Charbroilers 101: Different Types & How They Work

Updated 9/12/2024

If you want to add a smoky, grilled flavor to your menu items, invest in a commercial charbroiler.

A charbroiler is a cooking device that uses high heat and direct flame to cook food on a metal grate. It can be used to prepare steaks, burgers, chicken, fish, vegetables, and more.

But not all charbroilers are the same. Different types vary in size, design, fuel source, and heating method.

In this blog post, we will explain the main differences between the types of commercial charbroilers and help you choose the best one for your business.

Countertop vs. Freestanding vs. Outdoor Charbroilers

One of the first things to consider when buying a charbroiler is where you want to place it.

Depending on your available space and cooking needs, you can choose between countertop, freestanding, or outdoor charbroilers.

Countertop Charbroilers

Countertop charbroilers are compact and portable units that can be placed on an equipment stand or a refrigerated chef base.

They are ideal for small kitchens or low-volume operations requiring a versatile and convenient charbroiler.

Countertop charbroilers typically have a smaller cooking surface and lower BTU output than freestanding models.

Freestanding Charbroilers

Freestanding charbroilers are floor models that are designed for heavy-duty use and high-volume production.

They have a larger cooking surface and higher BTU output than countertop models. They also often include a cabinet-style base that can hold plates and platters.

Freestanding charbroilers are suitable for restaurants, diners, and steakhouses that need a powerful and reliable charbroiler.

Pros:

• Larger Cooking Surface: Offers a more extensive grilling area, ideal for high-volume cooking and accommodating multiple items simultaneously.
• Higher Heat Output: Capable of reaching higher temperatures than countertop models, providing better searing and faster cooking times.
• Durability: Typically built with heavy-duty materials designed for frequent use, making them more robust and long-lasting.
• Greater Capacity: Suitable for large restaurants, catering services, or any operation that requires continuous grilling.
• Versatility in Placement: Can be placed in any area with proper ventilation and utilities, allowing for flexibility in kitchen design.
• Enhanced Features: Often comes with additional features like adjustable grates, removable drip trays, and storage compartments for greater convenience and customization.

Cons:

• Requires More Space: Takes up more floor space, which can be a disadvantage in smaller kitchens or compact layouts.
• Higher Initial Cost: Due to their size, materials, and features, they are generally more expensive upfront than countertop models.
• Less Portable: Difficult to move once installed, reducing flexibility if the kitchen layout changes.
• Increased Maintenance: Larger size and more components may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
• Higher Energy Consumption: Uses more gas or electricity to maintain its larger cooking surface, leading to potentially higher operational costs.
• Complex Installation: Often requires professional installation, including proper gas or electrical connections and adequate ventilation systems.

Outdoor charbroilers

Outdoor charbroilers are specially designed for catering applications, country clubs, and resorts.

They are usually mounted on casters for easy portability and mobility. They can operate on propane or natural gas and have a durable and weather-resistant construction.

Outdoor charbroilers are perfect for grilling food in open-air settings and creating an attractive display for your guests.

Pros:

1. Enhanced Flavor: Cooking outdoors allows for natural smoke infusion, adding a distinctive, authentic grilled flavor to food.

2. Ample Ventilation: Outdoor use eliminates the need for complex ventilation systems, reducing indoor smoke and heat buildup.

3. Flexibility in Location: Can be used in various outdoor settings, such as patios, backyards, and outdoor kitchens, providing versatility for events or seasonal cooking.

4. High Capacity: Often designed to handle large quantities of food, making them ideal for parties, catering, or outdoor restaurant services.

5. Durability: Built to withstand outdoor elements with weather-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or coated metal.

6. Social Cooking Experience: Enhances the dining experience by allowing guests to watch and engage with the cooking process in a relaxed outdoor environment.

Cons:

1. Weather Dependent: Cooking can be affected by weather conditions such as rain, wind, or extreme temperatures, limiting usability.
2. Requires Outdoor Space: Needs a designated outdoor area, which may not be available for all businesses or homes.
3. Additional Safety Concerns: Open flames and hot surfaces require careful placement and monitoring to prevent accidents or fire hazards, especially in windy conditions.
4. Limited to Seasonal Use: In many regions, outdoor charbroilers can only be used comfortably during certain seasons, reducing their year-round utility.
5. Higher Maintenance: Exposure to the elements can lead to rust, corrosion, or damage over time, requiring regular upkeep and protective covers.
6. Lack of Control Over Environment: Wind can affect flame control and heat distribution, potentially impacting cooking consistency and efficiency.

Electric vs. Gas Charbroilers

Another important factor to consider when buying a charbroiler is the fuel source. You can choose between electric or gas charbroilers depending on your utility availability and preference.

Electric charbroilers

Electric charbroilers use electric elements to heat up the food. They are available for those operations without a gas utility line or with limited gas supply.

Electric charbroilers have some advantages over gas models, such as easier installation, lower maintenance costs, and more consistent temperature control.

However, they also have some drawbacks, such as higher energy consumption, slower heat recovery, and less smoky flavor.

Pros:

• Easier Installation: Requires only an electrical outlet, eliminating the need for gas lines or ventilation modifications.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Fewer parts prone to wear and tear, leading to reduced maintenance and repair expenses.
• Consistent Temperature Control: Provides precise and stable temperature settings, ensuring even cooking results.

Cons:

• Higher Energy Consumption: Generally uses more electricity, potentially leading to higher utility bills.
• Slower Heat Recovery: Takes longer to regain optimal cooking temperature after adding food or opening the unit.
• Less Smoky Flavor: Lacks the natural smoky flavor produced by gas flames, which may affect the taste of grilled food.

Gas charbroilers

Gas charbroilers use natural gas or propane to create an open flame that heats up the food.

They are far more common than electric models and offer more benefits, such as faster heat-up time, better heat recovery, lower energy costs, and more authentic grilled flavor.

However, they also require more maintenance, ventilation, and safety precautions than electric models.

Pros:

• Faster Heat-Up Time: Quickly reaches the desired cooking temperature, reducing wait times and improving efficiency.
• Better Heat Recovery: Recovers heat faster after adding food or opening the unit, maintaining consistent cooking performance.
• Lower Energy Costs: Typically more cost-effective to operate than electric models, especially in areas where natural gas is cheaper than electricity.
• More Authentic Grilled Flavor: Produces a natural smoky flavor that enhances the taste of grilled food, closely mimicking traditional grilling.

Cons

• Requires More Maintenance: Has more parts that can wear out or require regular cleaning and servicing.
• Needs Ventilation: Requires proper ventilation systems to safely expel smoke, grease, and other byproducts.
• Increased Safety Risks: Involves open flames and gas lines, which require careful handling and monitoring to prevent accidents or gas leaks.

Radiant vs. Lava Rock Charbroilers

The last major difference between the types of commercial charbroilers is how they heat the food.

Depending on your desired cooking results and cleaning needs, you can choose between radiant or lava rock charbroilers.

Radiant charbroilers

Radiant charbroilers have burners positioned under angled pieces of metal called radiants.

The radiants direct the heat up toward the grates and food while also channeling the grease and drippings away from the flame and into the drip pan.

Pros 

• Fewer Flare-Ups:Produces fewer flare-ups during cooking, reducing the risk of charring or burning food.
• Less Smoke: Generates minimal smoke, creating a more pleasant cooking environment and reducing the need for excessive ventilation.
• Easier to Clean and Maintain: It has fewer components that collect grease or debris, making it simpler to clean and maintain.

Cons

1. Less Authentic Flavor: May not provide the same smoky, char-grilled flavor as other models, like lava rock charbroilers.
2. Potentially Less Heat Retention: May not retain heat as efficiently as models that use materials like lava rocks, affecting cooking performance in high-demand settings.

Lava rock charbroilers

Lava rock charbroilers have burners positioned under a bed of ceramic lava stones.

The lava stones absorb and radiate the heat up toward the grates and food while also catching and holding the grease and drippings.

Pros

1. More Flavorful Grilled Taste: Provides a rich, smoky flavor to food by using lava stones that retain and radiate heat, enhancing the authentic char-grilled taste.
2. High Heat Retention: Lava rocks absorb and distribute heat evenly, maintaining consistent cooking temperatures.

Cons

1. More Flare-Ups: Tends to produce more flare-ups due to drippings hitting the hot lava rocks, which can increase the risk of charring or burning food.
2. Increased Smoke Production: Generates more smoke than radiant models, requiring better ventilation.
3. Frequent Cleaning and Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and more frequent replacement of lava stones to prevent grease buildup and maintain performance.

Lava rock charbroilers produce more flare-ups and smoke than radiant models and create a more flavorful grilled taste.

However, they also require more frequent cleaning and replacement of the lava stones.

Wrapping it Up

As you can see, there are different types of commercial charbroilers that suit different cooking needs and preferences.

To choose the best one for your business, you should consider factors such as space availability, utility availability, cooking volume, desired flavor, and cleaning ease.

If you need help finding the best commercial charcoal grill for your business, visit our website for more information or call us at 630-613-8535.