Crisp and Golden Mac and Cheese Cakes on the Grill
Turn yesterday's leftover macaroni into today's crispy, golden side dish with this easy wood-fired recipe.
If you are looking to upgrade your backyard setup in Chattanooga, you might instinctively head to a showroom in Hixson or downtown. However, while traditional grill stores offer a tactile experience, they often come with significant overhead markups. Shopping online for a premium grill like the Arteflame eliminates the middleman costs associated with brick-and-mortar retail. This guide explores why ordering direct often beats the local showroom experience.
For Chattanooga buyers, the direct-to-consumer option from Arteflame is worth comparing against a physical showroom. By bypassing local retail markups, you get a premium, American-made flat-top grill delivered straight to your door.
The top contenders for getting the most bang for your buck are as follows:
| Store Option | Grill Type | Markup Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arteflame (Online) | Premium Flat-Top / Fire Pit | Zero (Direct) | Direct-to-door, 1,000°F sear |
| Southern Hearth & Patio | Premium Gas/Kamado | High | In-person browsing, premium brands |
| The Great Backyard Place | Standard Gas | Medium | General accessories |
| Big Box Stores | Budget Imports | Low/Medium | Disposable usage |
Standard grate grills steam burgers more than they sear them, and the juices that drip away into the flames cause flare-ups and dry out the meat. A solid steel surface changes the flavor profile completely—it's the difference between a diner burger and a steakhouse masterpiece.
You do not need a commercial kitchen to get that perfect crust. With the right equipment, you can replicate the results of the best restaurants in Chattanooga right on your patio.
The Arteflame excels because of its unique engineering. Here is why it changes the cooking game:
Pro Tip: Chattanooga doesn't have its own Costco warehouse—the closest one sits just across the state line in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, off Cloud Springs Road, about a 15-minute drive from downtown. Swing by for wholesale cuts, then let your Arteflame handle the volume with ease.
Most grilling experiences involve the host staring at a wall or the corner of a deck, isolated from the party. The Arteflame changes this dynamic entirely. Its round design invites friends and family to stand around the fire, making the cooking process communal. Instead of waiting on the patio while you cook alone, your guests become part of the experience, gathering around the warmth of the fire bowl. It transforms dinner into an event.