A salamander broiler sits high on the line, so grease and cheese drips are easy to forget about until they smoke. Because the heat source is overhead, splatter collects on the rack, the drip tray and the underside of the unit. A regular cleaning routine keeps the broiler safe, hot and ready for finishing plates.
Shop the equipment in this article: Cookline CSM-36-WM 36″ infra-red gas salamander broiler, Cookline CSM-36-RM 36″ infra-red salamander gas broiler and Cookline ES23 23″ electric countertop salamander. Freight is included on every order.
Manual First, Then Shut Down
Start by reading the manufacturer’s manual for your salamander. It will show how the rack and drip tray come out and whether any parts are dishwasher safe. Turn the broiler off. On gas models, close the gas valve for any deep cleaning. On electric models, unplug or switch off the breaker. Let the unit cool completely, since infrared burners and elements stay hot for a while. Use only food-safe degreasers, following the label.
Daily Cleaning
Once the unit is cool:
- Slide out the cooking rack. Soak it in hot water and degreaser, scrub, rinse and dry.
- Remove the drip or crumb tray, empty it and wash it.
- Wipe the interior sides and the front of the broiler with a damp cloth and degreaser. Rinse and dry.
- Wipe the knobs and front panel. Keep liquids out of the controls.
Weekly Cleaning
- Check the rack slides and rack carriage for buildup. Wipe or brush them clean.
- Look at the infrared burner surface or the electric elements. Do not scrub or spray these. Brush off loose debris gently with a dry soft brush if the manual allows.
- Clean the wall bracket or range-mount shelf if the salamander is mounted. Grease collects on the mounting surfaces.
- Inspect the heat shield and back panel. Wipe them clean.
Infrared Burners Need Gentle Care
Infrared ceramic burners are fragile. Never spray water or cleaner on them, and never hit them with tools. If a burner has cracked or is not glowing evenly, call a licensed gas technician.
How to Keep It Cleaner
- Use a sheet pan or plate under items that will drip cheese or fat.
- Empty the drip tray during service if it fills.
- Do not leave the rack at the top position when not in use, where it collects splatter.
Wall Mount vs Range Mount
Wall-mounted units like the Cookline CSM-36-WM 36″ infra-red gas salamander broiler need the wall behind them wiped as well. Range-mounted units like the Cookline CSM-36-RM 36″ infra-red salamander gas broiler sit on top of a range, so grease from the range top collects under the broiler too. Clean both surfaces at the same time.
Electric countertop models like the Cookline ES23 23″ electric countertop salamander follow the same idea, but always unplug before cleaning and keep water out of the element area.
Common Mistakes
- Cleaning while the burner is still glowing.
- Soaking a hot rack in cold water, which can warp it.
- Using abrasive pads on painted or coated panels.
- Ignoring the drip tray until it overflows.
A 10-Minute Closing Routine
Pull the rack, pull the tray, soak both, wipe the interior, wipe the front, reinstall. When done daily, the weekly clean stays short.
Next Steps
If you are adding a finishing broiler or replacing an old one, compare the commercial salamander broilers and other commercial broilers by width and mounting style. 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.
Cookline CSM-36-WM 36″ Infra-Red Gas Salamander Broiler (model CSM-36-WM)
- Brand: Cookline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline CSM-36-RM 36″ Infra-Red Salamander Gas Broiler (model CSM-36-RM)
- Brand: Cookline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline ES23 23″ Electric Countertop Salamander, 220V (model ES23)
- Brand: Cookline
- Cookline ES23 23″ Salamander
- Durable Steel Build
- Adjustable Clearance
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
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.