The roller grill has been a longstanding foodservice staple in many convenience stores.

No matter the product, whether a traditional hot dog or something more innovative, roller grills are designed to cook or heat items evenly and then display them for customers to see — before they grab and go.

So, how do roller grills actually work?

The grill must first preheat. Heating times may vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hot dogs, for example, can then be placed on the roller grill and cooked until they reach at least 145 degrees internal temperature. After cooking, hot dogs can be served immediately or held in a warmer drawer. A commercial roller grill has heated, motorized wheels that rotate items like hot dogs while cooking them to ensure they’re cooked evenly.

Of course, roller grills can be used for a variety of items other than hot dogs, including bratwurst, breakfast sausages, taquitos and egg rolls.

Additionally, roller grills come in a variety of sizes and formats. While high-capacity roller grills work well for large commercial establishments with fast turnover — like stadiums, for example — smaller-capacity grills are ideal for convenience stores.