Things I recommend you buy and use

Abstract

Cast Iron pan/Dutch oven combo (or more expensive name-brand Lodge version). Cast iron pans are great - they’re extremely versatile and non-stick if properly seasoned without Teflon or other toxic nonstick coatings. Dutch ovens are also very useful. This is a clever combination of the two where the lid of the Dutch oven is itself a cast iron pan. Great for baking no knead bread (ungated recipe). The whole combo costs only $30 but a fancy Dutch oven can go for $250! Carbon Steel Pan. Carbon steel pans have many of the benefits of cast iron, except they are lighter and heat up much more quickly - so easier to use for quick frying or saut'eing. Carbon steel is also more conductive than cast iron and heats more evenly. Like cast iron, if properly seasoned carbon steel develops a non-toxic non-stick layer with use.