Salter Chester Cast Iron Casserole Set Review: Cast Iron Cooking Made Easy.
I’ve always loved the results you get from cast iron cookware. Slow-cooked casseroles, hearty stews and warming family meals always seem to taste that little bit better when cooked in cast iron. The trouble is the casserole dish I’ve owned for years is enormous. It’s brilliant when I’m cooking for a crowd, but for everyday meals it’s often too heavy and cumbersome to reach for regularly.
That’s why the Salter Chester Cast Iron Casserole Set has been such a welcome addition to my kitchen.
I was looking for something smaller, lighter and easier to use day-to-day, while still giving me all the benefits of cast iron cooking. These two casserole dishes, with their 2.8L and 3.4L capacities in practical 24cm and 30cm sizes, are exactly what I had in mind.
Since they arrived, they’ve barely been out of use. The smaller dish is perfect for soups, risottos, baked pasta dishes and vegetable sides. I’ve even used it for an apple crumble. The larger casserole has become my go-to for family favourites such as beef stew, chicken casserole, chilli and homemade curries. They are also ideal for those occasions when you’re entertaining and need an extra dish for potatoes, vegetables or a warming side.
What I particularly love is that they’re low enough to sit comfortably on the hob and compact enough to fit easily into the oven. I can brown meat, soften vegetables and build flavours on the hob before transferring everything straight into the oven to finish cooking. Whether I’m preparing a slow-cooked stew that bubbles away for hours or a quick pasta bake for a midweek meal, everything can be cooked in one dish before being brought directly to the table for serving.
Anything that reduces the number of pans I need to use is a winner in my book, and these casseroles make one-pot cooking wonderfully simple. Suitable for all hob types, including induction, they really do take you seamlessly from hob to oven and then straight to the table.
The enamel-coated cast iron distributes heat beautifully, helping food cook evenly and retain warmth long after serving. The self-basting lids are another thoughtful touch, continuously recirculating moisture back into the dish while it cooks. This helps keep casseroles rich, tender and full of flavour without the need to keep lifting the lid. My chicken casserole was particularly impressive, remaining wonderfully succulent throughout cooking.
As well as being practical, it’s reassuring to know the cookware features a PFAS-free coating, giving extra peace of mind when preparing meals for family and friends. The dishes feel durable and well-made and are clearly designed to withstand years of regular use.
Aesthetically, I love the glossy cream finish. It’s neutral enough to complement almost any kitchen style yet elegant enough to look beautiful on the dining table when guests come round. Rather than hiding them away in a cupboard, I’m quite happy to leave them on display.
There’s also something reassuring about the Salter name. Having been established in 1760, the brand has built a reputation for quality over generations, and that experience is evident in this range. The dishes feel robust and dependable without being excessively heavy, striking the perfect balance between traditional cast iron performance and everyday practicality.
For me, the biggest compliment I can give these casseroles is that they’ve replaced my larger cast iron dish for most meals. They offer all the cooking performance I love without the weight and bulk that often puts me off using traditional cast iron cookware.
If you’ve been considering trying cast iron but are worried about the size and weight of some options, the Salter Chester Cast Iron Casserole Set could be exactly what you’re looking for. Stylish, versatile and easy to use, they’ve quickly earned a permanent place in my kitchen, and I can see them being used for many years to come.
Take a look at the Salter homewares selection here.
Poppy Watt