If you don't have le creuset what do you casserole with?

[Flickoffboris]

Please stop me going down a rabbit hole here and remortgaging the house for the le creuset (which looks far too heavy, I'd break a bloody toe I expect).

I was tempted by an aluminium casserole dish like this one maybe
www.marksandspencer.com/cast-aluminium-5l-casserole-dish/p/hbp60108495?color=IVORY#intid=prodColourId-60187306

Or a cast iron one like this
www.vonhaus.com/vh_en/4-5l-cast-iron-casserole-dish

I've an induction hob. I've realised that my slow cooker just churns out joyless gruel and I want to slow cook properly.

Any tips gratefully received.

A Pyrex one with a lid. And also an Aldi copy of Le Creuset which is great.

I had a le creuset until my prick who doesn't cook XH took it when he left. I replaced it with a Sainsbury's one and really can't tell the difference, cooking wise.

I wanted to get the smaller Sainsbury's one but it seems they've changed them, they're now round (mines oval) and the lid handle is different

Sainsburys cast iron casserole dish. I got it for £26 I think and it's fab - no different to a Le Creuset tbh.

I've had le crusset and gave them away, I got peeved with cleaning them and nearly breaking a wrist lifting them. I love the look but my Spanish terracotta sets are equally,if not as good. They look fab, I had an in inherited staking orange set but I don't miss them from a practically POV.

I have a le creuset given to me many years ago by my MIL who insisted that it was a kitchen essential. she is now using a Sainsburys copy and says that she can't tell the difference. I like the look of.the john lewis ones!

Le Creuset has to be the winner every time plus they last at least 20 years. I have tried many other cheaper versions and they are just such a waste of money, they just don’t seem to cook in the same way, don’t last and can be hell to clean, Denby probably the worst. I use the wide shallow one a lot as well as the casserole.

There are deals to be had online, good discount here - www.dissironworks.co.uk/le-creuset/?v=79cba1185463 plus 15% off for January.

Crikey the Aldi set at £55 for 3 pieces is amazing value, looks like I just missed it though!
Will have a look round Sainsburys when they've unchained the non essentials bit.

Hello OP

Denby do a great cast iron range - high quality and you can find it in the sales

I paid £60 for the larger size - a gift for DMIN

I also like the Sainsbury's ones - however the paint does wear after a few years and the knob on the top of mine came loose.

I have a le creuset that I bought at 19 - I'm not mad I just love cooking! I'm 32 now and it's still being used at least once a week usually more. The base has a lovely patina and it just gets better and better. I'm pretty much expecting it to last my lifetime!

Pyrex with a lid here like many others

I inherited a lot of old Le Crueset from the family home when my mum downsized. It gets a lot of use from me and I suspect it will be passed on to my children - so it's very durable and well worth investing in.

I use a le Creuset and a John Lewis version

One isn’t better than the other

Both have life time warranties (le Creuset replaced my last one free of charge)

I use them probably 4-5 times a week maybe more

Proper laughing at 'casserole' as a verb! 😂

I use a stainless steel pan that works on the hob and in the oven. Absoultely love it. Recently bought a saute pan in the same range to cook braised steak etc

Why not save up and treat yourself to the le cresset if it lasts years

@Jetatyeovilaerodrome

Proper laughing at 'casserole' as a verb! 😂

Me too. 😂

I have a fake le creuset and use it weekly for chilli, Bolognese, soup, curry, stews etc.

However, I still lust after it's hotter, older brother AKA A real le creuset

I use a large cast iron casserole which I bought from Denby many years ago. It now looks credibly well-used and battered, and it does exactly the same job as a Le Creuset, but it cost a fraction of the price.

A pirex dish with a lid if going in the oven but mostly the slow cooker.

I've got the sainsburys version of le creuset - the huge pot is only about £30. I use it nearly every day and bought it in 2014. I will need a new one soon, but only because my husband used something very abrasive to clean it and its affected the enamel.

I’m usually such a snob when it comes to cookware but I honestly don’t find le creuset worth the money! We bought an Aldi one for £25 a few years ago and it’s been brilliant!

Whatever you get don't get non-stick as you won't get a decent Maillard reaction which is the key to oven cooked vs slow cooker flavour.

I like the weight and solidity of cast iron, and Le Creuset stuff does clean up really well.

We have Le Creuset and Sainsbury's - both good.

I have my mothers Pyrex casserole bought with green shield stamps. The kids think it's a museum piece.. it is 57years old and not remotely trendy . Nor 'heavy' bug has spend 30 years in a coal fired Rayburn.. 10 years in a gas oven and 17 in an electric. It turns out fabulous casseroles...

You don't 'need' anything posh. You just need a pot with a lid that can withstand the heat.

Pyrex and lid, or a Lakeland pan I have

Pyrex, does the job, le creuset is for ala ponce cooking

Aga. It's metal (not sure what type) but goes on the hob, or the oven.