When you’re building a collection of pots and pans for your kitchen, there are a few essential pieces you’ll want to have. A casserole dish is one of those pieces. Its versatility makes it a must-have for every kitchen.

With so many casserole dishes on the market, how do you choose? There are a wide array of sizes, shapes, and materials to pick from.

We’re committed to making your shopping as easy as possible at BestReviews. Use the shopping guide below to learn all you need to know about casserole dishes. We’re confident that our advice will lead you in the right direction.

A casserole dish is a wide pot with straight sides and a snug-fitting lid. The dish may have side handles that make it easier to manipulate.

All casserole dishes are obviously oven safe, but some can also be used on the stovetop. Many have an attractive appearance that makes them suitable for table service.

Casserole dishes are made of a variety of materials. The most common options include glass, ceramic, cast iron, and porcelain enamel.

Glass

Glass is the classic casserole dish material. It’s non-toxic and non-reactive, so you don’t have to worry about using acidic ingredients like tomatoes in it. Glass casserole dishes retain heat extremely well; this heat retention will help keep your food warm before you get it to the table.

Ceramic

Ceramic can withstand more heat than other materials. For this reason, a ceramic casserole dish is ideal for recipes that require higher baking temperatures. You can place a ceramic casserole dish in the refrigerator, freezer, or microwave without worry, too. And because ceramic is naturally nonstick, it’s very easy to clean.

One of the drawbacks to ceramic dishware is its weight. Ceramic is heavier than some other materials, which may be a nuisance if you plan to travel with your dish to a potluck or other event.

Cast iron

Cast iron is one of the most versatile casserole dish materials because it can be used in the oven and on the stovetop. It conducts heat extremely well, doesn’t warp, and is highly durable. However, cast iron requires seasoning to create a nonstick surface, and it reacts with acidic foods. It’s also extremely heavy, which makes it difficult to take to a potluck or other event.

Porcelain enamel

Available in a wide array of colors and patterns, porcelain enamel is an attractive material and an ideal serving dish material. It’s easy to clean, lightweight, and doesn’t scratch or stain. Porcelain enamel easily chips, however, and it doesn’t retain heat very well, so food can grow cold quickly once you take it out of the oven.

Most casserole dishes come with a lid. A lid helps prevent food from burning while it’s in the oven, and it helps food retain heat once it’s out of the oven. Some casserole dishes come with two lids: one for oven use and another for storage. Storage lids are usually flat and made of plastic, so you can easily stash your leftover casserole in the refrigerator.

Most casserole dishes also have handles. This feature makes it easy to carry the dish to the table or transport it to a potluck or party.

Rectangular casserole dishes

Rectangular casserole dishes are ideal for casseroles, lasagnas, brownies, and other baked goods. The standard size for a rectangular casserole bakeware piece is 9x13 inches. This is suitable for casseroles, lasagna, baked goods, and even a roast for three to four people.

Square casserole dishes

Square casserole dishes are suitable for the same types of foods you’d prepare in a rectangular casserole dish. This includes desserts and meat. Square casserole dishes are usually 8x8 inches or 9x9 inches. This is enough space to prepare food for one or two people.

Round and oval casserole dishes

Round and oval casserole dishes are ideal for casseroles, stews, soups, and rice dishes. They also work well for certain baked goods, such as cakes and breads. Oval casserole dishes are ideal for casserole as well as for roasting chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, and other cuts of meat.

Round and oval casserole dishes are usually measured in terms of how many quarts they can hold.

• A two-quart casserole dish typically holds one to two servings.

• A three-quart casserole dish typically holds three to four servings.

• A four-quart casserole dish typically holds four to five servings.

• A five-quart casserole dish typically holds six servings.

Casserole dishes generally cost between $10 and $60.

Generally speaking, glass is the least-costly option. You can get a small glass casserole dish that holds between one and three quarts for $10 to $18 and a large glass casserole dish that holds between three and five quarts for $18 to $40.

A cast-iron casserole dish will probably cost a little more than a glass dish. During the course of our research, we found smaller cast-iron dishes $15 to $30 and larger cast-iron dishes for $30 to $55.

Ceramic casserole dishes range from $20 to $55 depending on size, and porcelain enamel casserole dishes range from $24 to $60 depending on size.

Q. Do I need more than one casserole dish?

A. It’s a good idea to have more than one casserole dish in your kitchen arsenal. A rectangular dish is ideal for lasagna and casserole but doesn’t work as well for roasting meat or making stew. For meats and stews, an oval or round casserole dish that is five quarts (or larger) in size is recommended.

You may also wish to invest in an attractive porcelain enamel casserole dish for holidays or other special occasions and a cast-iron casserole dish that you can place in the oven.

Q. What type of casserole dish is easiest to clean?

A. A dishwasher-safe casserole dish is highly convenient if you own a dishwasher. Most glass and ceramic casserole dishes are dishwasher safe. Some, but not all, cast-iron and porcelain enamel dishes are safe for dishwasher use.

Q. What type of casserole dish is easiest to travel with?

A. If you go to a lot of potlucks, you’ll want a lightweight casserole dish that isn’t too awkward or clumsy to carry. Porcelain enamel is probably your best bet. Look for a porcelain enamel casserole dish that includes a storage or travel lid to help avoid spills in the car.