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 best grill store in Shreveport isn't as simple as pulling into the nearest hardware lot. Between the big-box aisles along Youree Drive and the specialty patio dealers scattered across the Shreveport-Bossier area, prices for a quality outdoor cooktop can swing by hundreds of dollars for gear that looks nearly identical on the showroom floor. The real difference between what's stocked locally and ordering direct isn't showroom charm — it's whether you're paying for square footage and a sales commission, or just the steel. Below are the top options for Shreveport pitmasters, and why more of them are skipping the drive altogether.
One long-running local favorite often mentioned in "Shreveport" roundups doesn't actually belong on this list: Tubbs Hardware & Cajun Gifts is located across the Red River in Bossier City, not Shreveport proper. Great for Cajun spices and rental equipment, but it's not a Shreveport address, and its grill selection is limited to basics. The stores that actually compete for Shreveport pitmasters' business are as follows.
The realistic options compare as follows side by side.
| Option | Price | Searing Capability | Maintenance | Social Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arteflame (Online) | No markup — direct pricing | 1,000°F+ center sear | Low — solid steel, no burners/grates to replace | Round, faces guests |
| Fireplace Specialties | Premium (brand-dependent) | Grill-dependent (grates) | Moderate — burners, igniters, grates | Typically faces away from guests |
| Big Box (Lowe's/Walmart) | Budget to mid-range | Low — thin grates, flare-ups | Higher — parts wear faster | Typically faces away from guests |
Standard grate grills steam burgers more than they sear them. A solid steel surface makes the difference — it's not the meat, it's the heat contact.
You don't need a commercial kitchen to get steakhouse results in Shreveport. You just need the right heat distribution. The Arteflame provides a cooking experience that traditional grates simply can't replicate.
Why does the Arteflame outperform standard charcoal grills? It comes down to the physics of the cooktop. Here's why:
Pro Tip: Shreveport doesn't actually have a Costco — the nearest ones are hours away in Texas or Lafayette. For wholesale cuts to practice your searing on, the Sam's Club on Youree Drive is the local equivalent, with prime briskets and ribeyes well suited to the Arteflame's high-heat center.
An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. Its round design invites friends to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. The fire bowl creates a natural gathering spot, letting you move seamlessly from cooking dinner to keeping the fire going afterward, without moving a single chair.