Autumn is approaching, and for spooky season lovers, that means Halloween is just around the corner. Of course, nothing says Halloween like a pumpkin, and if you’re on the hunt for the perfect piece of cookware to match the festive mood, you’ve probably come across the Le Creuset Cast Iron Pumpkin Casserole. This twist on their iconic casserole pot brings a pop of seasonal charm to your kitchen, but with that comes a hefty price tag.
The Le Creuset pumpkin casserole retails for £289 for a 24cm dish that holds 3.7 litres, which is a pretty big investment for just one piece of cookware. It’s high-quality, durable, and built to last, but you’d be forgiven for being put off by the price tag.
However, I’ve spotted a similar dish for a slither of the price: £277 less to be exact. In time for the chilly evenings, Argos has released its own pumpkin casserole dish. Now, it’s not quite the same as Le Creuset, but if you’re after a festive look without the hefty cost, this might be just what you’re looking for.
The main difference between the two is that the Le Creuset pumpkin casserole is oven-safe and can be used on the hob, induction, or even under the grill. On the flip side, the Argos version can only be used in the oven (up to 200C) and the microwave.
It’s not suitable for the hob, but if all you want is a cute vessel to cook and serve your stew, curry, or casserole, it’s perfect. The Argos pot is also a little smaller, with a 2.1-litre capacity compared to Le Creuset’s 3.7-litre.
If you’re after something premium, the Le Creuset dish is made from cast iron with a high-quality enamel coating and. As with most Le Creuset items, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
On the other hand, the Argos pot promises good heat retention, so it’ll keep your food warm if you pop the lid on, but it’s unlikely to match the long-term durability or material quality that the French cookware brand offers.
If you’re more into neutral tones, I’ve spotted a lovely pumpkin-shaped serving dish from Next in soft, speckled cream. Unlike the Argos and Le Creuset versions, this one isn’t oven or hob-safe, but if you’re just after something stylish for serving up autumnal treats, it does the job beautifully. It’s priced at £25.