You'll get more comfortable with your pans the more you use them, but there are a few telltale signs your pan is hot enough to start cooking. After preheating your pan and the oil/fat you are cooking with for at least 1 minute on low to medium heat, you can use the following methods to determine if you're ready to add your food:
* Water Test: Wet your fingers, and then splash a few drops of water onto the surface of your pan. If the water forms beads that dance on the surface of your pan, it is hot enough to begin cooking. If the water evaporates immediately, give it a few more minutes to heat up.
* Oil Test: After giving your oil a minute to preheat in your pan, give it a swirl. If it moves like water and appears to be shimmering, it should be hot enough to cook with.
* Thermometer: A surface thermometer can measure the exact temperature of your pan. Exactly how hot your pan should be depends on what you are trying to do (low boiling requires lower heat, while searing requires higher), but a good rule of thumb is that your pans should be at least 350°F.
