OK:
www.jbprince.com
copper, high maintenance, great conductor
stainless steel, low maint- poor conductor
aluminum, great conductor, but it will kill you.
teflon, no sticky, but will kill you
Cast iron, great conductor, high maintenace
Enamelled Cast iron, great conductor, low maintenance Chasseur or Le Creuset
French steel, great for saute work, eggs and omelettes, but not for sauces
2 best choices:
Copper, 1.5mm minimum with either tin or steel interior.
TRI-ply Stailess steel body with copper and aluminum bottom, such as All clad.
1st
Write down the pans you actually need. Avoid the package sets. These will usually add filler of 1 and 1.5 qt sauce pans and lids. You most likely will never use pans this small. Also, those in-pan pasta strainers are a waste. Buy the pans you need and buy the best you can afford.
2nd
Go to your local cooking store. Pick up the pans and get feel for them. They should be heavy for their size. Don't buy the first ones you see. Look around and check the web link at the top.
Cooking tip. Heat your pans without oil until hot, then add oil. Let coat the bottom and sit for 30 seconds. This will prevent items from sticking.
If you want Imported French copper, PM me. It is expensive.