@Gargron If you, like me, prefer a pan that you can get water on without subsequently having to use steel wool to get rust off of the pan, do not get a cast iron pan.

If you want to get fancy, watch for a sale on the Calphalon Anodized stuff, or something like that. I did that and those pans are great, last forever, and aren't fussy diva princesses pretending to be lumberjacks.

@Gargron You can find decent ones on Amazon for around $30. That's where I got mine, and it works really well for my needs (I'm no chef either, lol)

@Gargron Are the cast iron ones really that expensive? They but also more maintenance. If you're looking for low maintenance long lasting, then other options are usually as expensive.

@Gargron Stone? The problem with cast iron is that if you're not using it constantly, they rust. Then there's a special way to remove the rust. Too much work.

@Gargron

Go for it, it‘s going to last forever!
Better than buying 10 cheap ones and throwing them away;)

@Gargron I have a heavy cast-iron wok and the only downside is our sink is kinda small so it's a pain to wash (a pleasure to cook tho)
(I admit I didn't buy it tho, it was a gift, friend who was moving out left it for me <3)

@Gargron I don't use the cast iron pan just yet, but apparently they can last decades or 100+ years so this could justify the price tag I guess. I'm reading some comments about rusting, so not sure about the maintenance. I've found an article which could be useful -> https://www.seriouseats.com/2014/11/the-truth-about-cast-iron.html

@Gargron
A good frying pan does not have to be cast iron. But cheap pans are often thin gauge metal. After a few months of usage the bottom warps and food does not cook evenly. At least buy a good brand name.

@Gargron I bought a 10'' iron skillet with iron lid off barebonesliving.com for pretty cheap. Looks like their prices went up a bit. I payed like 30 something for it.
Cool thing about cast iron is they're easy to clean and last forever. Not too mention they can go from stove to oven to open flame. Really good long lasting steel type skillets are expensive. Plus they would never look too good on a campfire.

@Gargron For next one I'd recommend a carbon steel pan.
They're lighter and more often reasonably priced (likely because they get less attention so manufacturers don't inflate the price) but should also last a very long time.
Also like cast iron they need to be seasoned before use and you need to clean and hand dry them right after using. And while seasoning is a one time thing if you're the kind to forget food / dirt on the pan neither is a great option.