There're various types of stainless steel handles. Stainless steel tubular handles are oven safe. They stay fresh for a reasonable time during stovetop cooking. Stainless steel is formed into a tubular shape, creates an inside airflow up the shank of the handle. It slows the build-up of heat from the warm pan to handle. Most cookware lines with handles contain a baffle where the handle meets the pan that allows the handle to stay fresh for a longer time. The cast stainless steel handles are durable, beautiful, and oven safe. Since substantial cast stainless steel conduct slowly. For all handles, the heat length and setting of the handle to determine how long handle will stay cool to touch. However, a long stick handle will stay cooler than shorter side handles.