New Lidl £35 casserole dish similar to £315 Le Creuset version out Thursday

New Lidl £35 casserole dish similar to £315 Le Creuset version out Thursday Lidl shoppers sticking to a budget could enjoy using a seasonal kitchen item that looks more expensive than it really is Budget-conscious shoppers can get 'luxury' looking kitchenware without a premium price tag. Lidl is set to release a new casserole dish for autumn that shares similar features to high-end brands like Le Creuset. The supermarket updates its Middle Aisle range every Thursday and Sunday, and the next batch of items will be coming out in a couple of days. On Thursday, October 1, shoppers can treat themselves to a new 2L Cast Iron Casserole Dish for £34.99, and it looks similar to a popular Le Creuset dish. In the product description, Lidl says: "Ideal for cooking and serving meat joints and poultry. Easy-care, durable enamel coating. Even heat distribution and long-lasting heat retention. "Oven safe up to 260°C. Suitable for all hob types – including induction. Usable capacity: 2L. Base thickness: 5mm. Inner size: W27 x H6cm. Three-year warranty." For those who like the look of Le Creuset's Cast Iron Pumpkin Shallow Casserole, which costs £315 on the brand's official website, Lidl's £34.99 version could be an affordable alternative. Both dishes look similar in shape, size and colour, but Lidl shoppers could save around £280. While the price difference is stark, a closer look at the materials and culinary capabilities reveals that these two products are very similar. Both products are made with heavy-duty enamelled cast iron. This specific material is used by chefs for its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly. Each features a tight-fitting lid designed to lock in moisture, which continuously bastes food during long, slow braises. Both brands use a smooth, light-coloured inner enamel coating. This design choice prevents food from sticking, simplifies cleanup, and allows cooks to easily monitor browning. Visually, the two dishes look almost indistinguishable. Lidl’s version has a pumpkin-shaped design, featuring moulded ridges and a silver, stem-shaped knob that mimics a real gourd. Its vibrant orange enamel mirrors Le Creuset's iconic 'Volcanic' colourway, which fades from a bright, fiery orange to a deep red-orange rim. They also share similar cooking specs, being compatible with all hob types and oven-safe up to 260°C. However, the premium Le Creuset dish holds slightly more at 2.5 litres, compared to Lidl's two litres. In the product description, Le Creuset says: "Bring the vegetable patch to your table with our Cast Iron Pumpkin Shallow Casserole. Complete with a stem-shaped stainless steel knob, this centrepiece is ideal for autumnal tablescapes. Its flat shape enhances braising and simmering, making it ideal for fork-tender stews." What meals can you cook in a cast iron casserole dish? Because of its heavy base and thick, heat-retaining walls, an enamelled cast iron casserole dish is one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. It excels at tasks that require steady, even heat, making it perfect for everything from low-and-slow braising to high-heat baking. - Beef bourguignon - Coq au vin - Pulled pork - Stew - Slow-cooked beef chilli - Massaman or Rogan Josh - Chickpea and sweet potato curry - Whole pot-roast chicken - Braised lamb shanks - Pork belly with apples - French ratatouille - Lentil shepherd's pie base How do you clean Always let the dish cool down completely before washing. Splashing cold water onto a hot cast iron dish can cause thermal shock, which cracks or chips the enamel coating. Fill the cooled dish with warm, soapy water and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen food particles. Use a soft sponge or non-scratch nylon mesh pad to wipe away grease and food debris. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry the dish completely with a tea towel before putting it away to prevent rust from forming on any exposed cast iron rims.