Do You Have To Crack The Oven Door When You Broil? Find Out Here!

Do you love to cook but are unsure whether you should crack the oven door when broiling?

It's a common question that many people ask themselves.

Some people believe that cracking the oven door while broiling is necessary, while others think it's not.

In this article, we will explore whether you need to crack the oven door when broiling and why.

How Does Broiling Work?

Broiling is a cooking method that uses high heat to cook food quickly.

The broiler is a heating element located at the top of your oven that radiates heat downwards onto your food.

When you turn on your broiler, the heating element heats up to a high temperature, usually around 500-550°F.

This high heat causes the surface of your food to brown and caramelize quickly, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Broiling is a great way to cook thin cuts of meat, fish, and vegetables, as it cooks them quickly without drying them out.

Do You Have To Crack The Oven Door When You Broil?

The answer to this question depends on the type of oven you have and what you're cooking.

A general rule of thumb is to crack the oven door open when broiling in an electric oven but close it when broiling in a gas oven. 

When using an electric oven, cracking the door open is often recommended to ensure consistent high heat.

In contrast, gas ovens don't typically require this because they regulate heat differently (more on this below).

Cracking The Oven Door When Broiling In Electric Vs. Gas Ovens

A gas oven generates more smoke due to its higher broiling temperature.

When the oven door is left open, this smoke can disperse into your kitchen, whereas closing it directs the smoke to escape through the vent.

However, if you have an electric oven, you can leave the door open to help regulate the temperature and prevent the broiler from overheating.

It's important to note that not all ovens are created equal, so you should always consult your oven's manual for specific instructions on broiling.

Some ovens have safety features against overheating, while others may require you to crack the door open slightly to prevent overheating.

Also worth the read: Should You Leave The Oven Door Open After Baking?

Risks Of Cracking The Oven Door With Gas Ovens

When using a gas oven for broiling, it's essential to be aware of safety measures and potential risks.

Here's why leaving the door ajar can be problematic:

Release Of Harmful Gases

Firstly, cracking the oven door can release harmful gases into your home.

Using a gas oven can increase indoor NO2 levels, which can cause respiratory illnesses and other adverse health outcomes.

The Environmental Protection Agency has no indoor standard for NO2, so it's best to avoid cracking the oven door to prevent any risks.

Fire Hazards

The oven reaches soaring temperatures during broiling.

An open door can allow smoke to vent out, which, under certain conditions, might ignite nearby objects.

Thus, to mitigate fire risks, keeping the oven door closed with gas ovens is crucial.

How Specific Oven Models Might Differ In Broiling Guidelines

Different oven manufacturers may have unique designs and features that lead to varying guidelines for broiling.

It's essential always to consult the user manual for your specific model, but here are general observations regarding some popular brands:

GE Ovens

GE ovens come in various models, with most of their current electric ranges broiling with the door closed for even cooking.

However, some freestanding models have a "Broil with Door Open" feature, offering flexibility in broiling methods.

Kitchenaid Ovens

Kitchenaid ovens are renowned for their durability and frequently feature Even-Heat Technology, which ensures uniform heating.

As a result, the general recommendation is to keep the door closed while broiling in Kitchenaid ovens.

However, it's worth noting that a slight door opening might be necessary for countertop models to regulate heat effectively.

Related article: My Kitchenaid Microwave Says Open/Close Door – What to Do?

Whirlpool Ovens

Whirlpool ovens, especially the newer models, are designed for energy efficiency.

Many of their models utilize a temperature management system to maintain consistent heat.

Depending on the specific model, cracking the door might not be necessary, but always refer to the manual for best practices.

Samsung Ovens

Samsung's emphasis on smart and efficient designs often translates to precise temperature controls in their ovens.

With their dual and triple fan systems, many Samsung ovens circulate heat effectively, so you may not need to crack the oven door.

Breville Ovens

Given the compact design of many Breville ovens, cracking the door might help in temperature regulation and smoke ventilation.

However, it's crucial to consult the manual as the compact nature also means external surfaces can get hot, potentially posing safety hazards.

Safety Measures When Cracking The Oven Door When You Broil

When you crack the oven door while broiling, it's important to prioritize your safety and closely monitor your food. 

Here are some safety measures to keep in mind when cracking the oven door while broiling:

• Always wear oven mitts or gloves when handling hot dishes or pans. The heat from the broiler can cause severe burns if you're not careful.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
• Make sure your oven is clean before broiling. Grease buildup can ignite and cause a fire, so keeping your range clean is essential.
• Use a broiler pan or rack to catch any drippings. This will help prevent flare-ups and reduce the amount of smoke produced by the broiler.

You might also like: How To Clean Oven Door Glass [5 EASY Ways]

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, broiling is a great cooking method that gives your food a perfect charred finish.

While opinions vary on cracking the oven door during broiling, it depends on the oven type.

If you have an electric oven, you should leave the oven door slightly ajar when broiling to allow heat to escape and prevent the temperature from fluctuating.

On the other hand, if you have a gas oven, you should keep the oven door closed to prevent smoke from escaping into your kitchen.

Remember to keep a close eye on your food when broiling to prevent it from burning!