Why Cast Iron Flat Tops Elevate Wood Fired Grilling

Introduction

Grilling over gas might be quick and easy, but it comes with some serious flavor sacrifices. Most gas and electric grills max out at around 450°F—far below the 1,000°F required to create the Maillard reaction that gives steak and burgers that crave-worthy crust. This means you end up with limp grill marks instead of that sizzling, golden-brown sear you get at a high-end steakhouse.

Take steaks, burgers, and thick-cut pork chops for instance—on a gas grill, they rarely achieve that crisp, caramelized exterior and juicy center. Why? Because without the intense, radiating heat of a wood fire and the solid thermal mass of a cast iron flat top, the surface never gets hot enough. That’s where the Arteflame grill shines. Its unique wood-fired design and solid cast iron cooktop reach scorching temperatures up to 1,000°F, letting you sear then finish meats just like a professional chef. It’s steakhouse quality in your backyard—something gas simply can’t replicate.

Benefits of Wood Fired Grilling

So why add a wood fired grill like the Arteflame to your gas grilling setup? While gas grills are undeniably convenient for weeknight dinners, they fall short when it comes to flavor, crust, and searing power. Adding an Arteflame to your outdoor kitchen opens up a new world of culinary possibilities and completely transforms how you cook outdoors.

Intense Heat to Unlock Flavor

The Maillard reaction—the science behind that mouthwatering steak crust—starts happening above 500°F and gets even better around 700°F. Gas grills rarely reach those levels. Arteflame's wood fired cooking system paired with its heavy-duty cast iron flat top can hit temperatures up to 1,000°F. This means:

• Crusty, caramelized steaks
• Perfectly browned burgers
• Sizzled sausages with snap
• Blackened shrimp and seared tuna
• Vegetables with smoky char

Unmatched Flavor with Real Wood Fire

Wood adds complexity and depth you just can’t get from propane. Real hardwood imparts subtle smoky aroma and a distinct taste profile that complements beef, poultry, pork, and even veggies. Whether you're adding oak, hickory, cherrywood, or applewood, the variance in smoke flavor opens up a world of experimental grilling.

Cast Iron Flat Top Versatility

What sets the Arteflame apart is its cast iron flat top grilling surface. Unlike traditional grates, the flat top lets you:

• Sear steaks and then slide them to cooler zones to finish
• Grill delicate items like fish, vegetables, and even eggs
• Use pots and pans right on the cooktop
• Retain heat better and distribute it evenly

The cast iron naturally seasons over time, creating a non-stick surface that only gets better with use.

Dual-Zone Cooking for More Control

With a wood fire in the center and the cast iron cooktop radiating heat outward, you naturally create temperature zones. This allows more flexibility:

• Sear meats in the center where it’s hottest
• Slow-cook veggies or finish steaks toward the edges
• Keep foods warm without overcooking

This kind of heat control simply isn’t achievable on a gas grill with a uniform heat source.

Better Than the Steakhouse

Have you ever wondered how restaurants get those ultra-craveable steaks with perfect crust and tender interiors? Their secret lies in ultra-hot broilers and cast iron pans—exactly what the Arteflame replicates outdoors. By reaching the perfect searing temperature and providing a naturally nonstick surface, the Arteflame gives your steaks that same sizzled sear and juicy pink center you'd expect from a high-end restaurant. And you don’t have to pay $75 for a filet.

Year-Round Functionality

Even when it’s chilly, Arteflame performs. The thick cast iron surface retains heat well, making it ideal for year-round use. Fire it up in the winter and enjoy piping hot meals cooked with radiant heat. Unlike gas grills that struggle in lower temps, a wood fire burns hot in any season.

It’s Aesthetic and Social

There’s something primal about cooking over real wood—and Arteflame embraces that. Its modern, sculpted design isn’t just functional, it becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor entertainment. Friends and family naturally gather around the circular cooking area, creating a more interactive and communal experience.

Simplified Maintenance and Longevity

Arteflame grills are built to last. With no moving parts, electronic components, or gas regulators to worry about, maintenance is minimal. The cast iron cooktop is designed to season like an old-school skillet—which means it gets better over time. A quick oil rub and scrape is all it takes to keep it ready for the next feast.

Conclusion

While gas grills are great for convenience, flavor lovers need more—and that’s exactly where the Arteflame shines. With its cast iron flat top and high-temperature wood-fired power, it delivers steakhouse-quality sears, complex smoky flavor, and grilling flexibility that gas simply can’t achieve. The ability to reach 1,000°F turns your backyard into a culinary playground, from seared meats to sautéed vegetables, sizzling breakfast dishes, and everything in between.

Proudly made 100% in the USA, Arteflame grills are a serious step up for anyone who wants to elevate their outdoor cooking. Add one to your gas setup and unleash the full potential of fire, flame, and flat top perfection.