Dont be nervous ab cast iron! After you start using it regularly, It's actually less of a pain then normal nonstick cookware. I have a regular skillet that was rusting in my mom's cabinet because she never ever used it, and a handy low profile skillet that i got used on facebook marketplace.

I have a carbon steel pan that is really nice to cook on as well. pretty heavy duty and quality. The brand is debuyer. My friend bought it for me new and I love it. Same care as a cast iron.

With these kinds of pans, the heavier, the better. When comparing similar sizes and materials