How to Choose the Perfect Casserole Pot for Your Cooking Needs

A solid casserole pot is a kitchen essential. From slow-cooked lamb, to bolognese, to pasta bakes, soups, risottos, and everything in between, a casserole pot can handle it all. 

But if you’re in the market for one, it’s easy to get stuck. Big? Small? Round? Shallow? Cast iron or ceramic? The options can be a bit much. So here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one for how you actually cook (not how the internet thinks you do).

Start with the Size of Your Casserole Pot 

This one matters more than people think. If your pot’s too small, it’s frustrating. Too big, and it feels like overkill. Think about how many people you usually cook for (and if you like leftovers).

• Cooking for one or two? A smaller pot (around 2–3L) is perfect for sauces, grains, or small stews.
• Feeding a family or doing some light meal prep? Go for something mid-range (3.5–4.5L).
• Cooking big roasts or batch meals? You’ll want a larger pot (5L and up).

Choose the size that suits your kitchen routine – not just your biggest recipe.

What Are You Actually Cooking?

This is where it gets personal. If you love slow-cooked, saucy dishes (think stews, curries, bakes) you’ll want something deep, with a snug-fitting lid. If you’re into roasted veg, crisp-topped pastas, paella, or anything where a bit of surface area helps, a wider, shallower pot is going to make more sense.

The Shallow Casserole Dutch Oven is a bit of an unsung hero. It’s ideal for risottos, creamy bakes, even shallow-fried schnitzel. It cooks evenly, cleans up easily, and looks good on the table too.

If you’re more of a slow-and-low kind of cook, a deeper shape like the Oval Casserole Pot or Classic Round Dutch Oven is a good bet. It holds moisture well and gives you room to layer flavours.

Pick a Casserole Pot Material That Suits Your Style

There are plenty of materials out there, but when it comes to casserole pots that actually hold their own in the kitchen, cast iron is hard to beat. It’s sturdy, reliable, and built to go the distance.

Crumble’s cast iron casserole pots are designed to be as practical as they are beautiful. They hold heat evenly, work across all cooktops (including induction), and transition seamlessly from stove to oven. The enamel coating means there’s no need for seasoning, and the surface just gets better with time – especially when used with a little butter or oil.

That said, if you’re after something lighter for everyday cooking, a ceramic casserole pot is a solid choice. It’s naturally non-stick, easy to handle and still oven-safe – a great choice for midweek bakes and easy clean-up.

Other materials might be lighter or cheaper, but they usually don’t last as long or perform as well under high heat. If you want a pot that can do slow braises, bubbling pasta bakes, or golden-roasted veg – and then come back the next day for more – cast iron is where it’s at.

Crumble’s cast iron cookware is made to last!

Make Sure It Works with Your Setup

Sounds obvious, but it’s worth checking – some cookware doesn’t play nice with all stovetops or oven temps. All of Crumble’s cookware (including casserole pots) is safe on gas, electric, ceramic and induction, and oven-safe up to 350°C. That means you can sear on the stove, bake in the oven, and bring it straight to the table, without switching cookware halfway through.

Choose Something You’ll Want to Use Often

If it’s too heavy to lift or too annoying to clean, you won’t use it. Look for wide handles, smooth enamel, and cookware that’s actually enjoyable to cook with. Bonus points if it looks good enough to leave out on the stove (and Crumble pots absolutely do).

Whether you’re cooking dinner for two or prepping Sunday lunch for eight, the right pot should feel like it fits into your kitchen.

The best casserole pots do more than one thing (and look great doing it).

It’s About What Works for You

There’s no single “perfect casserole pot.” What matters is what you cook, how you like to cook it, and what’s going to make your life easier. At the end of the day, it’s important to pick one you’ll actually enjoy using. 

If you're ready to find your go-to casserole pot, shop the Crumble Casserole Pots range.