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Hot Dog Equipment Buying Guide

Last updated on Oct 31, 2024
Offering customers a hot, delicious hot dog on a summer's day is an easy way to boost impulse sales at your concession stand, convenience store, or stadium. With a hot dog roller grill or hot dog steamer you can do just that! However, it's important to know which piece of hot dog equipment is right to get the job done. Be sure to check out our hot dog roller reviews as well!

What Are the Different Types of Hot Dog Equipment?

Hot dog roller grills, hot dog steamers, and hot dog merchandisers are three of the most common pieces of equipment used for cooking hot dogs.

    Commercial hot dog rollers have motorized wheels and can cook hot dogs quickly and evenly.

    Steamers can hold hot dogs and hot dog buns for extended periods of time without drying them out.

    Merchandisers provide everything you need to sell hot dogs in a compact, mobile unit.

The piece of hot dog equipment that is right for your establishment will depend on factors such as how many customers are being served and the available space in your establishment.

Shop All Hot Dog Equipment

Differences Between Hot Dog Steamers and Rollers

Hot Dog Steamers

Hot dog steamers are high-volume units that allow you to cook many hot dogs at once, some as many as 200 hot dogs at a time. Steamed hot dogs have a nice snap and cook evenly for consistent, delicious results. These steamers are best used in back-of-house since their bulk output is better for production than for display purposes.

Hot Dog Rollers

Rollers are designed to cook hot dogs evenly, and they can even give the hot dogs a crispy texture. Able to hold between 10 and 75 hot dogs at once, these hot dog rollers are ideal for display purposes. Customers will be able to see and smell the hot dogs turning on the rollers, thus increasing impulse sales.

Hot Dog Roller Grills Overview

How Do Hot Dog Rollers Work?

First, allow the grill to preheat per manufacturer's instructions. Then, place hot dogs on the roller grill and allow them cook until they reach at least 145 degrees internal temperature. After cooking, hot dogs can be served immediately or held in a warmer drawer. A commercial hot dog roller grill has heated, motorized wheels that rotate hot dogs while cooking them. By rolling hot dogs during cooking these grills ensure hot dogs are cooked evenly. Roller grills can be used for cooking bratwurst, breakfast sausages, and egg rolls too!

Capacity and Usage

Smaller capacity grills are perfect for convenience stores and concession stands whereas high capacity roller grills are better for large commercial establishments with fast turnover. Larger capacity grills often have multiple cooking zones to allow for an area for cooking and another for holding hot dogs.

Types of Hot Dog Roller Grills

Restaurant Equipment

Flat-Top Roller Grill

  • Flat-top grills are primarily used for back-of-the-house cooking.
  • Some models feature a nonstick roller surface for easy cleaning.
  • Select models contain two temperature dials so you can set the front rollers for cooking and the back for holding.
  • Flat-top grills often have removable drip trays for easy clean up.
  • Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
Restaurant Equipment

Slanted-Top Roller Grill

  • Slanted-top grills are perfect for front-of-house display.
  • The slanted design shows off your hot dogs and increases impulse sales.
  • The design also makes it easier for customers to serve themselves.
  • Certain models of the slanted-top grill contain multiple temperature dials.
  • Some models have a removable drip tray for easy clean up.
  • Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
Restaurant Equipment

Roller Grill with Bun Holder

  • Features a roller grill with an unheated drawer for storing buns underneath it.
  • A roller grill with bun holder is great for self-serve establishments.
  • Available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills.
  • Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
Restaurant Equipment

Roller Grill with Bun Warmer

  • Features a roller grill with a heated drawer for storing buns underneath.
  • A roller grill with bun warmer is great for use in a self-serve establishment.
  • Available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills.
  • Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
Restaurant Equipment

Non-Stick Roller Grill

  • Non-stick seals prevent grease from entering the base and coming into contact with the motor and drive chain.
  • The non-stick coating improves the durability of the rollers and makes it easier to clean the grill
  • Available in both flat-top and slanted-top grills.
  • Different size capacities are available for a wide range of applications.
Restaurant Equipment

Roller Grill with Rear Mounted Controls

  • Helps prevent accidental setting changes in front-of-house applications.
  • The design also makes it easier for customers to serve themselves.
  • Different size capacities are available for multiple applications.

Hot Dog Steamer Overview

A hot dog steamer is a great alternative to hot dog roller grills. Hot dog steamers cook hot dogs quickly and evenly once they've heated up. Best of all, steamers can hold hot dogs and buns for an extended period of time without drying them out. Since they cook with steam, most steamers come with drains and drip pans to make clean up a breeze.
Expert Tip


How do I steam hot dogs? First, allow the hot dog steamer ample time to heat up per the manufacturer's instructions. Then, place hot dogs inside the steamer tray and allow them to cook until they reach at least 145 degrees internal temperature. After cooking, hot dogs can be served immediately or held in the steamer until they are ready to serve.

Restaurant Equipment

Standard Style Hot Dog Steamer

  • Warm up water to heat your buns and cook hot dogs all in one compact place.
  • Best suited for concession stands and restaurant.
  • Hot dogs can sit for extended periods of time and the steam will keep them plump and juicy.
  • Available with either vertical compartments or in a horizontal double-decker style.
  • Units with decals are typically used for front of house or at the point of sale.
Restaurant Equipment

Food Warmer Style Steamer

  • Food warmer hot dog steamers are better suited for high-volume businesses like stadiums.
  • This steamer is larger and takes up more counter space than other types of steamers.
  • Hot dogs can sit for extended periods of time and the steam will keep them plump and juicy.
  • Offer a convenient and effective way for a large quantity of buns and dogs to be heated.
  • Many food warmer style steamers have a steam well for keeping onions, sauce or other toppings hot.
Restaurant Equipment

European Style Steamer

  • European style hot dog steamers are perfect for serving customers in style.
  • Can only hold and heat a few hot dogs and buns at one time.
  • The steamer spikes create pockets in the bun which can be filled with condiments that will be dispensed around the hot dog.

Hot Dog Merchandisers

Complete with graphics and illumination, hot dog merchandisers catch customers' eyes quickly. Merchandisers have insulated glass, stainless steel food pans, and wheels to offer everything you'll need to easily sell hot dogs in a compact, mobile unit. Merchandisers come with common NEMA-plug and voltage requirements to make it easy to find power sources while on the go.

With a merchandiser, hot dogs are put on display through the insulated glass while buns stay warm in the storage tray below. Additionally, the adjustable thermostats and on/off switches give the operator complete control over the cooking and storage environments. Merchandisers not only ensure hot dogs are evenly cooked, they show off the perfectly browned franks effortlessly.

Shop Hot Dog Merchandisers

Hot Dog Bun Warmers and Cabinets

Whether you're operating a small concession stand, need a self-serve station in your convenience store, or are serving hundreds of hungry customers at a stadium, our hot dog bun warmers and hot dog bun cabinets make sure you've got the right amount of warm and soft buns to accommodate your delicious hot dogs.

Warmers and cabinets are meant to work in conjunction with roller machines. Check the dimensions of your roller grill to make sure you'll have adequate space on top of or next to your bun warmer. This way you'll always be ready to pair your hot dogs with warm, soft buns.

Hot Dog Bun Warmers

Hot dog bun warmers have temperature controls which allow you to set and hold buns at the perfect serving temperature for extended periods of time. Additionally, warmers are available in dry or moist heat options.

  • Moist heat hot dog bun warmers, also known as hot dog bun steamers, are able to hold buns without drying them out.

  • Dry heat is generally a more economical option and doesn't require water to operate.

  • Hot Dog Bun Cabinets

    Hot dog bun cabinets are much simpler than warmers and do not have any electrical components or temperature controls. One of their main advantages is that they don't use electricity and therefore are one less piece of equipment drawing amperage from electrical circuits. Hot dog bun cabinets should be used when holding buns for shorter periods of time as they won't hold temperature for as long as warmers.

    Shop Bun Warmers and Cabinets

    Hot Dog Accessories, Equipment and Mechanical Parts

    Restaurant Equipment

    Create separate sections on a grill for cooking a variety of foods.

     

    Restaurant Equipment

    Hold cooked hot dogs below the grill or as a standalone drawer.

     

    Restaurant Equipment

    Perfect for organizing and arranging hot dogs, or adding condiments to orders.

     

    Restaurant Equipment

    Ideal for sanitation and come in a variety of materials and colors.

     

     

    Restaurant Equipment

    Great for on-the-go service. Available in many sizes and colors.

     

    Restaurant Equipment

    Convenient for carrying and sealing heat. Easy to label and serve.

     

     

    Restaurant Equipment

    Keep your hot dogs sanitary from various airborne contaminents.

     

     

    Restaurant Equipment
    The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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