Upgrade Char-Broil Infrared Parts (Like a Pro) | Arteflame

Quick Take: The Ultimate Char-Broil Upgrade Solution

The most effective way to upgrade a Char-Broil Commercial or Infrared grill is by replacing the prone-to-rust emitter trays and grates with a solid carbon steel griddle insert. This simple modification eliminates the common issues of clogged infrared holes and uneven heating while transforming your gas grill into a high-performance flattop. It provides superior heat retention for searing and is significantly easier to clean than standard grates.

Why Should You Replace Stock Infrared Emitters?

Char-Broil infrared grills utilize a specific technology involving a perforated emitter tray sitting beneath the cooking grate. While innovative, this design has a distinct shelf life. Food particles and grease inevitably clog the small emitter holes, blocking heat transfer and causing flare-ups. Furthermore, the thin metal trays are notorious for rusting out quickly, requiring frequent replacement.

How Does a Solid Insert Solve These Issues?

By swapping the two-part system (grate and emitter) for a single, solid Arteflame carbon steel insert, you remove the failure points. There are no holes to clog and no thin metal to rust through. The solid surface conducts heat more efficiently than the air gap in the original design, maximizing the BTU output of your burners.

Pro Tip: Carbon steel improves with age. Unlike stock grates that degrade, a carbon steel insert develops a seasoning layer (polymerized oil) that becomes non-stick and protects against rust the more you cook on it.

Comparison: Stock Infrared vs. Carbon Steel Upgrade

To understand the value of this upgrade, compare the performance metrics of the original parts against the carbon steel replacement.

How Does the Installation Work?

Installing a griddle insert is a direct drop-in replacement. No tools, cutting, or drilling are required.

• Step 1: Remove the existing cooking grates.
• Step 2: Remove the rusted or clogged emitter trays sitting above the burners.
• Step 3: Place the Arteflame carbon steel insert directly onto the grill firebox ledges where the old grates sat.

This restores the grill to better-than-new condition, utilizing the existing burners to heat the heavy-gauge steel.

Pro Tip: When measuring for a replacement, ignore the model number initially. Measure the exact width and depth of your existing grate area. Manufacturers often change dimensions slightly within the same model series.

Does This Upgrade Change How I Cook?

Can I Still Sear Steaks?

Absolutely. The surface area contact of a flat top provides a better sear (Maillard reaction) than thin grate lines. Instead of searing just a strip of the meat, you sear the entire surface, locking in more flavor and juice.

Is It Suitable for Breakfast or Smash Burgers?

This is the primary advantage of the upgrade. The solid surface allows you to cook foods that would fall through standard gaps, such as eggs, bacon, pancakes, and smash burgers. It effectively turns your Char-Broil into a standalone outdoor kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep the old emitter trays?

No, you should remove the old emitter trays entirely. The carbon steel insert replaces both the grate and the emitter tray, sitting directly over the burners for maximum heat efficiency.

How do I clean the carbon steel insert?

Clean it while it is still warm by scraping residue into the grease trough and wiping it with a paper towel and a little oil. Do not use soap; treat it exactly like a cast-iron skillet.

Will this fit my specific Char-Broil model?

Arteflame inserts are designed to fit most standard Char-Broil Commercial and Performance series grills. Always measure your current grate footprint (width and depth) to ensure a precise fit before ordering.