Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Pumpkin Shallow Casserole Garnet 28cm with Gold Finish Handle
Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Pumpkin Shallow Casserole Garnet 28cm with Gold Finish Handle
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Pumpkin Shallow Casserole 28cm Garnet with Gold Finish Handle
The Le Creuset Pumpkin Shallow Casserole in Garnet brings both elegance and versatility to your kitchen. Finished in a deep, rich red with a luxurious gold finish stainless steel stem knob, this 28cm cast iron casserole combines Le Creuset's signature craftsmanship with a shallow, wide design that maximises surface contact between food and heat. The 2.5-litre capacity suits everything from quick 30-minute meals to slow-cooked aromatic dishes, whilst the distinctive pumpkin shape and premium gold finish make it an eye-catching serving piece for autumn gatherings.
Handcrafted at Le Creuset's original French foundry since 1925, each piece is individually cast in sand moulds, making yours entirely unique. The enamelled cast iron construction provides exceptional heat retention and distribution, working efficiently at low to medium temperatures across all hob types including induction. The cream enamel interior offers a neutral backdrop that won't discolour over time.
Key features:
- Premium gold finish handle: Elegant gold-tone stainless steel stem knob adds luxury whilst remaining heat-resistant
- Versatile shallow design: Wide 28cm base suits stir-frying, searing, braising, risottos, paellas, and oven-to-table serving
- Cream enamel interior: Light-coloured surface resists staining and makes it easy to monitor cooking progress
- Superior heat retention: Cast iron core keeps food warmer for longer at the table, ideal for entertaining
- Easy-grip large handles: Comfortable to lift even when wearing oven gloves
- Tight-fitting lid with stabilisers: Prevents sliding and locks in moisture during cooking
- Rich Garnet colour: Deep red exterior adds sophisticated seasonal charm to your kitchen
This casserole suits home cooks who appreciate quality cookware with refined details. The gold finish handle elevates this piece for special occasions whilst maintaining all the practical cooking performance Le Creuset is renowned for. The shallow profile makes it particularly effective for dishes requiring high surface-area contact with heat.
What Customers Ask About Le Creuset Pumpkin Shallow Casserole Garnet with Gold Handle
What makes the gold finish handle special?
The gold finish stainless steel handle adds a premium aesthetic whilst remaining fully functional and heat-resistant to 260°C. Unlike standard stainless steel knobs, the gold finish requires handwashing to maintain its lustrous appearance. This makes the Garnet version particularly suited to those who view their cookware as an investment piece for special occasions and entertaining, where visual impact matters as much as cooking performance.
How does the cream interior compare to sand enamel?
The cream enamel interior is lighter than the sand (beige) interior found in the Volcanic orange version. Cream provides better visibility when monitoring cooking progress and browning, whilst still resisting staining and dulling over time. Both interiors are equally durable and easy to clean - the choice comes down to aesthetic preference. The cream interior particularly complements the deep Garnet exterior for an elegant contrast.
Is the handwash requirement difficult to manage?
The casserole base remains dishwasher safe for convenience. Only the lid requires handwashing to preserve the gold finish on the knob. Many customers find this straightforward - a quick wash with warm soapy water after the lid cools is sufficient. If you prefer fully dishwasher-safe cookware for everyday use, consider the Volcanic orange version with standard stainless steel knob, which offers identical cooking performance.
Why choose Garnet over other Le Creuset colours?
Garnet's deep burgundy-red offers sophisticated versatility - elegant enough for formal entertaining yet warm enough for cosy autumn meals. The colour works beautifully with both traditional and contemporary kitchen styles. Combined with the gold finish handle, it creates a premium look that stands out from Le Creuset's more common colours. If you're building a collection, Garnet coordinates well with neutral and earth-toned pieces.
Will this work on my induction hob?
Yes, the cast iron base is fully compatible with induction hobs, as well as gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops. Cast iron's magnetic properties make it excellent for induction cooking. Ensure you use an appropriately sized ring - the 28cm base works best on medium to large hob rings for even heat distribution.
Why choose a shallow casserole over a standard round one?
The shallow design provides maximum contact between food and the cooking surface, making it exceptionally versatile for stir-frying, searing meat, and preparing dishes like paella or risotto where you want moisture to evaporate efficiently. The wide base (28cm diameter) with 5.2cm depth gives you more cooking surface than standard round casseroles of similar capacity. If you primarily make slow-cooked stews or soups where depth matters, a standard round casserole may suit you better.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Remove all packaging and labels. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely.
Cooking technique: Medium or low heat delivers best results, even for frying and searing. Let the casserole heat gradually for evenly cooked food. If higher heat is needed, reduce the setting once desired temperature is reached. Cast iron's excellent heat retention means you rarely need high settings. Use an appropriately sized hob ring for even cooking and to prevent damage.
Recommended tools: Le Creuset silicone tools, wooden utensils, or heat-resistant plastic implements. Avoid metal utensils which may scratch the enamel over time.
Daily cleaning: Allow the casserole to cool before washing - thermal shock from washing whilst hot may cause cracking or enamel loss. The casserole base is dishwasher safe, but the lid must be handwashed to maintain the gold finish on the stainless steel knob. Lids with gold finish, iridescent finish, copper finish and black nickel finish knobs should be hand-washed to maintain their finish. Handwash the lid in warm soapy water using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. The smooth cream enamel interior wipes clean easily. Many owners choose to handwash both pieces to preserve the exterior Garnet finish's vibrant appearance over decades.
Avoid: The cream enamel interior is not ideal for dry cooking - always use a small amount of oil or liquid. Never drag the casserole across glass or ceramic cooktops; always lift to move. Do not preheat empty, and do not use in microwave.
Oils to use: Vegetable, rapeseed, and sunflower oil work well with the cream enamel interior.
Oven and grill use: Safe up to 260°C. When grilling, maintain a minimum 6.5cm gap between the heat source and the top of the casserole. Always use oven gloves when handling hot cookware.
Storage: Store with the lid slightly ajar to allow air circulation. The casserole is freezer compatible - when cooking from frozen, place the frozen casserole into a cold oven and allow both to heat together.
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.
About Le Creuset
Established in 1925 at their foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France, Le Creuset pioneered enamelled cast iron cookware. Each piece is still individually cast in sand moulds using traditional techniques, making every casserole unique. Le Creuset's signature Volcanic (orange) colour became their trademark, and their cookware is used by professional chefs and home cooks in over 60 countries. The brand's cocotte (French oven) remains their most popular item, combining vibrant retro colours with exceptional cooking performance.
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 or call us at 01737 222996
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 we believe customers shouldn't take a risk when investing in 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 breakage but not damage from misuse (such as thermal shock from rapid temperature changes). Contact us with your proof of purchase and we'll arrange the replacement.
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.
Does Le Creuset's own guarantee apply as well?
Yes. This casserole comes with Le Creuset's Limited Lifetime Guarantee covering manufacturing defects. Le Creuset also offers a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee on qualifying purchases (terms and conditions apply - contact Le Creuset Customer Services via helpline.uk@lecreuset.com for details). Our Art of Living guarantees are in addition to, not instead of, Le Creuset's manufacturer warranty.
Can I use this under the grill?
Yes, it's grill safe up to 260°C. Maintain a minimum distance of 6.5cm between the heat source and the top of the casserole. The gold finish stainless steel knob is heat resistant, but always use oven gloves when handling. For best results, monitor food closely as the cast iron retains heat effectively.
Why does Le Creuset recommend low to medium heat?
Cast iron's exceptional heat retention and distribution means you rarely need high heat settings. Medium or low temperatures produce evenly cooked food without hot spots. Using unnecessarily high heat can cause food to stick and may damage the enamel over time. Once the casserole reaches temperature, the cast iron maintains heat efficiently.
What's the difference between this and a standard 28cm shallow casserole?
The cooking performance is identical to Le Creuset's standard 28cm shallow casserole - same capacity, base diameter, and interior depth. The differences are the pumpkin-shaped exterior with stem knob (versus standard round design), the Garnet colour, cream enamel interior, and the premium gold finish handle. All feature the same lifetime guarantee.
Will this work with your price match guarantee?
Yes. If you've seen this identical Le Creuset Pumpkin Shallow Casserole 28cm in Garnet with Gold Finish Handle 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, colour, and design) and the competitor must be a UK retailer with physical stores.
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