Which factor is most likely to affect a pan's ability to cook evenly?

The thickness of the metal from which a pan is made plays a crucial role in its ability to conduct heat evenly. Thicker materials, such as heavy-duty stainless steel or cast iron, can hold and distribute heat more effectively compared to thinner materials. This reduces the likelihood of hot spots, which can cause uneven cooking. A well-performing pan will maintain a consistent temperature across its surface, thus facilitating even cooking, browning, and searing of foods. Thinner pans may heat up quickly, but they can also cool down rapidly and may not distribute heat uniformly, leading to uneven cooking outcomes.

While the color, shape, and size of the pan can influence aspects such as aesthetics, fitting into an oven, or how food is arranged, they are less significant factors compared to the thickness of the material in determining how evenly a pan will cook.