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 plus the steamy and aromatic smells that waft out that really bear repeating 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 provide unbelievably delicious results. It’s the best on cooler nights or just when you’ve got a group of empty bellies to fill. 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 their cast-iron cookware roots, but there’s sure to be one that screams your name.
01
Classic round bundle in Pink Sand
$546 (usually $728), Crumble
Best for: The ultimate matching cast iron combo
Born in Melbourne, it’s Crumble’s mission to provide reliable, affordable cast iron cookware to home cooks. It’s also really pretty! This chic, colourful combo is a wonderful example of the economy a good buying bundle (including cute silicone mitts and a matching spatula!), plus the delicate petal tone and earthy matte finish will warm your soul and grace your stovetop all year round.
Sizes: Dutch Oven 26cm (5.2L) / Skillet 26cm
Colours: Pink Sand, Cream, Royal Blue, Midnight Grey
Materials: Cast iron, stainless steel knob
Key features:
- Bundle includes classic 26cm Dutch oven, 1 x 26cm classic skillet, 3 x silicone mitts, 1 x silicone spatula
- Suitable for all stovetops
- Oven safe up to 260 degrees
- Dishwasher friendly
- 30 Day Home Trial
01
Le Creuset cast iron oval casserole dish in Meringue Cream
$690, David Jones
Best for: Long cuts of meat
Large enough to roast a whole lamb of leg, this cast iron pot will serve you well over the years. It’s roomy enough for any roast, casserole or stew. It has an enamel finish, making it durable and easy to clean. Large handles make lifting the pot safe and simple.
Sizes: 4.7L
Colours: Meringue Cream, Cerise Red, Sage Green, Coastal Blue
Materials: Cast iron, stainless steel knob
Key features:
- Suitable for stovetop and oven use
- Ergonomic stainless steel knob
- Made in France
02
Le Creuset 4.2L signature round cast iron casserole dish in Red
$610, Myer
Best for: Timeless design
A really beautiful classic cast-iron pot, this is sure to make plenty of crowd-pleasing meals. In classic red, it’ll become a family heirloom that’s ripe with foodie memories. It’s ample in size, too, making it suitable for browning foods on the stovetop before simmering and braising.
Sizes: 4.2L
Colours: Red
Materials: Enamelled cast iron
Key features:
- Dishwasher-safe
- Suitable for stovetop and oven use
- Stain-resistant enamel interior
- Round shape
Best for: Solid construction
Juicy, succulent meals are ahead in this heavyweight French oven. 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 teal shade, it’s a definite centrepiece at any feast.
Sizes: 29cm/6.3L
Colours: Teal, Purple, Moss, Red, White, Black
Materials: Cast iron, double-layer enamel surface
Key features:
- Self-basting lid
- Round shape
- Easy-to-clean enamel interior
04
4.3L round cast iron Dutch oven
$179, Temple & Webster
Best for: Long-lasting quality
If you’re into slow cooking, this cast iron pot will be your new best friend. It’s built to last and distributes heat evenly for food that’s tender and full of flavour. A winner in the oven, but also on the stovetop, it’s a solid buy that’ll serve you well whatever you’re cooking up in the kitchen.
Sizes: 4.3L
Colours: White, Blue, Sage, Black
Materials: High-quality cast iron, enamel coating, brass-coated knob
Key features:
- Traditional Dutch design
- Suitable for stovetop and oven use
- Premium brass-coated knob
- Round shape
05
Made In round enameled cast iron Dutch oven in Harbour Blue
$405 (usually $500), Made In
Best for: Multitasking
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. Made in France, it gets the chef’s tick of approval.
Sizes: 24cm, 5.2L
Colours: Harbour Blue, Made In Red, Antique White, Ruby Red, Willow Green
Materials: Enameled cast iron, stainless steel knob
Key features:
- Suitable for stovetop and oven use
- Non-stick enamel interior coating
- Loop handles
06
24cm pre-seasoned non-stick cast iron Dutch oven
$59.95, MyDeal
Best for: Classic style
Just like the ones from the ‘good old days’, but with the added conveniences of being pre-seasoned and having a braiser lid. It’s designed for heat retention and even distribution for deliciously succulent results.
Sizes: 30cm x 24cm x 17cm
Colours: Black
Materials: Cast iron
Key features:
- Pre-seasoned
- Designed for optimum heat retention
- Sturdy handles
07
The Cooks Collective ID Pastels 5.9L cast iron casserole dish with lid in Mint
$79 (usually $169.95), Myer
Best for: Versatility
This traditional take on the casserole dish is as versatile as they come. It’s oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, super durable and suitable for all cooktops. With its easy-to-clean premium enamel coating, it’s no surprise that it’s a bestseller.
Sizes: 28cm/5.9L
Colours: Mint, Pink, Sky Blue
Materials: Enamel-coated cast iron
Key features:
- Designed in Australia
- Suitable for stovetop and oven use
- The Cooks Collective is exclusive to Myer
- Round shape
08
Lodge Blacklock 5.2L cast iron casserole dish
$498.95, David Jones
Best for: Large meals
Triple seasoned, this classic cast iron pot has a natural non-stick finish. As far as Dutch ovens go, this one is considerably lightweight, thanks to slim-line walls. The raised high-heat aluminium knob is easy to lift.
Sizes: 5.2L
Colours: Black
Materials: Cast iron, aluminium knob
Key features:
- Triple seasoned for natural non-stick
- Generous cooking capacity
- Basting rings to recirculate moisture
09
Greenpan ‘Featherweights’ casserole dish with lid in Smokey Sky Blue
$149.98 (usually $299.95), GreenPan
Best for: Easy lifting
While it has all of the style and structure of a cast iron Dutch oven, this is made from cast aluminium which is significantly lighter. The handles have removable silicone covers to make them easy to hold when hot. It maintains excellent heat retention and has a self-basting lid.
Sizes: 28cm/6.6L
Colours: Smokey Sky Blue
Materials: Cast aluminium, stainless steel handle, silicone handle covers
Key features:
- Suitable for stovetop and oven use
- Silicone handle covers included
- Stainless steel handle
