I'll do your experiment next time I cook. I think I know what it feels like to hold something that's hot for a little too long, and this really seemed different from that. That said I know that doesn't sound very scientific.

ong: yeah I thought the heat of vaporization of the water maybe had something to do with it also. But I don't know why that would make the pan feel hotter, instead of immediately cooler.

edit: Just wanted to add that the pan didn't get so hot that I couldn't hold it, just noticeably warmer. I'm sure it wasn't hot enough to burn me.