For some people, the first thing that comes to mind when they hear "salamander" is a lizard, funny right? But true.

For the sake of this article, let's bury that thought and open our minds to something new; this should be fun.

In the food service, a salamander oven is used because of its ability to heat food fast.

Salamanders are used for a variety of dishes, you'd be surprised at what you can achieve with a salamander oven.

What Is A Salamander Oven?

A salamander oven is a specialized kitchen appliance that's designed to quickly grill, toast, glaze, brown, and finish various foods in half the time used by a standard oven.

Some salamander broilers even reach a temperature of 700℉, meaning now you can easily achieve that crustiness on your chicken dish.

Salamanders can stand alone, but they are usually built to be mounted on a wall or above a cooking range, but the smaller models can be placed on a countertop.

It's easy to confuse a salamander for a cheese melter, but you should know that not all cheese melters are salamanders.

So, essentially, salamanders are ideal for quick tasks, like melting cheese, toasting sandwiches, and adding the perfect crust to your crème brulee. 

How Does A Salamander Work?

Salamander ovens operate with infrared or radiant heat, and the intense heat enables precise cooking. This cooking appliance is extremely valuable in busy commercial kitchens because you can get work done in half the usual time.

Salamanders have higher temperatures than traditional ovens, and they are efficient in searing proteins and infusing them with the steakhouse taste that you can't achieve with your regular in-oven.

Why Are They Called Salamanders?

The salamander oven got its name from a mystical salamander that lived in and could withstand fire. Greek mythology considers the salamander a "fire animal", and this gave rise to its name.

It's a very deserving name because salamander broilers are known for their higher heat capabilities.

What Are Salamanders Commonly Used For?

A salamander broiler is mostly used in high-volume kitchens for grilling, glazing, caramelizing, toasting, browning, and finishing different varieties of foods.

If you have a commercial salamander broiler in your kitchen, you can use it in finishing French onion soup, melting cheese, broiling meats, adding a browned crust to an au gratin dish, or just heating your food.

The beauty of a salamander broiler is that it doesn't take up oven space, because the browning and finishing of dishes are done in a separate unit.

What Are The Main Features And Components Of A Salamander?

Some of the features all commercial salamander broilers have in common include;

Heating Elements

A salamander grill or oven has two heating elements; infrared and radiant. Both heat elements are usually positioned at the top of the oven to provide overhead heat necessary for heating foods quickly, without burning.

Adjustable Rack

The beauty of a salamander broiler is that it can accommodate different types of dishes at the same time. It features a rack that can be adjusted to contain foods of different heights, while still allowing for focused heat to all foods and achieving the perfect finishing touch.

Temperature Controls

Not all dishes need very high heat, and while that's what most kitchen salamanders are known for, it's always good to have control over the heat level, which is where the heat control dial comes in.

When using a salamander broiler in a commercial kitchen, you'll appreciate the need to be able to control the heat intensity to achieve your desired level of cooking, because uncontrolled heat might mean a disaster.

Pan/Drip Tray

A salamander grill usually features a drip tray that catches stray food particles, and this helps in making cleaning easier, especially in a busy kitchen. Without the drip tray, food particles can fall into the heat source directly and cause flare-ups.

Adjustable Heat Shield

The adjustable heat shied helps control the heat that gets to the food, and you can create different cooking environments for your different meals.

Control Panel

The control panel just makes things easy for you, because it displays information about the oven's status. And it also includes knobs and dials that let you customize the cooking temperature and set timers and cooking modes.

Heat Resistant Handles

For safety purposes, salamanders come with heat-resistant handles to enable you to access dishes already inside the oven, even when the oven is operating at high temperatures.

Exterior Casing

The exterior casing of a salamander is designed to withstand intense heat without transferring it. The casing of most kitchen salamanders is made from durable stainless steel.

Ventilation System

A salamander broiler usually has one or two vents that help with airflow. It works by expelling excess heat away from the kitchen and drawing in fresh air from the outside environment.

What Are The Different Types Of Salamanders Used In Cooking?

Versatility is the watchword for salamander broilers. Let's go over the different options you have in case you need one of these "bad boys" in your commercial kitchen.

Power Type

When choosing the right salamander for home kitchens or food service establishments, there are three options available, so make your selection based on your cooking needs.

Electric Salamander

Electric salamanders are ideal for establishments that have a low to moderate volume of cooking like kiosks and cafes. Plus, it's used in most kitchens with no access to a gas line or gas hookups.

Gas Salamander

Gas salamanders (which mostly come in natural gas) are the preferred power source for high-volume establishments like bars and steakhouses. They typically have higher outputs and are perfect for restaurants that cook foods all day long.

Hybrid Salamander

A hybrid salamander is a combination of the features of a gas and electric salamander. Hybrid salamanders can be connected to both a gas supply and an electric source. Plus, it's the combination of electric heating elements and gas burners.

Heating Style

Heating style varies for salamanders; here are the three types available;

Infrared Salamander

Infrared salamander broilers use infrared heat to supply intense and direct heat to foods, so they can be finished in record time.

Radiant Salamander

A radiant salamander uses radiant heat to disperse the burner heat evenly, for optimal cooking. The BTU of a radiant salamander is greater than the infrared variants, hence it produces heat for a longer time.

Ceramic Salamander

A ceramic salamander features ceramic heating elements as its heat source. Ceramic salamanders heat up quickly, and the heat is usually trapped inside the oven.

It's a preferred choice for restaurants that want to keep costs to a minimum.

Installation Type

There are different installation options, and whatever you choose will depend on the size of your kitchen, and the salamander oven of course.

Adjustable

Adjustable installation allows you to change the position of your salamander broiler; however, not all salamanders can be installed this way.

Salamander ovens that feature the swivel and tilt mechanism enable you to adjust angles and positions when necessary.

Countertop

A countertop salamander is ideal if you have a small space that you don't want to overcrowd. It doesn't crowd the counter space and still gives chefs a separate unit for broiling.

Wall-Mounted Salamander

This is also for small kitchens. Wall-mounted salamanders are for those without counter top space or floor space, plus it helps in finishing foods without disrupting the flow in the kitchen. But be sure it's not mounted at eye level to prevent focused heat on your face.

Range Mounted Salamander

Mounting your salamander on an already existing kitchen range will free up floor space, plus you get to keep a close eye on the meals while on the line.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Salamander In Cooking?

The benefits of a commercial salamander broiler go beyond its capacity to melt cheese and cook other dishes. Some of the perks you'll enjoy from a salamander grill whether gas or electric or hybrid include;

High Heat Output

A salamander broiler can go up to 700℉, making it capable of grilling, browning, and broiling foods. Steak lovers have a special preference for salamanders because it's a sure way to get your "Pittsburgh rare" steaks right.

Precise Control

With precise control comes uniform warming up of any food. With a salamander broiler, you can keep food warm, while still grilling and browning steaks in the other unit.

Versatile Cooking

A salamander grill allows you to cook different types of meals. It can serve as a finishing oven, cheese melter, and overhead broiler.

Quick Cooking

Generally, salamanders produce high heat, thereby speeding up the cooking rate of your meals. It's for this reason the salamander grill is popular in most high-end restaurants.

Enhanced Texture And Flavor

You can't get the same flavored steaks from a salamander oven and a traditional oven. Salamanders are specially designed to achieve crips on the top of casseroles, melt ingredients like butter, chocolate, and cheese, and infuse flavors by searing and sealing the natural juices of meats.

Efficient Space Utilization

Regardless of how small your space is, there's always a salamander for you. If you have a tiny kitchen space, consider a countertop salamander or a wall-mounted salamander.

Energy Efficiency

Salamander ovens are known to be energy efficient because they heat up quickly all the time, so you don't have to spend hours cooking a particular dish.

Flexibility And Accessibility

A salamander grill challenges you as a chef to explore more cooking techniques, plus it's very easy to use.

Finishing Touches

Salamander broilers can be used to make grill marks on steaks, give a quick sear to fish fillets, or even caramelize the sugar on crème brulee thereby creating the perfect finishing touch.

Presentation And Plate Appeal

The crispy look a salamander gives your dishes cannot be achieved with a regular oven. Salamanders are often used to melt cheese on burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches.

How Does A Salamander Contribute To The Texture And Flavor Of Dishes?

Salamander works by infusing a high range of heat into foods that normal ovens can't. The more heat that penetrates a food, especially steaks, meats, and seafood, the more its juicy flavor is trapped, thereby enhancing its texture and flavor.

What You Can Cook With Commercial Salamander?

There's a wide variety of meals you can prepare using a salamander oven, that's why many restaurants take advantage of it.

Some of the amazing dishes you can achieve with a salamander oven include;

• Melting cheese and caramelizing sugar on desserts

• Grilled steaks and chops

• Poultry and seafood

• Broiling meats

• Addition of a top layer of brown to casseroles

• Gratins and Au Gratin Dishes

What Are Some Creative And Innovative Uses Of A Salamander In Modern Cooking Techniques?

Planning of getting creative with your salamander, here are a few ideas;

Smoke Infusion

Due to its higher heat capabilities, a salamander broiler can infuse smoky flavors into dishes like meats, fish, and vegetables.

Dehydrating And Crisping

Using the low-temperature setting of a salamander oven, you can successfully dry the moisture from meals to achieve crispness.

Sous Vide Finishing

Sous vide is a method of cooking in vacuumed plastic pouches at a precise temperature, and using a salamander, you can create a quick sear to the food just after cooking.

Charred Citrus

Charred citrus can be used as garnishes for foods, and you can achieve that with a salamander oven. Place the citrus fruit on a baking sheet and place it directly under the heating element of the salamander to ensure even heat distribution.

Crystallized Sugar Decoration

Salamander broilers can quickly melt cheese and even sugar decorations. Just make sure you are observing it, as it can go from melted to burnt real quick.

Molecular Gastronomy Techniques

Popular molecular gastronomy techniques include; spherification, emulsification, transformation, and sous vide, and all of these can be achieved with a salamander.

Flavor Enhancement

It's no news that a salamander broiler is the "king of flavor infusions". With its intense and direct heat source, moisture and flavors are locked in, resulting in tastier dishes.

Can A Salamander Be Used For Both Savoury And Sweet Preparations?

The versatility of a salamander allows for its preparation of different meals, savory and sweet dishes inclusive.

For instance, it can be used for glazing and caramelizing, and also for browning and searing of steaks or fish fillets.

What Not To Cook In Your Commercial Salamander?

Not everything should go into your salamander's oven space; here are a few;

• Greasy foods

• Foods with high water content

• Items covered in flammable sauces

• Foods with long cooking time

Important Things To Keep In Mind When Using A Salamander In The Kitchen?

• Always use metal plates and cast-iron skillets (the ones labeled broiler-safe)

• Adequate ventilation around your salamander is non-negotiable

• When adjusting metal racks, the cooking grate, or the grease pan, always use heat-resistant gloves

• Read the manufacturer's instructions on usage and maintenance

Is A Salamander Easy To Maintain?

Yes, salamanders are easy to maintain. Here are a few tips that might come in handy;

• Use warm water and soap to clean the drip pans (avoid using harsh chemicals)

• Use a wire brush to gently remove stuck food particles

• A salamander is easy to clean in parts, so remove all removable parts

• Consider professional servicing from time to time

How Much Does A Salamander Oven Cost?

A quality salamander oven can cost anywhere from $500 to over $4,000, depending on its features.

What To Look For In A Salamander?

Before buying a salamander, some factors to consider include;

• Size

• Power source

• Temperature output and control

• Energy efficiency

• Ease of maintenance

• Warranty

Where Can You Buy A Salamander?

If you are looking to buy a quality salamander oven that can handle high-volume cooking, then you should consider Kitchenall salamander broilers and cheesemelters. They are the best option when it comes to kitchen appliances, plus they have a reputation for manufacturing high-end salamanders.

Are There Any Alternative Cooking Methods That Can Replicate The Effects Of A Salamander?

If you don't have the luxury of salamanders or even cheese melters, other cooking methods that can still give similar results are; broiling, grilling, searing, blowtorch, and open flame.

What Is The Difference Between Cheesemelter And A Salamander Broiler?

Cheese melters have just one task, and that's to melt cheese, and sometimes they can be used for making sandwiches or firing up nachos. The point is, it's limited in what it can do, but salamanders can do literally everything a cheese melter can do, and a lot more.

Salamanders are used for infusing high and direct heat into foods, adding a layer of brown to casseroles, and some models feature a grease pan to capture stray food particles.

How Does A Salamander Differ From A Broiler Or Grill?

A salamander provides more heat than a standard broiler or grill. This means it can be used to cook, warm, and finish up foods. Plus, salamanders come with a cooking grate, a grease pan, and full-size ovens.

Conclusion

The perks of owning a salamander broiler are mindblowing, but what makes it stand out is its high-quality performance. A salamander infrared broiler can prepare anything from a quality medium rare steak to delicate items such as seafood.

When it comes to salamander broilers whether gas or electric, you need to be sure you have an absolute need for it.

FAQs

1. Are There Any Traditional Or Regional Cuisines That Heavily Rely On Salamander Cooking? 

No, there aren't. Salamanders are mostly used in professional kitchens, and as such they are used by chefs to add finishing touches to a variety of dishes. Hence, it's not associated with any particular traditional cuisine.

2. How Does A Salamander Contribute To The Presentation And Visual Appeal Of Dishes?

Generally, a salamander grill plays a significant role in the visual appeal of various dishes, from caramelization to grill marks and charring, to glazing and finishing touches.

3. How Does The Positioning Of Food In A Salamander Affect The Cooking Process?

Placing your food close to the heating element will expose it to more direct infrared heat which will speed up the browning or searing process.

4. Are There Any Specific Heat Settings Or Temperature Control Options For A Salamander?

The temperature settings in salamanders will vary based on the model. The heat settings of salamanders are usually indicated as low, medium, and high, while some models make use of numbers on a control panel. The temperature control option can range from 150℉ to 500℉, and above.