I bought a cast iron one from a cheapo home wares shop about 16 years ago and i use it almost every day... it was cheap, about $20 but it said "made in France" on the bottom. I have heard that France makes gooduns! I have photos of it in my FB album (Kitchen Creations). I wish I had the next size up though! If you get cast iron you will also have to season it (Google how to do that) but it's not hard, and once that's done and maintained you should have a pan that lasts a lifetime.

Personally i would never opt for a teflon/non-stick pan... they always scratch and don't last.... plus i worry about consuming the teflon!

Rouge: but what if there's oil in the food itself? I dunno... I agree, cast iron or heavy gauge stainless steel here all the way!