FOR home cooks who aspire to own Le Creuset but lack the funds to buy, I’ve found a fab dupe from a high-street retailer.
This cast iron pan is on sale at Robert Dyas for just £31.99, so you’ll be able to fulfil your champagne tastes with just beer money.
Robert Dyas 26cm Cast Iron Casserole Pan, £79.99 £31.99
The 26cm casserole pan is currently selling for £31.99 in the brand’s Black Friday sale, which is less than half its original price.
It’s suitable for use on electric, induction, ceramic, solid hotplate, halogen rings and gas stoves.
You can even safely pop it in the oven as the handle on the lid is made from stainless steel.
It’s ideal for cooking soup, casseroles, stews, and even bread and it should last years.
(I can vouch for the longevity of cast iron pans in general – I still use the one I bought while living in Paris almost 35 years ago.)
It’s heavy because it’s made of cast iron, but there’s something satisfying about its weight.
What’s even more satisfying is it looks the same as the Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole but comes in at a whopping £307 less for the same size.
Honestly, can you see much of a difference between the two? I can’t.
And like the Le Creuset version, this dupe comes in a range of sizes, including 22cm and 24cm, which are great if you’re cooking for fewer people, and this 30cm shallow version.
They’re all included in the Robert Dyas Black Friday sale which is already underway and they have to be some of the best Black Friday deals we’ve seen so far this year.
We compare the specs of the Robert Dyas dupe of the classic Le Creuset cookware - here's how they stack up against each other:
Robert Dyas 26cm Cast Iron Casserole Pan, £79.99 £31.99 – shop here
Robert Dyas customers are certainly impressed with the dupe.
“These have transformed my kitchen! They’re so beautiful and easy to clean,” said one happy shopper, declaring them a “must-have”.
The bread cooks beautifully in it because it is such a good heat retainer
Robert Dyas customer
Another fan who makes homemade bread in hers said: “I absolutely love this item.
“The bread cooks beautifully in it because it is such a good heat retainer.
“The colour is lovely too so it can be brought to the table to add some pizzazz to your dining experience.”
It costs far less than the more well-known make, which I have, and it seems to be just as good. Highly recommended
Robert Dyas customer
Another customer revealed: “I have bought this pan for two of my (grown-up) children and they both love it, using it for soups and particularly for overnight bread.
“It costs far less than the more well-known make, which I have, and it seems to be just as good. Highly recommended.”
There’s something about cast-iron pans, they speak of homeliness and wholesome food – and I love their real cook vibe.
I’m not a natural chef so welcome anything that lifts my culinary skills even a little.
For further pan inspiration, take a look at our Hexclad review and check out our shopping home hub for more ideas on kitting out your kitchen.
Sun Vouchers is your one-stop shop for every deal and discount code currently available from your favourite online retailers. Don’t click ‘buy’ until you’ve checked Sun Vouchers for a discount code to apply to your basket.
