Quick answer
A handy rule of thumb is to allow about 1 litre of capacity per person, then size up a little if you like leftovers.
- 1–2 people: a 20–22cm round casserole
- 3–4 people: a 24–26cm round casserole
- 4–6 people, batch cooking or a whole chicken: 26cm or larger
- One-pan dishes where you need to brown lots of meat: a wide, shallow casserole around 30cm
If you only buy one, a 26cm round casserole is the most versatile size for most families.
Casserole dish size chart
| Household | What you'll cook most | Size to look for | From the John & Lisa range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people | Stews, curries, soup, risotto, a small loaf | 20–22cm round | J&L 21cm round casserole |
| 3–4 people | Family stews, chilli, curries, pot roasts | 24–26cm round | J&L 26cm round casserole |
| 4–6 people or batch cooking | Big casseroles, soups to freeze, whole small chicken | 26cm+ round | J&L 26cm round casserole |
| Families who love one-pan dinners | Paella, chicken thighs, meatballs, gratins, cobblers | 28–30cm shallow | J&L 30cm shallow casserole |
| Cooking for different numbers | A bit of everything | Two sizes | J&L 2-piece set |
Round, oval or shallow?
Size isn't just about diameter. The shape changes what the dish is good at.
Round casseroles
Round casseroles are the all-rounders. They sit neatly over a hob ring, so they heat evenly, and their taller sides hold plenty of liquid. They're the best choice for stews, soups, curries, chilli and anything that simmers for a long time.
Oval casseroles
Oval casseroles are longer, which makes them handy for whole chickens or joints of meat. The trade-off is that they don't sit as evenly over a round hob ring.
Shallow casseroles
Shallow casseroles have a wide base and lower sides. That extra surface area means you can brown more meat at once without overcrowding, and liquid reduces faster. They're ideal for braising, risotto, paella, chicken cacciatore and oven-baked dishes like gratins and dauphinoise.
Depth and weight matter too
Two casseroles with similar diameters can hold quite different amounts, depending on how deep they are. It's worth checking the height as well as the width. And with cast iron, check the weight before you buy, especially if you'll be lifting it in and out of the oven.
| John & Lisa casserole | Diameter | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21cm round | 21cm | 15.4cm | 3.68kg |
| 26cm round | 26cm | 18cm | 5.3kg |
| 30cm shallow | 30cm | 12.8cm | 5.31kg |
Remember that these weights are for the empty dish. Once it's full of stew, it'll be a fair bit heavier. If lifting is a concern, a smaller round dish is much easier to handle day to day.
What to cook in each size
21cm round: smaller batches
Perfect for couples, small households and side dishes. Try slow-cooked beef or lamb, a fragrant curry, a pot of soup or shakshuka for two. Cast iron also holds heat well enough to bake a crusty sourdough loaf.
26cm round: the family all-rounder
This is the size most families will reach for. It has room for a whole small chicken with vegetables, generous beef casseroles, lamb curry, chilli and big batches of soup, plus pulled pork or a slow-braised joint.
30cm shallow: one-pan dinners
The wide base gives you room to brown chicken thighs, meatballs or sausages before building the rest of the dish around them. It's ideal for paella, creamy risotto, chicken cacciatore and pasta bakes, and it goes in the oven for gratins and bubbling cobblers.
Tips for choosing the right size
- Think about what you cook most weeks. Size for your usual meals, not the one big gathering a year.
- Leave room to simmer. Don't fill a casserole right to the top. Leave a few centimetres of space so it can bubble without spilling.
- Bigger isn't always better. An oversized dish is heavier, takes longer to heat, and a small stew in a huge pot can dry out.
- Check your hob and oven. Make sure the base suits your hob ring and the dish (with its lid) fits in your oven.
- Love leftovers? Size up. If you batch cook for the freezer, go one size bigger than your household needs.
Made for proper home cooking
Why enamelled cast iron?
The John & Lisa casseroles are heavy-duty cast iron with an enamelled interior. Cast iron holds and spreads heat evenly, which is exactly what you want for slow cooking. The enamel means there's no seasoning needed, and it's fine with tomatoes, wine and citrus.
Every dish has a self-basting lid that helps keep meat tender. They work on all hob types, including induction, and they're oven safe up to 230°C, so you can brown on the hob, braise in the oven and serve straight at the table. They're also PFAS-free and come with a lifetime warranty.
FAQs
What size casserole dish do I need for a family of 4?
A 24–26cm round casserole is the sweet spot. A 26cm dish gives you room for leftovers or a whole small chicken.
What size casserole dish do I need for 2 people?
A 20–22cm round casserole is plenty for two, with a little left over for lunch the next day.
Is a 24cm casserole dish big enough for a family?
For a family of three or four, usually yes. If you like leftovers or batch cooking, a 26cm dish gives you more room.
What size casserole dish do I need for a whole chicken?
For a small whole chicken with vegetables, a 26cm round or larger works well. An oval casserole is also a good option for bigger birds.
What size casserole dish is best for sourdough?
A 21–26cm round casserole with a lid works well, depending on how big your loaf is. Preheat the dish with the lid on before the dough goes in.
Should I get a shallow or deep casserole dish?
Go deep (round) for stews, soups and anything with lots of liquid. Go shallow if you brown a lot of meat or make one-pan dishes like paella, risotto and bakes.
How many litres is a 26cm casserole dish?
It varies by brand and depth, so always check the capacity on the product page.
Find your perfect casserole
Found your size?
Explore the John & Lisa by PROCHEF cast iron collection, with family-friendly casseroles designed with John Torode and Lisa Faulkner for confident, everyday cooking.
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