One of the biggest pros of cast-iron cookware is that it’s ideal for low, slow cooking. There’s no better culinary feeling than taking a round, hefty cast-iron pot off the stovetop or out of the oven, lifting the lid and seeing the bubbling goodness inside after a few hours of cooking away. It’s the pull-apart deliciousness of the meat and the steamy and aromatic smells that waft out that really must be repeated as often as humanly possible.
We love that a heavy-set cast iron pot can be loaded with basic ingredients and all it takes is a little heat, and a decent amount of time, to give unbelievably delicious results. It’s the best on cooler nights or just when you’ve got a group of hungry bellies to satisfy. We rounded up our picks of the best pots (cast iron and lighter alternatives) that are high on durability, with tight-fitting lids to keep the heat in and sturdy handles for easy lifting. They’re all absolutely gorgeous, too. Some are tweaked for modern convenience and others stay true to cast-iron cookware roots, but there’s sure to be one that screams your name.
Classic round Dutch oven in Violet, $359/26cm, Crumble
This traditional take on the casserole dish is as versatile as they come. It’s oven-safe and can be used to roast, braise, fry, bake and more. Made by the Melbourne brand Crumble, it’s a must-have for any Aussie home. With its easy-to-clean premium enamel coating, it’s no surprise it’s a bestseller. For an oval alternative that’s good value, try this one.
Smith & Nobel ‘Traditions’ cast iron casserole in Blue, $119.95/5L, Harris Scarfe
If you’re into slow cooking, this cast iron pot will be your new best friend. It’s durable and distributes heat evenly for food that’s tender and full of flavour. A winner in the oven, but also on the hobs, it’s a solid buy that’ll serve you well, whatever you’re cooking up in the kitchen. We’re also obsessed with this one in duck egg blue.
‘Fika’ induction stockpot with silicon rim glass lid in Pink, $256.95/22cm, Neoflam
As far as pots go, this one is on the lighter side. The die-cast aluminium body’s base is thick, walls are thin, and it has a glass lid with silicone rim. The effect is a modern vibe that’s easy to manoeuvre, but still delivers even heat distribution. You can use it with gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops and it has an Ecolon™ Natural Non-Stick Coating, which is touted as a healthier choice for non-stick cookware. For a classic cast-iron pot in a similar soft pink, check out this one.
The Cooks Collective ‘Olive’ round casserole with lid in Blue (5L), $159.95/26cm, Myer
A really beautiful classic cast-iron pot, this’ll be sure to make plenty of crowd-pleasing meals. With its lovely leaf design on the lid and that rich blue hue, it’ll become a family heirloom that’s ripe with foodie memories.
Baccarat ‘Le Connoisseur’ cast iron round French oven in Honey (6.3L), $339.99/29cm, MyHouse
Juicy, succulent meals are ahead in this heavyweight French oven. It has self-basting spikes inside the lid so it collects and directs moisture back into the dish. The thick body keeps all the precious heat in, while the generously-sized handles make it easier to heave from oven to bench to table. With that golden shade, it’s a definite centrepiece at any feast.
Sabor cast iron pot in Red, $345/9.5L, Royal Design
A reliable cast iron pot with a sturdy design that’s made to last. It’s sleek and simple with an extra-tall knob on top for swift and easy lifting. It works well with any type of cooktop, including induction, and is totally oven-proof. The Tomatec enamel coating will help it keep shining on and on for years to come. Another cast-iron enamel stewpot that gets a cook’s tick of approval is this one, (which also comes in black if you prefer something less loud).
Le Creuset ‘Signature’ oval casserole in Volcanic (3.2L), $520/25cm, Peter’s of Kensington
The oval shape of this casserole pot makes it excellent for longer cuts of meat. The lid fits tightly and has a heat-resistant stainless steel knob. Safe to use in the oven, under the grill and in the dishwasher, the enamel interior cleans like a dream. It’s a French-made dishy dream. You can also get it in the round version.
‘Featherweights’ casserole with lid in Smokey Sky Blue, $179.97 (usually$299.95) 28cm, GreenPan
Just like the ones from the ‘good old days’ but with a few buzzy updates. This pot has an aluminium body, making it conveniently half the weight of cast iron. It’s still super durable though, thanks to the Thermolon™ Infinity Professional ceramic non-stick coating. We’re predicting you’ll want it on high rotation. If you love sage, you’ll like this one.
Staub ‘Cocotte’ round cast iron pot in Basil Green (6.7L), $1095/28cm, Myer
A favourite among professionals, this is a typically-traditional offering from French brand Staub. Known for their fine cast iron cookware, this pot has all the hallmarks of a product that’ll last. The round design is crafted from enamelled cast iron, with a snugly-fitting lid and stainless steel knob. It has tiny bumps on the lid’s underside to continuously baste your food as it cooks. That deep green colour is luring us in, too.
