Charbroilers

Charbroiler Buying Guide

Broilers

Broilers are classified as equipment that utilizes intense radiant heat for rapid cooking of foods. The two common types are the overhead broiler and the underfired broiler. Other specialty broilers and combination units are also available. Broilers can be powered by natural gas, propane gas, or electric configurations.

Heavy-duty overhead broilers offer large cooking surfaces and powerful burners for fast, high-volume broiling. They may be used as standalone units or integrated into a commercial range section.

Three common ways to incorporate a broiler into a range section include:

1. Placing the broiler at the same height as the range tops.
2. Integrating the broiler into a unit with an overhead oven heated by the broiler burners.
3. Mounting the broiler on a standard range oven, with or without an overhead oven.

Salamander Broiler

A smaller broiler known as a salamander can be mounted above a heavy-duty range or installed as part of a back-shelf assembly. While its capacity is smaller than a full overhead broiler, it is ideal for finishing dishes, melting cheese, and light broiling tasks. It can also serve as a backup during off-peak hours.

Natural Gas Charbroilers

Modern underfired charbroilers heat up quickly and often feature pull-out grates for easy loading and cleaning. They use ceramic briquettes or other heat-retaining materials to create a radiant heat bed above the burners. Food is placed on grates above this heat source, and as juices drip onto the hot surfaces below, they create the signature flame-grilled flavor and appearance.

Because charbroilers produce smoke and grease vapor, they must be used under a properly sized commercial ventilation hood.

Propane Charbroilers

Charbroilers are available in 24 inch, 36 inch, and 48 inch models in both natural gas and propane gas configurations. Larger units provide more grilling surface area for high-capacity cooking during peak service periods.

Why Choose a Commercial Charbroiler?

A commercial charbroiler is essential for restaurants that want to deliver authentic grilled flavor while maintaining speed and efficiency. It provides high heat, fast recovery, and the ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, making it ideal for busy kitchens.