Since the inception of Le Creuset in the early 20th century, the heritage French cookware brand has garnered a loyal following that spans generations, thanks to the heritage aspect of every durable kitchen accessory and stoneware vessel that it produces.
The brand offers a lifetime guarantee of its cast iron, professional hard anodised, toughened non-stick, bakeware products from the date of purchase for the lifetime of the original owner.
I went to a university with a posh cohort. One person I met proudly claimed the Le Creuset casserole dish in his student flat was older than he was. A bourgeois fact, perhaps, but representative of the incredible longevity that the brand promises.
Times are a-changing, however, and Le Creuset is becoming more than a go-to heritage brand for stocking up one’s kitchen and passing down to the next generation. There are Le Creuset collectors who switch out their crockery and cookware every month to enjoy the full rotation of their kaleidoscopic collection of colourful Creusets. Then there are the festive feasters who indulge in seasonal favourites like the Christmas casserole dish or the iconic pumpkin Dutch oven.
Which brings me to the reason you probably landed on this article. Sitting at a pricey £289, the uniquely whimsical cooking vessel isn’t exactly the kind of pot you use every day – unless autumnal spookiness is a 365-day way of life for you. This makes investing in one a relatively difficult decision for some.
To take away any semblance of buyer’s remorse, I’ve curated a selection of value-for-money alternatives.
If you’re not a Le Creuset purist, keep scrolling for some fantastic, suitably spooky and autumnal pumpkin-themed cookware.
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Smith & Clark Brown Pumpkin Dutch Oven Cast Iron Roaster
A go-to destination for chic, kitschy and value-for-money kitchenware, TK Maxx is often home to hidden gems. This glorious pumpkin casserole dish by Smith & Clark sits at just under £30 and features a brown and burnt orange ombre design, as well as a lovely golden stem that doubles up as a lid handle.
Buy now £29.99, TK Maxx
STAUB Pumpkin Cocotte Cast Iron Casserole, 24cm, Cinnamon
Though not exactly a budget alternative to the Le Creuset pumpkin casserole dish, this is a fantastic, heritage choice. Bright orange, marvellously textured on the exterior (just like a real pumpkin) and complete with a hardy cast iron interior, it’ll bring joy, whimsy and practicality to your autumn meals.
STAUB suggests washing and drying thoroughly before use and applying vegetable oil to the dish to enhance the enamel properties. You should also heat or cool the dish gradually to avoid thermal shock.
Buy now £255.20, John Lewis
Anthropologie Speckled Stoneware Pumpkin Cocotte
A neutral take on a classic stoneware cocotte, this sweet little dish is perfect for housing dips, single servings of soups and stews and even desserts. I love the speckled glaze finish, and the practical handles on either side.
Buy now £16.00, Anthropologie
Emma Bridgewater Halloween Toast Large Enamel Cooking Pot
Though not pumpkin-shaped, this cauldron-esque cooking pot from Emma Bridgewater is suitably autumnal. Crafted from porcelain enamel with two extra-large handles on either side, the lidded cooking pot is larger than its pumpkin counterparts and is brilliant for cooking up hearty stews and warming winter meals.
Buy now £55.00, Emma Bridgewater
Argos Home 2.1 Litre Stoneware Pumpkin Casserole Dish-Orange
Stock up on these serving dishes for your seasonal potlucks. Perfect for soups and chillis, your guests will delight in such a whimsical display. With a 2.L litre capacity, the dish is perfect for housing plenty of portions at a time, and can even be used to display salads and crudites.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
Generic 3.7L Enamel Pot with Lid
Purple is an oft-forgotten Halloween-y hue which suits slightly more feminine yet spooky aesthetic. This multi-purpose casserole dish from an Amazon-favourite brand called Generic, it’s crafted from premium ceramic enamel and is compatible with all hob types. As it’s a Dutch oven, you can even bake festive sourdough in it.
Buy now £158.99, Amazon
Le Creuset Signature Garnet Cast Iron 24cm Pumpkin Casserole
We know, this was supposed to be a round-up of Le Creuset alternatives, but I’d be remiss not to alert you to the delightful newer garnet hue of the heritage French cookware house’s iconic pumpkin casserole dish.
Featuring a slightly golden, heat-resistant stainless steel knob with a delightful twisty finish – it’s set to be a stalwart on your autumn/winter feasting tables for decades to come.
Perfect for witchy cooks with a flair for the dramatic.
Buy now £289.00, Harts of Stur
Primark Pumpkin Shape Lidded Oval Ramekin
A remarkably good value option in a rather odd squash shape, I’ve had my head turned by this lidded ramekin from Primark. It’s microwave and oven-safe, making it suitable for easy baked dishes this season.
Buy now £8.00, Primark
