
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.
Gas and electric grills may be convenient, but they fall short when it comes to flavor and performance—especially if you're serious about your meats. With a maximum heat of around 450°F, gas grills simply can't achieve the Maillard reaction—the chemical change that gives steaks and burgers that crave-worthy sear and rich umami flavor. Cooking over real wood creates unmatched depth of smoke and char, especially with foods like seared steaks, burgers, ribs, and chops. You just can’t replicate this on a gas grill. That's where the egg charcoal grill—particularly the Arteflame—stands out. It heats up to an industry-leading 1,000°F, easily achieving the caramelization needed for steakhouse-quality results, finishing evenly on the plancha. When it comes to grilling meat with authentic flavor, wood-fired heat is non-negotiable.
Adding a wood-fired grill like the Arteflame alongside your gas grill unlocks a world of culinary possibility rooted in high-temp precision and pure, smoky flavor. Here’s why every grill enthusiast should consider the upgrade.
One of the biggest appeals of wood-fired cooking is the unmistakable, rich flavor you get from using natural hardwood. Whether you're grilling steak, burgers, chicken, or even vegetables, the flavor depth is unmatched. Every wood type—oak, hickory, cherry, mesquite—adds distinct notes to your meals, something no electric element can reproduce.
The secret to world-class steaks lies in the Maillard reaction—a scientific term for the browning that occurs when food hits high temperatures (usually 500°F or more). Most gas grills cap out at 450°F, barely reaching the threshold. In contrast, the Arteflame egg charcoal grill reaches 1,000°F, making it easy to flame-sear a steak to perfection and then finish it gently on the circular plancha for a perfect medium-rare inside with a crusty, smoky edge.
The Arteflame offers versatility that makes it far more than just a grill:
This kind of functional flexibility is difficult—if not impossible—on a gas grill alone.
Beyond function, the Arteflame is a conversation piece. Its elegant, sculptural design makes it the centerpiece of any outdoor area. Whether you're casually grilling burgers or preparing gourmet meals for guests, it becomes a culinary showpiece under flames and night sky. Fire cookouts become events, not just meals.
If you're investing in dry-aged ribeyes, marbled Wagyu, or thick Porterhouses, it only makes sense to cook them on a grill that does them justice. The Arteflame’s high-heat searing ability and wood smoke infusion elevate already exceptional cuts, transforming your backyard barbecue into a top-tier steakhouse experience.
No need to toss your gas grill. Wood fire gives you options:
Think of it like having both a stovetop and a wood-fired oven—you wouldn’t rely on only one if you had the choice.
Unlike the often complex cleaning routines of gas or pellet grills, charcoal-based wood fire grills—especially flat-top designs like Arteflame’s—require minimal fuss. Food doesn’t fall through grates and cleanup involves scraping down a flat surface. Made from high-grade Corten steel, these grills are built to outlast and weather beautifully over time.
The unique plancha cooking surface is ideal for:
While gas grills tend to be limited to typical grill fare, a wood-fired unit like the Arteflame becomes a true outdoor kitchen.
Wood fuel is a renewable resource, and many users opt for sustainably sourced cooking wood. With minimal electronics or metal parts to degrade, the Arteflame grill is an investment in culinary sustainability as well as taste.
If you're serious about leveling up your outdoor cooking, an egg charcoal grill like the Arteflame is more than an addition—it's a transformation. From its premium temperature capabilities to the flavor-rich results only real wood can deliver, it unlocks an entirely new realm of grilling experiences. Whether you're searing thick steaks or entertaining guests around the flames, the Arteflame brings performance, beauty, and versatility together.
Crafted 100% in the USA from durable materials designed to last, the Arteflame gives you steakhouse results in your own backyard. Don’t settle for gas alone—ignite your grilling game with Arteflame today.
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)