Salamanders & Cheese Melters

12 products

Salamander broilers and cheese melters give the line overhead heat for finishing: browning gratins, melting cheese on sandwiches and nachos, crisping the tops of casseroles and holding plates for a moment before they go to the pass.

Brands include Garland, U.S. Range, Quest and Vollrath. Vertical broilers for gyro and shawarma are in Gyro & Shawarma. This collection sits in Cooking Equipment.

Types of salamanders and cheese melters

  • Infra-red salamander broilers: Garland G-Series GIR36 and GIR60 and U.S. Range U-Series UIR36 and UIR60 in 36" and 60" widths, in natural gas, propane and high-elevation versions, including counter-mount models (GIR36C, UIR36C).
  • 24" salamander: The Quest 24" salamander broiler with a roll-out rack (natural gas, final sale) for smaller lines.
  • Cheese melter: The Vollrath JW1 20" countertop cheese melter (120V) for melting and light browning where gas is not available.

What to consider when choosing a salamander or cheese melter

  • Salamander or cheese melter: A salamander runs hotter and is built for browning and broiling. A cheese melter uses gentler heat for melting and short holding.
  • Width: Match the salamander to the range or counter below it. 36" units suit most single ranges; 60" units cover a wider line.
  • Mounting: Check whether the model mounts on a range or on a counter or stand. Counter-mount versions are listed separately.
  • Gas type and elevation: Order the natural gas, propane or high-elevation version that matches your site, and have a licensed gas fitter install it.
  • Ventilation: Plan hood space for gas salamanders before ordering.

Related categories

Salamander and cheese melter FAQs

What is the difference between a salamander and a cheese melter?

A salamander uses intense overhead heat to brown, broil and finish dishes quickly. A cheese melter runs cooler and is used to melt toppings and keep plates warm for a short time.

What size salamander do I need?

Most kitchens match the salamander to the range below it. 36" models suit a standard range; 60" models cover a wider section of the line.

What does a high-elevation model mean?

Gas appliances at higher altitudes need different gas settings to burn correctly. If your kitchen is at elevation, order the high-elevation version and confirm with your installer.

Does a salamander need to go under a hood?

Gas salamanders sit on the cook line and are normally covered by the hood. Confirm ventilation requirements with your installer and local code.

Prefer to talk it through? Find a Russell Hendrix representative.