A.F.
While people say a broiler pan is not necessary but is preferrable...I would like to point out that my husband (who had never broiled before) tried to broil us steaks for my birthday 5 years ago and almost caught the things on fire because the grease collected on the pan and it was so close to the heating element....ehem - get a broiler pan if you don't have one already! When people say the food cooks quickly- we mean very quickly. I can get very FAT steaks done with about 4 minutes on each side to a medium rare. Leave them in an extra 4 or 5 minutes on one side and it is well done and charred.... Good luck!