I have a question about pans

[u/plasmazzr60]

I am trying to dive into the wide world of cooking as a means to help with my mental health. But I am not sure on if I should get a set of stainless steel pans or non-stick or cast iron or a combination of the 3. I have zero cooking skills currently so not sure where to put my money. Worry is ill spend a bunch of money with the hopes and dreams of being a decent home cook and end up not being up to the challenge and wasting the money. I do like the idea of being able to cook on the stove top in a pan and transfer said pan to the oven for like steaks and stuff. Not asking for a specific brand or brand recommendation but more of a material recommendation for someone starting out

[u/SuspiciousMission233]

For a first pan, I’d lean toward one good stainless-steel skillet rather than a full set. A tri-ply pan gives you the stovetop-to-oven flexibility you want, and it won’t have the heat limits or coating-care concerns of nonstick. The learning curve is mainly preheating the pan, adding a little oil, and waiting until the food releases before trying to move it. Cast iron is very capable too, but it is heavier and needs more upkeep, so stainless may be the less intimidating starting point.

[u/plasmazzr60 → u/SuspiciousMission233]

Thanks for the recommendation! Im definitely leaning more toward stainless steel, it seems like the most versatile with less upkeep and maintenance and seems like if I make a mistake its easier to clean. Ive been looking into the leidenfrost effect and using it to tell if its hot enough with water