Imperial (Middleby) Gas Charbroilers - IABA-36
36" wide • 120,000 BTU • cETLus & NSF Listed
Add authentic wood-smoked flavor and steak-house sear marks without giving up valuable floor space. The Imperial IABA-36 pairs a powerful 6-burner radiant broiler with a built-in slow-smolder smoke system, letting chefs dial in both heat and hardwood aroma right from the line.
Features
- Six independently controlled 20,000 BTU stainless steel burners—precise heat exactly where you need it.
- Slow-smolder smoke system with two 7" × 20" slide-out log holders for logs or wood chips.
- Heavy-duty cast-iron radiants & 5" × 21" top grates store heat for intense, even searing.
- 8-1/4" stainless steel splash guard and full-width grease gutter help maintain a cleaner line.
- Tool-free removal of grates, radiants, burners, ash pans, water pans and grease can for fast clean-up.
- Stainless steel front, sides and landing ledge with welded seams for long-term durability.
- Cool-touch cast-aluminum knobs with Valox collars protect hands during high-volume service.
- Fully insulated cooktop conserves energy and keeps ambient temperatures in check.
Two Ways to Smoke
-
Log Method: Hardwoods slowly smolder in the holders, bathing food in rich, natural smoke.
-
Wood-Chip Method: Swap logs for soaked chips to create custom flavor profiles or speed up the process.
Specifications
| Model |
IABA-36 |
| Energy Type |
Natural or Propane Gas (specify at order) |
| Total Heat Output |
120,000 BTU/hr (35 kW) |
| Burners |
6 stainless steel (20,000 BTU each, 5" OC spacing) |
| Log Holders |
2 stainless steel, slide-out with 3" deep water/ash pans |
| Overall Dimensions (W × D × H) |
36" × 36-3/4" × 23" (914 × 933 × 584 mm) |
| Gas Connection |
3/4" NPT rear manifold |
| Manifold Pressure |
5.0" W.C. Natural | 10.0" W.C. Propane |
What our Experts Think
- The Imperial (Middleby) IABA-36 Gas Charbroiler is a premium 36" countertop smoke-style charbroiler, engineered for kitchens that want steakhouse-quality searing with added wood-smoke flavor capability.
- Experts highlight its 6 high-output burners delivering 120,000 BTU total, providing strong, consistent heat across the full cooking surface for high-volume service.
- The unit’s integrated smoke system with dual log holders is a standout feature, allowing chefs to infuse natural wood smoke flavor into meats, seafood, and vegetables during grilling.
- Its heavy-duty cast iron grates and radiants are praised for maximum heat retention and aggressive searing performance, producing strong grill marks and fast caramelization.
- The full-width grease gutter with removable grease can and water pans supports cleaner operation and faster maintenance during peak kitchen hours.
- Built with a stainless steel front and sides, the unit is designed for long-term durability, corrosion resistance, and easy sanitation in demanding commercial environments.
- Professionals value its 36" countertop footprint, making it a high-output grilling solution that fits efficiently into tight cookline layouts without sacrificing capacity.
Q&A
Q: What is the Imperial IABA-36 used for?
A: It is a 36" commercial gas charbroiler designed for high-volume grilling in restaurants, steakhouses, and foodservice kitchens, delivering strong searing and smoky flavor.
Q: What makes the IABA-36 different from standard grills?
A: It features a radiant smoke system with wood or charcoal-style flavor infusion, giving food a distinctive charbroiled taste while maintaining gas efficiency.
Q: How powerful is this charbroiler?
A: It produces approximately 120,000 BTU total heat output, supplied by 6 independently controlled stainless steel burners for consistent high-heat performance.
Q: What cooking surface does it use?
A: It includes heavy-duty cast iron grates and radiants, designed for strong heat retention, bold grill marks, and even cooking across the surface.
Q: Does it support smoky flavor cooking?
A: Yes, it includes a built-in smoke system with log holders, allowing chefs to use wood chips or logs for added flavor infusion during grilling.
Q: How is temperature controlled?
A: Each burner is independently controlled with manual knobs, allowing precise heat zoning for different foods on the same grill.
Q: Is it easy to clean and maintain?
A: Yes, it features a full-width grease gutter, removable grease can, and detachable grates/radiants for quick cleaning after service.
Q: What materials is it built from?
A: The unit uses heavy-duty stainless steel construction for durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term commercial use.
Maintenance Tips
- Scrape cast iron grates while warm after each use to remove food residue and prevent carbon buildup
- Burn off grease daily by running the unit on high for 10–15 minutes before cleaning
- Remove grates and clean radiants and burners regularly to prevent clogging and ensure even heat distribution
- Empty and clean full-width grease gutter, ash pans, and grease can daily to avoid overflow and fire risk
- Clean wood log holders and smoke system components frequently to prevent grease buildup (if using smoke function)
- Wipe stainless steel exterior daily with mild detergent to maintain hygiene and appearance
- Inspect burners weekly for steady flame, proper ignition, and clean ports
- Check radiant panels for grease accumulation and remove debris as needed
- Ensure ventilation hood and flue area stay clear for safe airflow and heat control
- Verify gas connections periodically (qualified technician only) for safety
- Schedule professional servicing every 6–12 months for performance and longevity
Damage 
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