Please recommend a good casserole pot/dish for hob and oven

[pepsi]

Today has really reminded me of autumn and it got me thinking about last year when I didnt do a single casserole. Anyway, I want to buy a good casserole dish that I can use on the hob as well to brown meat in. Ive always thought of buying a Le Cruset one.....are they any good. Ive got delias 10 best casserole recipes and Im determined to do one of them this year.

We use the Meyer range for casseroles, saucepans and frying pans.

LizS said a 20cm Le Creuset was big enough for a casserole for four people ... not in this house it isn't. It's possible that dp and I are very greedy but I tend to make casseroles for 2.5 in the 20cm one (the half being ds's portion which he invariably refuses to eat but that's another thread entirely). I have a 28cm one which is my all-purpose big pan and I'm saving up for a 24cm dish - which will do casseroles for four, I reckon.

I agree with Codswallop - get a whopper, probably a size bigger than you think you need.

My Le Crueset blue casserole dish arrived today, thanks for all advice. I had it out on the worktop all afternoon admiring it every time I passed by. Been shopping tonight and bought some braising steak for my first casserole tommrrow. Any advice/recipes before I start?

Another vote for Pyrex Pyroflam here. I've got a large rectangular lasagne dish and it's fab. I use it for loads of things. Must admit though, I would like one with a lid. Just going off to see if they do one

Another vote for le creuset - I buy individual ones when they are on special offer...consequently I have 4 different colours! Does anyone know where the le creuset factory outlets are?

Definitely Le Creuset. The bigger the better too. If it doesn't seem very full I cut out a circle of greaseproof and stick that on top - stops it drying out too much (hearty casseroles I mean).

saronne, I would suspect they are in France!

22cm round cocottes half price here and here though.

Despite being a Pyroflam-fan, I thought I would let you know that Fenwicks BX have le Creuset at various discounts until the end of the month.

I've got a gorgeous LeCreuset casserole, but it was a rather galling £100 ! We got it as a wedding present (from the wedding list).

Thanks for the info, JanH. Amazon's offer is great news 'specially the free p & p! (Yes, I, too, suspected the factory outlets were mainly in France, but there are a few dotted around the U.K.,as well!) .

Theres a really nice looking one in this months "good food" magazine and its half price-special offer. Not le creuset-metallic with glass lid.

I've got a gorgeous deep red Chassuer one - cheaper than LC and cheaper still when bought in TK Maxx