Cast Iron skillets are making a comeback. Some wish weren't a staple in nearly every home, but they are a staple for a reason. They are incredibly versatile, bullet proof, non-toxic and will likely outlive the buyer and the buyer's offspring.

Cast iron pans do have a few drawbacks - they generally have iron handles as well making them hot to the touch, plus they are heavy as...wait for it...iron, but if you can overlook those they provide fantastic seasoning and 'brown bits' when cooking meat products and really give a rich quality to the food they bear. They aren't very expensive so I'd encourage you to pick one up. Cornbread alone is reason enough to own one - there is nothing like the crispy crust and moist interior of corn bread batter layered on top of a healthy dose of butter in the bottom of a cast iron pan and slid directly into the oven.