In a high-volume kitchen, every second counts. Whether you’re prepping smash burgers, breakfast proteins, or chicken sandwiches, your grill can either slow you down or help you fly through the lunch rush.
That’s why more quick-serve restaurants are turning to commercial two-sided grills. Also known as clamshell grills, these machines deliver speed, consistency, and labour savings that traditional flat-top grills simply can’t match.
What Is a Clamshell Grill?
A clamshell grill applies heat from both the top and bottom simultaneously using a lower platen and a heated upper platen. No flipping. No guesswork. Just faster cook times, consistent results, and less hands-on labour.
At DSL, we carry the full line of Taylor clamshell grills (commercial two-sided grills), including the L810, L811, L812, and L813 models. These grills are purpose-built for high-volume kitchens and trusted by national QSRs, local independents, stadiums, bars, and more.
View DSL’s Taylor Grill Lineup
4 Reasons Savvy Operators Choose Taylor Commercial Two-sided Grills
1. One-Touch Automation
Programmable controls automatically set time, temperature, and platen gap for each menu item, so anyone can operate it confidently.
2. Even High-Speed Cooking
Multiple heating elements and independently controlled zones maintain fast recovery times and ensure every patty or protein cooks evenly, even during the busiest rushes.
3. Less Labour, More Output
Compact footprints, reduced training requirements, and faster cooking combine to boost throughput without expanding your crew.
4. Proven Reliability
Real-world operators are seeing it firsthand. MC’s Garage, for example, used a Taylor L819 to push out 900+ burgers every weekend, without babysitting the grill. Their team could focus on service and quality while the equipment handled the consistency. Watch how MC’s Garage uses their Taylor L819 to serve 900+ burgers a weekend.
Still Using a Flat-Top?
A Taylor commercial two-sided grill may be a great fit if you:
- Serve high guest volumes or frequent rushes
- Want consistent food quality across shifts
- Need to reduce cook times and labour
- Are upgrading from a traditional flattop
Want Help Choosing the Right Grill?
Not sure which model fits your kitchen layout or menu? Taylor’s Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Commercial Grill is a great place to start.
Then, when you’re ready to talk real-world applications, DSL is here to help you spec, demo, and install the right unit for your operation.
See It in Action: DSL’s Operator Training Video Series
Our full set of Taylor grill operator videos cover day-to-day use, draining, disassembly, brush cleaning, and more—perfect for onboarding staff or refreshing best practices.
Watch DSL’s Operator Training Videos
DSL Is Your Canadian Grill Partner
We’ve been supporting QSR and foodservice operators across Western Canada for over 100 years. With 70+ technicians on the road, 24/7 support, OEM equipment, and parts you can count on, DSL is ready to help your kitchen level up.
Call 1‑800‑665‑1125 or contact us to schedule a free demo or get expert help choosing your grill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Two-Sided Grills
What’s the difference between a flat-top grill and a two-sided grill?
A flat-top grill cooks food from one side at a time and requires flipping, pressing, and constant monitoring. A two-sided (clamshell) grill cooks from the top and bottom simultaneously, reducing cook times, improving consistency, and minimizing hands-on labour.
Are commercial two-sided grills only for burgers?
No. While burgers are a common use, two-sided grills are highly versatile. Operators use them for chicken breasts, breakfast proteins, sandwiches, plant-based items, and LTOs. Programmable settings make it easy to switch between menu items without compromising quality.
Are Taylor two-sided grills easy to train staff on?
Yes. Taylor clamshell grills are designed for simplicity. One-touch programmable controls guide the cooking process, reducing training time and helping new team members operate the grill confidently with minimal supervision.
How do two-sided grills support high-volume QSR operations?
Two-sided grills are built for speed and consistency during peak periods. Faster recovery times, automated cooking cycles, and reduced labour allow kitchens to serve more guests efficiently—especially during rushes—without expanding staff or sacrificing food quality.