A gas cooking appliance includes at least one oven cavity which is coated with
a heat resistant material, preferably porcelain. The cooking appliance includes
a gas broil element and an associated baffle, as well as a gas igniter, arranged
atop the oven cavity. The baffle is provided with one or more openings above the
igniter for ventilation purposes. Each opening is preferably defined by a louver.
With the inclusion of the louvered opening, enhanced combustion is assured and
any potential crazing zone of the oven cavity is shifted to a position wherein,
should any heat resistant material chip off due to heat from the igniter, the material
will be blocked from falling into any food support zone of the oven cavity.
