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Le Creuset 3-ply Stainless Steel Shallow Casserole
This shallow casserole combines a wide cooking base with relatively low sides, creating the ideal geometry for dishes that benefit from maximum surface contact and efficient moisture evaporation. Built with Le Creuset's 3-ply construction—stainless steel exterior, aluminium core, stainless steel interior—heat distributes evenly across the generous base, eliminating hot spots that would be particularly problematic in wide pans.
The included lid locks in moisture and flavour when needed for braising or simmering, whilst two sturdy handles make it safe to move when full. The polished stainless steel appearance means you can confidently take it from hob to oven to table. Available in three sizes to suit different household needs.
Key features:
- Wide, shallow design: Maximum base surface area for searing, paella, and dishes requiring even layer cooking
- Includes lid: Traps moisture and flavour for braising and simmering
- 3-ply construction: Bonded stainless steel and aluminium throughout for fast, even heat distribution
- Two handles: Safe, secure grip when lifting full pans
- Pouring rim: Clean, drip-free pouring when draining or serving
- Hob to oven to table: All hobs including induction, oven safe to 260°C, suitable for presentation
- Three sizes available: 24cm, 26cm, or 30cm to suit household size
- Dishwasher safe: Easy cleaning of both pan and lid
- Lifetime guarantee: Le Creuset's confidence in manufacturing quality
Suitable for households wanting one versatile pan for paella, risotto, braising, shallow-frying, and searing. The wide base and included lid make it particularly effective for dishes that begin with browning and finish with gentle simmering.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Shallow Casserole
What's the difference between a shallow casserole and a sauté pan?
Sauté pans have straight sides while shallow casserole dishes have curved sides. This means sauté pans are better suited to searing as there is more surface area while shallow casseroles are better suited to dishes with liquid as food is less likely to get stuck in the corners. Cook steak, fish, sautéed potatoes in the sauté pan. Cook hot pot, casseroles, or other saucy dishes in a shallow casserole. The double handles on the shallow casserole make it easier and safer to move when full as you have more control of the pan.
Which size should I choose?
The 24cm suits 2-3 people for main dishes or 4 for sides. The 26cm handles 3-4 people comfortably. The 30cm is ideal for 4-6 people or when cooking larger quantities. For paella specifically, the wider the base, the better the socarrat (crispy bottom layer) development.
Why is a wide base important for paella?
Paella traditionally cooks in a thin, even layer to develop the socarrat - the prized crispy rice on the bottom. A wide, shallow pan provides maximum surface area relative to depth, ensuring even heat distribution and proper crust formation. The shallow sides also allow moisture to evaporate efficiently.
Can I use this for braising?
Yes, it's excellent for braising. Brown meat on the hob, add liquid, cover with the lid, and transfer to the oven. The wide base ensures even browning before braising, and the lid traps moisture during slow cooking. The oven-safe construction (up to 260°C) makes it suitable for long braises.
Is this suitable for serving at the table?
Yes, the polished stainless steel appearance and two handles make it suitable for table service. You can cook, serve, and present from the same pan. Use trivets or heat-resistant mats to protect your table surface.
What's the advantage of 3-ply construction?
Three bonded layers - stainless steel exterior, aluminium core, stainless steel interior - provide fast, even heat distribution throughout the entire pan, not just the base. This eliminates hot spots and ensures food cooks consistently, particularly important in a wide pan where uneven heating would be more noticeable.
Can I use this on induction hobs?
Yes, the stainless steel construction works on all hob types including induction. Choose an appropriately sized ring - ideally the same size or slightly smaller than the pan base. Avoid using the boost function except for boiling water.
Does the lid have a steam vent?
Le Creuset's product description mentions the lid locks in moisture and flavour. If you need to release steam during cooking, you can tilt the lid slightly. The tight-fitting lid is designed to retain moisture for braising and simmering.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly. You may optionally season the interior by rubbing a thin layer of vegetable or corn oil over the surface, heating gently until the oil begins to smoke, then wiping clean once cooled.
Cooking technique: The wide base benefits from proper preheating. Place the pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes before adding oil or butter. The 3-ply construction heats efficiently, so avoid maximum heat settings. For dishes like paella, ensure ingredients spread in a relatively even layer across the wide base for consistent cooking.
Hob to oven cooking: Brown ingredients on the hob, add liquid if braising, cover with the lid, and transfer to the oven. The two handles make this movement safer than single-handled pans. Always use oven gloves—both handles and lid will be hot.
Daily cleaning: Allow the pan to cool slightly before washing. Don't plunge hot pans into cold water—thermal shock can cause warping. Both pan and lid are dishwasher safe. For hand washing, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. The wide base makes hand cleaning easier than deep pots.
Removing stuck-on food: The wide, shallow design makes deglazing effective. Add liquid to the warm pan and scrape with a wooden spoon—stuck bits will dissolve into the liquid. For stubborn residue, soak in warm soapy water, then use Bar Keeper's Friend or bicarbonate of soda paste with a soft cloth.
Avoid: Leaving empty pans over high heat (can cause discolouration), thermal shock from cold water on hot pans (can cause warping), adding salt directly to the dry pan surface (dissolve in liquid first), using the boost function on induction hobs except for boiling water, placing directly on oven floor rather than on a shelf.
For paella: Use medium heat throughout cooking. The 3-ply construction distributes heat well enough that you don't need high settings. Listen for the characteristic crackling sound near the end of cooking—this indicates socarrat formation. Don't stir once liquid is added; paella cooks undisturbed.
Storage: If stacking with other cookware, place a cloth between items to prevent scratching the polished surface. Store the lid separately or inverted on the pan to save space.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you. This applies even after you've cooked with it.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage this item, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos of the damage are acceptable.
Does the lifetime guarantee cover accidental damage?
Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects and material faults. Accidental damage is covered by our Half-Price Replacement policy for 2 years from purchase.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Is this dishwasher safe?
Yes, both the pan and lid are dishwasher safe. Hand washing is gentler and helps maintain the polished finish longer.
What other dishes work well in a shallow casserole?
Beyond paella, it's excellent for risotto (the wide base helps liquid evaporate at the right rate), pasta dishes where you want to reduce sauce, shallow-fried foods like schnitzel or fish, braised chicken thighs, east Asian style hot pot, and one-pan meals combining protein and vegetables. The versatility comes from combining generous surface area with a lid.
Can I use metal utensils?
Yes, stainless steel is durable enough for metal utensils. Avoid scraping harshly or banging utensils on the rim, but normal stirring and turning is fine.
How do I develop good socarrat in paella?
Use medium heat throughout cooking, don't stir once liquid is added, and listen for a light crackling sound in the final minutes—this indicates the rice is forming a crust on the bottom. The 3-ply construction helps create even socarrat across the entire base rather than just hot spots.
What's the difference between this and a paella pan?
Traditional paella pans are wider and shallower with no lid. This shallow casserole is more versatile—deep enough for braising with the lid on, yet wide and shallow enough for effective paella cooking. If you only cook paella, a traditional pan might be preferable. For multiple uses, this offers better versatility.
