Together with some heavy enameled cast iron ware, some casseroles are very attractive to have in the kitchen, an example might be one in bright white holding a contrasting, beautiful yellow risotto sending up lovely reddish brown steam in the air. A bachelor, with lots of extra kitchen space, might invest in a series of oval baking dishes in various sizes. They can be used to cook in and also for serving.

Some elegant casserole dishes can go directly from stove or oven to the dining table. They do however, have a great defect, being fragile, and can break when exposed to rapid or drastic temperatures changes. If taken from the oven to the sink or from the fridge to the stove, they will break.

Pyrex ware is much less elegant but much stronger. They can be used both in the oven or on the fire and are very useful in preparation that has to go from one to the other. Besides, they may also be used for serving plates when the food is to be served very hot, as they hold heat exceptionally well. When they are used over a flame, the food must be closely watched because it tends to stick. To avoid this, a metal mesh heat diffuser may be set underneath

Earthenware may also be used both over a flame and in the oven and be moved from one to another. A heat diffuser should be used when cooking on top of the stove. They may also be taken directly from the stove to the dining table. They are just as fragile as casserole dishes but are less expensive. Food also tends to stick easily and even more, as earthenware holds heat longer, it can stick even after it is off the flame.