I've generally used a mix of stainless steel and nonstick pans.  Stainless steel is durable, but hard to clean up and needs oil to prevent sticking.  Nonstick pans have generally been good, until they get scratched up.  This Circulon Hybrid style pan has raised steel rings above the nonstick surface, so it doesn't get scratched.  You can even use metal utensils, so I'm not worried about my kids destroying the nonstick parts.  I would stay away from sharp, pointy utensils like knives and forks, but metal spatulas work just fine.  The results are great and I expect this cookware to last a long time.  Recommended.