Benchstar GH-811EE Large Single Contact Grill Flat Plates 2.2kW | 10A

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Speed up short-order sandwich prep, achieve edge-to-edge golden browning, and maximise benchtop throughput with the Benchstar GH-811EE Large Commercial Single Contact Grill. Purpose-engineered for Australian cafes, espresso bars, takeaway kiosks, lunch bars, school tuckshops, sports clubs, catering trailers, and pub snack passes, this compact 415 mm wide heavy-duty commercial sandwich press combines smooth, flat non-stick cast iron plates with a powerful 2.2 kW heating system on a standard single-phase 10 Amp circuit.

Smooth Flat Non-Stick Cast Iron Plates for 100% Surface Contact

Ribbed plates can score and tear delicate artisanal breads, whereas flat plates maximize total surface-to-food conduction for even heat transfer. The Benchstar GH-811EE features generous smooth flat cast iron plates (Upper: 338 x 220 mm; Lower: 340 x 230 mm; Active Cooking Zone: 335 x 203 mm). The non-stick factory-treated cast iron releases melted cheeses and buttered breads effortlessly without stubborn carbon sticking, while delivering rapid contact heat across thick sourdough toasties, Turkish pides, wraps, flatbreads, bacon rashers, and fried eggs.

High-Output 2.2kW Heating with Rapid Thermal Recovery

Cold ingredients loaded during breakfast and lunch rushes can cause cheaper sandwich presses to lose cooking heat, resulting in soggy breads and extended ticket times. Driven by an energetic 2.2 kW high-density heating element, the GH-811EE retains extensive thermal mass across its dense cast iron core. This ensures fast initial warm-up times and rapid heat recovery between consecutive customer dockets, keeping queues moving during peak service windows.

Precise Thermostat Control Across a 50°C to 300°C Spectrum

Whether holding pre-toasted paninis at gentle warmth or flash-crisping stacked gourmet sandwiches, temperature accuracy is essential. The unit features a responsive, heavy-duty front-mounted mechanical rotary control dial regulating temperatures precisely from 50°C up to 300°C. Clear operational indicator lights show power and heating cycles at a glance, allowing kitchen hands and baristas to manage grilling cycles with total consistency.

Counter-Balanced Top Plate for Parallel, Even Compression

Squashed sandwich crusts and squirted-out fillings compromise food presentation. The GH-811EE is engineered with a heavy-duty counter-balanced sprung hinge assembly that offsets the weight of the upper cast iron lid. Staff can lift, position, and close the lid effortlessly with one hand. The top plate self-adjusts parallel over foods of varying heights, applying gentle, uniform contact pressure from thin tortillas up to thick, multi-layer club sandwiches without pushing them forward off the deck.

Rugged All-Stainless Steel Chassis with Front Grease Channel

Built for demanding commercial hospitality use, the exterior housing is fabricated from 100% commercial-grade stainless steel, offering exceptional resistance to cooking oils, steam, and daily physical wear. A dedicated front grease drainage channel directs excess cooking fats, melted butter, and bread crumbs into a removable catch tray, keeping worktops tidy and supporting compliance with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Standard 3.2.2 Food Safety Practices.

Plug-and-Play Single-Phase 10A Australian Connection

Counter space and electrical circuits are often limited in compact cafes and mobile catering vans. Measuring just 415(W) x 372(D) x 231(H) mm with a manageable net weight of 15.5 kg, the GH-811EE delivers maximum cooking area within a compact countertop footprint. Operating on standard single-phase 240V power, it comes factory-fitted with a standard Australian 10 Amp 3-pin plug and lead, allowing immediate deployment without commercial electrician call-out fees. The unit is backed by a dependable 1 Year Return to Base Commercial Warranty across Australia.

Key Features & Benefits

• Smooth Flat Cast Iron Plates: Maximises surface contact area for uniform crust browning, melted fillings, and rapid queue turnaround.

• Non-Stick Treated Cooking Surface: Facilitates clean food release with minimal sticking and simplifies post-service clean-down.

• High-Output 2.2kW Heating Element: Provides fast heat-up and rapid thermal recovery during back-to-back docket rushes.

• Wide Temperature Range (50°C to 300°C): Accurate single-dial control accommodates gentle warming through to high-heat searing.

• Counter-Balanced Top Plate: Glides down parallel over thick and thin items to compress evenly without crushing bread.

• 100% Commercial Stainless Steel Body: Corrosion-resistant, hygienic exterior withstands heavy daily kitchen wear.

• Generous 335 x 203mm Cooking Face: Accommodates two large sourdough sandwiches, multiple wraps, or long Turkish rolls simultaneously.

• Compact & Portable (15.5kg): Easily moved between counter passes, pop-up stations, and mobile food vans.

• Standard Australian 10A Plug Setup: Plugs straight into standard 240V commercial power outlets with zero electrician wiring costs.

• 1 Year Warranty: Supported by a 1 Year Return to Base commercial warranty nationwide.

Technical Specifications

Daily Care, Cleaning & Maintenance Guidelines

To maintain non-stick cast iron plate performance, protect electrical heating elements, and ensure commercial hygiene standards:

1. Power Isolation & Cool-Down: Always turn the temperature dial to the off position, isolate the wall power point, and disconnect the 10A plug before undertaking cleaning. Allow the cast iron plates to cool down to a warm handling temperature (around 50°C to 60°C) before wiping down.

2. Plate Scraping & Debris Clearing: While the plates are still warm, use a flat commercial grill scraper or heat-resistant spatula to push carbonised fat, melted cheese, and bread crumbs into the front collection channel. Wipe the smooth non-stick surface with a damp microfibre cloth. Never use steel wool, carbon wire scouring pads, or harsh caustic sprays that can scratch or strip the plate surface.

3. Grease Collection Well Cleaning: Empty the front grease channel after every meal service. Wipe clear of rendered fats, butter, and food matter into an approved waste container. Wash with warm soapy water and wipe dry.

4. Stainless Steel Body Care: Wipe down external stainless steel panels daily with a soft microfibre cloth dampened with warm water and a mild commercial food-grade degreaser, wiping in the direction of the metal grain.

5. Counter-Balance Hinge Inspection: Inspect the rear tension spring and hinge pivot monthly. Wipe away airborne flour and grease to ensure the counter-balanced lid opens and closes smoothly without binding.

6. Washdown Safety Precautions: Never immerse the contact grill in water or spray it with high-pressure washdown hoses or commercial pre-rinse guns. Clean all exterior surfaces with a damp, well-wrung cloth only.

Commercial Kitchen Placement & Electrical Guidelines

The Benchstar GH-811EE is engineered for commercial cafe prep passes, sandwich bars, and kiosk serveries:

1. Dedicated 10A Electrical Connection: The unit draws 2.2 kW on single-phase 240V power and comes factory-fitted with a standard Australian 10 Amp 3-pin plug. Connect directly to an independent, dedicated commercial wall outlet. Avoid running high-draw heating appliances through domestic power boards or double adaptors to prevent circuit overload.

2. Stable, Heat-Resistant Countertop Placement: Position the 15.5 kg unit on a flat, level, heat-resistant commercial stainless steel prep table. Ensure all non-slip rubber feet sit firmly on the worktop to prevent movement when lifting or compressing the cast-iron lid.

3. Clearance & Ventilation: The grill radiates high surface temperatures during service. Maintain at least 100 mm of unobstructed airspace around the sides, rear, and top of the unit to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent heat transfer to adjacent joinery.

4. Combustible Material Separation: Never place paper napkins, plastic takeaway packaging, greaseproof wrappers, or cooking oils directly beside or behind the grill housing during operation.

5. Baking Paper & Sheet Best Practices: When toasting wraps or buttered breads, commercial baking paper or non-stick Teflon sheets can be placed over the plates to reduce daily crumb build up and further speed up sandwich changeover.

Freight & Delivery Notice

Standard commercial road freight delivery is available Australia-wide to commercial business addresses with level ground access or loading docks. Due to the 15.5 kg net weight, cast iron plates, and heavy-duty chassis, transit via insured courier handling or protective carton freight is standard. For deliveries to residential, home-based business, or non-commercial addresses, please contact our friendly commercial sales team prior to placing your order to obtain a customised courier quote and confirm delivery logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Benchstar GH-811EE plug into a standard Australian 10 Amp power point?

Yes. Operating on single-phase 240V power with an efficient 2.2 kW power draw, the grill comes factory-fitted with a standard Australian 10 Amp 3-pin plug and lead.

What is the benefit of smooth flat plates compared to ribbed plates?

Smooth flat plates provide 100% surface contact across the entire food item, ensuring faster and more even heat transfer. They are ideal for toasting sandwiches, sourdough melts, flatbreads, and tortillas without leaving deep groove lines, and they are much faster to clean than ribbed plates.

Do these cast iron plates require regular oil seasoning?

No. The plates feature a factory-applied high-quality non-stick finish that seals the cast iron, allowing food release right out of the box and eliminating tedious oil seasoning rituals.

How does the counter-balanced top plate prevent crushing food?

The upper plate is supported by an internal spring mechanism that offsets its heavy cast iron weight. This allows operators to lift and lower the lid smoothly with one hand. The swivel joint allows the top plate to rest completely flat against items of varying thicknesses without crushing them.

How many sandwiches can fit on the grill at once?

With an active cooking area of 335 x 203 mm, the grill comfortably accommodates two standard large sourdough sandwich serves, multiple wraps, or long Turkish rolls at one time.

Is this unit suitable for mobile food trucks and catering vans?

Yes. Weighing 15.5 kg and requiring only a standard 10A power point, the GH-811EE is ideal for mobile food trucks, market stalls, sports club kiosks, and pop-up food operations that require reliable on-demand toasting.

What commercial warranty is provided with the Benchstar GH-811EE?

The grill is backed by a 1 Year Return to Base commercial warranty across Australia.

N.B Images are for illustrative purposes only. Specifications are subject to change without notice.