annemari, if the handle is like an empty tube it will retain the heat, and is not good. I have all stainless steel and they are fab, but my handles do get hot because of this. The handle needs to be solid thru and thru I think. I have had mine around 10 yrs though and they still look as good as new and are very light weight. You only have to soak them for a while and they can be cleaned and scrubbed very easily. Even though they are not nonstick things don't seem to stick badly.