Hi there jvgardengirl! Welcome!
Great question!
Ceramic flatirons are the route to take as they do provide even heat distribution which is better for your hair. And that applies to even those your vendor claims are just ceramic coated, even though it's not as good, at maintaining that even heat I will admit.
The appliances used by professionals go through susbtantial use and abuse. Therefore they do cost $100 and up as the demand for them to be more durable from the constant use causes a better product that, yes, costs more.
You say you have coarse, thick, frizzy, curly hair? Your particular hair type and needs may merit you spending a little more than the average person. Go to your nearest beauty supply store or shop online as you can find great deals....like this one.
http://www.beautygalaxy.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=120
as you can find great deals. A professional appliance may not be needed by everyone, yet someone with special hair needs, may want to invest in one.
However, even if you did buy one in Walmart, say, that was a ceramic type and it didn't work right for you, you could always return it. We don't know if something will work until we try it.
Let me know what you decide. : ) if you would
Good luck, in whatever you decide.