What happens when pans touch the side of oven?

Pans touching the sides of an oven during cooking can cause a couple of issues:

1. Uneven Heating: When a pan touches the sides of the oven, heat is transferred from the oven to the pan directly, creating a hot spot. This can result in uneven cooking, with the part of the food touching the pan getting overcooked or burnt, while the rest remains undercooked.

2. Discoloration: The high heat transfer can cause the pan's exterior to discolor or scorch. While this discoloration may not affect the food safety, it can be unsightly and reduce the lifespan of the pan.

3. Heat Loss: Pans touching the sides of the oven can interfere with the proper circulation of hot air inside. This can lead to a decrease in the overall efficiency of the oven and make cooking time longer.

4. Potential Damage to Oven: Depending on the material and design of the pan, constant contact with the oven walls may cause scratches or damage to the oven's interior surface or paint.

5. Noise: Pans touching the sides of the oven may vibrate or make noise as a result of the contact, which can be annoying during cooking.

To prevent these issues, it's important to ensure that pans are placed in the center of the oven and not touching the sides. Using oven racks and trays designed for your specific oven can help achieve proper spacing. Some ovens also have adjustable side racks that can be moved to accommodate different pan sizes.