Description
An 18" Southbend countertop charbroiler with lava briquettes and a valve for every 6" burner, built for the grill station.
The Southbend HDCL-18 is an 18" countertop charbroiler for steakhouses, burger kitchens, grills and caterers. 3 stainless steel burners, one under every 6" of grid and each on its own gas valve, heat lava briquettes for 60,000 BTU on natural gas or propane. The cast iron grids tilt for fat drainage or sit flat, and flip for wide or narrow branding marks. It needs one 3/4" gas line and no electricity: standing pilots light each burner.
Will it fit · Will it hook up
- Outside size
- 18" W × 33.25" D × 16" H on 4" adjustable legs
- Cooking grid
- 18" wide × 21.5" deep
- Crate
- 31" W × 39" D, 200 lbs crated
- Gas
- One 3/4" NPT at the rear with the included regulator; minimum 7" W.C. natural gas or 11" W.C. propane
- Heat input
- 60,000 BTU (3 × 20,000), natural gas or propane
- Power
- None; standing pilots (battery spark ignition optional)
- Clearances
- 0" from noncombustible construction; Southbend lists no combustible-construction figure, so set it on and against noncombustible surfaces and check local code
Dimensions are from Southbend's HDC spec sheet (Form HDC Rev 15, March 2026). Measure the counter or stand and the delivery path before ordering.
One valve per burner
Each 6" section has its own gas valve, so you can run a hot sear zone and a cooler holding zone across the 18" grid.
Lava briquettes
HDCL models ship with lava briquettes spread over the burners for the classic char flavor; a radiant kit converts the unit later.
Tilting, reversible grids
Lift the back of a grid to tilt it so fat runs to the trough and flare-ups drop, or set it flat for hot dogs and sausages. Flip it for 1/4" wide or 1/8" narrow branding marks.
Easy cleanup
A 4" spatula-width grease trough and a full-width crumb tray under the burners.
Made in the USA
Built by Southbend in Fuquay-Varina, NC, CSA design certified and NSF, with a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Delivery and setup
- Ships by freight carrier. See our shipping policy for delivery details, and call us for the current lead time.
- Tell us natural gas or propane when you order; the gas type is set at the factory and shown on the serial plate.
- The 4 legs screw into the bottom corners. Level the unit with the adjustable feet before connecting gas.
- The pressure regulator ships with the charbroiler; your gas installer fits it at the 3/4" inlet and vents it to code.
- Inspect the shipment before signing for it and note any damage on the bill. Report concealed damage to the carrier within 15 days.
- The lava briquettes ship in bags between the grates and the cooking grids. Spread them evenly over each section before the first use.
Questions buyers ask
Natural gas or propane?
Both are rated 60,000 BTU. Southbend sets the charbroiler for one gas at the factory, so tell us your gas type when ordering.
Does it need electricity?
No. Each burner has a standing pilot. Battery spark ignition is an option at additional cost.
Radiant or lava rock?
This model ships with lava briquettes for a smoky char. Southbend sells a radiant kit to convert it to radiant heat later.
How do I start it up for service?
Southbend's manual says to turn all burners to full for 15 to 20 minutes, then turn the flame back to keep the radiants or lava rock hot. Keep the grids tilted so fat runs to the trough.
Can I cook fish on it?
Yes. Southbend offers plated grids for fish at additional cost. Call us to add them.
Can I cover the grates with a sheet pan to clean them?
No. Southbend warns that a sheet pan over the grates with the burners on reflects heat into the unit and causes damage that the warranty does not cover.
How close can it go to a wall?
Southbend lists 0" from noncombustible construction and no figure for combustible walls. Set it on a noncombustible counter or stand against a noncombustible wall, under a vented hood, and check local code.
What does the warranty cover?
Southbend covers defects in parts and labor for 1 year from purchase, up to 18 months from the factory sale, serviced by a Southbend Authorized Service Agency. Briquettes, ceramic burner tiles, spark igniters and similar wear parts are limited to 90 days, and damage from improper installation or misuse is not covered.
Specs
| Manufacturer | Southbend |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HDCL-18 |
| Series | Heavy Duty Counterline Charbroiler |
| Quantity | 1 Each |
| Shipping Weight | 200 lbs (Crated) |
| Crate Size | 31" W x 39" D |
| Width | 18 Inches |
| Depth | 33.25 Inches (31.3" Body) |
| Height | 16 Inches |
| Cooking Grid Depth | 21.5 Inches |
| Legs | 4" Stainless Steel Adjustable Legs |
| Burners | 3 Stainless Steel Straight Burners, One per 6" Section |
| Burner BTU | 20,000 BTU/H Each (Natural Gas or Propane) |
| Total BTU | 60,000 BTU/H Natural Gas60,000 BTU/H Propane (3 x 20,000) |
| Heat Source | Lava Briquettes (Standard)Field Convertible to Radiant with Radiant Kit |
| Cooking Grids | Removable Two-Position (Flat or Tilted), Two-Sided Cast Iron GridsWide (1/4") or Narrow (1/8") Branding |
| Controls | Gas Valve per Burner for Independent Flame Control |
| Ignition | Standing Pilot per BurnerBattery Spark Ignition Optional |
| Electrical | None Required |
| Gas Type | Natural Gas or Propane (Set at the Factory; Specify When Ordering) |
| Gas Connection | 3/4" NPT at Rear (Male) |
| Minimum Supply Pressure | 7" W.C. Natural Gas11" W.C. Propane |
| Pressure Regulator | Included |
| Grease Management | 4" Spatula-Width Grease TroughStainless Steel Full-Width Crumb Tray |
| Splash Guards | 5" High Rear and Sides |
| Exterior | #3 Polished 430 and 304 Stainless Steel Front and SidesAluminized Steel Bottom and Rear |
| Sides | Reinforced, Insulated Double-Wall |
| Clearances | 0" Sides and Rear from Noncombustible Construction (Owner's Manual) |
| Options | Stainless Steel StandCastersBattery Spark IgnitionPlate Shelf with or without Cutting BoardRadiant KitPlated Grids for Fish2" Insulator Base for Refrigerated Base |
| Certifications | CSA Design Certified (C/US)NSFMade in USA |
| Warranty | 1 Year Parts and Labor (Southbend Limited Warranty)Broiler Briquettes 90 Days |
| Usage | Commercial Use Only |
Certifications
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