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Viking/Infrared Broiler Temp

13 years ago

I have a 48" gas Viking range. As I understand it, the infrared broiler can reach 1900 degrees. It is very easy to burn stuff directly under it.

My question is has anyone used the broiler with food on the lower rack? Can you reach a much higher oven temperature using the broiler with the convection fan than the oven provided (which is 500).

I am asking for things like searing a beef tenderloin or a pizza.

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Comments (2)

alexrander
13 years ago
I can try to help on this one. First, you usually never use the convection fan when broiling. Broiling is infrared rays, not convection.

For searing a steak. It depends of the thickness. A thin steak can be placed very close, on the top rack, about 2 minutes a side, same with a hamburger. Basically about 1 or 2 inches from the broiler.

A thicker steak slightly farther away, and a little more time... unless you want to sear it very close and then move it down. I would guess about 3 or 4 inches or so from the broiler depending. Same with salmon.

Other items might be 6 or more inches away. The further away the larger the item can be. It will still get plenty hot. So yes you can broil on a lower rack.

And of course a broiler is quick and dry heat, so it can be used to reheat the top surface of some fries. Or to brown something quickly.

Most broilers have a thermostat that prevents the oven from getting too hot. And sometimes that is why people will broil with the oven door open, it helps to keep the broiler on longer. Of course, a few broilers will shut off if the door opens, but most will stay on.

But trying to get the oven hotter than 500 degrees for pizza?? It might be possible on a gas range. First preheat the gas oven and check your temp. Many ranges will go higher than what's listed on the knob. Second, invest in a pizza stone, or any good oven stone, or a big slab of soapstone. These act as a heat sink and even more so if you place the pizza right on the stone. (you probably know that)...

But unless you have a self-cleaning gas oven and can 'break' the lock, I don't think you'll see those 600+ temperatures.

You can try preheating and then turning on the broiler, but I don't think it will come on once the oven gets very hot.
eandhl
13 years ago
I have a DCS with an IR broiler and yes I have set the rack down one set at times.
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