A kitchen salamander is a commercial kitchen broiler-type of oven, which offers higher heat production. Commercial kitchens that have a lot of entrees and dishes that require broiling or finishing often install a salamander because it:
- Provides a dedicated space for broiling
- Frees up oven space to streamline your restaurant's back-of-house
If your chefs spend a lot of time toasting, browning, broiling or melting food, commercial salamanders may be a good option for your kitchen.
What to Consider When Buying a Salamander Oven
Your kitchen is likely to need only one salamander oven, and you need to know what you're looking for when purchasing one. A few options to consider when purchasing your oven are:
Type of Salamander
Your salamander for cooking needs to fit into your space, and placement should be a top priority. The type you need will depend on your kitchen setup and available space. Placement types that are available are:
- Standalone: If you have the open space, a standalone salamander may be a good option for you. These units take up more space but offer greater interior space.
- Range-Mounted: A mounted model attaches to your oven or range. You'll need to verify that your range is compatible with the mounted unit you want to buy.
- Countertop: Compact and efficient, countertop options take up counter space, but they're easy to install and may be a better option than the range-mounted alternatives.
- Wall Mounted: A wall-mounted model mounts to the wall. If you have minimal floor space, the wall-mounted model may be the best option. Wall units can also be strategically placed to avoid interrupting your kitchen's flow.
During installation, remember that your salamander will need proper ventilation.
Interior Capacity
Small diners and restaurants can suffice with 20" of interior space for their salamander or even less. Twenty inches will allow you to place two pans inside at one time, which may work well for a smaller establishment.
If you run a high-capacity restaurant, a salamander with a 60" width may be the better option for you.
Consider your menu and how often you'll use your salamander to find the ideal sized unit for your needs.
Power Source
Gas or electricity are the two primary power sources for a salamander broiler. Your choice will come down to your current kitchen setup. If you already have gas routed to your kitchen, you'll enjoy faster heat-up times, higher BTUs and precision controls.
Electric models also work well, but they do take more time to heat up.
Heat Source
Narrowing down your salamander broiler choices is easier when you know what heat style works best for your kitchen. Two main options are available:
- Infrared Broiler: An infrared model offers faster heating, but heat distribution is direct and less even than radiant models. If melting cheese or rapid browning are your main goals, infrared broilers may be your best option.
- Radiant Broiler: A radiant broiler may heat slower than an infrared model, but heat is evenly distributed.
Both heat sources work well, but discuss your options with your head chef to better understand their personal preferences.
Salamander Broilers Reviews - Our Top Picks for 2024
If you want to buy a commercial salamander, our reviews below will help guide you to the perfect model for your restaurant.
Admiral Craft BDSAL-36/NG
The BDSAL-36/NG is a natural gas salamander broiler delivering 36,000 BTU in a compact, durable unit.
Three infrared burners with multi-locking positions make this unit easy to use, and the stainless steel crumb tray allows for easy cleaning.
Southbend P36-NFR
Southbend's Platinum compact infrared broiler is gas-powered, equipped with four infrared burners and delivers 40,000 BTU.
The P36-NFR features:
- Five rack positions that are counter-balanced for easy access
- Dual valve control system
- Chrome-plated rack
- Stainless steel construction
This unit is backed by a one-year limited warranty.
Vulcan 36IRB-N
Vulcan is a well-known and respected brand in commercial kitchen equipment. The 36IRB-N is a gas salamander with a maximum 30,000 BTU infrared burner and dual controls. The temperature range is 250°F-800°F at rack.
Features like a removable pan and six grid positions make this unit convenient for use.
Outfitted with a pressure regulator and 3/4" gas connection, the 36IRB-N allows for precise control.
The cool-to-the-touch knob makes this salamander broiler safe and easy for staff to use.
Cookline ES23
If your restaurant doesn't have a gas connection, Cookline's ES23 is a great option. This electric-powered unit is compact (23") and constructed with durable stainless steel.
But it also offers other notable features, like:
- Adjustable cooking clearance
- A generous cooking area of 23.2" x 12.6"
- Bakelite handle that's cool to the touch
For smaller kitchens, the ES23 will be an ideal fit.
American Range ARSM-36
American Range's ARSM-36 is a countertop, gas restaurant salamander with a 36" infrared burner. The roll-out grid and manual controls make this unit safe and easy to operate.
This unit has a standing pilot for instant ignition and an adjustable gas valve. It can produce 35,000 BTU/hr, making it perfect for finishing dishes.
Constructed in stainless steel, this unit has four rack positions and is backed by a one-year limited warranty.
Omcan CE-CN-0580-S
Omcan's CE-CN-0580-S is a 20" countertop salamander constructed with stainless steel. It's ideal for reheating food, melting cheese or producing crispy crusts.
This electric salamander broiler has a quartz heating top and an adjustable top grill for quick cooking and minimal heat loss.
The manual controls allow for easy operation, and the large capacity drain pan easily contains debris and grease.
Oman CE-CN-1633-D
The CE-CN-1633-D is a double adjustable salamander that will allow your staff to prepare and finish dishes more efficiently.
This unit is ideal for preparing pizza, cake, sandwiches and more, thanks to its even heat distribution.
Notable features include:
- Quick quartz heating
- Adjustable top grill
- Removable base tray
- Adjustable heating supply
Constructed with stainless steel, this unit is durable and easy to clean.
Conclusion
Commercial salamander broilers are a great addition to any commercial kitchen, making it easy and convenient to melt cheese, create crispy crusts and even reheat food.
The units above are some of the best-selling models on the market and offer something to restaurants of all budgets and sizes.