Techniques
Heat Control
Tip
Beginner
1 min

Control heat by moving or lifting the pan if it’s getting too hot

If the pan/oil is running too hot, lift the pan off the burner or move it to a cooler burner to slow the heat.

Set up your stovetop so you have room to shift the pan. If you see it getting too hot, briefly lift the pan or move it to another burner to reduce heat input.

The short version

  • Have a place to move the pan if it gets too hot.
  • Lifting the pan slows heating immediately.

What goes wrong

Leaving the pan on high heat while oil smokes heavily

Turn down the burner and/or lift/move the pan to reduce heat.

Why it works

Reducing contact with the heat source quickly lowers energy transfer, preventing scorching and smoking oil.

Put it to use

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