Can a Casserole Pot Replace Other Cookware in Your Kitchen?

A good casserole pot might just be the most underrated multitasker in your kitchen. Sure, it’s known for winter goodies like slow-cooked stews, ragus, Sunday roasts… but that’s only scratching the surface. The right casserole pot (with the right features) can step in for everything from frying pans to baking dishes, and even replace a few bits you probably don’t use as much as you thought you would.

So if you're short on storage space or just like the idea of fewer, better tools, here’s a closer look at what a casserole pot can actually do (and whether it could become your new go-to for more than just the classics). 

It’s a Frypan (In Disguise)

Hear us out. If you’ve got a shallow cast iron casserole, you’re already halfway to owning a heavy-duty frypan. These pots have wide bases, high enough walls to stop splatter, and excellent heat retention, which means they’re perfect for searing steaks, sautéing veggies, or even frying schnitzel. No flimsy frypan here – just solid, even heat that holds its own on gas, induction or ceramic cooktops.

A shallow casserole gives you plenty of surface area for browning, frying and crisping up dinner without needing a separate frypan.

It’s Also Your Baking Dish

From creamy mac and cheese to baked risottos and shepherd’s pie, your casserole pot is right at home in the oven. Because Crumble’s cast iron range is oven-safe up to 350°C, you can prep on the stove and finish in the oven without switching dishes or creating more mess.

It’s also brilliant for things like focaccia, cinnamon scrolls, or even upside-down cakes if you’re feeling a little adventurous. Bonus: the pot keeps things warm for longer once it’s out of the oven, so it’s ready to serve straight to the table.

Forget Your Slow Cooker

If you already own a cast iron casserole pot, you don’t need a bulky slow cooker taking up space in the pantry. Cast iron holds heat like a champ, which means it’s ideal for low-and-slow cooking on the stove or in the oven. Whether you’re doing an eight-hour lamb shoulder or letting a curry bubble away on a Sunday arvo, you’re not missing out on anything.

Plus, you’ll actually get better browning than you would in an electric slow cooker. That means more flavour, less washing up, and fewer appliances cluttering your bench.

It Doubles as a Serving Dish

Let’s be real – most of us don’t want to transfer everything to a fancy bowl before dinner. One of the best things about Crumble’s casserole pots is that they look good enough to serve from. Whether you’re having mates over or just plating up something simple at home, a good casserole pot makes the food feel a bit more special. Fewer dishes. More compliments.

Oven-to-table style made easy – Crumble’s casserole pots look just as good on the table as they do on the stove.

It Can Handle (Almost) Everything

Okay, it’s probably not going to replace your wok or stockpot. But it absolutely can replace:

• Baking trays (for one-pan dinners)
• Frypans (especially for shallow fry or searing)
• Slow cookers
• Roasting dishes
• Even your pasta pot

And the best bit? One piece of cookware that handles all that means less clutter, fewer mismatched lids, and one less drawer that’s impossible to close.

It’s One Pot With Many Possibilities

With the right shape and build, a casserole pot is one of the most versatile things you can own, especially if you’re trying to simplify your kitchen setup or invest in cookware that’ll last.

If you're looking for something that covers all the bases – from frying and roasting to baking and slow-cooking – Crumble’s range of casserole pots is a great place to start.

Explore the casserole pot collection and see what one pot can do.