A little flame kissing the meat is part of what gives charbroiled food its flavor. Big, uncontrolled flare-ups are something else. They char food, create smoke, blacken the hood and raise the risk of a grease fire. Most flare-ups come from fat, grease buildup and heat settings you can control. Here is how.
For sizes and current models, browse our commercial broilers.
Countertop cooking equipment needs a solid base; see this stainless grill and equipment stand with undershelf.
What Causes Flare-Ups
Flare-ups happen when fat and juices drip onto hot radiants, briquettes or char-rocks and ignite. The more fat that drips, and the more grease already built up below the grates, the bigger the flare.
Trim and Prep the Protein
Trim excess fat before cooking. Pat meat dry and avoid dripping marinades. Oil-heavy marinades drip onto radiants and flare. Let excess marinade drain before the food goes on the grate.
Use Heat Zones
Set up a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for finishing. When a flare starts, move the item to the cooler zone for a moment. Do not crowd the grate. Spacing items apart gives you room to move food away from flames.
Clean the Grates Daily
Carbonized grease on the grates drips and burns. Brush grates while hot during service and clean them thoroughly at the end of the day with a wire brush or grate scraper.
Clean Radiants, Char-Rocks and Pans
Grease that collects on radiants or char-rocks fuels flare-ups. On radiant charbroilers, remove and clean radiants on a regular schedule, following the manufacturer’s instructions, with the unit off and cool. On char-rock broilers, rocks become saturated with grease over time and should be turned or replaced per the manual. Empty and clean the grease pan and drip tray daily. A full drip pan can ignite.
Do Not Use Water on Grease Fires
Never spray water on a grease flare-up. It can spread burning grease. For small flares, move food and let the fat burn off. For a real grease fire, use the kitchen’s fire suppression system or a Class K extinguisher. Fire suppression systems and extinguishers are typically required under hoods for charbroilers; confirm requirements with your local fire department.
Check Heat Settings
Running every burner on high all day increases flare-ups and wastes gas. Use only the heat you need. Adjust burner valves to create zones.
Check Burners
Uneven burners can create very hot spots that flare more. If flames look yellow or uneven, or a burner will not light, call a licensed gas technician. Never open gas valves or adjust orifices yourself.
Hood and Ventilation
Make sure the hood is on whenever the charbroiler runs. Clean hood filters regularly, since grease-laden filters are a fire risk. Hood and duct cleaning should be done by a professional on a schedule set by your fire marshal or insurance.
When to Call a Technician
Call a licensed gas technician for burner, valve or ignition problems, or if you smell gas.
Next Steps
If your charbroiler is worn out or too small, compare models in our charbroilers and char-rock broilers categories. Options include the Standard Range SR-CB24-M 24″ gas countertop radiant charbroiler, 70,000 BTU, the Westlake ECB-36S 36″ 3-burner gas charbroiler, the Migali C-CR24 24″ gas char-rock broiler, 70,000 BTU, and the Migali C-RB36 36″ gas radiant charbroiler, 105,000 BTU. Keep the hood clean with a hood grease cup. See each product page for specs.
Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Standard Range SR-CB24-M 24″ Gas Countertop Radiant Charbroiler – 70,000 BTU (model SR-CB24-M)
- Brand: Standard Range
- 24-inch countertop gas radiant charbroiler with 2 independently controlled burners and 70,000 total BTU.
- Cast iron grates over steel radiants deliver even, high-heat searing for steaks, burgers, chicken and vegetables.
- Stainless steel construction with a pull-out grease tray and adjustable legs.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Westlake ECB-36S, Commercial Gas Charbroiler 36″ 3-Burner 90,000 BTU Stainless Steel | Countertop Radiant BBQ Grill for Restaurant (model ECB-36S)
- Brand: Westlake
- High-Octane Performance: Boasts a massive 90,000 BTU/Hr output for rapid recovery and consistent heat.
- Precision Control: Three independent manual controls allow for customized heat zones across the grilling surface.
- Durable Construction: Heavy-duty stainless steel finish ensures longevity and easy cleaning in messy kitchen environments.
- Warranty: 2-Year Parts & Labor
Migali C-CR24 24″ Gas Char-Rock Broiler – 70,000 BTU (model C-CR24)
- Brand: Migali
- 24-inch gas char-rock broiler that burns over lava rock or briquettes for real smoke and char, not just grill marks.
- 70,000 BTU across 2 “U”-shape burners at 35,000 BTU each, with reversible cast iron grates that set flat or sloped.
- Stainless steel construction, slide-out waste tray, natural gas with LP orifices included.
Migali C-RB36 36″ Gas Radiant Charbroiler – 105,000 BTU (model C-RB36)
- Brand: Migali
- 36-inch gas radiant charbroiler with 105,000 BTU across 3 “U”-shape burners at 35,000 BTU each.
- Steel radiants under reversible cast iron grates give even heat and clean grill marks with far less flare-up than a rock broiler.
- Stainless construction, slide-out waste tray, natural gas with LP orifices included.
Stainless Steel Hood Grease Cup, 6 3/4 in. x 4 1/4 in. x 2 1/2 in. Grease Collector for Commercial Kitchen Vent Hoods (model EKQ-GC)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built from premium, corrosion-resistant stainless steel designed to withstand high temperatures and harsh commercial kitchen environments.
- Universal Match: Specifically designed to be fully compatible with Halifax Type 1 commercial exhaust hoods and standard grease containment setups.
- Certified Sanitation: Built to meet rigorous NSF standards, ensuring easy cleaning, sanitizing, and compliance with local health department regulations.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.