Aldi has brought back its popular cast iron cookware range, with casserole dishes priced at £19.99 – a fraction of the cost of premium brands like Le Creuset, whose equivalent model sells for £305. The budget range, available in pink or blue, has been an annual release since at least 2015, but stocks are limited and sell out quickly.
Cast iron pots are prized for their even heat distribution and durability, making them a kitchen staple. Le Creuset, founded in 1925 in France, remains the gold standard, with its colourful enamel exteriors and hefty price tags. At a recent warehouse sale in Hampshire, police were called to manage queues of shoppers hoping for discounts.
In a comparison test, the Aldi pot performed similarly to a Le Creuset and an M&S casserole dish for most cooking tasks, though the lid fit was less snug, causing steam to escape and rice to cook less evenly. Despite this, the Aldi pot delivered good results for braising and slow cooking.
Chefs and home cooks alike praise cast iron for its versatility on all hob types, including induction. Sarit Packer of Honey & Co recommends braising a whole chicken with vegetables and wine in a medium oven for two hours.
While the Aldi pot lacks the prestige and perfect seal of a Le Creuset, its price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious cooks. At £19.99, it costs less than a tenth of the French brand's equivalent, leaving plenty of change for other kitchen essentials.
