Set a reminder to head to the middle aisle of the affordable supermarket this Thursday, 19th March, to pick up its best-selling Aldi cast iron cookware collection. The desirable cast iron cookware is back in a range of refreshing pastel shades for spring.
Aldi's cast iron collection features new casserole dishes decorated with petal patterns and cast iron roasters to cover every conceivable recipe.
While there's no denying that the iconic French brand Le Creuset is the crème de la crème when it comes to cast iron cookware, it is expensive, and even if you find the best Le Creuset deals, it'll be hard to beat Aldi's affordable prices and their similar spring offerings.
Aldi's Cast Iron cookware is back: in 3 new 'petal' designs for spring
Aldi's cast-iron cookware range is made by Crofton, like much of its respected cookware. The cheapest item in the collection is the Cast Iron Roaster, which is £19.99, with the casserole dish priced at £24.99.
Compare the new Aldi Specialbuys Cast Iron Casserole Dish priced at £24.99 to the best-selling and frankly iconic 'In Bloom' Le Creuset Petal Casserole Dish, which is £309 – that's a saving of £284. This range makes the wonder of cooking with cast iron available to all budding chefs on all budgets.
The sellout cast-iron cookware collection is returning this week in three new spring shades: Lilac, Sage green and Grey.
Check out Aldi's cast iron cookware credentials...
- The full range is oven-safe up to 250°C (Approx.)
- Suitable for all hobs, including gas, halogen, electric, ceramic glass and induction
- Enamel coated on both the interior and exterior
- Available in Lilac, Sage Green & Grey (Looks more like beige to me)
- 5-year warranty
We're not saying Aldi or other budget buys can compare to Le Creuset in terms of status but I can personally vouch for how good the alternatives can be in terms of quality, especially the Aldi cast iron cookware. I was lucky enough to snap up a selection of the best-selling cookware a few seasons ago when it first greeted the middle aisle.
My supermarket cast iron cookware collection comprises an Aldi Shallow Casserole Dish in Matt Black; and an Aldi 26cm Cast Iron Casserole Dish for cooking hearty casserole dishes and delicious stews. Both are in the Matt Black option.
While the on-trend new Le Creuset colours can't be rivalled, because there are so many of them, we must say Aldi's 'Midnight Blue' casserole dishes with copper handles are pretty chic to add a make a kitchen look more expensive when displayed on the hob.
Being out on display is a very probable outcome. I say this because both my Aldi casseroles and Le Creuset saucepans all stay out on the hob because I use them daily and they are too heavy to keep lifting in and out of the cupboard.
While Le Creuset is worth it, affordable alternatives are always welcome. Sadly, you can't buy directly from Aldi online, but we have found similar budget versions below...
There's no disputing that the Le Creuset best-selling original round casserole is the dream for any chef, but at the top end of the budget, it's not an affordable option for all.
Slightly smaller in size, but hugely significant in price. This budget option at Robert Dyas is even in the same volcanic orange colour as the famous Le Creuset dishes.
That price is not a sale price, it is what it is – incredible everyday value. This incredible cast-iron casserole dish is less than 10% of the price of the most expensive version. It is still more costly than Aldi's Cast Iron Cookware, but it's a happy compromise if you can't get your hands on one in the middle aisle.
Woman&home's deputy food editor Rose Fooks is a big fan of cast iron cookware: "The best thing about cast iron is its versatility. A cast iron pan will work on all hobs, including induction, and can be used in the oven too. They distribute the heat evenly so are great for cooking pretty much everything from steak to stew, and are certainly elegant enough to serve from at the table."
"After versatility comes durability, treat it right and a cast iron pan will last a lifetime," says Rose. "Although traditionally a commitment cost-wise, brands such as Aldi are making owning cast iron cookware much more affordable."
Wherever you buy your cast iron cookware, one essential element for preserving cast iron is upholding the correct cleaning and aftercare.
From cleaning by hand for added care to seeking suitable pots and pans storage ideas to keep the heavy material safe and sound.
