What is a salamander in cooking?

Salamanders are not typically used in cooking. However, there is a kitchen tool called a salamander that is used for tasks like browning the top of dishes, melting cheese, or caramelizing sugar. It is essentially a small broiler or overhead grill that is used to quickly brown or finish dishes. The name "salamander" comes from the mythical creature that was said to be able to withstand fire, which is fitting for a tool that is used for high-temperature cooking tasks.