In the fast-paced world of professional cooking, the right equipment can mean the difference between a good dish and an unforgettable one. Enter the Goldstein Salamander—a commercial broiler that’s as steeped in history as it is in culinary excellence. With its iconic moveable ratchet 5-position rack and a heritage dating back to 1911, this Australian-made powerhouse has become a staple in kitchens worldwide. But what makes it so indispensable? Let’s dive into the legacy of the Goldstein Salamander and explore the endless culinary possibilities it unlocks.

A Legacy Forged in Innovation

The story of the Goldstein Salamander begins with Morris Goldstein, a visionary who founded Eagle Carbonating Co. on Sydney’s Kent Street in 1911. Initially crafting soda fountains and ice cream cabinets, Goldstein’s designs quickly became synonymous with durability and ingenuity. By 1919, the company rebranded as Goldstein & Co Pty Ltd, and under the leadership of Morris’s son, Joseph Goldstein, it expanded into pioneering milk bar equipment that shaped Australia’s burgeoning café culture. 

Today, the Goldstein Salamander carries forward this tradition of innovation. Now available through Ice Group Hospitality—a trusted partner to the industry since 1988—it combines a century of craftsmanship with cutting-edge functionality. The salamander’s adjustable 5-position rack, engineered for precision heat control, is a testament to the Goldstein family’s commitment to empowering chefs with tools that endure.

What is a Commercial Salamander?

For the uninitiated, a commercial salamander (or salamander broiler) is an overhead broiler designed to deliver intense, focused heat. Unlike traditional ovens, it excels at tasks requiring speed and precision: melting cheese to golden perfection, crisping proteins, or adding a caramelized finish to desserts. Its name is said to derive from the mythical salamander, a creature believed to withstand fire—a fitting metaphor for a tool that thrives under blazing heat.  

The Goldstein Salamander stands out with its moveable ratchet system, allowing chefs to adjust the distance between the heat source and the food. This feature ensures even browning, prevents burning, and accommodates everything from delicate crème brûlée to hearty casseroles. 

Culinary Magic: What Can You Cook with a Salamander?
The true beauty of the Goldstein Salamander lies in its versatility. Here’s how chefs leverage their fiery prowess to elevate dishes across cuisines: 

Cheese, Glorious Cheese
A salamander is a fromage lover's best friend. Its intense top-down heat melts and browns cheese with unmatched efficiency.
French Onion Soup: Achieve that iconic bubbly Gruyère crust in seconds. 
Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Transform sandwiches with evenly melted cheddar and a crisp, buttery exterior. 
Nachos & Pizzas: Melt Monterey Jack or mozzarella without soggy bases. 
Italian Classics: Finish lasagna, cannelloni, or eggplant Parmesan with a caramelized cheese blanket. 

Perfectly Finished Proteins
From steakhouse staples to seafood showstoppers, the salamander adds the final touch:
Steaks & Chops: Crisp fat caps on ribeyes or add grill marks to pork chops. 
Burgers: Melt Swiss cheese flawlessly or give patties a smoky char.
Fish: Glaze salmon with teriyaki or brown a Parmesan crust on cod fillets.

Gratins & Comfort Food Classics 
Turn humble ingredients into decadent crowd-pleasers:  
Potato Dauphinoise: Golden, crispy edges atop creamy layers.  
Mac & Cheese: Add a crunchy panko or fried onion topping.  
Vegetable Gratins: Char broccoli or cauliflower under a blanket of béchamel and Gruyère.  

Breads & Appetizers  
Crisp, toast, and char with precision:  
Garlic Bread: Toast to golden perfection without drying out the centre. 
Bruschetta: Lightly char ciabatta before topping with tomatoes and basil.  
Croque Monsieur: Melt Emmental and crisp the top layer of this French bistro favourite. 

Sweet Endings  
Yes, desserts too! The salamander’s precise heat is ideal for: 
Crème Brûlée: Caramelise sugar into a glass-like crust.
Baked Alaska: Torch meringue peaks without thawing the ice cream.
Fruit Gratins: Brown sugar on grapefruit halves or bananas Foster.

Rescue Missions
Revive leftovers or prep components ahead of time: 
Reheat Fries: Restore crunch to day-old fries.
Refresh Pizza: Crisp up leftover slices in seconds.
Crispy Skins: Finish duck confit or chicken for crackling perfection.

Veggie Brilliance
Elevate plant-based dishes: 
Charred Vegetables: Blister peppers, asparagus, or eggplant for smoky depth. 
Stuffed Mushrooms: Melt goat cheese filling for bite-sized appetisers. 
Cheesy Cauliflower: Brown cheddar on roasted florets for a low-carb crowd-pleaser. 

Glazes & Plating Flair
Add drama to composed dishes: 
Glazed proteins: caramelise honey mustard on ham or teriyaki on salmon. 
Textural Contrast: Add last-minute crunch to risotto or polenta.

Why Chefs Swear By the Goldstein Salamander
Speed: In busy kitchens, seconds matter. The salamander’s instant heat saves time during peak service. 
Control: The adjustable 5-position rack lets chefs fine-tune intensity—ideal for delicate tasks like brûlée or aggressive searing. 
Consistency: Even heating ensures every dish meets the same high standard. 
Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of commercial use, it’s a long-term investment.

A Tool for the Future, Rooted in the Past
The Goldstein Salamander isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s a piece of history. For over 113 years, the Goldstein family’s dedication to innovation has shaped how chefs work. Paired with **Ice Group Hospitality**’s expertise, this iconic broiler continues to empower modern kitchens, blending heritage craftsmanship with the demands of today’s culinary scene. 

Whether you’re melting cheese for a cozy pub menu or plating haute cuisine, the Goldstein Salamander proves that greatness is built on tradition. As Morris Goldstein once envisioned, it’s not just about equipment; it’s about enabling creativity, one perfectly browned dish at a time. 

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Ice Group Hospitality
Since 1988, Ice Group Hospitality has equipped chefs with tools that inspire. Explore the Goldstein Salamander and more at www.icegroup.com.au and join a legacy of culinary excellence. 

What will you create with your salamander? Share your masterpieces with #GoldsteinLegacy and #IceGroupHeroes!