The Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Oval Casserole is made from enamelled cast iron in France and comes in five sizes from 27cm to 35cm, to suit different household sizes and cooking needs. The elongated oval shape is designed specifically for whole poultry, legs of lamb, pork loin and other long cuts that sit more naturally in an oval pot than a round one, and the narrower profile typically leaves room on the oven shelf for side dishes alongside it. It works on every heat source including induction and under the grill, though it performs at its best in the oven where the shape genuinely earns its place. The tight-fitting lid locks in steam and moisture during cooking, and the large handles are sized to be manageable even with oven gloves on. It carries Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee and is built to last for decades with proper care.
FEATURES
Oval Shape for Large Cuts: The elongated oval design accommodates whole poultry, legs of lamb, pork loin and other long cuts that do not sit comfortably in a round pot, and its narrower profile leaves room on the oven shelf for side dishes.
Universal Hob and Oven Compatibility: Works on gas, electric, ceramic glass and induction hobs, in the oven, and under the grill, covering every heat source you are likely to use.
Cast Iron Heat Retention: The cast iron construction retains and distributes heat evenly during cooking, producing consistent browning and keeping food warmer at the table for longer after serving.
Tight-Fitting Lid: The lid fits closely to lock in steam and moisture during cooking, which helps develop flavour and keeps food from drying out during longer oven sessions.
Large Oven-Glove-Friendly Handles: Generously sized handles allow you to move the casserole safely from hob to oven to table, even when wearing oven gloves.
SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Enamelled Cast Iron
Country of Manufacture: France
Guarantee: Lifetime
Temperature Range: -23°C to 260°C
Oven Safe: Yes
Hob Compatible: Gas, electric, ceramic glass, induction
Grill Safe: Yes
Freezer Safe: Yes
Dishwasher Safe: Yes (body and Signature phenolic knob lid)
27cm Dimensions: W22.6 x H18.6 x L35.2cm
27cm Capacity: 4.1L
27cm Weight: 4.43kg
29cm Dimensions: W23.7 x H16.7 x L37cm
29cm Capacity: 4.7L
29cm Weight: 4.68kg
31cm Dimensions: W25.7 x H17.9 x L40.4cm
31cm Capacity: 6.3L
31cm Weight: 5.71kg
33cm Dimensions: W27cm x H18.6cm x L42.7cm
33cm Capacity: 7.5L
33cm Weight: 6.60kg
35cm Dimensions: W28.7 x H19.8 x L45.1cm
35cm Capacity: 8.9L
35cm Weight: 7.38kg
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Cooking technique: Always start on a low to medium heat and allow the casserole to warm up gradually before increasing the temperature. Cast iron retains heat so effectively that high heat is rarely necessary, and gentle, steady heating protects the enamel.
Utensils: Use silicone, wooden or nylon utensils only. Metal utensils can scratch and chip the enamel surface over time.
Cleaning: Allow the casserole to cool for at least ten to fifteen minutes before washing. Wash in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. If food is stuck, fill the casserole with warm soapy water and leave it to soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing as usual. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents, metal pads, or harsh abrasive brushes on any surface.
Dishwasher use: The casserole body and Signature phenolic knob lid are dishwasher safe. However, repeated dishwasher use may gradually dull the enamel finish over time, so hand washing is recommended if preserving the finish is a priority.
What to avoid: Never plunge a hot casserole into cold water or add cold liquid to a hot pot straight from the oven. This thermal shock can crack the enamel. After washing, dry the casserole thoroughly and store it in a dry place.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question: Should I choose the oval or the round casserole?
Answer: It depends on what you cook most often. The oval is designed primarily for the oven and excels with whole poultry, legs of lamb, pork loin, and other elongated cuts that do not fit well in a round pot. The round casserole is more versatile on the hob and better suited to soups, stews, risottos and braises. If you already own a round casserole, the oval makes a natural and complementary addition. If you are buying your first Le Creuset casserole and cook a wide variety of dishes, the round is the more flexible starting point.
Question: Which size should I choose?
Answer: The 27cm (4.1L) suits smaller households or compact cuts. The 29cm (4.7L) and 31cm (6.3L) are good choices for a whole chicken or a modest leg of lamb for four to six people. The 33cm (7.5L) handles a larger leg of lamb or a bigger bird comfortably, and the 35cm (8.9L) suits larger gatherings or a whole turkey. When in doubt, sizing up is usually the right call with an oval casserole, as the extra capacity is easier to manage than an overfull pot.
Question: Can I put this casserole in the dishwasher?
Answer: The casserole body is dishwasher safe, as is the Signature lid with its black phenolic knob. That said, Le Creuset notes that repeated dishwasher cycles over time may gradually dull the enamel finish, so hand washing in hot soapy water is the better option if you want to keep the finish in its best condition. If you do use the dishwasher occasionally, it will not cause immediate damage.
Question: Does the enamel interior need seasoning like bare cast iron?
Answer: No. The enamelled interior on Le Creuset cast iron does not need to be seasoned before use or maintained with oil in the way that bare or traditional cast iron does. The enamel provides a protective, non-reactive surface that is ready to use and easy to clean. What it does need is a little care around thermal shock, abrasive cleaners, and very high direct heat, but there is no seasoning process involved.