Rack Position

[Tyler]

You know how different recipies tell you to put the pan/disk you're making on a different rack, such as the "top rack, "middle rack" or "bottom rack"?

Does this make a different, if so, why? Is it because there is more heat distribution in one area than the other, such as if you put it on the low rack, it will cook the bottom more, and leave the top slightly less cooked?

I've always wondered about this, thanks.

[Steve-O]

when you bake the heat source is underneath so the lower you place it the hotter it will be. The bottom of your oven may be 500 degrees to keep the entire oven at 450

[Tyler]

Oh yeah, I completely forgot that there was the bake and... cook (?) option, where either one or both elements are turned on.

Steve-O, how would this differ though when both elements are on?