
1. Cast iron frying pan
This is the original nonstick pan. It's a bit tricky to "season" it – in other words, to build up a natural nonstick surface by rubbing it with oil or grease and heating it. The upside: once it's seasoned, you need only a little bit of oil to cook meat, vegetables, etc. Plus, they're inexpensive – starting from about $12. Your grandmother probably used one all the time!