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.
North Las Vegas sits in a valley where summer patio temps regularly clear 105°F, so the grill you buy has to earn its keep with real heat and real durability, not just a showroom shine. The instinct is to drive to a local big-box store and kick the tires in person. Showroom floors carry markups that cover rent and sales commissions, and the units on display are often thin-gauge propane grates built for a few seasons. Buying direct online, such as from a manufacturer like Arteflame, means that markup isn't part of the price, and the unit ships straight to your driveway — no wrestling a boxed grill into the back of an SUV in 100-degree heat.
Finding the right grill means weighing price, performance, and convenience together. Local North Las Vegas showrooms are convenient for same-day pickup, while ordering an Arteflame grill direct online skips the showroom markup and ships to your driveway.
The top options stack up as follows for the 2026 grilling season:
| Option | Price | Searing Capability | Maintenance | Social Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowe's / Home Depot (Local) | Lower upfront cost, mid-range gas units | Standard grate sear, ~450–550°F | Grates and burners wear/rust over time | Closed-lid design, chef faces away from guests |
| Local BBQ Specialty Shops | Higher cost, premium hardware | Varies by brand/model | Often requires professional service | Depends on unit — usually still closed-lid |
| Arteflame (Direct) | No markup | 1,000°F+ center sear zone | Solid steel, no grates to replace | Round, open cooktop — everyone gathers around |
On a standard grate, juices drip straight through the bars into the flame below, working against a proper sear; a solid steel cooktop keeps that moisture — and the flavor — in the meat.
You don't need a commercial kitchen to get steakhouse results outdoors — you just need enough thermal mass to hold real heat.
Pro Tip: To stock up on prime cuts before you break in a new grill, the closest Costco is the Centennial warehouse at 6555 N. Decatur Blvd, just south of the North Las Vegas line — a quick trip for prime rib, tri-tip, or a tray of their thick-cut ribeyes that hold up beautifully to high-heat searing.
An Arteflame grill changes how you host, not just how you cook. A traditional grill forces the cook to stand with their back to the party, staring down a closed lid. The round, open design of the Arteflame flips that — friends end up standing around the fire with a drink in hand, watching the food cook and talking to whoever's tending it. It turns dinner into the event, not a chore that happens before the event.