A broiler can refer to two different things: a type of chicken bred specifically for meat production or an element in an oven that provides high, direct heat much like a grill. In this answer, we will focus on the latter definition.
A broiler is typically located near the top of an oven and exposes one side of food to high, direct heat, making it ideal for cooking foods like you would on a grill. Broiling can quickly cook, brown, char, or caramelize food, giving it more complex flavors or helping you achieve certain textures. It is a great way to add extra flavor to your favorite foods, but most people aren’t sure how to use it.
Broiling also allows you to finish cooked foods by creating a crust on steaks, crisping bread, charring vegetables, or melting and browning cheese toppings. To use the broiler, you can cook something from start to finish, but its also great for finishing dishes that need a little extra browning or crisping.
In summary, a broiler is an element in an oven that provides high, direct heat much like a grill, allowing you to cook food quickly and add extra flavor to your favorite dishes.
