Stainless steel cookware, as opposed to aluminum (found in breast cancer patients) is one of the healthiest pans to -cook with. Non-stick cookware is a recipe for disaster, with chemicals, %26 it is compromised with the slightest thin scratch. This item is not non stick, but the shape is deep rather than wide %26 not that easy to stir with. I don't like the small hole to release heat, as it defeats the purpose to keep the food warm after cooking, %26 the pot takes longer to warm up to cook the food, unless you buy a 3ply bottom - clad, where the aluminum layer in the middle helps to heat up the pot on the bottom, as long as the aluminum does not touch the food being cooked. Also, the pan is too heavy for many women, especially "mature" ones. The stainless steel pans with the 3ply bottom are also lighter weight.