Cast Iron Skillet (Lodge 10.25")

The Lodge 10.25-inch cast iron skillet costs $20, comes pre-seasoned, and will outlive you, your children, and your grandchildren. It sears steaks better than most restaurant grills. It bakes cornbread with a crispy crust that non-stick pans can only dream about. It goes from stovetop to oven seamlessly. The thermal mass means it holds heat so well that when you drop a cold steak on it, the temperature barely flinches. Lodge has been making these in South Pittsburg, Tennessee since 1896. The pan you buy today will still be cooking in 2126.