The Best Commercial Grill For Meat

When it comes to the heart of a restaurant kitchen, few tools carry as much weight as the grill. Whether you’re running a fast-paced quick service restaurant or a high-end steakhouse, the right grill is crucial for delivering flavour, consistency, and efficiency. If you’re wondering whether grill quality matters, it absolutely does. Choosing the best commercial grill for meat can be the difference between satisfied regulars and one-time visitors.

The Best Commercial Grill For Meat: Quality Matters

For restaurants, grill performance impacts more than just taste. It affects cook times, workflow efficiency, energy usage, food safety, and ultimately, your bottom line. High-quality commercial grills often feature durable materials like cast iron, which enhance longevity and performance, even in demanding environments. A high-quality commercial grill helps ensure:

  • Even heat distribution for uniform cooking. High heat zones are essential for searing meats and achieving restaurant-quality results.
  • Consistent food quality regardless of staff experience
  • Faster service with multi-zone or dual-surface capabilities
  • Multiple burner configurations for better heat management and versatility
  • Fewer maintenance issues and better long-term reliability

In other words, investing in a premium grill isn’t just about taste, it’s about scaling success, and as any chef will tell you, these features are essential for delivering consistent results.

Grill Size and Capacity: Matching Your Grill to Your Business Needs

Selecting the right grill size and capacity is essential for meeting your business’s unique demands. If your grill’s cooking surface is too small, you may struggle to keep up during peak hours, leading to longer wait times and missed opportunities. On the other hand, an oversized grill can waste energy and space, especially if you’re not regularly cooking large quantities.

Consider the types of food you’ll be preparing, if burgers or hot dogs are menu staples, a gas grill with multiple burners and adjustable controls might be your best choice for quick, even cooking.

Look for grills with features like multiple cooking zones, ample storage, and easy-to-use controls to maximize efficiency and flexibility. Matching your grill’s size and features to your business needs ensures you can deliver great food, no matter the crowd.

Fuel Options and Efficiency: Choosing What Powers Your Grill

The fuel you choose for your commercial grill can have a big impact on both the cooking process and the final flavour of your food.

Gas grills are a popular choice for many kitchens thanks to their convenience, quick ignition, and precise heat controls, making them ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods efficiently.

Operators choose electric commercial grills for their ease of installation, consistent cooking performance, and ability to meet safety and energy regulations, especially in locations without access to gas. They’re a smart, low-maintenance option for kitchens focused on reliability and efficiency.

Charcoal grills, on the other hand, are prized for the rich, smoky flavour they impart, though they can be more time-consuming to set up and clean.

Wood-fired grills offer a unique, savoury taste that can set your menu apart, but they require more attention and maintenance.

When deciding between gas, electric, charcoal, or wood, consider how often you’ll be grilling, the types of dishes you want to serve, and the flavour profile you want to achieve. Look for grills with features that enhance fuel efficiency, such as easy ignition systems and adjustable heat controls, to ensure you get the most out of your chosen fuel source while keeping your kitchen running smoothly.

Grilling Tips for Large Crowds: High-Volume Success

Grilling for a crowd doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you have the right equipment and a solid plan. Start with a grill that offers a large cooking surface with multiple burners, so you can cook large quantities of food at once.

Preparing ingredients ahead of time, such as marinating meats, slicing vegetables, and organizing sauces, will help streamline the cooking process. For items like ribs or brisket, consider using a grill with slow cooking capabilities or precise temperature control to achieve tender, flavourful results.

Don’t forget to have plenty of utensils, trays, and serving equipment on hand to keep service running smoothly. With the right setup and a focus on even cooking and temperature control, you’ll be ready to serve up delicious food to large crowds with ease.

Meet the Taylor Lineup: DSL’s Best-in-Class Commercial Grills

DSL Canada proudly offers industry-leading commercial grills that elevate meat quality and streamline operations. These grills are designed to cook food efficiently, cooking 2/3 faster than a flat top grill, making them ideal for busy kitchens and large gatherings. It is important to properly prepare the g/rill before each use to ensure consistent results and optimal performance. Here are two standout options trusted by top kitchens across Western Canada.

Commercial Grill

Taylor Two-Sided Commercial Grill

Engineered for efficiency, the Taylor Two-Sided Commercial Grill is part of the L-series and features larger cooking surfaces and upper platens to cut cook times in half by grilling both sides simultaneously.

Top Benefits:

  • One-touch menu programming for precision
  • Programmable microprocessor controls with multi-stage settings
    • leading to labour savings
  • Automatic platen closure and safety features
  • External USB port for easy menu updates
  • Precise automatic gapping system ensures consistency
  • Built-in patty placement guides for optimal cook performance
  • Speed of service, cooking meat under two minutes

This grill is perfect for fast-paced operations looking to maximize output without compromising on quality.

Taylor Two-Sided Commercial Grill | Next Generation

Ready to future-proof your kitchen? The Next Generation Taylor Grill (L852 & L858 models) brings breakthrough innovations like self-adjusting platens, multi-zone cooking, and real-time smart controls.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

  • Auto-recognition of products and auto-setting of time/temp/gap
  • True Parallel Auto Levelling for exact top/bottom cook gaps
  • Independent cook zones for diverse menus and energy savings
  • Slim platen design for easier cleaning
  • 2” cooking gap to handle thicker items like stacked sandwiches or large cuts
  • Speed of service, cooking meat under two minutes

Built for high performance and maximum flexibility, this is the ultimate tool for kitchens that demand versatility and speed.

Dry Rubs and Marinades: Elevate Your Meat’s Flavour

One of the easiest ways to add extra flavour to your grilled meats, poultry, and seafood is by using dry rubs and marinades.

Dry rubs, blends of spices, herbs, and sometimes a touch of sugar, are perfect for steaks, chicken, pork, and even vegetables, creating a flavourful crust that enhances both taste and texture during grilling.

Marinades, which combine ingredients like lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, are ideal for tenderizing and infusing flavour into meats like fish, shrimp, and poultry. Experimenting with different combinations of spices, oils, and acids can help you develop signature flavours that set your menu apart.

Whether you’re grilling chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, taking the time to season with a dry rub or marinade ensures every bite is packed with flavour and keeps your customers coming back for more.

Safety First: Essential Precautions for Commercial Grilling

When operating commercial grills, safety is paramount, especially when you’re cooking large quantities of food in a fast-paced environment. Start by ensuring your grill is set up on a stable, level surface, well away from flammable materials and any overhanging structures. Always keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach, and make sure your staff knows how to use it.

Before firing up your grill, inspect the cooking surface for any signs of wear, damage, or grease buildup. Clean grill grates and cooking surfaces not only prevent flare-ups but also help food cook evenly and reduce the risk of contamination. When working with a hot grill, use proper equipment like oven mitts and long-handled tongs to protect against burns and never leave a hot grill unattended.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific equipment, whether you’re using charcoal or gas grills, to ensure safe operation. Regularly check for gas leaks, and always allow charcoal to cool completely before disposal. By prioritizing these safety measures, you’ll create a secure environment for your team and guests, allowing you to focus on delivering great food, every time.

Grill Accessories That Boost Performance

The right grill accessories can make a world of difference in both the cooking process and the final flavour of your grilled foods. A reliable meat thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of burgers, steaks, chicken, and other meats, ensuring everything is cooked to perfection. Tongs and spatulas designed for grilling give you better control when flipping or moving food directly on the grill, helping you achieve that ideal sear without losing juices or texture.

Avoid These Common Commercial Grilling Mistakes

Even experienced chefs can fall into common grilling pitfalls that impact food quality and kitchen efficiency. One frequent mistake is skipping the preheat; always allow your grill or griddle to reach the proper cooking temperature before putting food on the surface. This ensures meats, seafood, and vegetables cook evenly and helps prevent flare ups that can burn food or create off flavours.

Don’t overlook the importance of regular cleaning. Grease and debris buildup on the cooking surface can affect flavour and even damage your equipment over time.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on proper technique, you’ll notice a real difference in the flavour, texture, and overall quality of your grilled foods.

Keep It Running: The Power of Preventative Maintenance

Your grill is only as good as its maintenance plan. DSL’s All In One (AIO) Program offers:

  • Routine preventative maintenance
  • Priority service to reduce downtime
  • One monthly invoice for simplified admin
  • Reporting and diagnostics for long-term performance
  • Education and operational support for your team

With AIO, your equipment stays at peak performance, and your kitchen never misses a beat.

Final Thoughts: Grill Smarter, Not Harder

Choosing the best commercial grill for meat is one of the most important equipment decisions you’ll make. Whether you go for the speed of the Taylor Two-Sided Grill or the innovation of its next generation model, DSL Canada has you covered. From the perfect sear to increased kitchen efficiency, your grill can, and should, do more than just cook meat.

Ready to level up your kitchen’s performance? Contact DSL Canada to explore our range of professional grilling equipment and support services.

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