There’s something deeply satisfying about a beautiful piece of cookware, especially when it’s the sort of pan that can go straight from hob to oven, look good enough to serve from and make a Tuesday night stew feel like a proper occasion.
We love Le Creuset cookware for just that reason, as well as its quality, distinctive enamelled cast-iron and the huge range of colours it comes in. Its luxury cookware has achieved cult-like status, but it’s also durable enough to last you for life if you choose to invest. That’s the only sticking point, though – a full collection can set you back a rather hefty sum.
Over the years, Lidl has created a series of ‘dupes’, offering a way to get the look for less. Its latest Silvercrest range is no exception, with plenty of colourful cookware and kitchenware arriving in the middle aisle this Sunday, 13 September. Although these items might not be quite as durable as high-end brands, they are a good alternative if you’re trying cast-iron cookware at home for the first time. Prices start from just £6.99, so it’s worth checking them out – these launches tend to sell out fast.
One item in the range that we’ve got our eyes on is the Silvercrest cast-iron casserole dish set, priced at £49.99 (or £44.99 with Lidl Plus). The three-piece set includes two casserole pots, a pan, one lid and edge protectors for stacking. The enamelled cast-iron is suitable for all hob types, including induction, and it’s oven-safe up to 260C.
Both pots feature ridges inside the lid to help collect any cooking juices so you can drip them back over the food – a useful feature for roasting, braising and slow-cooking. The different sizes should also make it practical for everything from a small stew to your Sunday roast.
For comparison, a similar three-piece Le Creuset casserole would cost around £855, though it does include three separate lids. Lidl’s version is substantially cheaper, but it’s worth remembering that budget cookware won’t necessarily match Le Creuset for finish, performance or longevity.
For a slightly smaller commitment, you can get your hands on a mini casserole dish for £6.99 – these would be ideal for individual crumbles, baked eggs, dips or small gratins.
Another tempting part of the range are the individual cast-iron pans, which look ready for everything from sizzling steaks to bubbling oven bakes. The 33cm pan is £17.99 (£16.19 with Lidl Plus), while the pan or griddle pan costs £14.99 (£13.49 for members).
The griddle version has high ridges for creating barbecue-style char marks, and is suitable for oven cooking up to 260C. A pizza or grill pan is also available for £14.99, and features practical handles and grill grooves. Compared with the £209 Le Creuset equivalent, it is certainly a bargain.
We are also excited about the range of new stoneware items in this release – as fans of Le Creuset’s range of aesthetically pleasing mugs and bowls, the Lidl range looks strikingly similar at a fraction of the price. The new 350ml stoneware mugs cost £3.99 – £14 cheaper than the Le Creuset one, though admittedly it comes in a vastly reduced range of colours. There are also stoneware serving and snack bowls for £6.99, and a rather elegant salt and pepper mill set for £7.99.
Lidl’s Silvercrest cookware range lands in stores on 13 September, while stocks last. If you’ve been waiting for a designer-style casserole dish without the price tag, this could be one of the middle aisle launches worth arriving early for.
For more cookware inspiration, see our pick of the best casserole dishes to buy and best cast-iron cookware.
