Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $20 | Amazon
Cast irons really are all they’re chalked up to be. I bought this exact skillet a few months back when it was on sale and it has been a game-changer in the kitchen. The heat retention on cast irons is on a separate level from traditional pans and you’ll get even heating throughout. You also open up a world of possibilities now that you have a pan that can transfer from the stovetop to the oven. Turns out the best recipes call for being able to do that. And best of all, it’s only $20.