When it comes to choosing pots and pans, there are many factors to consider - and you can trust our guide to the best cast iron pots. From household size to the material - finding the ideal pot for your kitchen will help you take your culinary ventures to the next level. The cast iron pot is a versatile tool in the kitchen, suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. From simmering soups and stews to slow-cooking casseroles, its design ensures even heat distribution making it ideal for making crusty bread.
Cast iron as a material offers several advantages. Firstly, its excellent heat retention ensures that food stays warm for longer periods. Secondly, it provides consistent heat, reducing the chances of hot spots that can cause food to burn. You can even make a restaurant-style pizza with a cast iron skillet.
Best Cast Iron Pot At A Glance
• Best overall cast iron pot: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven – View on Amazon UK
• Best tried and tested cast iron pot: Salter Heritage Casserole Pot – View on Amazon UK
• Best cast iron pot for storage: Staub 3-pcs Pot set – View on Zwlling
With time and regular use, cast iron cookware can develop a natural non-stick surface, reducing the amount of oil or butter needed for cooking. Lastly, when cared for properly, cast iron pots are incredibly durable, often outlasting other types of saute pans or cookware.
Cast iron pots are available in a range of sizes to cater to different cooking needs, from small pots suitable for individual servings to larger ones ideal for family meals. Additionally, modern cast iron pots come in various colours to complement kitchen décor. Whether you prefer black or grey - or wish to add a pop of colour with red or blue, there's a cast iron pot to suit every aesthetic preference. Though not found in pan sets, a cast iron dish is a versatile piece of cookware that all foodies should have.
Best Cast Iron Pot
Best overall cast iron pot
Treat yourself to the Le Creuset Round Casserole Dish. Not only does it promise unmatched heat retention, but its enamel-coated finish ensures it's a breeze to clean. Whether you're whipping up a Sunday roast, a mid-week stew or freshly baked sourdough bread - this dish is available in a range of colours and sizes. Plus, with a lifetime guarantee, it's an investment that's sure to stand the test of time.
Customer review: "Used this a good few times, and it’s great, about half the weight of a similar one from a different brand."
Pros
- Popular cookware brand
- Unmatched heat retention.
- Enamel-coated, dishwasher-safe, and available in various sizes and colours.
- Covered by a lifetime guarantee.
- Huge range of colours and sizes
Cons
- Heavy
Dimensions: | Varying sizes |
Weight: | Varying sizes |
Diameter: | 5.5 Qt 7.25 Qt 18 cm 20 cm 22 cm 24 cm 26 cm 28 cm 30 cm |
- Tried and Tested by Piper Huxley:
"What a sturdy, reliable dish! This cast iron is durable, heavy and large. If you have a bigger family - or just have a larger household - and love to make one-pot dishes… this is the dish you should be considering. It's a great size and cooked my veggie stew with ease, locking in all those flavours. My meal was rich and tasty. This is a great casserole dish, perfect for an autumn or winter meal. From hob to oven, it's a star."
Best tried and tested cast iron pot
Tested
Enjoy family favourites with Salter's Cast Iron Collection. This Salter Heritage Casserole Pot is oven-safe up to 240 degrees and has a tough, enamel exterior. Plus, it's safe for an induction hob. Guaranteeing excellent heat retention, this dish from Salter is attractive, reliable and durable. This would be a great addition to your kitchen for any season. Perfect for experts and novice cooks alike, this casserole pot retains all the moisture and enhances flavour with the lid.
Customer review: "This pot is amazing! Quality build and used for slow cooking on the hob. It maintains a steady temperature and ensures an even cook. Very easy to clean (not used in the dishwasher)."
Pros
- Suitable for all hob types
- Oven safe with great heat retention
- Sturdy, robust and reliable
Cons
- Cast iron needs a little TLC
- Not dishwasher safe
Dimensions: | 24 x 24 x 10.5 cm |
Weight: | 5 kg |
Diameter: | 24 cm |
Best 25-year guarantee cast iron pot
www.procook.co.uk
ProCook brings to your kitchen a casserole dish that's as robust as it is pretty. Crafted from molten iron, it promises zero weak points. And with a 25-year guarantee, it's clear this dish is here for the long haul. It comes in six bright colours and various sizes too. Whether you're a novice or a frequent home chef, this dishwasher-safe beauty is set to elevate your culinary game.
Pros
- Made from molten iron
- Comes with a 25-year guarantee
- Six colours
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Enamel is not as strong as other more premium options
Dimensions: | 20cm/7.5in x 10cm |
Weight: | 3.8kg |
Diameter: | 20cm |
Best cast iron pot for storage
www.zwilling.com
Staub's 3-Piece Pot Set is ideal for space-saving. With pieces that nestle together seamlessly, it's perfect for kitchens where space is limited. While it's dishwasher-safe, a gentle hand wash will keep it looking pristine with rubberised bumpers that ensure your pots remain scratch-free, even during storage.
Customer review: "Bought to minimise storage space in the kitchen. Evident quality, looks built to endure. Expensive, but hopefully the eye-watering initial cost will prove it's worth over time!"
Pros
- Space-saving design that fits together
- Durable and dishwasher-safe
- Comes with rubberized bumpers for protection during storage.
- Two or three pieces
Cons
- Hand washing is still recommended
Dimensions: | 30 x 24 x 21cm |
Weight: | 10g |
Diameter: | n/a |
Best aesthetic cast iron pot
fromourplace.co.uk
This popular aesthetic set from Our Place will make cooking a real joy. For those days when you're cooking up a storm, the Our Place Perfect Pot is your go-to, with an enamelled finish that ensures cleaning up is simple. It comes with everything from silicone Hot Gripps to a Beechwood Scraper to a genius self-basting lid. It comes in size beautiful colours that will match your kitchen decor.
Customer review: "A beautiful pot: durable cast iron design, versatility, and oh so easy to clean. The pot's solid build and classic design make it a piece that I love leaving out on the stove, and look for excuses to cook with it. Its weight and sturdiness exude quality, and you can immediately feel the robustness of this kitchen staple as soon as you pick it up."
Pros
- Popular brand
- Large size, ideal for bulk cooking
- Includes a spoon rest on the pot
- Lifetime warranty
- Non-stick
Cons
- Heavy
- May be challenging to store in smaller kitchens.
Dimensions | 35.5 cm x 11.7 cm depth x 19.5 cm height (with lid) |
Weight | 5.2 L |
Diameter | 26.5 cm |
Best budget cast iron pot
This low-maintenance, ovenproof casserole dish from nuovva boasts a sleek enamel coating, eliminating the need for seasoning and ensuring effortless cleaning. Personalise your kitchen space by selecting from a vibrant palette of red, blue, grey, or green. Its superior heat retention allows for versatile cooking – from sealing meat juices on the hob to slow stewing in the oven. The classic design, complete with sturdy double handles and a matching lid too.
Customer review: "I love this pot and have used it many times already. I have cooked lamb, beef and chicken stews and they have all been delicious. I highly recommend it."
Pros
- Seven colours
- Heavy Duty and non-stick
- Great value
Cons
- Some worries about the durability of the knob on the lid
Dimensions: | 25.4 x 25.4 x 15.75 cm |
Weight: | 5.06 Kg |
Diameter: | 24cm |
Best cast iron pot for size range
This AmazonBasics Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven has been crafted from heavy-duty cast iron, it promises even heating and optimal cooking performance. The enamel finish ensures your food remains untainted, allowing you to marinate, cook, and store with ease. Oven-safe up to 204°C, it's versatile across all cooking surfaces, though caution is advised on glass or ceramic stovetops.
Customer review: "I couldn’t find the Le Creuset Version of this in these colours (the blues), so I figured I would give this a shot. So- it matches all my other le Creuset PERFECTLY. The lid even fits my pan. If the knob didn’t say Amazon basics, you’d never know the difference. I’ve cooked everything in this so far, slow roasted lamb, veggies, and stews. Yes, it does stain (as in the enamel does change color a bit), but considering I used all kinds of middle eastern spices, I’m not surprised- nor do I care."
Pros
- Many different sizes and colours
- Excellent budget option
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Max temp is 204 degrees
Capacity: | 4 L 5.6 L 5.67 l 6.9 l 6.9 L 7 L |
Weight: | Varying sizes |
Diameter: | Varying sizes |
Best shallow cast iron pan
www.johnlewis.com
Discover the versatility of the John Lewis Cast Iron Shallow Casserole, Ombre Green, perfect for traditional and modern kitchens alike. With excellent heat retention, it's ideal for stovetop simmering or oven roasting. The durable porcelain enamel exterior ensures easy cleaning, while the domed lid keeps meals succulent. Plus, it's suitable for all hobs, including induction, it's a kitchen essential.
Customer review: "This is very solid, well finished, and looks good. It works equally well on the hob, in the oven or under the grill (with the lid off, obviously!). The handles make it easy to take from the oven and carry to the table. The underside of the lid has multiple little nubs that help ensure that vapour drips evenly onto the food, rather than all at the perimeter. Well designed and well made."
Pros
- Robust, heat-retaining, durable porcelain cast iron
- Easy-clean interior prevents sticking and burning
- Suitable for use on all hobs, including induction
Cons
- Heavy
Dimensions: | H6 x W31 x D40cm; 3.5 L |
Weight: | 5.3 kg |
Diameter: | 31 cm |
Best cast iron pot for risotto
www.lecreuset.co.uk
Elevate your cooking with the Le Creuset Cast Iron Risotto Pot. Crafted with durability and style, this pot features a glass lid and phenolic knob, making it perfect for monitoring your culinary creations. With its versatile design and high-quality materials, it's a must-have for any kitchen enthusiast.
Pros
- Can make risotto but is versatile enough to accommodate other recipes
- The glass lid makes it easy to monitor the cooking process
- Shallow sidewalls and a broad surface facilitate stirring
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
Dimensions: | 31.2 x 25.2 x 12.9 cm; 3.1 L |
Weight: | Unspecified. |
Diameter: | 25 cm |
OUR VERDICT: Best Cast Iron Pot
When it comes to top-tier cast iron cookware, Le Creuset and Our Place stand out as one of the leaders in the industry. Le Creuset is one of the most well-known cookware brands with unmatched craftsmanship and offers pots that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally impressive.
Our Place brings a modern touch to the traditional cast iron pot. Their Always Pan, with its heat guards and versatile design, is a testament to innovation meeting functionality. It's suitable for a range of cooking methods and is a perfect blend of style and substance. You can find our full review of the Our Place pan here.
FAQs
Why is cast iron preferred for cooking?
Cast iron offers superior heat retention and even distribution, ensuring consistent cooking. Over time, with proper care, it can also develop a natural non-stick surface.
How do I maintain my cast iron pot?
It's essential to clean the pot after each use with mild soap and water. Avoid soaking it for extended periods. After washing, dry it thoroughly and lightly coat the surface with cooking oil to prevent rusting.
Can I use my cast iron pot on any stovetop?
Yes, cast iron pots are versatile and can be used on various stovetops, including gas and electric. Though induction-friendly cookware can be a little more tricky to find, some of our picks are suitable. However, care should be taken on glass or ceramic stovetops to prevent scratching.
How often should I season my cast iron pot?
If you're using your pot regularly and following proper cleaning procedures, you'll only need to season it occasionally. However, if you notice food sticking or a dull appearance, it might be time for a re-seasoning.
Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.