Campfire Cooking Accessories: The Best Inserts | Arteflame

The Best Way to Turn a Fire Pit Into a Grill

The most efficient method to transform an existing wood-burning fire pit or kettle grill into a high-performance outdoor kitchen is by installing a solid carbon steel insert. Unlike standard wire racks that allow food to fall into the ash, an Arteflame insert provides a dual-zone cooking surface: a central sear grate for high-intensity heat and a surrounding solid steel plancha for griddle-style cooking. This setup allows you to sear steaks, sauté vegetables, and fry eggs simultaneously while maintaining airflow for a smokeless fire.

Why Choose a Carbon Steel Plancha Over Standard Grates?

Most fire pit accessories are single-purpose wire racks that rust quickly and offer poor heat control. The Arteflame insert changes the physics of your campfire cooking. By using extra-thick carbon steel, the insert absorbs heat from the fire and distributes it radially. The center is hottest (over 1,000°F), while the outer edges are cooler (around 400°F), giving you precise temperature control simply by moving food across the surface.

Experience Tip: Unlike cast iron, which can be brittle and prone to thermal shock, carbon steel is more durable and seasons faster. After the first few cooks, the steel turns jet black and becomes naturally non-stick.

Which Insert Fits My Fire Pit or Grill?

Choosing the right accessory depends on your current setup. Arteflame inserts are designed to replace standard grates on popular kettle grills or sit atop masonry fire pits.

For Weber Kettle and Kamado Grills

If you own a 22-inch or 26-inch Weber Kettle, or a Big Green Egg, you don't need to buy a standalone fire pit. The grill grate replacement inserts drop directly into the kettle bowl. This upgrades a standard charcoal grill into a wood-fired plancha, significantly increasing the cooking surface area.

For Masonry and Stone Fire Pits

For custom backyard builds, the 40-inch insert is the industry standard for large fire pits. It stabilizes the fire and creates a massive social cooking area where guests can gather around and cook their own food.

Pro Tip: When measuring your round fire pit for an insert, measure the inner diameter of the opening. Ensure there is at least a 1-inch gap between the steel insert and your masonry to allow for thermal expansion without cracking your stone.

How Do I Control Temperature on an Open Fire?

Cooking over wood requires managing fire differently than gas. With an insert, you control temperature through location rather than knobs.

• Searing (Center): Place steaks or chops directly on the center grill grate. The flames kiss the meat for a perfect char.
• Roasting (Inner Ring): Move food to the solid steel ring closest to the center for high-heat roasting without direct flame contact.
• Warming (Outer Edge): The perimeter of the insert is cooler, perfect for toasting buns, keeping food warm, or slow-cooking vegetables.

Pro Tip: To create an even smoother temperature gradient, build your wood fire in a "tic-tac-toe" log cabin structure in the center. This concentrates the heat directly under the grate and pushes consistent radiant heat into the plancha plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to season the insert before using it?

Yes, carbon steel requires seasoning similar to a cast iron skillet. Coat the cooktop with a thin layer of cooking oil (like grapeseed or canola) and heat it until the oil polymerizes, turning the steel black and non-stick.

Can I leave the insert outside year-round?

Arteflame inserts are designed to stay outdoors year-round. While the cooktop may develop surface rust if unused for long periods, this can be easily scraped off and re-seasoned; the structural integrity will not be compromised.

What creates the "smokeless" effect?

The design of the insert acts as a chimney. By trapping heat and channeling airflow through the center vent, it creates a secondary burn of the smoke, resulting in a cleaner fire and less smoke in your eyes while cooking.