Burning pans?

[mudbug]

I've been wondering...

What makes a pan burn? Does the composition of the metal change? What happens when you leave it on the stove too long besides the obvious?

 

[chef david simpson]

I believe it's the oils that are left on the surface of the pan that make them smoke.

 

[lynne]

and when left empty and too hot too long they start to warp horribly creating a whole new set of problems.