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Le Creuset Cast Iron Petal Shallow Casserole 26cm 2.2L
This 26cm shallow casserole from Le Creuset features a distinctive lid design inspired by the French anemone flower, with delicate petal relief showcasing the brand's exceptional craftsmanship. The shallow profile (4.8cm depth) makes this piece particularly suited to braising, sautéing, roasting and one-pot meals where you need good surface area for browning ingredients before slow cooking.
Made in France from enamelled cast iron, this casserole delivers the heat retention and even cooking that makes Le Creuset cast iron legendary. The 2.2-litre capacity suits cooking for 2-4 people. The tight-fitting lid locks in moisture for tender results, whilst the light enamel interior makes monitoring food and cleaning straightforward. The heat-resistant knob stays cooler to handle and is oven-safe to 260°C.
Key features:
- Shallow braiser design: 26cm diameter with 4.8cm depth provides excellent surface area for browning and braising
- 2.2-litre capacity: Suitable for cooking meals for 2-4 people
- Distinctive petal lid: French anemone flower-inspired relief adds elegance to table presentation
- Superior heat retention: Cast iron construction ensures even cooking and keeps food warmer at the table for longer
- Tight-fitting lid: Locks in moisture and enhances flavour during cooking
- Light enamel interior: Makes cleaning easier and allows you to monitor cooking progress
- Heat-resistant knob: Oven-safe to 260°C with better grip design, even when using oven gloves
- Large loop handles: Easy to grip and move from hob to oven to table, even when wearing oven gloves
- Versatile heat sources: Works on all hobs including induction, in the oven, and under the grill
- Made in France: Crafted from finest materials in Le Creuset's French facilities
- Five colour options: Bleu Riviera, Sea Salt, Peche, Shell Pink and White
- Lifetime guarantee: Le Creuset's confidence in lasting quality
Ideal for home cooks who appreciate versatile cookware, enjoy one-pot meals, or want pieces that transition from hob to oven to table. The shallow profile particularly suits dishes requiring good browning before braising, such as chicken thighs, pork chops, or vegetable gratins.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Petal Shallow Casserole
What's the difference between this and a standard casserole dish?
The shallow profile (4.8cm depth) provides more surface area relative to volume compared to deeper casseroles. This makes it excellent for dishes where you want good browning and evaporation - think braised chicken thighs, one-pan roasts, or shallow gratins. The wide base (26cm diameter) lets you brown ingredients in a single layer before adding liquid. For stews or dishes with lots of liquid, a deeper casserole would be more practical.
Is 2.2 litres enough for a family of four?
For main courses, 2.2 litres suits 2-4 people depending on portion sizes and what you're cooking. It works well for one-pot meals with modest liquid content - chicken and vegetables, braised pork, shallow stews. For soup or very liquid-heavy dishes, you might find it limiting for four adults. The shallow shape means it's better for dishes where ingredients sit in a layer rather than being completely submerged.
Can I use metal utensils or will they damage the enamel?
Le Creuset's enamel is durable, but metal utensils can eventually mark or chip it with repeated use. Wooden, silicone or heat-resistant nylon utensils are recommended to preserve the interior. Occasional contact with metal won't ruin it, but avoiding metal as standard practice extends the life of the enamel finish. The light interior shows marks more readily than darker finishes.
Does the shallow shape mean food dries out faster?
The tight-fitting lid helps prevent moisture loss despite the shallow profile. The wider surface area does mean more evaporation than a deeper pot for very liquid dishes, but the lid design mitigates this. For braising, the shallow depth is actually beneficial - it allows for better browning whilst still providing enough moisture for tender results. Add a splash more liquid than you would in a deeper casserole if concerned.
Is this heavy to lift when full of food?
Yes, at 4.1kg empty, this is substantial before you add food. When filled with a completed meal, expect 6-7kg total. The large loop handles help, but if you have limited strength or wrist issues, moving a full casserole from oven to table requires care. The weight is inherent to cast iron and contributes to the superior heat retention. Use both hands and oven gloves that provide good grip.
Will the petal design make the lid difficult to clean?
The relief pattern on the exterior doesn't significantly complicate cleaning - the enamel surface is smooth and wipes clean. Food doesn't typically contact the patterned lid exterior. The interior of the lid is smooth enamel like any Le Creuset piece. If you're concerned about aesthetics, the petal detail may show fingerprints more readily than a plain lid, but this doesn't affect function.
Specifications
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. We stock Le Creuset because their commitment to handcrafted quality and lifetime performance aligns with our standards. This piece is made in France in Le Creuset's foundry where each casserole is individually sand-cast and hand-finished.
About Le Creuset Cast Iron
Le Creuset cast iron cookware has been made in France since 1925. Each piece is sand-cast individually, then enamelled in multiple layers and inspected by hand. The cast iron provides exceptional heat distribution and retention, whilst the enamel finish eliminates the need for seasoning and makes cleaning straightforward. Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee reflects their confidence in the durability of their cast iron.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
- ✓ Lifetime Le Creuset Manufacturer's Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page or call us at 01737 222996
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. No seasoning is required - the enamel coating means the casserole is ready to use immediately.
Heating guidelines: Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, so cooking on low to medium heat produces the best results and protects the enamel. Preheat the casserole gradually over low to medium heat before adding ingredients. Never heat an empty casserole - add a small amount of oil or liquid before heating.
Browning and sautéing: The shallow profile makes this excellent for browning meat or vegetables before braising. Heat oil over medium heat, add ingredients in a single layer without overcrowding, and allow proper browning before stirring. The wide base gives you plenty of surface area for this.
Braising and one-pot meals: After browning, add liquid and other ingredients, bring to a simmer, then cover with the lid and either continue on the hob or transfer to the oven. The cast iron distributes heat evenly and the tight-fitting lid locks in moisture for tender results.
Oven use: Safe up to 260°C. The heat-resistant knob is designed to stay cooler than traditional knobs. Always use oven gloves when handling - the cast iron retains heat for a long time. The large loop handles make lifting easier even with oven gloves.
Serving at the table: The decorative petal lid makes this suitable for serving directly from the casserole. Place on a trivet or heat-resistant mat to protect your table. The cast iron keeps food warmer at the table for longer than other materials.
Daily cleaning: Allow the casserole to cool before washing - never plunge hot cast iron into cold water as thermal shock can crack the enamel. Wash by hand with hot soapy water using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Although dishwasher safe, hand washing preserves the exterior finish better.
Removing stuck food: For stubborn residue, fill with warm water and a little washing-up liquid, then bring to a gentle simmer for a few minutes. The residue should loosen easily. For persistent marks, make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, apply, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Storage: Ensure completely dry before storing. If stacking, place a cloth or paper towel between pieces to protect the enamel. Store with the lid slightly ajar to allow air circulation and prevent musty smells developing.
Avoid: Metal utensils which can chip the enamel over time. Extreme temperature changes - don't pour cold water into a hot casserole. High heat which isn't necessary and can damage the enamel. Abrasive scourers or harsh cleaning products. Cutting food directly in the casserole with sharp knives.
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. We've offered this guarantee since 1972 because customers shouldn't take a risk when buying quality cookware.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally chip or crack this casserole, we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable. This covers accidental damage but not damage from misuse (such as thermal shock or using very high heat). Contact us with your proof of purchase and we'll arrange the replacement.
What's covered by the Le Creuset lifetime guarantee?
Le Creuset's lifetime guarantee covers manufacturing defects for the life of the product. This includes issues with the enamel coating, structural defects in the cast iron, or problems with the manufacturing process. It doesn't cover accidental damage, chips from dropping, damage from misuse (such as extreme temperature changes or excessive heat), or normal wear and tear. Keep your proof of purchase. Claims go through us, and we handle the process with Le Creuset on your behalf.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses takes up to 7 working days (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.
Can I choose which colour I receive?
Yes, you select your preferred colour when ordering. Available colours are Bleu Riviera, Sea Salt, Peche, Shell Pink and White. Availability may vary, so if your preferred colour is out of stock, contact us and we can advise on expected restock dates or suggest alternatives from the Le Creuset cast iron range.
Is this suitable as a gift?
Yes, Le Creuset cast iron makes an exceptional gift for weddings, housewarmings, significant birthdays, or anyone who enjoys cooking. The distinctive petal design adds extra thoughtfulness. The piece comes in Le Creuset packaging. We can include gift receipts upon request. At £295.00 (RRP £309) this represents significant value for a French-made Le Creuset piece.
Can I use this on an induction hob?
Yes, this casserole works on all hob types including induction. The cast iron base (20.1cm diameter) provides good contact with induction surfaces. Remember to use low to medium heat as cast iron retains heat exceptionally well and high heat isn't necessary for good results.
Will this work with your price match guarantee?
Yes. If you've seen this identical Le Creuset Petal Shallow Casserole 26cm cheaper elsewhere, tell us where. If it's available with our competitor on the day you contact us, we'll match the price. The item must be identical (same size and colour) and the competitor must be a UK retailer with physical stores.
What's the difference between the shallow casserole and a standard round casserole?
Shallow casseroles (also called braisers) have wider diameters and shallower depths compared to standard casseroles. This provides more surface area for browning ingredients and better for dishes where you want liquid to reduce. Standard casseroles are deeper and better for stews, soups, or dishes with lots of liquid. Choose based on what you cook most - if you braise meat, roast vegetables, or make shallow one-pot meals, the braiser excels. If you make soups and stews, a deeper casserole would be more practical.
Do other Le Creuset pieces coordinate with this?
Yes, the petal design is part of a coordinated range. Le Creuset offers various sizes of petal casseroles and related pieces. The colour options (Bleu Riviera, Sea Salt, Peche, Shell Pink, White) appear across Le Creuset's full range, so you can build a matching collection. Check our Le Creuset section for other available pieces in your preferred colour.
