I have been cooking for a very long time. I've used aluminum, stainless steel, nonstick, stone, and every combination in between. The Hestan Nanobond line is head and shoulders above every top brand you can think of. The cookware heats up well and evenly, offers an incredible sear on fish and steak, and is a breeze to clean up. I would consider this set an investment, because once you buy it, you will never buy another set again. I imagine this lasting decades, and perhaps, generations.