What Is a Broiler?

Broiler ovens generate radiant heat through a heating element installed on the top of the oven or in a separate compartment. This direct heat exposure allows for quick and even cooking, resulting in deliciously broiled dishes. One of the notable advantages of broiler ovens is their versatility. They can handle a wide range of broiling tasks, making them a valuable addition to any commercial kitchen. Whether you need to brown casseroles, sear steaks, or melt cheese on open-faced sandwiches, a broiler oven is up to the task.

• Uses: Preparing meats, charring vegetables, toasting bread
• Benefits: Versatility, simple design

Salamander broilers, also known as overhead broilers or salamander ovens, are specifically designed for high-intensity broiling. These broilers are typically mounted on the wall or ceiling, allowing for easy access and efficient use of space in the kitchen. Many salamander broilers feature an adjustable heating element, allowing the user to control the intensity of the heat applied to food. The high-intensity heat produced by these broilers helps to quickly sear the food, locking in its natural juices and flavors while creating a delicious caramelized crust.

• Uses: Fully cooking meats, browning casseroles, preparing desserts
• Benefits: Increased control over heat intensity

Also known as gyro broilers or schwarama machines, vertical broilers are popular with restaurants specializing in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. This spit slowly rotates, allowing the meat to cook evenly on all sides and basting it in its own flavorful juices. One of the notable advantages of using a vertical broiler is the crispy exterior that it creates. The continuous rotation of the meat allows the fat to render and the skin to become crispy, adding a delightful texture to the final dish.

• Uses: Cooking beef, lamb, and chicken
• Benefits: Easy to operate

Upright broilers provide a high level of efficiency and versatility. They feature a series of grates or radiants positioned above a heat source, allowing direct heat application to the food for even and thorough cooking. The grates or radiants also help create char marks on the surface of the food, enhancing both its appearance and taste. Due to their design, upright broilers are particularly well-suited for cooking meat, poultry, and seafood.

• Uses: Preparing beef, poultry, and seafood
• Benefits: Increased capacity

Cheesemelters are specialized broilers primarily used for melting cheese quickly and evenly. They are commonly found in pizza shops, snack bars, and other similar establishments. These broilers have a unique design, featuring a rack or shelf that holds the food close to the heating element. This allows maximum heat transfer and ensures the cheese is melted to perfection. Many feature adjustable heat settings, allowing chefs to achieve the desired level of melting for different types of cheese and dishes. They are essential for creating delicious sandwiches, pizzas, nachos, and other cheesy delights.

• Uses: Melting cheese
• Benefits: Easy to clean