Broilers and Salamanders

Appears in
Professional Cooking: 10th Edition

By Wayne Gisslen

Published 2025

  • About

Broilers are sometimes called overhead broilers to avoid confusing them with grills. Overhead broilers generate heat from above, and food items are placed on a grate beneath the heat source. Broiling is a favorite way of preparing steaks, chops, chicken, and many other items.

Heavy-duty broilers produce very high heat and consume vast quantities of energy. Some broilers are said to go as high as 2000°F (1100°C) at the burner.

Heavy-duty broiler

Courtesy of Vulcan Hart Company.

Foods must be watched closely to avoid burning. Cooking temperature is adjusted by raising or lowering the grate that holds the food.