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Why lower temps for non-stick pans?

Hi,

I bought a cake mix and noticed that the baking instructions were 30 mins at

350 degrees. It then said, "For darker or non-stick pans, bake at 325 degrees for 41-44 minutes." I've not seen this before.

Why do non-stick pans require a lower temperature for longer? What happens if you don't adhere to those instructions? What is considered to be a "darker pan?"

I usually bake from scratch and have never seen this before. I remember there used to be different instructions for glass vs. metal pans, but never for non-stick and darker pans.

Thanks so much,

Michelle

Reply to
Eddie G
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Every box cake mix I've seen for many years has specified a lower temperature for dark pans. Check a few in your local grocery store.

-- Larry

Reply to
pltrgyst

Thanks, Larry, but do you know why?

Reply to
Eddie G

I think the assumption is that pans that are dark or "non-stick" are coated with something, with everything else assumed to be bare metal of some sort. The manufacturer has probably determined through testing that the heat transfer characteristics of a coated pan vs. bare metal are different enough to warrant the different times and temps, to make sure the middle of the cake is done before the bottom and sides become overdone.

Bob

Reply to
yetanotherBob

I don't have a citation, but I assume it's because darker colors absorb more heat, while lighter colors reflect heat. Thus you need to reduce the temperature for dark colored pans to avoid over-browning the bottom and sides before the entire cake is done.

OK, a quickie from

formatting link
"Heavy dark metal pans,nonstick pans, and glass pans absorb and hold more heat, resulting in heavy,dark crusts."

-- Larry

Reply to
pltrgyst

Right you are, Larry. High-School physics......

Alan Moorman

The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.

Paul Fix

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Reply to
Alan Moorman

You might want to retake high school physics. :p

Reply to
djs0302

Then why don't you explain it to us? And cover the topic of white versus black cars as well, please. And white versus dark tennis clothing. Thanks.

-- Larry

Reply to
pltrgyst

Maybe also explain why cricket is now played wearing coloured pyjamas

Reply to
Bruce

Because they need to go directly to sleep after a game (match? chukker? peloton?) since it's as deadly dull as it is.

A sure cure for insomnia.

I prefer curling.

No, seriously...

Pastorio

Reply to
Bob (this one)

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