A commercial cheesemelter is the finishing tool behind bubbling nachos, melted sandwich tops, gratins and French onion soup. Babak Food Equipment offers gas and electric cheesemelters for restaurants, pubs, cafés, Mexican and Italian kitchens, hotels and caterers across Vancouver and British Columbia, from trusted brands such as Vulcan, Wolf and Royal. Mounted above a range or set on a counter, a cheese melter gives quick, gentle top heat without tying up an oven or a burner.
Types of cheesemelters
Range-mount and wall-mount cheesemelters
Many cheesemelters are built to mount on a restaurant range’s backriser or on the wall above the line. This keeps the counter clear and puts finishing heat at eye level, right where plates come off the burners.
Countertop cheesemelters
Countertop models sit on a worktable, equipment stand or refrigerated chef base. They suit kitchens without a range to mount on, or where the melter needs to sit close to the pass.
Gas vs. electric cheese melters
Gas cheesemelters typically use infrared burners for fast heat-up and are common on gas cooking lines. Electric models use radiant elements, can go anywhere the right circuit is available, and are a good fit for bars, food trucks and spaces with limited gas.
Cheesemelter vs. salamander
A cheesemelter runs cooler and gentler than a salamander, so it is ideal for melting, browning and holding plates warm. If you need high heat to broil steaks or char fish, look at our salamanders or upright broilers.
How to choose a commercial cheesemelter

Width: match the melter to the range or counter below it. Common widths run from about 24 to 72 inches.
Gas or electric: check whether you have natural gas or propane at the line, or the right electrical circuit – electric models often need 208 V or 240 V.
Mounting: confirm the range has a compatible backriser or that the wall can carry a mounting bracket; otherwise choose a countertop model.
Rack positions: adjustable rack heights let you move plates closer to the heat for browning or lower for gentle melting.
Ventilation: a cheesemelter on a cooking line normally sits under the exhaust hood – check the requirements with your local authority.
Cleaning: a removable crumb or grease tray and a stainless steel body make daily clean-up faster.

Why buy your cheesemelter from Babak Food Equipment?
With more than 20 years in business and a 4.9★ Google rating from 380+ reviews, our team helps you compare cheesemelter brands and widths and check gas, power and hood space before you buy. Delivery and installation options are available across BC – details and costs are discussed when you order. Building out a full broiler station? Also see our gyro machines and shish kabob broilers, or save with quality used restaurant equipment.
Cheesemelters at a glance
TypeTypical heat sourceBest forRange-mount gasInfrared burnersBusy gas cooking linesCountertop electricRadiant elementsBars, cafés, food trucksWide (about 60–72 in.)Gas or electricHigh-volume plating and banquets
Frequently asked questions
What is a cheesemelter used for?
A cheesemelter provides top heat for melting cheese, browning toppings, toasting bread and keeping finished plates warm for a short time before they go out.
What’s the difference between a cheesemelter and a salamander?
Both use overhead heat, but a salamander runs hotter and is built for broiling and searing. A cheesemelter has gentler heat for melting and finishing, and usually costs less to buy and run.
Can a cheesemelter be mounted on a range?
Yes – many models are designed to mount on a range backriser, as long as the range and melter are compatible. Our team can confirm the mounting kit and fit for your range.
Is an electric cheese melter as good as a gas one?
Electric models work well for melting and finishing and are easy to install where gas isn’t available. Gas infrared models tend to heat up faster and are often preferred on busy gas lines.
Availability, pricing, warranty terms, delivery and installation are confirmed at the time of purchase – request a quote on any model or call our team at (604) 566-9747.