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.
To truly master outdoor cooking, you need more than just a spatula. The most impactful upgrades for a serious griller are a carbon steel griddle surface for restaurant-quality searing, a cordless rotisserie for self-basting roasts, and a pizza oven hood to trap high heat. These tools transform a standard grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen capable of baking, roasting, and frying with precision.
Not all gadgets are created equal. Prioritize accessories that expand your cooking capabilities rather than just aesthetics. Below is a comparison of top-tier upgrades versus standard tools.
| Accessory Type | Best For | Impact on Flavor | Versatility | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotisserie Kit | Whole chickens, roasts | High (Self-basting) | Medium | Low |
| Pizza Oven Hood | Pizza, baking breads | High (Crispy crusts) | Medium | Medium |
| Carbon Steel Grate | Steaks, veggies, eggs | High (Maillard reaction) | Very High | Medium (Seasoning required) |
| Sizzle Grate | Sear marks on meat | Medium | Low | Low |
| Vinyl Cover | Equipment protection | None | High (longevity) | Low |
A Rotisserie is essential for cooking large cuts of meat evenly. By constantly rotating the food, the internal juices roll over the surface of the meat, self-basting it continuously. This results in a crispy exterior and a juicy interior that is difficult to achieve with static grilling.
Pro Tip: When using a rotisserie on an Arteflame, place a cast iron skillet with seasoned vegetables directly underneath the spinning meat. The rendering fats will drip onto the veggies, roasting them in savory juices for maximum flavor efficiency.
Look for a cordless, battery-operated motor. This eliminates the need for extension cords running across your patio, reducing tripping hazards and increasing setup flexibility.
Grills are excellent for direct heat, but they often struggle with the convective heat needed for baking. A Pizza Oven attachment solves this by funneling the heat from the fire into a concentrated chamber.
For Arteflame users, the open center design allows the pizza oven to sit directly over the fire. This setup can reach temperatures upwards of 800°F, allowing you to bake Neapolitan-style pizzas with a blistered crust in minutes.
Pro Tip: Use a dedicated Pizza Peel with a long handle. The intense heat required for a perfect crust makes it dangerous to get your hands too close to the firebox.
Handling open fire and heavy steel requires professional-grade protection. Heat-resistant gloves are mandatory. Unlike standard kitchen mitts, grill gloves usually feature aramid fibers (like Kevlar) and silicone grips, allowing you to rearrange hot logs or move a sizzle grate without injury.
Exposure to the elements is the number one enemy of high-quality grills. A fitted vinyl cover is not optional; it keeps moisture off the cooktop. For carbon steel grills, moisture leads to rust if the seasoning layer is compromised. Keeping it covered ensures your grill is ready to cook the moment you take the cover off.
The carbon steel cooktop or plancha is the most versatile accessory. It allows you to cook breakfast foods (eggs, pancakes), sear steaks, and sauté vegetables simultaneously without food falling through the grates.
Yes, if you enjoy roasting whole chickens, prime rib, or legs of lamb. The self-basting action produces superior texture and moisture retention compared to static roasting.
A stainless steel center grate is excellent for maximizing cooking space. It allows you to place pots and pans directly over the fire while leaving the surrounding plancha surface open for grilling meats and vegetables.