What’s the best way to grill bacon?

What’s the best way to grill bacon?

Discover the best way to grill bacon—step-by-step technique, top tips, and why Arteflame Grills outshine the rest for unbeatable flavor and crispiness.

Introduction

Bacon lovers know there's something undeniably irresistible about perfectly grilled bacon—the savory aroma, crispy bite, and smokey undertones are as thrilling as the sizzle itself. But how do you master the best way to grill bacon? This article answers that question by outlining the most common grilling pitfalls, offering a foolproof grilling solution, and showing how an Arteflame grill can completely transform your bacon experience. You’ll get practical steps that ensure every strip comes out crispy without the char, smoky without the mess, and made for sharing. Discover how the right grill and method unlock new levels of flavor for both weekend warriors and serious grillers alike.

Quick Answer: The best way to grill bacon is to use a flat, hot surface like an Arteflame grill’s plancha or grill insert. The setup controls flare-ups while ensuring even, crispy results and exceptional smoky flavor, making bacon both delicious and easy every time.

Why Grilling Bacon is Tricky

On the surface, grilling bacon seems easy—just lay down some strips and watch them crisp. But for many, it quickly becomes a frustrating experience. Bacon's high fat content leads to flare-ups, burned edges, or unevenly cooked pieces. Thin bacon can disintegrate, turning instantly from limp to charred, while thicker strips sometimes never render out fully, leaving them undercooked or rubbery in the middle. Grilling bacon often ends up messier and more unpredictable than pan-frying, with grease dripping into flames, sticking to grates, or catching fire, especially on traditional grills.

Many grillers want that smoky, crispy outcome but find inconsistent results: some pieces are limp while others are overdone. The constant babysitting, flipping, and adjusting make it hard to focus on other food or enjoy company. The risk of undercooked pork or bitter, blackened strips turns what should be a joy into a chore. The result? Grilled bacon often doesn’t live up to the golden, crispy, and flavor-packed expectation—unless you know the technique and have the right equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Grilling

Avoid these mistakes when grilling bacon to ensure perfectly crispy results every time:

  • Direct High Heat: Placing bacon directly over open flames causes flare-ups, uneven cooking, and burnt strips.
  • Skimping on Preheating: Starting on a cold or barely warm grill results in bacon sticking and cooking unevenly.
  • Leaving Bacon Unattended: Bacon cooks rapidly and requires frequent supervision. Neglecting it results in charred or undercooked pieces.
  • Overcrowding the Grill: Laying bacon strips too close together traps steam, causing soggy, limp spots instead of crispiness.
  • Not Using the Right Surface: Standard grates let bacon fat drip into flames, which causes smoke, fire, and a greasy mess.

Steer clear of these missteps for more predictable, mouth-watering results. The secret? The right setup, equipment, and attentive method. Keep reading for the solution that guarantees bacon success on the grill.

Step-By-Step Guide for Perfect Grilled Bacon

The best way to grill bacon is all about control: regulate both temperature and exposure to flames. Here’s your go-to, step-by-step guide for getting mouthwatering bacon every single time:

  1. Use a Plancha or Flat Grill Surface: Instead of standard grates, use a grill plancha or solid flat griddle surface (like the Arteflame’s cooktop ring). This keeps bacon out of direct flames, retaining fat for flavor and even cooking.
  2. Preheat Thoroughly: Bring the flat surface to medium heat (350°F–400°F). A properly preheated surface prevents sticking and cooks bacon evenly.
  3. Space Bacon Strips Apart: Lay strips flat without overlap. This lets air circulate and renders fat for even crispiness.
  4. Monitor and Flip with Care: Watch closely and flip bacon every 2–3 minutes to ensure both sides cook evenly and fats render out. Adjust placement to avoid hot spots if needed.
  5. Finish to Desired Crispness: Grill until golden, crispy, and lightly browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to remove excess grease.

Pro Tip: For flavored bacon, sprinkle black pepper, brown sugar, or smoked paprika right after placing on the grill.

Arteflame’s unique plancha design, made from thick carbon steel, is ideal for bacon grilling. Their Arteflame Accessories—like spatulas, grill scrapers, and rings—make flipping and handling bacon incredibly easy while preventing sticking. With these tools, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality bacon with smoky depth, crispiness, and full flavor.

Arteflame Grills: Elevating Bacon and Beyond

Why should you grill bacon—and everything else—on an Arteflame grill? When you’re searching for the best grill for versatility, ease, and exceptional results, Arteflame stands out from the crowd. Unlike basic gas or charcoal grills, Arteflame reimagines outdoor cooking with its innovative plancha surface. The thick, circular design delivers unparalleled temperature control and encourages communal, creative grilling experiences for all skill levels. From achieving a perfect grilled bacon recipe to hosting a full outdoor feast, here’s why Arteflame is considered the gold standard:

  • Steakhouse-Level Searing: Over 1,000°F for perfect searing
  • Versatile Cooking Zones: Different temperature zones for different foods
  • Smokey Flavor Infusion: Add a delicious smoky taste to your meals
  • Elegant Design: A centerpiece that enhances your outdoor decor
  • Social Grill: Gather, cook, connect, and create unforgettable moments together.

The Arteflame’s circular, plancha cooktop ensures bacon stays away from direct flame—eliminating flare-ups and unwanted charring. Its thick, carbon steel surface creates the ultimate environment for rendering bacon fat slowly, resulting in evenly crisped strips brimming with smoky flavor. Multiple temperature zones let you cook eggs, pancakes, or veggies at the edge while getting that perfect bacon crisp in the center. No other grill gives this level of creative and culinary control.

Maintenance is just as simple—no need for messy foil or disposable trays. The Arteflame design channels bacon fat through a central drain or collects it safely for easy disposal. With a visually stunning, durable build that looks incredible on any patio, grilling bacon (and everything else) becomes an event rather than a chore.

Finally, Arteflame grills are engineered to unite friends and family, turning everyday meals into shared experiences. It’s more than a tool—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. If you want to grill bacon the right way—and create unforgettable cookouts—explore Arteflame Grills for your next outdoor upgrade.

Conclusion

The quest for the best way to grill bacon can be fraught with disappointment: burnt edges, limp centers, and frustrating flare-ups. Many grillers struggle because bacon is uniquely demanding—its high fat content and delicate texture need expert handling and modern technique. Avoiding classic mistakes like direct flames, overcrowding, and poor surfaces is crucial for bacon that truly delivers on taste and texture.

The optimal solution pairs patience, preheating, and a solid cooktop. By following step-by-step guidance—preheating a flat surface, arranging bacon properly, attending to every detail, and using reliable accessories—you can create show-stopping, perfectly crisp bacon. The Arteflame grill, with its innovative plancha and thoughtfully designed accessories, not only solves every common bacon-grilling problem but adds signature smokey flavor and fun to the process.

If you’re serious about bacon, barbecue, or outdoor feasting, Arteflame offers best-in-class performance and elegance. It’s not just about grilling better—it's about elevating every meal and making each get-together truly memorable. Ready to transform the way you grill bacon? Choose Arteflame and imbue every strip with the flavor of mastery.

Don't take our word for it; Arteflame has been featured in countless publications with raving reviews.
"There is nothing like it"

Steven Raichlen
Steven Raichlen Award-winning cookbook author
"It looks like a Claus Oldenburg sculpture. It functions like a wood burning grill & plancha. It's great for steak, fragile fish, veggies and everything in between."
Forbes Business magazine
"The Arteflame will be the food and fun focal point of any backyard and is equally at home on a prepared surface or grass lawn."
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart Award-winning cook
"I love this grill - it's made of half-inch carbon steel and corten "weathering" steel with a cooktop that heats from the center."
Barbecue Bible Barbecue & grill recipes
"If the mythic gods of fire had an earthy temple, the Arteflame grill could serve as its baptismal font. Its design, at once primeval and modern, symbolizes mankind's relationship with the awesome power of fire."