an open hearth oven having an opening at the front thereof is provided with a shield arrangement for shielding against escape through the oven opening of infrared radiation emitted by radiating elements within the oven chamber . the shielding structure permits the introduction of objects into the oven chamber for being heated therein by infrared radiation while reflecting radiation back into the oven chamber . the shielding is configured and positioned for allowing introduction and removal of the objects without movement or removal of the shielding . yet it is swingably mounted for being swung upwardly to a retracted position for facilitating access to the oven chamber through the opening . the shielding may be lowered in the retracted position but is selectively released to swing to the radiation blocking position as by use of a peel , such as utilized for handling of food products . the shielding is also readily removable from the oven , such as for cleaning .