Please recommend the BEST. I've ruined some good ones cooking too hot. And have probably ingested enough non-stick carcinogens to be passed along to future generations through my genes.

Please advise what is best to use, all-around.

Personally I prefer stainless steel and cast iron when I can use it.
Yes, non stick is nice; but it does not last if abused and inevitably in a household someone will do just that.
So either you buy new ones every few month; or go with something durable.

Anodized aluminum like calphalon is more durable than teflon; but a good seasoned cast iron skillet is nearly indestructable.
Stainless steel is the better choice for acidic liquids.

I went through a lot of teflon woks and frying pans before deciding that the old stainless steel and cast iron frypans I had had for twenty years were the best options. I got a stainless steel wok and never looked back .
And I just love my 12 and 18 quart cast iron dutch ovens.

Can you use Metal Utensils with Calphalon? Are there any other makes that you can use metal utensils in that are also non-stick?