To me, someone who celebrates a bit more of the spectrum than most: Metal hot. Make food hot.
Non-stick means easier cleanup, but my wife seems to think cast-iron is necessary for certain things (searing a prime rib roast, for example.).
After I figure those out, then I gotta figure out gas vs. electric vs. induction vs infrared…
Copper bottom- copper does have a much higher heat transferance rate than stainless. Around 20x for pure copper. However this is reduced by alloys and the combination of steel layers. The advantage of copper bottom is on a shitty stovetop, the faster heat distribution compensates for a poor heating source. In a commercial kitchen with good heating source, copper bottoms lower durability loses out. The lining is prone to bubbling, separating, and warping under rapid heat changes.
Personally I use my cast iron skillets completely against the “rules”. I made spaghetti sauces in them for dinner last night. I usually end up stripping the seasoning every few months but I don’t care. It takes 20 minutes to do 2 layers of a stovetop seasoning. I have used the same set for over 30 years now.
I’m no longer a professional chef…and I almost exclusively use a cast iron pan over a wood fire to cook (when I use a pan). There’s pretty much nothing you can’t cook in it as long as you’re vigilant. It’s simple to keep clean and seasoned.