The Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Shallow Casserole is made from enamelled cast iron at Le Creuset's foundry in France and comes in four sizes from 22cm to 30cm. Its wide, flat base and shallow sides give more surface area than a standard deep casserole, making it well suited to searing meat without crowding, browning vegetables, reducing sauces, building a risotto, and dishes that need good contact with the base. A tight-fitting lid means you can start on the hob and finish in the oven without transferring to another dish, and large handles make the move manageable even with oven gloves on. It works on every heat source including induction, and the enamelled interior is straightforward to clean. The shallow format is not suited to soups or dishes that need a large volume of liquid, so it works best alongside a deeper casserole rather than as a replacement for one.
FEATURES
Wide Flat Base for Searing: The large, flat base provides more surface area than a standard deep casserole, allowing meat and vegetables to brown without crowding and without steaming in their own liquid.
Tight-Fitting Lid for Hob-to-Oven Cooking: The lid fits closely to retain moisture and flavour, and the shallow format is designed specifically for dishes that start on the hob and finish in the oven.
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 after serving.
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
Oven Safe: Yes
Hob Compatible: Gas, electric, ceramic glass, induction
Grill Safe: Yes
22cm Dimensions: W23.4 x H10.1 x L29.5cm
22cm Capacity: 1.4L
22cm Weight: 2.93kg
26cm Dimensions: W27.8 x H11.9 x L35.2cm
26cm Capacity: 2.2L
26cm Weight: 4.21kg
28cm Dimensions: W29.7 x H12.8 x L37.6cm
28cm Capacity: 2.8L
28cm Weight: 4.82kg
30cm Dimensions: W31.7 x H13.5 x L40.2cm
30cm Capacity: 3.5L
30cm Weight: 5.56kg
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Cooking technique: Always start on a low to medium heat and allow the casserole to warm up gradually before increasing the temperature or adding ingredients. Cast iron retains heat so effectively that high heat is rarely necessary, and starting gently 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 before washing as usual. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents, metal pads, or harsh abrasive brushes on any surface.
What to avoid: Never plunge a hot casserole into cold water, and never add cold liquid to a very hot pan straight from the oven or hob. This thermal shock can crack the enamel. After washing, dry the casserole thoroughly and store it in a dry place.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question: How is the shallow casserole different from a standard deep casserole?
Answer: The main differences are the base area and the depth. A shallow casserole has a wider, flatter base with less depth, which gives more contact between the food and the pan for searing, browning, and reducing sauces. A standard deep casserole has more volume and is better suited to soups, stocks, and dishes that need a large amount of liquid. The shallow casserole is also well suited to hob-to-oven-to-table presentation because its shape looks good at the table. If you could only have one casserole, the deep round is the more versatile option; if you already have one, the shallow fills a genuinely different role.
Question: Which size should I choose?
Answer: The 22cm (1.4L) suits smaller portions, individual dishes, or households cooking for one or two. The 26cm (2.2L) is a practical everyday size for two to four people and works well for risotto or braised dishes. The 28cm (2.8L) is a good all-rounder for four people and handles larger cuts of meat more comfortably. The 30cm (3.5L) is the widest option, providing maximum searing area and suiting larger gatherings or dishes where spreading ingredients out matters.
Question: Can I put this casserole in the dishwasher?
Answer: The Signature range casserole body and phenolic knob lid are generally considered dishwasher safe, but Le Creuset advises that frequent dishwasher use may gradually dull the enamel finish over time. Hand washing in hot soapy water after allowing the casserole to cool is the better long-term option if you want to keep the finish in good condition. If you use the dishwasher occasionally, it is unlikely to cause immediate damage, but regular dishwashing is not recommended.
Question: Does the enamel interior need seasoning like bare cast iron?
Answer: No. The enamelled interior does not need seasoning before use or oiling for maintenance in the way that bare or uncoated cast iron does. The enamel provides a protective, non-reactive surface that is ready to use straight away. What the enamel does need is some care around sudden temperature changes, abrasive cleaning materials, and very high direct heat, but there is no seasoning process involved at any stage.