Equipment

Non-Stick Pans

A good quality pan that is made with a slightly porous metal is one of the best non-stick pans you can buy. The iron skillet is an example. Aluminum is another good choice because it heats very evenly and is fairly responsive to
changes in heat.

But pans like these have to be cured (see Iron Skillet). Pans made with porous metals such as iron or aluminum can oxidize while food is cooking and discolor foods cooked in them. This is more of a problem with a sauce that are acidic.

There are many excellent quality pots and pans with non-stick coatings. It used to be that only pans of lesser quality were coated, but now most of the better manufacturers make good quality non-stick pans.

For both gas and electric cooking aluminum is a reliable metal with good reactive heat properties. Look for a pan that is a bit heavier because the heat will distribute more evenly.  Having a 6 inch or 10 inch non-stick skillet should be enough for most uses and