Cast iron is a good heat conductor and is great for frying and braising and has a long life. cast iron needs more time to heat up versus copper but retains that heat well and may interact with acidic foods such as tomatoes and change their flavor and color. Cast iron is pours and needs to be seasoned with oil  and rusts if not dried thoroughly after washing.

Enamel coated iron pans are popular because they requires less maintenance but do not brown food as well.