We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Kitchen

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Salamander Broiler?

Michael Pollick
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 86,262
Share

Whether it is creating the perfectly melted cheddar cheese on a hamburger or the browned cheese topping on a bowl of french onion soup, a specialized piece of kitchen equipment called a salamander broiler — or sometimes just a salamander — can be the perfect tool. Professional chefs use a salamander broiler for a number of purposes, such as broiling fish, melting cheese or caramelizing sugar. Sometimes, a commercial kitchen will use a long salamander broiler as "pass through" equipment between the kitchen and servers, with the chef preparing the dish on one side of the broiler and placing it inside. A trained server or assistant cook removes the dish from the other side and serves it to customers.

A typical salamander broiler is positioned above the oven, within reach of the cook as he or she prepares the dish. For preparation of meat and fish dishes, a shallow metal plate is often used in the broiler, then placed in a wooden holder or other heat-resistant holder for serving. Certain cookware, such as soup bowls, usually can withstand the heat from the salamander's upper burners, so they might go directly from the kitchen to the table. This is one reason why servers warn customers of a very hot plate — it might have come directly from a salamander broiler.

In cooking circles, the salamander broiler is considered to be overfired. This means that the heat source, which might be gas burners or infrared electric elements, comes from above. A kitchen grill, on the other hand, is considered underfired, because it receives heat from below.

There are often larger overfired broilers in a commercial kitchen, but many cooks prefer the controlled action of a smaller salamander broiler. Large broilers can be used to produce much larger quantities of food, but appearance and presentation are often improved by using the salamander broiler. Occasionally, a kitchen production line will also have an even more specialized piece of equipment called a cheese melter. The salamander broiler is considered more of a multi-purpose piece of equipment than a cheese melter.

Although most broilers are sold for commercial use, ovens with a salamander broiler attachment are available for homeowners who have a penchant for gourmet cooking. The traditional broiler for a gas stove is located below the oven chamber, and the elements for an electric broiler are attached to the top of the oven chamber. Neither is especially useful for quick cheese melting or last-minute browning of a single dish. This is why many home cooks prefer the energy savings and ease of use provided by a salamander broiler.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to DelightedCooking, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon87538 — On May 31, 2010

In answer to the question from Kelt, there is a salamander grill for domestic use called Hi-Grill. Only available so far in the UK but may be soon in the US.

By anon48105 — On Oct 09, 2009

salamanders (the creature) are amphibians, not reptiles.

By Kelt — On Jan 23, 2009

I grew up with "Eye Level Grills" which were salamanders for the domestic market in the UK. They are still available as a part of many range installations and also freestanding.

Are there salamanders available for domestic use here in the US? I am tired of kneeling to make my toast.

By anon22963 — On Dec 13, 2008

probably a salamander is so called after the small reptile of that name, which in medieval times was believed to be able to withstand fire without being consumed ...like the cooking utensil.

By anon18136 — On Sep 16, 2008

hi, why is actually the salamander called "salamander"? was it the name of its first maker or is the reason another? just a curiosity, thanks

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to DelightedCooking, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-a-salamander-broiler.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.