Why a Coal Grill Complements Any Gas Setup

Introduction

Gas and electric grills are popular for their convenience, but they lack the soul and flavor that only real fire can provide. They struggle to reach the high temperatures required to sear a steak to steakhouse perfection. Most gas grills top out around 450°F, which is simply not enough to trigger the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that gives you that irresistibly browned crust on steaks, burgers, and chops. If you've ever tasted a perfectly charred ribeye or caramelized hamburger cooked over real wood or charcoal, you know the difference is night and day.

Unlike their gas counterparts, wood-fired grills like the Arteflame can hit extreme temps—up to 1,000°F—which allows you to sear meats rapidly and finish them gently on the plancha. The result? Juicy interiors with flavor-packed crusts that rival—and often surpass—those served in premium steakhouses. Gas grills may work in a pinch, but when it comes to creating unforgettable meals, nothing compares to the magic of real wood fire.

Why Wood Fire Wins

Adding a wood-fired or coal grill to your backyard cooking arsenal isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a culinary game-changer. Where gas can feel sterile and one-dimensional, wood fire introduces nuance, complexity, and a primal connection with food that taps into centuries of tradition. Here’s why you need both in your grilling setup:

1. Unmatched Heat and Searing

Wood and coal-fired grills produce higher temperatures far quicker than gas or electric alternatives. Arteflame grills, in particular, reach up to 1,000°F—more than double what standard gas units can provide. This powerful heat is essential for the Maillard reaction, which enhances flavor and texture in meats like:

• Ribeye steaks with crispy crusts and pink centers
• Smashburgers with savory, caramelized edges
• Lamb chops with a smoky, blistered char
• Pork tenderloins sealed with a flavorful bark
• Bone-in chicken thighs crisped to perfection

No matter how high you crank your gas burners, you’re unlikely to achieve the same results.

2. Authentic Wood-Fired Flavor

Flavor is where a coal grill truly shines. Wood imparts natural smokiness that varies by species—oak, hickory, cherry, or applewood each offer different aromatic profiles. This complexity simply cannot be replicated with gas or electric. Whether it’s seared steak, cedar plank salmon, or even charred vegetables, every bite tastes richer when kissed by real flame.

3. Better Control and Versatility

With Arteflame grills, you’re not limited to a single cooking method. The central fire bowl lets you sear directly over high heat, while the plancha ring surrounding it acts as a griddle for slower, even cooking. This hybrid design gives you unmatched multi-zone control, ideal for full-course outdoor meals. Think:

• Searing meats in the center
• Caramelizing onions on the edges
• Frying eggs or vegetables on the plancha
• Toasting buns or charring flatbreads

You get the intensity of a traditional grill with the precision of a griddle—all in one design.

4. Compliments Gas, Doesn’t Replace It

Gas grills shine when you’re short on time or cooking in bulk, but they lack the soul and sear of wood. That’s why an Arteflame coal grill doesn’t replace your gas grill—it completes it. Use your gas unit for quick weeknight dinners, and fire up the Arteflame for weekend feasts, parties, and show-stopper dishes when flavor really matters. Together, they offer complete outdoor cooking flexibility.

5. Social and Aesthetic Appeal

There’s something undeniably captivating about gathering around a coal grill. The glowing embers, the aroma of wood smoke, the live-fire visuals—it all adds ambiance that gas grills simply can’t provide. Arteflame grills are also elegantly designed, doubling as stylish fire pits when the cooking’s done. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night outdoors, they offer more than just utility; they create moments and memories.

6. Durability and Craftsmanship

Arteflame grills are built like tanks. Using heavy-duty steel and precision-crafted in the USA, they’re made to last for generations. Unlike many gas grills that fail after a few years, these are lifetime investments—resistant to rust, warping, and harsh weather. Plus, the patina finish matures beautifully over time, making each one unique.

7. Eco-Conscious and Fuel Flexible

Wood is a renewable resource and burns cleaner than many gas fuels if sustainably sourced. Arteflame grills are designed to burn hardwood lump charcoal or real wood logs, giving you full control over flavor and sustainability. No propane tanks. No synthetic chemicals. Just pure flame and food.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, gas grills offer speed and convenience—but they tap out where flavor begins. By adding a wood-fired grill like the Arteflame to your cooking setup, you gain access to intense heat, authentic smoky flavor, and multi-surface versatility that transforms meals from good to extraordinary. It’s not about replacing your gas grill—it’s about unlocking the next level of outdoor cooking.

Arteflame grills are 100% made in the USA, built with craftsmanship you can trust and performance you can taste. Whether you're searing the perfect steak, sizzling burgers, or slow-cooking a feast, there's no better tool to elevate your backyard cooking experience.