Griddles, Chargrills & Salamanders

These are heavy-duty cooking surfaces designed to handle the continuous output of a commercial kitchen. A griddle uses a flat heated plate for eggs, pancakes and proteins. A chargrill sits over open bars or radiant burners to give food char marks and smoky flavour. A salamander is an overhead broiler used for finishing dishes, melting toppings and browning sauces. Each piece solves a specific cooking task your team faces every service.

You'll find gas and electric flat-top griddles, chrome and ribbed-plate chargrills, vertical grilling stations, overhead salamanders and countertop contact grills. Floor-standing units on legs or castors sit alongside compact benchtop models suited to smaller kitchens or pop-up setups. Brands across the range include Waldorf, Fagor Professional, Goldstein, Blue Seal Evolution, Gresilva, Garland, Trueheat, Lotus, Mareno and MKN.

A flat-top griddle gives you a continuous cooking surface with even heat, ideal for high-volume breakfast service, smash burgers or delicate fish. A chargrill is better when char marks and caramelised crust matter — think steaks, chicken and vegetables. Many kitchens run both side by side. If counter space is tight, a combination unit or a reversible plate contact grill can cover both tasks.

Start with your peak cover count and the proteins your menu centres on. Wider cooking surfaces handle more simultaneous portions but draw more power or gas. Measure your bench or suite gap carefully before ordering — most units are specified in 300 mm, 600 mm, 900 mm or 1200 mm widths. A benchtop contact grill suits a small café, while a 900 mm or wider floor-standing chargrill suits a high-volume grill restaurant.

Gas units heat quickly and give chefs direct flame control, which many operators prefer for chargrilling. Electric models, including chrome fry-tops, offer precise zone temperature control and are easier to install where gas is unavailable. Running costs depend on your local tariffs and usage patterns. If your site already has a gas line to the cooking suite, gas is usually the straightforward choice; otherwise electric avoids the fitout cost.

Gas appliances must be connected by a licensed gas fitter in every Australian state and territory — this is not a DIY task. Electric units above standard household amperage, including 15-amp and three-phase models, also require a licensed electrician. Your canopy exhaust and clearances to combustibles must meet local building and health authority requirements. Always confirm installation requirements with your local authority before the unit arrives on site.

Scrape the plate with a metal scraper while it is still warm but not at full operating temperature. Pour a small amount of water onto the surface and work it with the scraper to lift residue. Wipe clean, then apply a thin coat of neutral cooking oil to protect the plate from rust and oxidation. Chrome plates should not be scoured with abrasive pads. For chargrills, remove the grates and clean them separately with a wire brush.

A professional service check at least once a year is good practice for gas burners, igniters and thermocouple safety devices. High-volume sites often schedule a service every six months. Between services, keep burner ports clear of grease build-up and check that flame patterns look even. Salamanders should have their reflectors and broiler elements inspected regularly, as uneven heat usually signals a blocked burner or a failing element.

Vertical grilling stations are compact relative to their output, as food cooks on vertical racks rather than a flat horizontal surface. That footprint efficiency makes them viable for smaller venues with a focused menu — a kebab bar or a chicken rotisserie concept, for example. Check the electrical supply requirements before ordering, as multi-compartment units draw significant power. Your electrician can confirm whether your existing switchboard supports the load.

Pricing spans a wide range depending on fuel type, plate width and brand. Compact countertop contact grills sit at the more accessible end, while wide floor-standing chargrills and multi-zone fry-tops represent a larger investment. Members save off RRP on every item in this category. Create a free account at checkout or log in before you buy to make sure your team's order reflects member pricing.