Buying guide
Ovenproof Baking Dishes: Stoneware, Glass or Enamel?
The dish for gratins, crumbles, pies and rumbledethumps. Materials, sizes and which ones go from freezer to oven to table.
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An ovenproof dish does the work for crumbles, gratins, cottage pies and bakes. A good-looking one goes straight from the oven to the table.
Our shortlist
Shortlist in progress
We only list products once their specifications have been checked against the manufacturer or retailer. Until then, use the criteria in this guide to compare what's available.
Where to buy
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Materials
| Material | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Stoneware and porcelain | Even heat; looks good on the table | Heavy; can crack with sudden temperature changes |
| Toughened glass | See the browning; inexpensive | Avoid moving from fridge to a very hot oven unless the maker says it is safe |
| Enamelled steel or cast iron | Robust; can often go on the hob | Enamel can chip |
Sizes
- About 1.5 litres (roughly 20 × 25 cm) feeds 4 to 6: right for rumbledethumps or an apple crumble.
- 2 litres and up for family shepherd's pie or lasagne.
- A pair of smaller dishes lets you freeze one.
What to check
- The maximum oven temperature and whether it is freezer and dishwasher safe.
- Handles big enough to grip with oven gloves.
For individual puddings, see ramekins.
Frequently asked questions
What size baking dish do I need?
About 1.5 litres (roughly 20 × 25 cm) feeds 4 to 6. For larger families, choose 2 litres or more.
Can glass baking dishes go from the fridge to the oven?
Only if the maker says so. Sudden temperature changes can crack glass; let it come towards room temperature first.
Is stoneware better than glass?
Stoneware heats evenly and looks good at the table; glass is lighter and lets you see the browning. Both work well.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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Recipes to go with it
Recipe · 1 hr 20 min
Shepherd's Pie
Lamb mince in a rich gravy under a golden, fork-ridged mashed potato crust: a British family classic.
Recipe · 1 hr
Apple Crumble
Soft Bramley apples under a buttery, golden crumble: the easiest and best-loved British pudding.
Recipe · 1 hr
Rumbledethumps
The Scottish Borders answer to bubble and squeak: buttery mashed potato and cabbage baked under a golden cheese crust.