"Marke DB Johnston" > wrote in message
>
> Really? you've never stuck a 'stove top' pan in the oven?
>
> I know I have- incl teflon ones.

I do it all the time. Usually the cast iron or SS pans. But the oven
temperature is not 500 degrees. I generally do that at 350, max 400. Well
below the "danger point"

Even if the oven was 500, it would take some time for the surface of the pan
to reach that temperature.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome