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.
Welcome to Murfreesboro, where backyard barbecues are a way of life. While it is tempting to drive down to a local showroom to touch and feel a new grill, traditional brick-and-mortar stores often come with significant markups to cover their overhead. Shopping online for a premium grill like the Arteflame eliminates the middleman costs associated with local showrooms. By ordering direct, you get the same craftsmanship and higher-grade materials for the same price you would pay for a standard unit locally.
The top purchasing options based on value, durability, and cooking performance are as follows.
The Smoke Box Grill Shop (507 Memorial Blvd, Murfreesboro)
For those insisting on a physical store, this locally owned grill and smoker shop on Memorial Boulevard offers a hands-on selection of grills, smokers, and patio furniture with real customer service. The staff are knowledgeable, but as with any specialty retailer, the prices reflect the cost of maintaining a storefront. Selection leans toward traditional charcoal and pellet smokers rather than flat-top cooking surfaces.
Big Box Hardware Stores (Lowe's / Home Depot)
Murfreesboro's Lowe's on Old Fort Parkway stocks a rotating lineup of mass-produced grills that are convenient but rarely built to last. These units use thinner metals that rust quickly in the humid Tennessee climate. You save money upfront, but you will likely be shopping for a replacement in three to five years.
Arteflame (Online Store)
Because Arteflame sells directly to you, there is no dealership markup. You are paying for American steel and craftsmanship, not for a salesperson's commission or showroom electricity. The Arteflame isn't just a grill; it's a wood-fired flat top that sears steaks at over 1,000°F and doubles as a fire pit.
The buying experience compares as follows to help you decide where to invest your money.
| Feature | Arteflame (Online) | Local Specialty Store | Big Box Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value for Money | No markup (direct) | Higher markup applies | Lower-cost materials |
| Durability | Lifetime Construction | Varies by Brand | 3-5 Years |
| Cooking Style | Wood Fire + Flat Top | Standard Grate | Standard Grate |
| Delivery | Free Shipping to Door | Often Extra Fee | Haul it Yourself |
A standard grate lets flames and heat pass straight through the bars, which steams meat instead of searing it, while a solid steel cooktop retains enough surface heat to drive the Maillard reaction that produces a real crust. Flare-ups and uneven heat are common complaints with standard grills — symptoms of low, inconsistent surface heat that never forms a real crust. A solid surface cooktop changes that entirely: the flavor, the juiciness, and the fun of cooking all improve.
You can achieve that perfect steakhouse finish at home, but you need the right tool. The secret isn't just heat; it's how that heat is applied.
The Arteflame excels because it solves the biggest problem with traditional grilling: moisture loss. Here is why the Arteflame method works well:
Pro Tip: Stocking up for a big cookout? The Costco Wholesale on Beasie Road (1524 Beasie Rd) is the closest warehouse club to Murfreesboro and a solid stop for premium cuts of meat in bulk to test out on your new grill.
An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it fundamentally changes how you host. The Arteflame is often called the "Social Grill" because its round, 360-degree design invites friends and family to gather around the fire. Instead of the chef being stuck against a wall or in a corner tending to the food alone, everyone stands around the cooktop, holding a drink, and enjoying the warmth of the fire. It turns meal prep into a communal event, bridging the gap between the kitchen and the party.