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Your oven is a versatile appliance that lets you bake, broil, and simmer your food to perfection.
If that describes you, were here to help.
We consulted Glenn Lewis, president ofMr.
What is a broiler?
A broiler is simply a heating element in your oven thats used to cook food from above.
A broiler provides direct heat to your food, causing it to brown, char, or caramelize.
Broilers are perfect for creating golden, crispy finishes!
Its also ideal for quickly toasting bread for garlic toast or crostini.
How do broilers work?
Thats different from how an oven cooks food.
Ovens use a bottom element to fill the appliance with hot air to roast or bake your food.
When should you use your broiler rather than your oven to cook food?
Use the main oven for baking or slow roasting when you need consistent heat throughout, recommends Bond.
Our experts shared their top tips on using a broiler to achieve the perfect crispy finish for your dish.
Preheat the broiler
Your broiler must reach your desired temperature before putting your food underneath the element.
So, once youre ready to cook, turn on the broiler and allow it to preheat.
[It] needs time to get up to temperature, just like your oven, explains Bond.
Prep your food
Season your food using salt, pepper, and dry rubs or seasoning mixes.
Avoid marinades, which can splatter when broiled and cause your oven to smoke.
And stay close to your oven while broiling food.
[The] high heat means things can go from golden brown to burnt in seconds, warns Bond.
Also, dont crowd the broiler; leave space for air circulation to ensure even cooking.
Remove the food and let it cool slightly
Remove the food once its ready using oven-safe gloves.
It’s made of non-stick stainless steel, and is dishwasher safe and measures 11 x 7 inches.