In professional kitchens, efficiency and versatility is very important. One important tool that offers these qualities is the salamander oven. Known for its high heat and quick cooking qualities, the salamander oven is a must-have equipment in many commercial kitchens. In case if you are wondering what salamander oven is, how it’s used, and how it differs from regular broilers? Then this blog will answer your query. We will also cover important things to consider when buying a salamander oven, such as power type, installation type, heating style, and size.
What Is a Salamander in Cooking?
A salamander oven, often just called a salamander, is a type of broiler found in commercial kitchens. Unlike regular ovens or grills, it provides very high, direct heat from above, making it perfect for finishing dishes. The name "salamander" comes from ancient times and refers to a mythical creature that lives in fire, symbolizing the intense heat these broilers can produce.
What Is a Salamander Broiler Used For?
Salamander broilers are very useful in a professional kitchen. They are mainly used for finishing and browning dishes because they can quickly produce high, even heat. Here are some specific uses:
- Gratinating: Making a crispy, golden crust on dishes like French onion soup, casseroles, and au gratin potatoes.
- Browning: Adding a final touch to broiled fish, vegetables, and meat by giving them a perfect sear or caramelized finish.
- Melting: Melting cheese on sandwiches, nachos, or other dishes without overcooking the ingredients underneath.
- Reheating: Quickly heating pre-cooked foods to serving temperature while giving them a fresh, hot finish.
Salamander vs. Broiler
While both salamander ovens and traditional broilers provide direct heat from above, there are some key differences between them:
- Heat Intensity and Control: Salamanders offer stronger and more controllable heat compared to standard broilers. This makes them better for precise tasks like browning and creating crispy tops on dishes.
- Speed and Efficiency: Salamanders heat up very fast and can cook food quickly. This is very important in busy kitchens where speed matters.
- Size and Space Requirements: Salamander ovens are usually smaller and can be mounted above ranges or on walls, saving kitchen space. Traditional broilers are often part of larger, standalone units.
- Design and Accessibility: Salamanders have an open front, making it easy for chefs to watch and handle dishes. Broilers, which are part of an oven, might be harder to check and manage during cooking.
Salamander Oven Purchasing Considerations
When buying a salamander oven for your commercial kitchen, there are a few key factors to think about to make sure you get the right model for your needs. These factors include power type, installation type, heating style, and size.
Power Type
Salamander ovens come in different power types, each with its own benefits:
Gas: Gas-powered salamanders heat up quickly and keep a consistent high temperature. They can be more cost-effective over time, especially in busy kitchens.
Electric: Electric salamanders are usually easier to install and more flexible in placement since they don't need a gas line. They offer precise temperature control and are great for kitchens without gas connections.
Installation Type
The way you install a salamander oven can greatly affect your kitchen's workflow and space use:
- Wall-Mounted: These salamanders save counter space and can be placed at eye level, making them easy to access and monitor. This is great for kitchens with limited counter space.
- Range-Mounted: These are installed above a range, combining cooking and finishing in one spot. This is efficient for kitchens where many tasks happen in a small area.
- Countertop: These portable salamanders can be placed on any stable surface. They are flexible and can be moved as needed, making them ideal for kitchens with changing space needs.
Heating Style
Different salamanders use different heating methods, which affects how your food cooks:
- Radiant Heating: This type uses infrared elements to deliver direct, intense heat, great for quick cooking and getting a crispy finish on dishes.
- Convection Heating: Some salamanders have convection fans that work with the heating elements to spread the heat evenly. This helps cook food more uniformly and is good for dishes that need consistent heat all around.
Size
The size of the salamander oven is also an important consideration:
- Compact Models: These smaller salamanders fit well in kitchens with limited space or where not much food needs to be cooked at once. They still deliver strong heat but take up less room.
- Large Models: Bigger salamanders are great for busy kitchens that need to finish many dishes at the same time. They have more cooking space and can handle more food, which is helpful during busy times.
Conclusion
Choosing the right salamander oven for your commercial kitchen means thinking about a few key things like power type, where it will be installed, how it heats, and its size. Knowing what each type of salamander oven offers can really help your kitchen work better and more flexibly. Whether you need a small, electric one that sits on the countertop or a large, gas-powered one that mounts on the wall, choosing the right salamander oven will help you cook your dishes perfectly every time. Having the right equipment is important to keep up high standards in a professional kitchen, and a salamander oven is a crucial piece of gear for top-notch cooking.
