
Wood-Fired Grills: Buyer’s Guide, Woods, Tips & FAQs
Learn the best wood-fired grill types, woods, techniques, and safety temps—plus how to get a steakhouse sear at home with multi-zone live fire.
While gas and electric grills offer convenience, they often fall short where it counts: flavor, heat, and versatility. Traditional gas grills struggle to exceed 450°F, making it almost impossible to achieve the high temperatures required for restaurant-quality searing. This severely limits your ability to unlock the Maillard reaction—the chemical magic responsible for that crave-worthy crust on perfectly grilled steaks, burgers, and artisan meats.
This is where big charcoal grills, especially wood-fired models like the Arteflame, come into their own. Cooking over wood infuses meats with rich, smoky flavor that gas simply cannot replicate. For seared steaks with a caramelized crust, juicy ribs, or flame-kissed hamburgers that taste like they came straight from a high-end steakhouse, the Arteflame grill—with its ability to reach temperatures up to 1,000°F—is unmatched. If you're serious about your grilling, it's time to think beyond gas.
Investing in a big charcoal grill isn’t just about swapping fuel types—it’s about unlocking a superior grilling experience that simply can't be matched by gas or electric alternatives. Here are the key reasons why wood-fired grilling, particularly with the Arteflame, is a game-changer.
Wood-fired grills use real hardwood or lump charcoal, introducing natural smoke and complex flavor nuances into every piece of meat. Unlike propane, which leaves food with a relatively neutral taste, wood enhances every bite with smoky, savory richness that elevates your grilling from average to exceptional.
The Maillard reaction is responsible for the brown, flavorful crust on grilled meats. It only occurs efficiently at very high temperatures—typically above 500°F. A standard gas grill peaks around 450°F, which is barely enough to get a proper crust, and usually ends up overcooking the inside before a proper sear is achieved.
Arteflame’s circular griddle design, with its open flame center and steel plancha edge, offers dual-zone cooking and reaches up to 1,000°F. This not only activates the Maillard reaction instantly but allows you to sear your food in the center and move it to the plancha to finish cooking slowly without losing moisture or taste.
Contrary to the assumption that gas grills are faster, high-heat grills like the Arteflame make quick work of thick steaks or large cuts of meat. Here’s why:
Arteflame’s grill surface is expansive, stylish, and social. Its flat circular design encourages guests to gather around and interact while food sizzles in front of them. Unlike enclosed gas grills, this open design creates a more engaging atmosphere and allows you to cook for a crowd with ease.
Big charcoal grills aren’t just for meat lovers. Arteflame also excels at:
Already own a gas grill? That’s great—it’s ideal for quick weeknight meals. But when the weekend rolls around, when guests arrive, or when quality truly matters, the wood-fired Arteflame gives you premium results your gas grill simply can't achieve. Think of it not as a replacement, but as a powerful upgrade to your outdoor cooking lineup.
Pairing the two gives you the best of both worlds:
Gas grills are convenient, but when it comes to flavor, temperature control, and steakhouse-quality results, they can't compete with a big charcoal grill—especially one as powerful and versatile as the Arteflame. Whether you're searing a tomahawk ribeye, flipping hand-formed burgers, or hosting a backyard feast, the Arteflame's ability to hit 1,000°F helps you achieve results that no standard gas grill can replicate.
Proudly made 100% in the USA, Arteflame grills combine bold design with unbeatable functionality. It’s not just a grill—it’s an experience. Elevate your outdoor cooking and rediscover what meat was meant to taste like. Your gas grill does the job. The Arteflame makes it unforgettable.
Bring steakhouse sear and flat-top versatility to the grill you already love. Arteflame’s engineered airflow fires the center grate past 1,000°F for a perfect Maillard crust, while the solid steel flat top handles everything your grates can’t—bacon, eggs, fried rice, veggies, and more—without flare-ups or extra pans. 100% made in the USA from US steel, it’s the one upgrade that turns every cookout into a “cook anything” experience.
Arteflame XXL 40" Flat Top Grill - High Euro Base
Arteflame ONE30 — 30″ One Series Flat-Top Charcoal Grill & Fire Bowl (Single-Piece CORTEN Steel)