Top News

Back in 2025, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, launched her With Love, Meghan series, centred around lifestyle with a strong focus on entertaining, like cooking, hosting and a touch of gardening. And while there were plenty of eye-catching moments, one detail that really stood out was her cookware. More specifically, that chic cream pan she kept reaching for. It didn't take long to recognise it as the Le Creuset Cast Iron Shallow Casserole Dish.

At its core, this pan shares a lot with Le Creuset's classic Dutch oven, but with a slightly different personality. Instead of that tall, stockpot-like shape, it's wider and more low-slung, designed for browning rather than boiling. The generous surface area makes it ideal for getting that golden, caramelised finish on everything from chicken to vegetables. Like all of Le Creuset's cookware, it also comes in a range of colours to suit almost any kitchen, though Meghan opted for a soft cream shade that blended seamlessly with her calm, neutral-toned space.

Of course, like most of Le Creuset's French-made pieces, it comes with a price tag to match its luxury reputation. The pan is available in a few different sizes, and the cost varies depending on which you go for. At the lower end, the 22cm version retails for £149 at full price, while the largest 30cm size comes in at £319.

That said, there's currently a very tempting deal on the exact pan Meghan used. Amazon has reduced the 26cm version by 36%, bringing it down from £275 to £176.99-a £100 saving. It's particularly appealing given that it's still listed at full price on Le Creuset's own website.

It's still an investment, but this is the kind of cookware that earns its place over time. These pans are built to last for years and can genuinely improve how you cook, thanks to their ability to retain and distribute heat evenly for better browning and richer flavour. The shallow shape also makes it incredibly versatile, just as good for browning, simmering or roasting, and it looks good enough to go straight on the table to serve from too. The signature Le Creuset aesthetic means it looks just as good sitting out on display as it does in use. While the upfront cost is high, it's designed to be a long-term kitchen staple rather than something you'll need to replace.

One customer who took the plunge and invested in the Le Creuset pan said: "I bought the cast iron shallow casserole five years ago and it is amazing to use. Food tastes fabulous, and itis energy-efficient, too...This product is still in new condition after five years of continuous use."

That said, if even the discounted price feels like a stretch, there is a more budget-friendly alternative worth considering. The Salter Chester Shallow Cast Iron Casserole Pot offers a very similar look and cooking style, but at a much lower price. It's currently reduced to £49.29, down from its usual £64.99.

In simple terms, both pans are designed to do the same job. They're shallow, enamelled cast iron casseroles that can sear, simmer and go straight into the oven. Visually, they're also quite close-similar shape, cream finish, side handles and a lid with a metal knob (gold on the Salter, compared to Le Creuset's silver).

The key difference lies in the details. The Salter Chester is a more accessible entry point into cast iron cooking, offering the same core functionality but with a simpler construction, slightly less even heat distribution and a finish that may not hold up quite as well over time. It's also slightly bigger at 30cm. Still, it's well-reviewed on Amazon, with a solid 4.6-star rating. One customer said: "Excellent. Very pleased with this purchase. Bought after buying the 20cm one, which is equally excellent. Works perfectly on an induction hob. Great price too for a high-quality item, making it a good rival for more expensive and well-known brands." Another described it as "sturdy" and "well-made".

Some shoppers have noticed minor wear after use. A customer wrote: "Great for making stews and soups on the stove top. Works great in the oven too for casseroles. There is a small chip on the side where the paint is missing, but hopefully it won't affect the cooking. The pot is heavy without adding anything to it. The handles get very hot when cooking on the stove top, but I will get some silicone handles to cover them."

Overall, it's a practical, low-commitment option that handles the basics well and still looks the part in your kitchen. Just keep in mind that, as some reviewers have pointed out, it's best washed by hand. As one customer said: "Lovely quality pan, we love the colour, was easy to clean, note not dishwasher safe apparently."

READ NEXT:

• Shark hair tool plummets to 'all-time low price' at under £150 - much cheaper than Dyson
• 'Good value' Big Green Egg barbecue alternative from Argos is over £800 cheaper
• Boots shoppers can get £212-worth of summer skincare for just £49
• M&S 'great value' cast iron pot gives Le Creuset a run for its money and is £313 cheaper
• 'Really bright' outdoor garden lights 'look stunning when lit up'