Salamander Grill is a professional overhead heating appliance (in English: salamander grill or overhead broiler) used in kitchen technology for browning the surface of dishes, melting cheese glazes, gratinating food surfaces, quickly maintaining the temperature of portions, and finishing dishes in the final seconds before service in restaurants, hotels and other catering businesses' professional kitchens. The salamander grill operates on the principle that the heating elements are positioned above and directed downward—food is heated from above, in contrast to a conventional grill, where heat comes from below. This approach allows precise control of the intensity of surface browning without affecting the deeper layers of the food, which is critically important when preparing glazed dessert surfaces, cheese layers on pasta, gratin toppings, or quickly browning fish fillet portions. BHS offers salamander grills along with a wide Grills range across Europe.
BHS specialists help choose the most suitable salamander grill for a specific kitchen. Also check out Electric Grill Surfaces and Hot-dog Grills.
The salamander grill is an essential piece of equipment in many professional restaurant kitchens, as it performs several functions that cannot be replaced by other appliances. The intense overhead heat source allows for quick surface browning without deeper thermal processing—this is the fastest and most effective way to create a golden cheese glaze, gratin layer, or crispy cornbread crust on portions. In restaurants, the salamander grill serves a dual role: finishing dishes and maintaining heat before service.
Types of salamander grills
Professional salamander grills are available in various configurations. Electric salamander grill—overhead infrared or quartz heating element; precise temperature control; common in restaurant kitchens. Gas salamander grill—overhead gas burners; faster heat-up time; higher power for large volumes. Horizontal vs. vertical model—horizontal grill with a flat grill grate; vertical salamander grill can be placed above other equipment, saving space. Adjustable height—movable grill height above food for precise temperature control. Width dimensions—compact 430 mm width or full 800 mm width model. Also check out Contact Grills.
Technical parameters
The choice of a salamander grill depends on kitchen intensity and frequency of use. Power—3–8 kW for electric models; 6–12 kW for gas models; depends on width and power requirements. Heating element—quartz tubes or infrared radiant stones; quartz heats faster; infrared provides more even heat. Grilling platform—stainless steel grill grate; stainless steel tray for fat collection. Maximum temperature—300–500°C on the grill element surface; adjustable. Heat-up speed—2–5 minutes to operating temperature; faster for gas models. Also check out Gas Grill Surface.
Salamander grill applications in the kitchen
The salamander grill performs several kitchen functions that cannot be replaced by other appliances. Melting cheese glazes—gratin, nachos, pizza cheese layer, bruschetta with red peppers; quick and precise cheese melting over food. Browning food surfaces—fish fillets, meat patties, soufflé surface—quick golden effect without deeper processing. Maintaining portion temperature—keeping prepared food at serving temperature before plating. Preparing hot desserts—crème brûlée caramelization; browning lemon tart meringue. Toasting bread—baguette, toast browning at serving time. BHS advises on salamander grill applications.
Proper use and safety
The salamander grill generates intense heat and requires careful safety compliance. Maintaining a safe distance—the appliance is installed at the appropriate height; heating elements directed downward; no flammable objects should be nearby. Grease buildup control—grease and food residue on the grill pose a fire risk; daily cleaning required. Mandatory ventilation—a suitable steam extraction system must be installed in the kitchen; the salamander grill generates intense heat. Employee protective equipment—oven mitts are mandatory; high temperatures pose a burn risk. Also check out Electric Grill Surfaces.
HoReCa usage scenarios
Fine dining restaurant—the salamander grill for surface glazing and browning functions; individual processing for each portion. À la carte restaurant with high throughput—gas salamander grill for quick surface treatments during high-volume service. Hotel kitchen—the salamander grill for brunch and banquet dish surface processing.
Frequently asked questions
Does a salamander grill replace a conventional oven or grill? No—the salamander grill is a complementary tool; it specializes in surface browning but cannot cook food through. Check out the Grills range.
Is a salamander grill suitable for a small café? Yes—compact models with 430 mm width are suitable for small kitchens; wide range of applications even in a small repertoire. Also check out Hot-dog Grills.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.