Dating back to 1925, Le Creuset offers an enviable range of colourful, long-lasting cookware that’s earned cult status over the years. However, it’s no secret that the French cookware stalwart is pricy. So, naturally, when similar yet much more affordable versions of its popular designs become available, they’re hot property.
Supermarkets are a great shopping destination for budget-friendly versions of popular buys (Aldi, we’re looking at you). A case in point, Sainsbury’s casserole dishes from its homeware brand Habitat are, at first glance, extremely similar to Le Creuset’s. This is most notably thanks to the bright orange hue, reminiscent of Le Creuset’s iconic ‘flame’ colourway that it’s renowned for.
Despite their similarities, the price difference is striking: while Le Creuset’s 5.3l dish costs a whopping £355, Habitat’s 4.7l version is just £45, saving shoppers more than £300 without compromising on style. But we cannot attest to the quality of the supermarket’s design.
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Habitat 4.7l cast iron oval casserole dish, orange
For a fraction of the price of the original, Habitat’s 4.7l cast iron oval casserole dish boasts a very similar design, with a steel knob, orange colourway and circle detailing on the lid. Like Le Creuset’s dish, it’s made with enamelled cast iron and oven-safe up to 260C. It’s also suitable for different hob types, including induction.
However, as we haven't tested the dish, we can’t speak to how it compares in action. It’s also worth noting that the one-year guarantee doesn’t match up to Le Creuset’s lifetime guarantee. However, if you're looking for Le Creuset’s signature look at a (much) lower price tag, it’s certainly ticking a lot of boxes for less than £50.
Habitat 3.3l cast iron casserole dish, orange
If you’d like a slightly smaller casserole dish that can still hold ample portion sizes, then this 3.3l cast iron version may be a better option. Featuring a similar orange hue to Le Creuset’s‘flame’ colourway, it comes with two handles, a steel knob and plenty of cooking versatility, being suitable for different hob types, including induction.
Le Creuset cast iron round casserole dish
While pricey, Le Creuset’s cast iron round casserole pot is a tried-and-true favourite that will stand the test of time. As our tester Emma Henderson noted in her review, it’s “an heirloom product that can be passed down through generations, if you can afford it” and “really is an excellent addition to any kitchen and one that many, many chefs swear by”. Real-world testing confirmed it to be hard-wearing (Emma uses it often and it’s remained in good condition), while she also noted that the craftsmanship is clear, “with rounded edges and the brand's name moulded into the lid, something no other brand can do”.
For more options, read our review of Tom Kerridge’s M&S cookware range
