When comparing Portmeirion Sophie Conran Casserole vs Emile Henry Rectangular Baker Set, the Slant community recommends Emile Henry Rectangular Baker Set for most people. In the question“What are the best casserole dishes under $40?” Emile Henry Rectangular Baker Set is ranked 1st while Portmeirion Sophie Conran Casserole is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Emile Henry Rectangular Baker Set is:
Other casserole dishes of this size and quality usually cost 20-50% more, even without the added value of the second mini baker.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Can go from the freezer straight to the oven and then be served on the table
Porcelain is manufactured in high temperatures, and that makes it highly resistant to thermal shock. You can safely put the Portmeirion casserole dish in the -22 ºF freezer, later transfer it straight into the hot oven (up to 400 ºF), and after the food is done, use the casserole on the table as a serving dish.
Pro Elegant and stylish
The porcelain dish is beautifully designed, it looks great as a centerpiece on the dinner table.
Pro Other same-style pieces available
This casserole dish is from the Sophie Conran collection, which has a full range of bakeware, dinnerware and various accessories in the same design.
Pro Dishwasher safe, easy to clean
The Portmeirion casserole can be safely put in the dishwasher. The porcelain glazed surface of this casserole is non-porous and slick, so food does not stick to it. Any burnt food residue easily comes off with a bit of soaking in warm water.
Pro Durable and chip-resistant
This casserole dish is very durable: porcelain is much more resistant to scratches and chips than stoneware, enameled cast iron, or non-stick coated dishes.
Pro Excellent value
Other casserole dishes of this size and quality usually cost 20-50% more, even without the added value of the second mini baker.
Pro Can go from the freezer straight to the oven and then be served on the table
This baker is made from high-fired clay that can tolerate sudden changes in temperature. The casserole can be safely transferred from the freezer straight into the hot oven (up to 500 ºF, even broiler or grill is ok), and later used on the table as a serving dish.
Pro Allows for more layers of food than other similar bakers
The Emile Henry Rectangular Baker is deeper than most other casserole dishes of this type. It is 3 inches deep, where the alternatives usually are 2-2.5 inches.
Pro Easy to clean and durable cooking surface
The glazed cooking surface of this baker is very scratch-resistant, metal utensils can be used freely. It is also non-porous and slick, so any burnt food residue easily comes off with a bit of soaking in warm water. The casserole can also be safely put in the dishwasher.
Pro Available in 4 colors
This casserole offers a choice of 4 colors: Sugar white, Leaves yellow, Rouge red, Twilight blue.
Cons
Con A bit awkward to get food out of the middle part
The top opening of this dish is only 8 inches in diameter, while the middle part is 10 inches at its widest. This makes it a bit difficult to get to the food in the middle part, you have to spoon it out at an awkward angle.
Con Doesn't have handles for good grip
This porcelain casserole does not have any handles. This makes it more difficult to transfer it when it's hot out of the oven because you have to firmly hold the dish by its sides.
Con Can't be used on the stovetops, grill or broiler
This casserole dish can't be used on the stovetops, it is intended for oven and microwave use only.
Con Uncomfortable handles
Handles are quite small and slanted upwards, which makes them awkward and slippery to hold on to.
Con Not for stovetop use
The Emile Henry Rectangular Baker can't be used on the stovetops, only in the microwave, oven, grill or under a broiler.