Teflon and other nonsticks are also less than desirable. Food fried in a teflon pan just doesn't crisp up right. Now, I reallyreallyreally don't want to discourage anybody from cooking. If teflon keeps you away from McDonalds, use it. But commercial chef's don't, and part of my enjoyment comes from learning the classic cooking techniques that they use.
Cast iron is great for frying . . . especially good at high heat.
In this regard, a little burning doesn't hurt it at all. However, you gotta believe in them and never soak and never wash with soap. Avoid scouring as much as possible, but if you have to once in a while it's not the end of the world, but be sure to put some oil back on. Some things don't cook well in them. Since you can't rely on people knowing how to care for them, you must patrol the kitchen when well-meaning guests volunteer to help out or to clean up.