proper research through online customers reviews.
1-Lodge EC7OD13 Enameled Cast Iron Oval Dutch Oven
The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a classic way to both prepare and serve outstanding meals, with a perfect balance of form and function. Cooking, marinating, refrigeration, and freezing are all possible with this 7-quart enamel Dutch oven. Individual sand molds are used to cast the cookware, which is then covered with numerous porcelain layers.
The Lodge 7-Quart Oval Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven is a very versatile piece of cookware and is sure to become a fixture in your kitchen. This large capacity Dutch oven is great for preparing soup stock, chili, jambalaya, and more. It’s also perfect for slow-cooking, braising, and roasting meats and vegetables.
The durable porcelain enamel finish will last for years to come. This Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven features self-basting lids with loop handles that make it easy to transport from your stovetop to the oven or table. The colorful exterior adds flair to any kitchen decor.
Pros
- Knob and loop handles made of stainless steel providing excellent control.
- Ingredients will not react to the smooth glass surface.
- Heat retention that is unrivaled
- Induction cooktops are ideal.
Cons
- Needs to keep clean
2-Cuisinart 7 Qt Oval Casserole
There are some more advantages of enameled coating such as its inside coating prevents from absorbing and altering the flavor of your food. It Has so many pretty colors as well as it is perfect for cooking, serving and entertaining.
The Cuisinart casserole is safe for the oven, boiler, and stovetop. The food comes out easily and we can easily clean up. The only disadvantage of this product is that it carries a little bit high in weight and it’s handles retain heat after some time due to being small.
Pros:
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Fully porcelain enameled coating
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Heavy
3-Staub Cast Iron 12.5″ x 9″ Oval Baking Dish
This small one fits into the toaster oven, and it can be used for all sorts of dishes that require that hot searing cast iron magic.
Pros:
- Finish type is Matte enameled
- Elegant design
- Dishwasher-friendly
Cons:
- Some purchasers complained about its small size unlike the product description.
4-Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Casserole
The next product in our list is Le Creuset enameled casserole, its handles are 45 percent bigger, providing a secure grip even when using oven mitts. Le Creuset casserole is made of high-quality material that holds heat and distributes it evenly.
Ceramic hobs, electric hobs, gas hobs, grills, oven safe, and induction hobs are all available as heat sources. An improved sand-colored inner enamel with increased wear resistance. Its exterior enamel is a vibrant, long-lasting color that resists chipping and breaking.
Pros:
- Built-in stabilizer.
- Excellent quality
Cons:
- highly costly
5-Klee Enameled Cast Iron Pan | Oval Casserole Dish Set of 3
Because enameled cast iron cookware can handle both acidic and alkaline foods, you can marinade meals before cooking and keep leftovers in the fridge. So, you can prepare, cook, and serve meals all in the same dish, this oval baking plates soaring gracefully between the refrigerator, stove, oven, and table.
Pros
- Up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit oven safe
- Acidic and alkaline foods resistant
Cons
- Heavy
Important factors you should know
Size:
This is probably the most important factor because it determines whether or not you will be able to use your casserole dish. For example, if you have a small oven, then you should try to find a smaller size.
Size varies according to your requirements. The ideal/standard size of a casserole dish are 9.5 ” (25cm), 11″ (27cm) and 29cm. Moreover, it comes in market with more other sizes.
Capacity
Another most important factor is the capacity. 4 liter is the best capacity that is suitable for all kind of stuff. Larger casserole plates are also available, allowing you to feed up to four people or store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Lid
Most casserole dishes come with lids, but some are sold separately. Lids help trap moisture while cooking so that food doesn’t dry out too quickly.
Price
This is an important factor because it can dictate how much you will spend on your casserole dish. You should always consider how much you are willing to spend before making a purchase because this can help determine how expensive or cheap your casserole dish will be. If money isn’t an issue for you,
Additional Questions
What is the top-performing brand of casserole dish?
In my years of cooking and exploring various culinary styles, I have found that the best casserole dish is largely determined by the material it’s made of rather than the brand. However, some people swear by famous kitchenware brands like Le Creuset and Staub. These brands make top-notch cast iron cookware, known for their excellent heat retention and durability, which makes them perfect for casserole dishes. But remember, the best choice largely depends on your personal cooking style and preferences.
Is cast iron the superior material for a casserole dish?
Over my cooking journey, I’ve used casserole dishes made of various materials – stainless steel, copper, and my go-to, cast iron. I have found that due to its outstanding abilities to retain and evenly distribute heat, cast iron presents itself as the superior material. This makes it ideal for slow-cooked meals and surely set me up for some delightful dinners.
What’s the recommended size for a cast iron casserole?
As someone who often indulges in batch cooking for big dinner parties or the week ahead, size is crucial while picking a cast iron casserole. I usually advise my culinary enthusiast friends to go for sizes 24cm and above (like 26cm, 28cm, and 30cm). These sizes provide ample space for a variety of dishes, making your cooking process easier and more enjoyable.
What distinguishes between a cast iron casserole and a Dutch oven?
Given my lifelong experience with cooking, I have found some key differences between casseroles and Dutch ovens, despite their similar appearances. Typically, casseroles are more extensive and not as deep as Dutch ovens, which makes them ideal for, well, casseroles! They can be made of different materials like glass, ceramic, aluminum, and of course, cast iron – a favorite for Dutch ovens. Owing to their lighter weight, casseroles also tend to be easier to handle and clean, a feature much appreciated during the post-dinner cleanup!
