I have porcelain coated cast iron and they are the best. They are very easy to clean just by soaking, you can bake with them in the oven, they work on all stoves including smooth surfaces, you don't have to worry about any issues with chemicals emanating from the coating, they hold heat well, and you cook with them at medium heat. Food doesn't stick to them unless you cook at too high a heat. I have had stainless steel, and to me, they require more cleaning and an occasional brush-up with a brill pad to look good. Plus, I tend to scorch things on the bottom with stainless steel and things stick more easily -- at least in my experience. I have had my porcelain coated cast iron for more than 15 years and they look just as good as they did when I bought them. The only downside is that they are heavy, but that also helps in durability.