Work horse of the kitchen

Cast Iron
During the past 20 yrs, I have probably been through 6 skillets, maybe more.
All but one brand names.
They have all disappointed me in one way or another, the non stick came off, the pan warped.  In the end their fate was the same.  I got rid of them.
But the cast iron was always there and always works for me.
Plus I love I can take it from stove top to oven if needed.
This is where true Frugality comes in.  Cast Iron may cost more in the beginning, but it will outlast all the other pans/skillets.  If you are lucky, you may inherit one.
There is some upkeep, but that should be true with anything you what to make last for years, decades.