It looks like it's not necessary: "Do I have to keep the oven door open while broiling? In many old ovens, the heating element went off once the oven reached a certain temperature, so it was helpful to leave the door open to prevent the oven from reaching that temperature. In most modern ovens, the heating element stays on when the oven is set to broil, so there’s no need to leave the door open.
Some electric oven manuals suggest leaving the oven door open a few inches. It will keep the oven cooler, giving you more time to brown the food without overcooking it. Of course, some electric broilers won’t brown anything, open door or not, even after 20 minutes."
from www.culinate.com/columns/front_burner/Playing+with+fire?page=1&pageSize=1
HALLUCINATING 6/20/08 3:33 P
My house came with the stove, no instruction manual to check. I wonder if I can get info on line even if its 15 years old?
AAANNE 6/20/08 1:58 P
I've never seen or even heard of anyone doing this. But I guess now I'll have to find the instructions for my oven!
MYSHARONANY 6/20/08 9:10 A
I never leave mine open . .if I did, nothing would ever cook!!
3FINSOUT 6/18/08 4:08 P
I always leave mine open a bit. I think its a safety thing since the broiler gets so hot, opening releases the excess heat
MRAWLINS2 6/17/08 9:30 P
I'm not sure, my mom always left the door cracked a bit. But when I broil things, I use my toaster oven.
AAANA1 6/15/08 6:21 P
The instructions to my oven say leave it open a bit -- it's about 2 years old. But maybe all ovens aren't the same..
GOLDENDAZ 6/15/08 11:01 A
I used to, but now I have a fancy schmancy oven that tells me to close the door! I guess it depends on your oven - check the instructions when in doubt (yeah, right)!
WINKERDINK 6/15/08 8:37 A
I usually do, but I don't know why! I guess because my mom always did. Curious!?
HALLUCINATING 6/14/08 3:02 P
I never do. Maybe it has something to do with the oven you use?
LIBRALEO 6/13/08 2:23 P
probably depends on your oven. I leave it open.
MUSTARDMAGNET11 6/13/08 1:07 P
are you supposed to leave the oven door open a little bit? I've seen some people do it and some not and I'm confused whether I should be doing this.
