Set a reminder to head to the middle aisle of the affordable supermarket this time next week to pick up its best-selling Aldi cast iron cookware collection. The desirable cast iron cookware starting from just £12.99, arrives in store next Thursday.
While there's no denying that the iconic French brand Le Creuset is the crème de la crème when it comes to cast iron cookware it is expensive, and even if you find the best Black Friday Le Creuset deals it'll be hard to beat Aldi's affordable prices.
Aldi's cast iron collection features various-sized casserole dishes, cast iron skillets and ceramic roasters to cover every conceivable recipe you could wish to cook.
The fantastically affordable collection returns to stores next Thursday 21st November, just in time for Christmas gifting and entertaining.
Aldi's Cast Iron cookware is back
Aldi's cast iron cookware range is made by the brand Kirkton House, like much of their respected cookware. The cheapest item in the collection is a skillet pan which is £12.99, with the most expensive being a casserole dish priced at £24.99.
The sellout collection of cast iron cookware is returning with two new shades of Green and Orange. These two need seasonal additions are being added alongside the return of a sell-out blue that we saw in stores this time last year.
Compare the Aldi Specialbuys Cast Iron 31cm Casserole Dish priced at £24.99 to the best-selling and frankly iconic Le Creuset 30cm Casserole Dish which is £399 – that's a saving of £374. This range makes the wonder of cooking with cast iron available to all budding chefs on all budgets.
Here are Aldi's cast iron cookware credentials...
- The full range is oven-safe up to 250°C
- Suitable for all hobs including induction
- Enamel coated on both interior and exterior
- Available in Green, Orange and Midnight Blue
Sadly you can't buy directly from Aldi online, but we have found similar budget versions below...
RRP: £399 | There's no disputing that the Le Creuset best-selling original round casserole is the dream for any chef, but at the top end of the budget it's not an affordable option for all.
RRP: Was £79.99 Now £31.99 | Slight smaller in size, but hugely significant in price. This budget option at Robert Dyas is even in the same volcanic orange colour as the famous Le Creuset dishes.
RRP: £35 | That price is not a sale price, it is what it is – incredible everyday value. This incredible cast iron casserole dish is less than 10% of the price of the most expensive version. It is still more costly than Aldi's Cast Iron Cookware, but it's a happy compromise if you can't your hands on one in the middle aisle.
We're not saying Aldi or other budget buys can compare to Le Creuset in terms of status but I can personally vouch for how good the alternatives can be in terms of quality, especially the Aldi cast iron cookware. I was lucky enough to snap up a selection of the best-selling cookware a few seasons ago when it first greeted the middle aisle.
My supermarket cast iron cookware collection comprises an Aldi Shallow Casserole Dish in Matt Black; and an Aldi 26cm Cast Iron Casserole Dish for cooking hearty casserole dishes and delicious stews. Both are in the Matt Black option.
While the on-trend new Le Creuset colours can't be rivalled, because there are so many of them, we must say Aldi's 'Midnight Blue' casserole dishes with copper handles are pretty chic to add a make a kitchen look more expensive when displayed on the hob.
Being out on display is a very probable outcome, I say this because both my own Aldi casseroles and Le Creuset saucepans all live on the hob because I use them daily and they are too heavy to keep lifting in and out of the cupboard.
Woman&home's deputy food editor Rose Fooks is a big fan of cast iron cookware: "The best thing about cast iron is its versatility. A cast iron pan will work on all hobs, including induction, and can be used in the oven too. They distribute the heat evenly so are great for cooking pretty much everything from steak to stew, and are certainly elegant enough to serve from at the table."
"After versatility comes durability, treat it right and a cast iron pan will last a lifetime," says Rose. "Although traditionally a commitment cost-wise, brands such as Aldi are making owning cast iron cookware much more affordable."
Wherever you buy your cast iron cookware one essential element for preserving cast iron is upholding the right cleaning and aftercare. From cleaning by hand for added care to seeking suitable pots and pan storage ideas to keep the heavy material safe and sound.
