Why do steel pans have handles made of plastic/wood??
If it has a metal handle, the applicable standards specify a maximum temperature at the nearest holing point. A warning note has to be indelibly printed on the handle where it is hotter than this. There are requirements on the plastic as well. It should not catch fire. If there is a fire the flame should put itself out within a specified time and such. But being a bad conductor, plastic is cooler to touch. Many cook ware still sport metal handles.
