Which material is right for you?
The right material for you depends on what you cook, how often you use the dish, and whether you also want to use it on the stove. Here are the main options.
Ceramic is the classic choice for oven dishes that go straight from the oven to the table. Dishes such as the Peugeot Appolia series distribute heat gently and evenly, keep your dish warm for a long time, and look beautiful on the table. Perfect for lasagna, gratins, and oven dishes – exclusively for the oven, not the stove.
Stoneware is very similar and is the specialty of Le Creuset stoneware oven dishes. The glazed surface is scratch-resistant, hygienic, and easy to clean, and the dish is usually dishwasher-safe. Like stoneware, it belongs in the oven, microwave, or on the table, not on a direct heat source.
Enameled cast iron is what you buy if you want something that will last for generations. It heats up slowly and evenly and retains that heat for hours, making it ideal for slow cooking and large cuts of meat. An enameled cast-iron roasting pan, such as those from Le Creuset, goes from the stove to the oven to the table without the need to transfer the food.
Stainless steel is the practical choice. It is lighter than cast iron, heats up quickly, and also cools down quickly, making it easier to control the temperature. Demeyere makes multi-layer stainless steel roasting pans that distribute heat exceptionally evenly, without hot spots. Stainless steel is dishwasher-safe, does not rust, and lasts almost forever.
Carbon steel is gaining popularity among home cooks who want something professional without the weight of cast iron. It heats up in no time, responds instantly to any temperature change, and weighs much less. Just like cast iron, it develops a natural non-stick layer over time by regularly oiling the pan, without a synthetic coating. The BARE Cookware roasting pan with rack is a great example; you can read more about seasoning and maintenance in our seasoning service.
What do you make in an oven dish?
An oven dish can do more than most people think. The classic use is for roasted meat – chicken, roast, lamb leg, or ribs – but an oven dish is just as suitable for oven-roasted vegetables, such as grilled peppers, zucchini, and potatoes. Also think of oven dishes such as lasagna, moussaka, and potato gratin, where the dish goes from preparation to the table. If you use a roasting pan with a rack, you can make perfect spareribs or a whole turkey, with the fat neatly collected at the bottom. And don't forget desserts: a warm brownie, clafoutis, or crumble is best served in a sturdy dish. Looking for inspiration? Browse our recipes.
The best brands for oven dishes and roasting pans
There is no such thing as the best oven dish; it depends on what you are looking for. However, there are brands you can never go wrong with. Peugeot makes the classic oven dish with its ceramic Appolia series: beautiful on the table, available in various sizes and colors. Le Creuset is synonymous with quality, both in stoneware oven dishes and heavy, practically indestructible cast-iron roasting pans in colors such as cherry red and orange-red. Demeyere (Belgian and professional) excels in stainless steel with multi-layer roasting pans that distribute heat exceptionally evenly. Skottsberg offers a solid stainless steel roasting pan with a rack, and BARE Cookware is the sustainable choice with its carbon steel version for those who want to cook without a synthetic coating. At Braadbaas, you will find all these brands under one roof, with honest advice on which one is the best fit for you. Also check out our knowledge base or find a beautiful gift for the cooking enthusiast.