ProCook 24cm Cast Iron Shallow Casserole, a review.

To buy or not to buy?

The ProCook Cast Iron skillet goes from hob to oven, and at the fraction of the price of the Le Creuset counterpart - is the ProCook version any good? In short - yes.

Quick Overview

·       ProCook Cast Iron Casserole 24cm / 2.5L

·       Made from molten iron

·       Enamel exterior and interior

·       Works on all hob types

·       Oven proof up to 260 degrees Celsius

·       Weight: 4.4 kg

·       Dishwasher-safe (but not recommended)

·       Price: ££ (£59 as of January 2024)

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First Impressions

Upon receiving the ProCook 24cm Cast Iron Casserole in turquoise, the first noticeable feature is its weight – a substantial 4.4kg. However, this weightiness exudes a sense of quality, a characteristic one desires from cast iron cookware. ProCook offers a variety of appealing colours to choose from, and the dish itself boasts a lovely shape suitable for transitioning from the oven to the kitchen table as a centrepiece. Despite its appealing shape, the actual cooking surface is 19cm, and the lid spans 24cm, making it smaller than one might initially think. Nevertheless, it is perfectly sized for cooking for 2-4 individuals, however, for larger gatherings, a bigger size would be necessary.

Contrary to the common perception that cast iron heats up very slowly, the ProCook casserole dish warms up surprisingly quickly, ranging from 2-5 minutes depending on the hob temperature. I found the wait more than manageable and would use the time for prepping. The dishes heat retention is noteworthy with the cast iron staying warm for at least an hour after cooking. However, this means that care must be taken during the cooking process, as once the dish gets hot, it takes time to cool if you desire a lower temperature. The dish excels in browning, simmering, and slow-cooking, making it ideal for a range of hob-to-oven dishes. With a maximum oven heat tolerance of 260 degrees, it accommodates most recipes and slow-cooked meals.

While not non-stick, the absence of this quality means you get the caramelized meat/vegetable fonds (brown particles at the bottom of the dish after browning), which add flavour and moisture to dishes. The white enamel inside allows all the browning to be visible, making it easy to scrape up and incorporate into the food. And, after cooking, it makes it easy to see any dirt for cleaning. Washing by hand is recommended but it can withstand a dishwasher - however, it really doesn't need it! A soak in hot water for a few hours effortlessly removes any dirt, making it a remarkably easy pot to clean.

After just over a month of normal use, a small chip in the blue coating was observed, and although some wear is unavoidable, I wouldn't have expected it so soon - this has been the only indication of the cheaper price point. (To note: ProCook have a 25 year guarantee on this product).

The Final Score

The ProCook Cast Iron Shallow Casserole dish has been an excellent addition to the pots and pans I currently own. It's efficient heating, heat retention, visual appeal and easy cleaning make it a cost-effective alternative (£59) to the pricier Le Creuset counterpart (£249). Despite a minor durability concern, it's performance for day-to-day mid-week meals make it a stand out option for those wanting to try a cast iron dish and not splash out.

8.5/10 – To buy!

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