I think you need a variety. I have stainless; you can't beat them (with the exception of cast iron, which I also have) to brown with. A good non-stick pan won't peel. I love Rachael Rays oval skilliet and her large oval pot; it's the most used in my house. I have great stainless steel. They are great and easy to clean. If you have hard stains then on the outside you can use oven cleaner and on the inside of any type of pot you can use old wine or vinegar and when it soaks it'll remove even the most burnt on crud. I also have on large heavy pan. In my experience you need more than one type. I also have the black ironized ones and they are great. If you buy cheap you'll spend more money replacing them over the years but if you buy good they'll last for years