Despite the trend of air fryers and microwaves, many homes still have traditional electric stoves complete with ovens and grills, or broilers as they are called in some countries.
What is the Broiler?
The broiler is an element positioned at the top of the oven. It provides high, direct heat for browning, caramelizing, and cooking some foods.
When to Use the Broiler
While baking is the most common use of the oven, you will have occasion to use the broiler. It is a convenient alternative to firing up the barbeque and it can be used to char and caramelize many foods quickly or to cook small items fast.
Broiling is also a healthier option than frying as it requires far less fat. (Simply brush the top of the food with a little oil or butter before broiling it.) Use the broiler for
- Thin, tender, fatty meat cuts such as burger patties, lamb chops, t-bone steaks, and sausages
- Certain vegetables such as bell peppers, tomato slices, onion wedges, asparagus and zucchini strips
- Browning the top of dishes such as lasagne, macaroni and cheese, and shepherd’s pie
- Creating a crispy, golden finish on roast meats like chicken or pork crackling
- Caramelizing desserts such as crème brulee
- Cooking fish fillets quickly
- Making toast!
What Temperature Is Low Broil?
Most oven models featuring electronic controls have a built-in Hi-Med-Lo Broil function. When set on Hi-Broil, the grill element operates at 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
This allows for fast broiling and searing of foods you want to seal in the juices and cook fast. Use it for thin meat cuts or caramelizing the tops of dishes.
The Lo-Broil setting operates at 450 degrees Fahrenheit to give slightly slower, more controllable broiling conditions.
Use this for slightly thicker meat cuts like sausages or steaks that you want to cook right through but still have a lovely caramelized exterior.
Using the Low Broil Settings
Now that you know what temperature Lo-Broil is, here’s how to set it up.
- Choose your setting: Lo, Med (if available) or Hi Broil.
- Put the oven grid near the top, ready to receive the baking tray.
- Allow five minutes for the element to preheat. Meanwhile, lay out your food in a single layer on a heat-proof metal oven tray.
- Baste the food with oil, melted butter, or marinade depending on the recipe. Note that marinades containing sugar tend to burn easily so will require extra vigilance.
- Slide the tray of food into the oven under the broiler element. Close the oven door or leave it slightly ajar. DO NOT LEAVE! Broiling is a super-fast process at high temperatures and you must keep a watchful eye to prevent the food from burning. Most foods will be done or require turning within a matter of minutes.
Tips For Broiling Your Food
- Always preheat the broiler before putting the food under it. This will prevent the food from drying out.
- Lubricate the pan with non-stick spray or oil to make sure the food will be easy to remove once it’s done. Because broiling can generate a lot of smoke if the pan is too oily, a useful tip is to oil or spray both sides of the food rather than the pan itself.
- You may line the oven tray with aluminum foil for easier washing up but do not use baking parchment as it burns at high temperatures.
- Arrange the food in a single layer only for even cooking.
In Conclusion
The Lo-Broil temperature setting is 450 degrees Fahrenheit and it is appropriate for grilling a variety of foods such as steak, fish, certain vegetables, and kabobs.
It is also great for browning the tops of baked dishes to create an appealing golden, crispy crust.