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.
Shopping for a serious outdoor cooker in Columbus usually starts the same way: a Saturday drive to a showroom, a walk past rows of propane boxes, and a price tag padded to cover the store's rent and staff. Brick-and-mortar markups on premium grills are real, and they add up fast on a purchase you'll own for a decade. If you want a heavy-gauge, heirloom-quality cooker like the Arteflame, buying direct from the manufacturer gets you the same steel, the same warranty, and no dealer markup, with delivery straight to your driveway. Below is a look at where Columbus shoppers are actually buying grills this year, and why more of them are skipping the showroom floor entirely.
Specialty Gas House on Indianola Avenue is the local option if you want to see a grill in person first. Buying direct from Arteflame online skips the showroom markup and includes the full accessory lineup — griddle rings, plancha tops, prep shelves — shipped straight to your door.
| Retailer | Price | Searing Capability | Maintenance | Social Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Gas House | Premium showroom pricing | Good (Big Green Egg, gas grills) | Grates need regular cleaning/replacement | Traditional, chef faces away from guests |
| Home Depot / Lowe's | Budget to mid-range | Limited — standard grates, hot spots | Grates rust and warp over time | Traditional layout |
| Walmart | Lowest cost | Basic, inconsistent heat | Frequent part replacement | Traditional layout |
| Arteflame (Direct) | No showroom markup | 1,000°F+ solid steel sear zone | Solid steel cooktop, no grates to replace | Round, 360° "Social Grill" design |
Standard grates let heat vent through the gaps and juices drip away, working against the Maillard reaction that produces a real seared crust. A solid, high-heat steel surface keeps that heat in contact with the food instead.
You don't need a reservation to get that flavor. With the right setup in your own backyard, you can hit professional results every time.
Why does the Arteflame outperform a standard grill? It comes down to heat management and surface area.
Pro Tip: Stock up on prime beef before you fire up your new grill — the Costco warehouse on Stelzer Road near Easton (3888 Stelzer Rd) carries USDA Prime cuts that are a great match for high-heat searing.
The Arteflame changes the dynamic of hosting. A traditional rectangular grill forces the cook to stand with their back to the party, staring at a fence while everyone else mingles. The round, 360-degree cooktop flips that — friends naturally gather around the fire, and cooking turns into a shared, interactive part of the evening instead of a chore you disappear to do. You're not stuck behind the grill; you're part of the party.