There are definite benefits to having one or two pieces of high-end cookware: they're generally well-crafted, excellent at specialized tasks (I dare you to find a better way to melt butter than with All-Clad's butter warmer) and beautiful to look at. However, there are times when you just want an affordable piece of cookware that can do everything in the kitchen.
This is where a good old-fashioned cast iron pan comes in play. Not only are cast iron pots and pans cheap and versatile, but they will last for generations.
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Check out the slideshow below for a list of pros and cons that will help you decide whether you want to add this heavy metal cookware to your kitchen arsenal. We've also included a quick guide on cast-iron cooking: