“Stainless steel. It’s easier to maintain than anything else.”
Stainless steel. It’s easier to maintain than anything else (can go from stove to oven to dishwasher- bigger messes are tackled with bar keepers friend), responsive to heat (so you can make simple stews or high-precision things like perfectly scrambled eggs). It’s low maintenance and durable enough to grow with their skill level. And in top of it all, it looks gorgeous!
“Stainless set with some carbon steel or cast iron pans is all you need.”
Stainless set with some carbon steel or cast iron pans is all you need. No need for nonstick.
“my best purchase was a very nice stainless steel set from Costco nearly 20 years ago.”
Cast iron if you have time and dedication to keep them. If not my best purchase was a very nice stainless steel set from Costco nearly 20 years ago. I do know the quality has gone down a little since then but we use them every day and they are amazing.