The Pioneer Woman collection of cookware first debuted in Walmart stores across the U.S. in September 2015. It included everything from a Dutch oven and pre-seasoned cast iron set to multiple aluminum cookware collections. Her dish set designs attracted plenty of customers who wanted their kitchen to feel as warm and welcoming as Ree Drummond's Oklahoma kitchen.
It's been over eight years since the popular cookware pieces were sold at Walmart. Wouldn't you love to know how well they're faring with customers nationwide? As of 2023, some new Pioneer Woman products have also been added to the original products offered. They include a Timeless Bakeware collection with metal frying pans, a pumpkin Dutch oven, and additional multi-piece sets.
When the original Pioneer Woman cookware debuted, some fair-to-poor reviews threatened to diminish the products, known for their pretty designs. Some issues included the enamel plates breaking in the microwave or the glass shattering on the Hamilton Beach slow cooker. According to Walmart, it promised any returns and exchanges within 90 days.
See how The Pioneer Woman's cookware collection is faring these days by checking out our guide to the top products below. With the holidays approaching, we'll make it easy to know if this popular cookware line is still worth the purchase.
Vintage Speckle 10-Piece Non-Stick Pre-Seasoned Cookware Set
Walmart
This Pioneer Woman's 10-piece cookware set has an 8-inch cast iron frying pan, a 9.5-inch frying pan, a 1.1-quart saucepan and a 2.5-quart saucepan. There is also a 5.5-quart Dutch oven, a 4.2-quart jumbo cooker and four glass lids. It comes in turquoise blue as well as red, black and linen.
Pros: Made with aluminum, scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe, silicone handle, affordable.
Cons: Poor heat retention, partial loss of non-stick properties, low oven-safe temperature (350°F).
According to a 2016 test done by Consumer Reports, the cookware scored excellent for cooking evenness and the durability of the nonstick surface.
On Pinterest, Desired Cuisine stated that the "non-stick not stainless steel interior" didn't perform well. Otherwise, The Pioneer Woman set scored decently on heat distribution, durability and pre-seasoned non-toxic features.
Some of the more recent reviews from Walmart revealed some issues with the cookware. One customer said, "They cook great and look beautiful BUT I hand washed them as instructed in her booklet and ... the silver around the rim is looking funky."
Another stated, "I love the pots and pans but unfortunately one of the fry pans has scratches in the middle of the pan." Many others stand by their Pioneer Woman cookware and say, "This is a great set. I have had mine for 4 years and they are still in good condition. I would buy this set again and the price is good."
The Pioneer Woman 2-Quart Enamel-on-Cast Iron Pumpkin Dutch Oven
Walmart
In September 2023, The Pioneer Woman debuted a new, pumpkin-shaped Dutch oven for just under $25. It comes in linen or orange to please those who like their pumpkins modern or traditional. The pumpkin Dutch oven also comes in a 3.5-quart version. Reviewers have noted that the Dutch oven is almost too pretty to cook with but that it heats evenly and is durable.
Pros: Attractive design, even heat distribution, safe for stovetop, grill and oven.
Cons: Not dishwasher safe, small size, ceramic scrapes when the lid is put on and taken off.
2023 reviews from Walmart customers seem to agree. One stated, "Excellent quality, no chips in the enamel, and heavy-duty as expected from a cast iron Dutch oven." The recent reviews contain mostly five stars. The only main complaint is that the Dutch oven is "too small to really make much in it. It would be an adorable decoration though."
This pumpkin Dutch oven may be perfect for small-batch fall comfort foods such as The Pioneer Woman's beef stew. Considering that the very similar Staub Dutch oven costs over $200, this Pioneer Woman version may be worth buying on a budget. Double-check the size you need so you can make the appropriate choice.
The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty Cast Iron Set
Walmart
The Pioneer Woman isn't just known for her traditional cookware sets and good-looking Dutch ovens. Her cookware also includes a three-piece cast iron set with 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch skillets. The allure comes with the pre-seasoning feature, making these pans ready to prepare your latest dish.
Pros: Even heat distribution, pre-seasoned, rust-resistant coating.
Cons: Smaller sized, heavy, rough on the inside, not American-made.
Reviewers at Walmart state that the pans are lightweight and mostly non-stick. Many customers still seasoned their pans, even with the claims of pre-seasoning. One said, "Love these skillets. They are pre-seasoned and feel solid." Others mentioned the slightly rough texture inside, but, with cast iron, this typically diminishes in time.
At $39.97, the set is one of the most affordable options among cast iron cookware. The Pioneer Woman's Pre-Seasoned Plus technology seems to hold up when it comes to repeated use. It's a good idea to only use your cast iron skillet for appropriate foods. Other than the set not including a 12-inch cast iron skillet, it appears to be a good deal overall.
Final Note
The Pioneer Woman's cookware collection has stuck around since 2015 for a reason. Past issues and recalls have decreased substantially in the last few years. Even the once-problematic Pioneer Woman slow cooker made by Hamilton Beach is still available at Walmart with (now) mostly fabulous reviews. The collection features products that are well made, attractive and fair-to-sound when it comes to durability. Depending on what pieces you need most, choose the right product for all your cooking and baking needs.
The Pioneer Woman cookware collection is still available for purchase at Walmart. Some cookware items can also be found on Amazon, but all the products are sold in person at Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. It serves as the official retail location for all goods made by The Pioneer Woman. Mercantile offers refunds and exchanges just in case you need them. If you do have product issues at Mercantile, a tour of The Lodge on Drummond Ranch hopefully makes up for it.
