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.
Living in Miami means grilling season never really ends. Whether you're in South Beach, Coral Gables, or Pinecrest, the salt air and near-constant humidity put outdoor equipment through more wear than almost anywhere else in the country — which makes the "where do I buy" question matter more here than in most cities. Traditional grill showrooms typically build 20-40% markups into their sticker prices to cover rent and staff. Walking in and touching the merchandise feels good, but it costs you. Buying direct online, especially for a premium, heirloom-quality unit like the Arteflame, skips that markup entirely and puts the savings toward better cuts of meat instead.
Miami buyers weighing where to shop are really choosing between a physical showroom and buying direct from the manufacturer online. Brick-and-mortar shops offer instant gratification, but that convenience is baked into the price. Buying direct removes the dealer markup and typically includes full manufacturer warranty support.
The real local options compare as follows.
| Retailer | Price | Searing Capability | Maintenance | Social Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arteflame (Online, Direct) | No local markup, free shipping | 1,000°F+ center sear on solid steel | No grates to scrub, no burners or igniters | Round cooktop puts guests around the fire |
| Perello Patio (Doral) | Custom-build + contractor pricing | Depends on the grill brand installed | Varies by built-in appliance chosen | Fixed island layout, not portable |
| Miami Fireplace & BBQ (Pinecrest) | Showroom pricing on top of MSRP | Varies (kamado, pellet, or gas) | Grates, burners, and igniters to maintain | Traditional single-station layout |
Open grates let heat and juices slip through the bars, so food is often steamed more than seared. A solid, flat steel cooktop keeps heat concentrated at the surface, which is what creates a real, steakhouse-style crust.
You don't need a reservation at a South Beach steakhouse to get that crust at home. You just need the right cooktop.
Why does the Arteflame outperform a standard gas grill? It comes down to thermal mass and heat distribution. Here's why:
Pro Tip: Stocking up on prime cuts before you break in a new grill? The Costco Wholesale at 7795 W Flagler St handles bulk meat in the kind of volume that makes a backyard cook-off affordable.
An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking — it changes how you host. The round design naturally pulls friends in around the fire instead of leaving them on the patio while you cook alone with your back to the party. In Miami, where outdoor entertaining is basically a year-round lifestyle, that turns the cook from a solitary worker into the center of the party. Everyone grabs a drink and gathers around the warmth, and the cooking becomes part of the event instead of a chore before it.