Benchstar QT-1 Single Infrared Quartz Salamander Griller Toaster 1.7kW | 10A

[GLOBAL_MSG_2]

Accelerate short-order toast times, achieve consistent cheese browning, and eliminate standby power costs with the Benchstar QT-1 Commercial Single Infrared Quartz Salamander Griller & Toaster. Purpose-engineered for Australian cafes, school canteens, takeaway outlets, sports club kiosks, taverns, catering trailers, and discerning home master chefs, this compact 440 mm wide countertop salamander toaster delivers rapid, high-intensity radiant cooking across an efficient 1.7 kW power rating on a standard 10 Amp circuit.

Instant Radiant Heat with 4 High-Efficiency Infrared Quartz Elements

Traditional metal-sheathed salamanders take up to 20 minutes of preheating, wasting expensive commercial electricity while heating up the back-of-house kitchen. The Benchstar QT-1 uses four super-fast infrared quartz elements (two upper and two lower) that reach peak cooking temperatures in seconds. The high-intensity infrared rays penetrate bread crusts, bacon, and open toppings immediately, locking in internal moisture while delivering an even, crisp golden finish.

Simultaneous Dual-Sided Toasting & Fast Melting Action

Eliminate the need to flip bread or rotate plates halfway through service. The QT-1 is designed to toast top and bottom simultaneously, slashing ticket times during busy breakfast and lunch rushes. With a 355 mm wide mouth opening and a 90 mm internal vertical cavity height, it easily accommodates open-face cheese melts, toasted Turkish bread, croissants, sourdough slices, focaccias, and heat-and-serve savoury snacks.

Precision Mechanical Timer & Energy-Saving Rotary Knobs

Energy conservation is built into the workflow. The front control fascia features two heavy-duty rotary knobs, giving operators independent control over heating elements and the integrated mechanical cook timer. Because the quartz tubes light up and heat immediately upon timer activation, kitchens do not need to keep the unit running continuously on standby, resulting in lower electricity bills.

Compact Stainless Steel Body with Lightweight Portability

Counter space is at a premium in busy servery lines and food trucks. Measuring just 440(W) x 245(D) x 287(H) mm with an ultra-light net weight of 8 kg, the QT-1 fits neatly under overhead extraction passes, onto back-bar shelves, or onto mobile catering bench runs. Constructed from hygienic, wipe-clean commercial stainless steel, it resists grease splatters and wipes down in seconds, with a slide-out crumb tray making daily sanitation fast and hassle-free.

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

Operating on standard single-phase 220–240V / 50Hz power, the Benchstar QT-1 draws 1.7 kW (approx. 7.4A) and comes factory-fitted with a standard Australian 10 Amp 3-pin plug and lead. It requires no expensive commercial 15A rewiring, allowing immediate deployment across commercial kitchens, catering marquees, or home culinary spaces. It is supported by a 1 Year Return to Base Warranty across Australia.

Key Features & Benefits

• Instant Infrared Heat-Up: Four high-speed quartz elements reach full cooking heat in seconds, eliminating costly standby idling.

• Simultaneous Top & Bottom Toasting: Upper and lower elements cook and crisp both sides at once to halve ticket times.

• Low Electrical Running Costs: 1.7 kW power draw combined with on-demand timer operation slashes daily utility expenses.

• Spacious Internal Chamber: 355 mm wide mouth with 90 mm vertical clearance fits thick artisanal bread, buns, and open melts.

• Intuitive Dual-Knob Operation: Simple mechanical timer and element selector knobs ensure smooth operation even during peak trade.

• Super-Fast Convective Infrared Waves: Infrared rays penetrate food evenly, producing crisp exteriors and warm, melted centres.

• Commercial Stainless Steel Housing: Durable, easy-to-clean exterior stands up to daily kitchen wear and tear.

• Compact & Portable (8kg): Easily moved between prep benches, event pop-ups, and food truck kitchens.

• Standard Australian 10A Plug Setup: Plugs straight into standard 240V wall points with zero electrician rough-in costs.

• 1 Year Warranty: Supported by a 1 Year Return to Base warranty across Australia.

Technical Specifications

Daily Care, Cleaning & Maintenance Guidelines

To maintain heating performance, protect quartz tubes, and comply with commercial food hygiene standards:

1. Power Isolation & Cool-Down: Always turn both control dials to the off position, switch off the wall power point, and disconnect the 10A plug before undertaking cleaning. Allow the quartz tubes, wire rack, and stainless steel housing to cool down completely before handling.

2. Crumb Tray Sanitisation: Slide out the bottom crumb collection tray daily. Empty bread crumbs, melted cheese, and food debris into a waste bin. Wash the tray in warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, and slide it back into position. Keeping the tray free of oil and crumbs prevents smoke and fire hazards.

3. Quartz Tube Care: Never spray liquid cleaners directly onto the glass quartz elements. If cheese or sauce splatters onto a tube, wait until the element is completely cold, then wipe it gently with a soft microfibre cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Never use wire scouring pads, scrapers, or abrasive powders on quartz glass.

4. Stainless Steel Body Care: Wipe down the outer casing daily using a damp microfibre cloth and a mild commercial kitchen degreaser, wiping in the direction of the metal grain. Buff dry to maintain a clean finish.

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

Commercial Kitchen Placement & Operational Guidelines

The Benchstar QT-1 is engineered for commercial cafe prep passes, sandwich bars, food truck lines, and front-of-house serveries:

1. Dedicated 10A Electrical Connection: The unit draws 1.7 kW on single-phase 220–240V 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 heating appliances through domestic power boards or double adaptors.

2. Stable, Heat-Resistant Countertop Placement: Position the 8 kg unit on a flat, level, heat-resistant commercial countertop or stainless steel equipment shelf. Ensure the non-slip rubber feet sit securely on the bench to prevent movement when sliding trays in and out.

3. Clearance & Ventilation: Infrared quartz elements generate intense radiant heat. Maintain at least 100 mm of clear 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 containers, greaseproof wrappers, or flammable items on top of or directly adjacent to the salamander while it is in operation.

5. Food Staging & Height Limits: Ensure food items loaded onto the rack do not exceed the 90 mm vertical clearance. Avoid letting bread crusts, melted cheese, or packaging touch the quartz heating tubes directly, as direct contact will burn the food and damage the quartz sheath.

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 delicate glass quartz heating elements and stainless steel construction, transit via insured courier handling 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 QT-1 plug into a standard Australian 10 Amp power point?

Yes. Drawing an energy-efficient 1.7 kW on single-phase 220–240V power, the salamander comes factory-fitted with a standard Australian 10 Amp 3-pin plug and lead.

How quickly do the quartz elements heat up?

Unlike traditional metal-sheathed elements that require 15 to 20 minutes to preheat, the QT-1's infrared quartz elements reach peak radiant cooking temperature within seconds of activating the timer.

Does this toaster brown both sides of the bread simultaneously?

Yes. The unit features four quartz elements arranged above and below the cooking rack, allowing it to toast both the top and bottom of bread slices at the same time without needing to flip the food.

What size dishes or sandwiches can fit inside the opening?

The front mouth opening is 355 mm wide, with a vertical height clearance of 90 mm from the wire rack to the upper elements. This provides ample space for open-face melts, Turkish bread rolls, baguettes, croissants, and shallow ceramic gratin dishes.

How do I clean the quartz heating elements?

Wait until the unit has cooled down completely. Wipe the glass quartz tubes gently with a soft microfibre cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or warm water to remove grease splatters. Never scrub the quartz tubes with steel wool, scrapers, or abrasive detergents.

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

Yes. Weighing just 8 kg and requiring only a standard 10A power point, the QT-1 is ideal for mobile catering vans, market stalls, and pop-up food operations that require fast, on-demand heating without drawing excessive power.

What commercial warranty is provided with the Benchstar QT-1?

The unit 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.