Can a £20 casserole dish from Aldi really match Le Creuset’s iconic £300 luxury pot? We reveal the results in our head to head review
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There are some brands that carry strong kitchen credentials, and Le Creuset is undoubtedly one of them. When you see a casserole dish at a friend’s house, you might assume they take their cooking seriously.
I’m a big fan of Le Creuset cookware, from frying pans to side dishes. Their stylish and elegant designs are highly sought after and are one of the most popular gifts at gourmet weddings.
But when Aldi launched its Crofton cast-iron casserole dish at a fraction of the price, I wondered if what we were really paying for was just reputation.
Unlike Le Creuset dishes, which are available for purchase all year round, Aldi’s cast-iron casseroles are not currently available in-store. However, they tend to occur semi-regularly throughout the year; but you’ll have to be quick to get one.
Aldi and Le Creuset face off in my tests
I was lucky enough to get my hands on both, so I cooked side by side. Similar design, similar recipes, very different price points. Here’s how Aldi’s Crofton dish compares to the much-talked-about Le Creuset classic:
Design
With its gently curved edges, sturdy handles and well-thought-out finish, Le Creuset’s cookware set is unmistakably elegant without trying too hard. This is the kind of planter you’d happily place as a centerpiece.
Both plates have similar style and size handles
Aldi’s Crofton meal follows a similar design and feel. Its shape is strikingly similar, and the enamel coating gives it a classic look. While some of the details aren’t as refined as Le Creuset, it still looks pretty good and is a far cry from the £20 price point sitting on the stove.
Le Creuset cover
Aldi’s Crofton cover
Decision: There’s a draw here, it’s hard to tell them apart just by looking at them and they both offer that classic country house quality.
Size and color selection
I’m testing the 22cm versions of both bowls. This size isn’t the largest offered by either brand, but it’s a practical and versatile size for smaller homes or larger-sized dishes. It is a size that takes its place in the closet for regular use rather than being kept for special occasions.
In addition to the 22cm version, Le Creuset also has wide size options from 20cm to 28cm. It also comes in a wide range of colours, from modern neutrals to iconic bold statement reds and blues.
Aldi’s Crofton range tends to be more limited; sizes and colors vary depending on season and availability. Most recently, it has re-released its popular volcanic orange round casserole dish in 22cm and 26cm sizes.
Decision: Le Creuset wins here, its consistent color and size selection is second to none.
Build quality
When you pick up a Le Creuset meal, you’ll remember why the brand is so respected. Cast iron is sturdy, the enamel is smooth to the touch, and the lid fits neatly, trapping heat and moisture. Le Creuset is known for having some of the lightest cast irons on the market without compromising on quality, and it really shows.
Aldi’s Crofton pot really surprised me with its good build quality
Surprisingly, the Aldi Crofton plate is also very sturdy and well made for the price. The finish is a little less polished and the lid fit isn’t as tight, but it’s certainly not flimsy or poorly constructed. It held up well during my time with it, but it’s much heavier than the Le Creuset container, which could be an issue if you’re worried about mobility.
Decision: Le Creuset wins here, but Aldi’s offering is seriously impressive for the price
Cooking performance and cleanliness
I cooked similar dishes for both meals and honestly didn’t notice a huge difference. Le Creuset heated evenly and retained temperature and humidity well. The lid was tightly closed and I didn’t feel the need to constantly check my food to see if the top was drying out.
The Crofton meal also performed really well. It seared meat perfectly, maintained a constant heat, and handled long cooking times without issue. Even though the cap didn’t fit very well, I didn’t have any drying issues.
Aldi’s pottery stained more easily than Le Creuset’s
Both pots can be used on all hob types, including induction; making them perfect for stir-frying and slow cooking in one dish.
When it comes to cleaning, the enamel interior of both made cleaning very easy. However, after cooking some foods in the Crofton plate, I noticed stubborn stains that were not present in the Le Creuset.
Decision: Suitable for daily home cooking, but Le Creuset cleans better
longevity
One of the strongest arguments for choosing the Le Creuset casserole dish is its longevity. Many owners happily use the same dish for decades and are confident that it can withstand years of cooking with minimal wear. Le Creuset also offers a 100-year warranty on its cast iron enamel pots; This means that the brand is confident that its cookware will last essentially a lifetime, and then for several years to come.
Crofton food has yet to earn that reputation. While it coped well with regular use during testing, it is unlikely to be seen as a lifetime item in the same way and does not have a long warranty like Le Creuset. Some users also reported staining and chipping from long-term use, but nothing that would make the pot unusable.
Decision: Le Creuset wins with proven durability, but Aldi’s crucible is well-built
availability
Le Creuset meals are widely available throughout the year at a variety of retailers such as John Lewis, both in-store and online. It’s not hard to find a particular size or color, and you’ll often find them at a modest discount during sale periods.
The Crofton meal is only available in Aldi stores and only during limited Special events. When it does appear, it usually sells out quickly, meaning shoppers will have to be careful and get a little lucky to get their hands on one.
Verdict on availability: Le Creuset wins in terms of convenience.
Price
This is where Aldi makes its strongest claim. A 22cm Le Creuset plate will set you back £285, while the largest 28cm version costs £385; This makes any Le Creuset a considered investment.
Meanwhile, the Aldi Crofton plate is pretty accessible, priced at £20 for the 26cm version. For many households, it offers the chance to enjoy cast iron cooking without a significant financial commitment, while still offering 80% of the quality and results you’ll get from Le Creuset.
Decision: Aldi wins decisively.
Affordable Le Creuset alternatives
Can’t find Aldi’s Crofton meal? Here are some other budget alternatives you should consider.
final decision
After cooking with both, we understand why Le Creuset is considered such a valuable kitchen utensil. It offers consistency, durability and provides a sense of occasion that few brands can match.
Both brands have a unique selling point; One is the name, the other is the price.
But Aldi’s Crofton dish really proves you don’t need to spend a small fortune to achieve great results in the kitchen. While the Le Creuset plate offers a high-quality, lightweight cast-iron experience, much of its cost comes from the brand’s prestige and heritage, rather than offering hundreds more in terms of quality and performance.
For those looking for a long-term investment, Le Creuset still leads the way. But in terms of everyday cooking and impressive value, the Aldi option makes a pretty compelling case.
