Types of Charbroilers
Whether you're preparing burgers, steaks, or chicken, charbroilers are an essential part of any commercial kitchen. They provide a quick and efficient way to cook food while adding a signature smoky flavor that customers love. Charbroilers come in several different forms, and it's important to purchase the right type for your specific needs. Whether you've operated a commercial kitchen for years or are just starting to plan your kitchen's layout, we'll outline the different types of charbroilers to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
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A charbroiler is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to cook meats, vegetables, sandwiches, and a variety of other foods. They are essential for any establishment that wants to feature smoky, char-grilled flavors on their menu. The signature characteristics of charbroilers are their ability to provide quick and consistent heat and enhanced temperature control. Because of this, they are ideal for busy commercial kitchens where speed and consistency are crucial. They typically consist of a set of grates above a heat source, creating the signature grill marks that charbroilers are known for. Some high-end models feature less space between burners, allowing for enhanced control.
There are several types of commercial charbroilers on the market, each of which has unique benefits. For the best results, choose a charbroiler that fits your restaurant concept. Consider factors such as cooking volume, desired cooking results, and available utilities when selecting the right unit for your commercial kitchen.
1. Countertop Charbroiler
Countertop charbroilers are compact and versatile. They are specifically designed to save space in the kitchen by conveniently fitting on your countertops, and their compact footprint makes them ideal for food trucks, snack bars, and smaller kitchens where space is limited. A key advantage of countertop charbroilers is that they are easy to clean. Most units feature removable grates and drip trays, allowing for quick and convenient cleaning.
- Power type: Electric, natural gas, liquid propane, field convertible
- Control type: Infinite, manual
- Usage: Standard-duty, medium-duty
2. Outdoor Charbroiler
Outdoor charbroilers are meant for heavy-duty outdoor cooking in commercial settings, making them ideal for catering businesses, country clubs, and resorts. Despite their large size, these charbroilers are designed with transport in mind. Many models feature built-in casters, making them easy to move from one location to the next. Additionally, most outdoor charbroilers are made from stainless steel, protecting against rust.
- Power type: Liquid propane, wood burning
- Control type: Manual, thermostatic
- Usage: Heavy-duty
3. Freestanding Charbroiler
Freestanding charbroilers are meant to be a fixture in the kitchen. These large charbroilers are perfect for steakhouses, large restaurants, or any business expecting to prepare large quantities of meat. They are made with durability in mind and are built to withstand the demands of a busy commercial kitchen. Some freestanding charbroilers are designed with a cabinet-style base, providing additional storage for plates, platters, and cooking utensils.
- Power type: Field convertible, liquid propane, natural gas, wood burning
- Control type: Manual, thermostatic
- Usage: Medium-duty, heavy-duty
4. Modular Charbroiler
Modular charbroilers are perfect for smaller kitchens that want to save space without sacrificing performance. These compact units offer similar cooking capabilities to their larger counterparts, making them an ideal choice for smaller restaurants and bars. Despite their size, modular charbroilers deliver consistent and reliable results. They are meant to be installed directly into your kitchen countertop, maximizing your available workspace.
- Power type: Liquid propane, natural gas
- Control type: Manual
- Usage: Standard-duty, medium-duty
How a charbroiler generates heat is essential to its functionality. There are a variety of charbroiler heat sources for you to choose from, with each offering unique benefits. Choosing the right charbroiler heat source for your restaurant concept can elevate your signature dishes and help your kitchen function more efficiently. We'll explore the different heat sources and what sets them apart below.
- Lava rock charbroilers: Lava rock charbroilers feature a bed of ceramic stones strategically placed above burners. When the burners are on, these stones radiate heat upwards, providing an even distribution of heat across the cooking surface. As the juices and fats from the food you're cooking drip down onto the hot lava rocks, they instantly vaporize and impart a flavorful, smoky taste and aroma to your food.
- Radiant charbroilers: These charbroilers feature a burner positioned under an angled piece of metal called a radiant. Their unique angled design channels grease and drippings away from the flame and into a drip pan, reducing the chance of flare-ups and making the unit easier to clean.
- Ceramic charbroilers: These charbroilers utilize pre-formed ceramic briquettes as their heat source, ensuring consistent and even cooking temperatures. Like radiant charbroilers, an advantage of ceramic charbroilers is their ability to avoid flare-ups. The ceramic briquettes absorb and evenly distribute heat, making it less likely for fats and drippings to come into direct contact with the heat source.
- Infrared charbroilers: These specialized charbroilers utilize infrared burner technology. Compared to their counterparts, infrared charbroilers use less energy while still offering similar heat output. This energy-saving feature can significantly reduce operating costs, making them a cost-effective option for businesses.
When it comes to selecting the perfect charbroiler for your commercial kitchen, there are several purchasing considerations you should keep in mind. Certain charbroiler parts and accessories, as well as the details of your unit, can significantly impact your cooking experience. Additionally, the materials it is made from can affect your charbroiler's performance.
Grate Style
Choosing the right grate style for your charbroiler is crucial in achieving the desired cooking results for your menu items. They are the surface on which your food rests as it cooks, making them integral to achieving the desired texture in your dishes. We've outlined the two main styles of charbroiler grates below.
- Fixed grates: These grates will always retain the same dimensions. They are typically made from cast iron or stainless steel and can withstand high temperatures and heavy use.
- Adjustable grates: Adjustable grates offer increased flexibility while cooking. Their height can easily be adjusted, allowing you to move food closer to or further away from the flame. This feature gives you greater control over the cooking process so that you can achieve different levels of sear and char on your food.
Grate Material
Grill grate materials can significantly impact the efficiency, performance, and durability of your charbroiler, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider how much money you are willing to spend and what level of performance you are looking for before making a purchase.
- Cast iron grates: Cast iron grates are the most common type of charbroiler grates. They are known for their exceptional durability and heat retention properties but may be difficult to clean. They also excel at distributing heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking results.
- Chrome-plated grates: These grates are typically found on outdoor charbroilers, though they can be used on indoor models as well. They offer increased corrosion resistance, helping them remain in optimal condition even when exposed to the elements. Chrome plating also provides a smooth surface that is easy to clean, saving your staff time.
- Stainless steel grates: Stainless steel grates are an excellent option for those seeking superior corrosion resistance. Although stainless steel grates tend to be more expensive than cast iron or chrome-plated grates, they are highly durable and well-suited for outdoor applications.
Backsplash
A backsplash or sidesplash prevents grease, food particles, and other byproducts of the charbroiling process from splattering onto surrounding walls, counters, and equipment. They extend vertically from the cooking surface, creating a barrier between the unit and its surroundings. These components are typically built into larger units such as freestanding charbroilers, but they are not limited to large units alone. Some countertop models may also feature a backsplash, offering the same level of protection and convenience in a more compact package.
Burner and Radiant Types
The burner and radiant are two essential components of a charbroiler that work together to deliver consistent and efficient heat for cooking. Burners act as the heat source, while radiants direct heat towards the grates. Choosing the right burner and radiant materials for your charbroiler is crucial for achieving optimal performance, energy efficiency, and consistent cooking results. Consider the demands of your kitchen, the type of foods you'll be cooking, and the expected usage when making your selection.
- Cast iron: These burners heat up quickly and retain heat well. However, they are prone to rust and corrosion, leading to clogged burner ports and decreased performance.
- Stainless steel: Durable and corrosion-resistant, stainless steel burners can prolong the life of your charbroiler. Stainless steel burners are typically more expensive and do not retain heat as well as their counterparts.
Related Resources
How to Clean a Charbroiler
Maintaining your charbroiler, along with any kitchen equipment, helps to foster a safe and sanitary work environment. Regular cleanings reduce residue and grease build-up, which can prevent grease fires . Plus, removing excess particles ensures your fresh foods aren't absorbing unwanted flavors. This allows you to maintain high-quality food and prevent costly or time-consuming maintenance issues. Follow these simple steps to keep your charbroiler clean. Shop All Charbroilers Click the links below to learn more about vacation rental property profitability: How to Clean a Charbroiler Video What Do I Need to Clean My Charbroiler? How to Clean a Commercial Charbroiler How to Clean Cast Iron Grates FAQ How to Clean a Charbroiler Video What Do I
Charbroiler Reviews
Check out our charbroiler reviews to compare equivalent models and to see the similarities and differences of each unit! These charbroilers are gas powered, but some are also compatible with lava rocks, which add a distinctive flavor. Since they're all countertop models, you'll save floor space in your kitchen while increasing your menu choices and food output. Choose from medium-duty charbroilers that fit in compact spaces, or opt for larger, heavy-duty equipment that will cook hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, and kebabs more efficiently. We even provide price quotes, so you can find a charbroiler that suits your cooking needs and fits in your budget!
Grilling Temps
During the summer, grilling out is as quintessential as eating hot dogs at baseball games . We provide grilling temps for steak, chicken, and fish, walk you through what grill temperatures mean, and teach you how to test your grill temperature without a thermometer. Whether you're catering a traditional Argentinian BBQ or planning a Fourth of July menu , you'll be ready to get your grill on. Shop All Commercial Grills and Griddles Grill Temp for Steak The first step in achieving your ideal steak is setting your grill to the appropriate temperature. While cooking time is based on the desired doneness, grill temperature is based on the steak's thickness. Discover the grill temp for 1/2", 3/4 to 1", and over 1" thick steaks. 1/2" Thick Steaks
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