In 2015, “The Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond decided to throw her cap into the ring to compete with the established big-name culinary accessory brands by launching her own line of affordable, high-quality cookware.
The resulting Pioneer Woman Collection is designed to give home cooks the same satisfying experience she enjoys whipping up grub at home on the Drummond Ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
But how well does the stuff actually perform in the kitchen?
Table of Contents
What Does The Collection Include?
As of 2020, The Pioneer Woman line of cookware has expanded significantly to feature several different sets. However, the heart and soul of the collection are its two bread-and-butter combo packs: the basic 10-piece set and a more extensive 24-piece set.
The entire collection is available through Walmart and other select retailers, but you can also find certain pieces separately on Amazon.
Features & Benefits
What’s so great about Pioneer Woman cookware? I’m glad you asked.
Materials
All of the cookware, with the exception of the cast iron skillet and ceramic baking dish, is fashioned from porcelain-enameled aluminum and features a non-stick cooking surface. This means it’s lightweight, heats quickly and evenly, and prevents pesky clinging.
The genuine cast iron skillet comes pre-seasoned for immediate use right out of the box. It did an excellent job of browning a cornbread test batch with no mysterious smells or sticking issues.
Size
As a rule, the pieces in these sets are big enough to handle most of your favorite dishes but not so big that you’ll struggle to find storage space for them after cleanup.
The pots and pans are all nest-able, as are the skillets and the measuring bowls and cups if you opt for the more elaborate set.
All in all, they provide a good compromise between capacity and compactness.
Non-Stick Capabilities
As far as non-stick cookware goes, the core pieces worked quite well. The combination of the heat-distributing construction and durable non-stick coating promoted effortless browning—but not burning—and released food without a fight.
You may have a little more trouble dislodging dishes from the cast iron skillet or ceramic baking dish, depending on what you’re making, but no more than you would with any other comparable type of cookware.
User Testimony
What do other users think of The Pioneer Woman Collection? Here are a few reviews that echo my general sentiments:
Alternative Products
Looking for something different? Check out these alternatives to Pioneer Woman Cookware.
Rachel Ray Cucina 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Rachael Ray - 16802 Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece, Sea Salt Gray
11 used from $105.75
Features
- DURABLE DESIGN: Nonstick pots and pans from Rachael Ray are crafted with durable aluminum and sturdy hard enamel porcelain exteriors to stand up to busy kitchens
- ENHANCED NONSTICK: Cookware set features espresso-colored nonstick for effortless food release and easy cleanup
- CONVENIENCE AND CONTROL: The 12-piece nonstick cookware set boasts dual-riveted rubberized stainless steel handles and shatter-resistant glass lids; includes slotted turner and spoon
- OVEN SAFE: Oven safe to 400 degrees F, these versatile pots and pans are suitable for all stovetops except induction
- SET INCLUDES: 1-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, 6-quart stockpot with lid, 8.5-inch and 10-inch frying pans, 3-quart sauté pan with lid, slotted turner and spoon
Celebrity chef Rachel Ray’s collection of essentials is similar in size, style, price, and quality to The Pioneer Woman’s 10-piece set, but with a more modern aesthetic and two additional handy slotted utensils.
Paula Deen Riverbend 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Paula Deen Riverbend Nonstick Cookware Pots and Pans Set, 12 Piece, Gulf Blue Speckle
Features
- Durable aluminum cookware set: Heavy-duty aluminum construction means the cookware set heats quickly and evenly
- Top quality nonstick cookware: Interiors feature premium, top-quality nonstick for great food release and easy cleanup
- Easy to clean, stain resistant cookware: Porcelain enamel exteriors add a dash of color to the kitchen and are stain resistant and easy to clean
- Cookware lids lock in heat and flavor: Shatter-resistant glass lids lock in heat and flavor, and a convenient slotted spoon and turner set is included
- Oven safe handles: Dual riveted cookware handles are Oven safe to 350 degrees F
Another top-rated cookware collection endorsed by a beloved TV personality, Paula Deen’s 12-piece Riverbend set is practically identical to Rachel Ray’s, only a few dollars cheaper, y’all.
Gotham Steel 10-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Gotham Steel 10 Piece Pots and Pans Set with Ultra Nonstick Diamond Surface, Includes Frying Pans, Stock Pots, Saucepans & More, Stay Cool Handles, Oven Metal Utensil & Dishwasher Safe, 100% PFOA Free
Features
- GOTHAM STEEL COOKWARE - with over 30 million happy customers, Gotham Steel has revolutionized kitchens across the world with the introduction of the nonstick ceramic copper cookware! New for 2021, our award-winning frying pans have improved in every area including the nonstick coating, stay cool handles, exterior finish and durability, including infusing diamond-like particles to the surface to ensure the pan doesn’t scratch! We’re excited to welcome to you & yours to the Gotham Steel family.
- ULTIMATE CERAMIC NONSTICK – the Gotham Steel nonstick cooking surface is coated three times and then reinforced with diamonds to deliver the ultimate food release. No seasoning or even oil or butter needed, makes for healthier eating, and provides for hassle free, 1-2-3 cleanup.
- COMPLETE COOKWARE SET – this set includes everything you need to outfit your kitchen and get cooking right out of the box, including a 8.5” skillet, 10.25” frying pan, tempered glass lid for 10.25” frying pan, 1.5 quart sauce pan with tempered glass lid, 2.5 quart stock pot with tempered glass lid, 5 quart stock pot with tempered glass lid, XL aluminum steamer insert
- HEALTHY & NON-TOXIC – the Gotham Steel Ti-Cerama coating is free of PFOA, PFOS, lead & cadmium for a healthy and safe experience day in and out.
- SUPER DURABLE – the coating of the pan is infused with synthetic diamonds, the strongest material on earth which makes it durable enough to withstand metal utensils, spatulas, spoons, whisks and even electric beaters while delivering years of outstanding, nonstick use
While belonging to the same general category as the other two alternatives, Gotham Steel’s cookware has the distinction of being finished with a mixture of titanium and ceramic for effortless releasing every time.
The Verdict
The Pioneer Woman Cookware Collection offers an impressive assortment of kitchen mainstays for a surprisingly low price. As such, it’s a solid choice for both the novice that’s just beginning their education in the culinary arts or the experienced cook seeking relatively high-performance kitchen tools at a low cost.
While there are definitely superior cookware collections on the market, you’re unlikely to find any that promise a better bargain.
You can browse the complete Pioneer Woman Collection online at Walmart.com or search for select sets and pieces on Amazon.
