Cast iron cookware is the best way to go. If it's seasoned and cared for properly, it will last forever. I have cast iron skillets and dutch ovens that I use all the time. Hot tap water and a plastic scouring pad is all I ever use to clean them and then I recoat them with Pam cooking spray after they're completely dry. I read somewhere that you shouldn't use soap on cast iron because it gets into the pores of the cast iron.