When setting up a commercial kitchen, choosing the right equipment can make or break your workflow. Two commonly confused appliances are the open mouth toaster and the salamander grill. While both are used for toasting and grilling, they serve very different purposes and are designed for different types of cooking.
In this guide, we break down the key differences, benefits, and best use cases for each—so you can decide which one suits your kitchen.
What Is an Open Mouth Toaster?
An open mouth toaster is a high-speed commercial toaster with an open front, allowing operators to quickly insert and remove bread, bagels, buns, or toasties. It’s designed for rapid, repetitive toasting in cafes, fast food outlets, and buffet lines.
- Fast heat-up time
- Ideal for bread, sandwiches, and bagels
- Compact countertop design
- Often has conveyor or vertical toasting slots
- Typically electric-powered
Best For:
- Cafes, bakeries, breakfast bars
- High-volume toast production
- Front-of-house self-service setups
What Is a Salamander Grill?
A salamander grill is a high-heat overhead broiler used for finishing, grilling, and melting. It delivers intense, direct heat from above and is often mounted above a cookline or placed on a bench.
Key Features:
- Adjustable grill rack height
- Precise temperature control
- Quick browning, melting, and gratin finishing
- Gas or electric options
- Can toast, grill, and reheat
Best For:
- Restaurants, bistros, and fine dining
- Melting cheese, crisping dishes, or grilling meats
- Finishing plated meals
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose an
Open Mouth Toaster
if:
- You primarily toast bread, buns, or sandwiches.
- Speed and simplicity are top priorities.
- You have limited space or need front-of-house equipment.
Choose a
Salamander Grill
if:
- You need to grill, brown, melt, or finish a variety of dishes.
- Your kitchen requires precise heat control.
- You’re aiming for restaurant-quality presentation.
Final Thoughts
While both appliances generate heat and handle toasting, their purposes are very different. An open mouth toaster is built for speed and volume, ideal for breakfast service. A salamander grill, on the other hand, brings finesse and culinary versatility to your cooking line.
Need help choosing between the two? At Hospitality Connect, we offer a full range of open mouth toasters and salamander grills from trusted brands like Woodson, Goldstein, Blue Seal, and Benchstar.
