Salamander vs. Flame Griller: Which is Right for Your Commercial Kitchen?

When you step into a commercial kitchen, smoky and sizzling dishes with tender and crispy textures often take center stage on restaurant menus. To meet these incredible culinary demands, two popular choices—salamanders and flame grills—provide chefs with direct assistance, each offering distinct advantages.
While flame grills excel at high-heat charring and imparting smoky flavors, salamanders offer precision for finishing dishes such as melting cheeses or browning gratins. This guide compares their features, applications, and suitability to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen workflow.

Flame Griller vs. Salamanders

About Flame Grills

Flame grills are a staple in commercial kitchens—they’re not just any ordinary grilling devices; they’re the "5-star chef type" of griller in the kitchen! Utilizing direct heat from gas, charcoal, or wood, they create impeccable sear marks and rich smoky flavors.
Modern flame grills are designed for high-temperature cooking and are equipped with adjustable burners, efficient grease management systems, and durable stainless steel construction to handle the rigors of heavy use. These appliances are ideal for restaurants specializing in grilled meats, burgers, steaks, or kebabs, offering exceptional speed and flavor infusion.

Pros and Cons of Flame Grills

What Can Flame Grills Be Used For?

• Grilling steaks, burgers, and sausages.
• Charring vegetables for salads or sides.
• Smoking meats using wood chips.
• Preparing kebabs and skewers.

About Salamanders

A salamander grill, also known as a salamander broiler or high-heat broiler, is a compact commercial kitchen equipment designed for high-heat finishing tasks. The term 'salamander' originates from a mythical creature reputed to endure fire, reflecting the appliance’s intense heat.
Unlike flame grills, salamanders employ radiant or infrared heat from above, making them perfect for tasks like melting cheese on French onion soup, browning Iberian pork ribs, or crisping pizza toppings. Modern versions, such as Shinelong’s countertop salamanders, boast adjustable racks, dual-zone controls, and fast preheating for reliable results.

Pros and Cons of Salamanders

What Is a Salamander Used For?

• Melting cheese on sandwiches or gratins.
• Browning soufflés or crème brûlée.
• Finishing sous-vide meats with a crispy crust.
• Reheating dishes without drying them out.

Which Is Right for You?

When selecting the right grill for your commercial kitchen, several factors should be considered. These include your restaurant’s menu, the available space in your kitchen, and your budget, among others. Before making a purchase, it’s also wise to keep the following buying tips from Shinelong in mind.
Opt for a flame grill if your menu emphasizes smoky, charred dishes such as steaks or barbecue. On the other hand, choose a salamander when precision finishing is crucial, like for melting or glazing. In kitchens with limited space, salamanders provide vertical efficiency, whereas flame grills are better suited for high-volume grilling stations. For maximum versatility, consider a hybrid setup that combines a flame grill with a salamander. This way, you can leverage both searing power and finishing finesse. However, the most ideal scenario is having both, as they each offer unique advantages that cater to different grilling situations.

Shinelong Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Salamander Grill

Compact electric salamander

Stainless steel electric countertop salamander

Commercial grade gas salamander with multiple control knobs

Elevate your kitchen with Shinelong’s premium commercial solutions. Our infrared salamander broilers combine speed, precision, and durability, featuring:

• Dual-zone heating for flexible cooking.
• Adjustable rack positions (3–6 inches from the heat source).
• Stainless steel construction for easy cleaning.
• Energy-efficient designs compliant with global safety standards.

FAQs

Why is it called a salamander grill?

The name comes from a mythical creature believed to withstand fire, symbolizing the grill's intense heat.

What Is a Salamander Broiler Used For?

It's used for high-heat finishing tasks like melting cheese, browning gratins, or crisping pizza toppings.

What is a salamander in terms of cooking?

In cooking terms, a salamander is a broiler that uses radiant or infrared heat from above for precise finishing.

What are the main types of salamanders in commercial kitchens?

The main types are radiant heat salamanders and infrared salamanders.

What is a flame grill?

A flame grill uses direct heat from gas, charcoal, or wood to sear meats and vegetables, creating char marks and smoky flavors.

Is broiling the same as grilling?

No. Broiling uses overhead radiant heat for finishing, while grilling uses direct heat from below for cooking.

How to start a charcoal grill?

Arrange charcoal in a pyramid, add fire starter, ignite, and let it burn until covered with white ash before cooking.

How to get flame-grilled flavor?

Use high heat, consider wood chips for smoking, and ensure proper searing to develop authentic flame-grilled flavor.