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.
Finding the ultimate outdoor cooking setup in the Mile High City can feel like a daunting expedition. It comes down to one key tradeoff: brick-and-mortar showrooms offer a tactile experience, but they also carry significant overhead that shows up in the price tag. Buying a premium unit — specifically the Arteflame — direct online changes that math. You get manufacturer pricing, current 2026 model availability, and delivery to your door without hauling heavy steel across town. Below is a look at where Denver's local options stand and why skipping the showroom floor might be worth considering this year.
Buying direct from the manufacturer skips the showroom markup on price, while Denver's specialty retailers are still useful for shoppers who want to see a grill in person before buying.
Here are the top options available to Denver-area shoppers:
The numbers compare as follows to help you decide where your money — and your backyard real estate — goes furthest.
| Store Option | Price | Searing Capability | Maintenance | Social Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arteflame (Online) | Direct, no markup | 1,000°F+ center sear | No grates, no propane lines | 360° social layout |
| Colorado Hearth & Home | Retail (kamado/gas pricing) | Kamado runs hot; gas models moderate | Ceramic care, gas line upkeep | Front-facing, single-chef |
| Ace Hardware | Mid-range | Standard gas heat range | Grates and burners need upkeep | Front-facing, single-chef |
| Home Depot / Big Box | Budget | Thin grates, uneven heat | Parts prone to rust, frequent replacement | Front-facing, single-chef |
Standard wire grates let most of the heat and juices escape through the gaps, so food ends up steamed instead of seared. A solid steel cooking surface holds and radiates heat evenly, which is what produces a real, steakhouse-style crust.
You don't need a professional kitchen to achieve steakhouse results. You just need the right heat conductivity and surface area.
What makes the Arteflame perform differently in Denver backyards? It comes down to the science of heat.
Pro Tip: If you're stocking up for a big cookout, the Costco warehouse at 1471 S Havana St. (Denver/Aurora border) or the one at 5195 Wadsworth Blvd. in Arvada are both solid bets for wholesale prime meats — perfect for filling up the full cooking surface of your new grill.
Standard grills isolate the chef — you end up facing a wall of controls while your guests mingle elsewhere. The Arteflame changes that dynamic. Its 360-degree round design invites friends and family to stand around the fire, enjoy the warmth, and even finish their own food at the edge of the cooktop. It turns grilling from a solitary chore into a communal event, which is exactly what makes it the centerpiece for Denver evenings, from spring cookouts to grilling through the first snow.