Step 1: Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material. Metals have many free electrons, so they conduct heat very well. Step 2: The pan body must conduct heat quickly from the flame to the food, so it is made of metal (aluminium, steel, copper). Step 3: The handle should not become hot enough to burn the hand. Wood and plastic are poor conductors (insulators), so the handle stays cool. Answer: Metals are good conductors of heat and wood/plastic are poor conductors.