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The Best Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

Last updated on October 4, 2021
Best Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

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If you have a casserole dish, you probably don’t use it solely for casseroles. Plenty of things can be made in a 9-by-13 or 11-by-15 dish, from brownies to chicken to crescent roll pizza. If you’re taking food on the go with you, the dish itself allows you to transport items you’ve made in a pan or bowl, or baked goods like cookies.

At home, you can simply make the dish and serve directly from it. You can store it in the refrigerator when it’s finished or transfer it to another container. But if you’re invited to a party and taking food to serve, you’ll need a way to cart it from your home to its destination. You might routinely take breakfast into your coworkers, for instance, or perhaps you offer to bring your signature casserole to the annual family reunion.

A good casserole dish carrier can last for years, waiting patiently until the next time you need to take your cooking on the road. Instead of simply covering your casserole dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and hoping it doesn’t suffer damage in transit, you can tuck it safely into a compartment, zip up the carrier, and use the included handles to cart it around.

But one of the best things about a casserole dish carrier is that it typically features some form of insulation that will protect your food’s temperature. This insulation is designed to work whether your items are hot or cold. If you’ve just pulled your favorite dish out of the oven, you can trust it will stay warm for at least a couple of hours, and the same goes if you’re bringing something that you pulled out of the refrigerator.

Another great feature of some newer casserole dish carriers is dual-compartment construction. That means you can carry two dishes at once. This is perfect for taking dessert and dinner along or simply bringing your two best meals to your potluck or reunion. Some casserole dish carriers even have one compartment for an 11-by-15 dish and another for one that’s 9 by 13 for those who need that flexibility.

While most casserole dish carriers provide some level of heat and cold retention, the quality of this protection varies from one carrier to another. Some are double and even triple-insulated, and you’ll find that the material used to insulate differs, as well. Manufacturers may even have their own proprietary technology that makes their carriers’ insulation better than competitors.

Our Picks For The Top Insulated Casserole Dish Carriers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

MIER Expandable Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

MIER

Expandable Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

Take two casseroles with you in this insulated carrier, which has a separate compartment for each dish. Each compartment is 16 inches by 11 inches by 3.2 inches, making it able to hold 9-by-13-inch baking dishes, which aren't included. An exterior zippered pocket gives you a handy place to store silverware, napkins and sauces.

Overall Take

Hot and Cold TogetherCarry a hot dish in one compartment and a cold one in another with this carrier, which features food-grade aluminum foil and foam insulation.

 Runner Up

LUNCIA Insulated Single Compartment Casserole Dish Carrier

LUNCIA

Insulated Single Compartment Casserole Dish Carrier

This carrier features one large compartment for carrying 9-by-13-inch baking dishes. You'll get an interior that's lined in food-grade aluminum foil and 8mm EPE foam to keep items warm or cold for hours. A wide opening makes it easy to load your dishes in, and a large zipper ensures everything stays firmly inside and supported while in transit.

Overall Take

Durable FabricThe exterior of this carrier is made with 600D water-resistant, dirt-resistant fabric to ensure it lasts.

 We Also Like

LHZK Two Tier Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

LHZK

Two Tier Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

With a double-insulated lining made from 8mm-thick PE foam and food-grade aluminum foil, you'll get hours of heat and cool retention with this carrier. Sturdy handles and an easy-to-clean exterior will give you years of regular use. The dual compartments mean you can carry two dishes at once without worrying about the material in the carrier wei...

Overall Take

Great for GatheringsYou can carry two dishes of up to 11-by-15 inches in this carrier, which will also comfortably hold your 9-by-13-inch dishes.

 Strong Contender

Rachael Ray Temperfoil Lining Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

Rachael Ray

Temperfoil Lining Insulated Casserole Dish Carrier

A leakproof and water-resistant design keep your dishes hot or cold for hours. The material is easy to wipe clean if you suffer any spills, and triple layers of insulation provide extra temperature control. The interior also features a special material that helps prevent odors and mold.

Overall Take

Leak Guard DesignHeat-welded seams and Temperfoil lining ensure that any spills stay inside the compartment.

What to Look For

  • Most casserole dish carriers don’t come with a casserole dish, even if one is pictured with the online product description or on the box. Make sure the one you have will fit into the carrier you’re purchasing.
  • Although the standard casserole dish size is 9 by 13 inches, there are some that are 11 by 15 inches. The best thing about buying a carrier with an 11-by-15-inch compartment is that you’ll also be able to carry 9-by-13-inch dishes in them, too. However, if you only plan to use 9-by-13-inch casserole dishes, you’ll be better off with the snug fit of the smaller carrier option.
  • You can cover up your food with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, of course, but that won’t necessarily protect it if your carrier is jostled along the way. For best results, get a casserole dish with a lid that fits, especially if you transport dishes on a fairly regular basis.
  • The type of insulation plays a crucial role in how well it insulates. Many are double or triple insulated to maximize protection. PE foam is a popular insulator, and some even build in food-grade aluminum foil for extra temperature retention.
  • Leakproof features are essential in a casserole dish carrier. No matter how well you think your dish is sealed up, the truth is, accidents happen. Some are designed to contain any food or liquid inside if your dish leaks.
  • Occasionally, you’ll need to clean your casserole dish carrier. Look for one that can easily be wiped clean with some warm soapy water since you won’t be able to toss it in the washing machine when it gets too dirty.
  • Before you buy, take a look at the handles on the carrier you’re considering. Some are padded to keep your hand comfortable while you’re toting it around. Also make sure that the handle is reliable enough to support your dishes when they’re loaded down with food.
  • Some casserole dish carriers have an exterior pocket that comes in handy for storing utensils, condiments, extra napkins or whatever else you need to take along with you.
  • Getting your casserole dishes can be awkward with some carriers. Pay attention to the opening and make sure it will be easy to slide your dish in and out.
  • Moisture can build up inside a sealed-up compartment during the time you have food in there. For best results, let your carrier air out after each use. Some carriers are coated in a substance that helps prevent mold and mildew, which will in turn keep odors at a minimum.
  • The material of the exterior of the carrier is important, as well. Polyester can be both durable and easy to keep clean. It’s also water-resistant, so spills won’t damage the cloth beyond repair.

More to Explore

The word “casserole” actually comes from a type of dish itself. The word is from a French word that means saucepan, and originally casserole-type meals were cooked in these deep pans. But the French word itself is thought to refer to a dish that multiple people eat from, which is similar to the types of meals served in casserole dishes today.

In the U.S., casseroles are believed to have gained popularity in the late 1800s, as families looked for inexpensive meal options during the depression. In the 1950s, casseroles experienced a new surge as households found new recipes that allowed them to easily make meals on a budget. Through using canned foods like Campbell’s creamy soups, families found a way to repurpose leftovers and stretch their food budgets a little farther.

More to explore