This was my very first set of cast iron that I bought and introduced me to the joys of cooking with that type of cookware. I have since expanded into somewhat of a collector of cast iron. When I first bought the set I was thrilled--it does cook evenly and holds heat well as cast iron is supposed to do. It seasoned fairly well and has not let me down. In retrospect, I do now know that this cast iron is "cheaper" than that made by Lodge, Wagner etc. and is "typical" of the Chinese sets. It has a rougher surface, is somewhat harder to season, and just has a thinner, cheaper feel to it. However, if you are new to cast iron and contemplating it but don't want to spend a lot of money, I would go for this one without hesitation.It comes with a skillet, dutch oven with a wire handle, chicken fryer, and a lid that fits all. It also has a bonus addition of a lid lifter and heat resistant handle cover, a very nice touch.The set is preseasoned, made in china, if that is a concern.

I put "cast iron cookware" on my Christmas list last year, and my husband got me this. First off, it's not very smooth, even after a year of continual use. I very carefully clean and re-season my cast iron after each use. Still, if I rub a paper towel over any of it, I'll have little bits of lint stuck all over it. My two Lodge pieces, which are newer, don't do that - they're much smoother. Also, this stuff is made in China. That doesn't sit well with me (I frankly can't believe my husband got me China stuff when we're trying so hard to get rid of chemicals and questionable items like this, but there you have it). Until someone can tell me that there is 100% absolutely no lead or other crap in there that the Chinese don't seem to mind tossing into things to make a buck or two, I'll always wonder. I'm slowly replacing all my Stansport stuff with Lodge for the above reasons. So I basically gave this stuff three stars because it holds my food well as I'm cooking. My two Lodge pieces are different sizes than the ones in this set and I use them whenever I can. I'll slowly switch out all these pieces too. And no, I don't work for Lodge. I happen to own the two brands and I like Lodge better for the aforementioned reasons.

I didn't see anywhere that this was made in china before I ordered it or I would not have ordered it.I am almost afraid to eat out of these because they probably put lead or poison in them.

I was disappointed in the preseasoning of the cookwear. The skillet was hardly seasoned at all and everything sticks. The lid rusted in several places after cleaning it with just water and setting it out to dry.I think I may have to reseason some item right away. Since preseasoned cast iron cookwear costs more than unseasoned, I fell this is overpriced and the preseasoning is of poor quality.