Flame Broiler

The Flame Broiler was patented in the 1950s by Frank & Don Thomas of Indianapolis, In. It is in use by the Burger King Chain and was also used by the Burger Chef System.

The device consisted of a ladder type conveyor chain that transported a hamburger patty over gas broiler tubes that provided a gas flame. The underside of the meat patty directly contacted the flames as the meat was conveyed thru the broiler enclosure. The top part of meat patty was cooked by latent heat provided by fire bricks that were also heated by the gas flame.

The unit was capable of completely cooking a 1/4 inch thick frozen meat patty in 50-60 seconds. The unit ran at an internal temperature of approximately 750 deg. F.