As I've gotten more and more into cooking for myself, I've thought more and more about the good things I've heard about cast iron. I've heard that they can really bring your cooking to a new level when used properly, and when properly cared for, will last a lifetime. I have also heard a lot of bad things, mostly about the amount of effort needed to maintain them; as you're not really supposed to use soap on it, and you have to keep it seasoned. I really want a good, strong pan that will bring my cooking to a new level, and the more I hear about cast iron's even heating and heat retention, the more interested I become. In addition to this, the longevity of these pans would save me money in the long run, as I wouldn't have to replace it every few years. Is cast iron worth it? I have a birthday coming up and I might have to use a giftcard to purchase one!