Crisp and Golden Mac and Cheese Cakes on the Grill
Turn yesterday's leftover macaroni into today's crispy, golden side dish with this easy wood-fired recipe.
Yes, you can absolutely cook low and slow on an Arteflame grill. While the center is designed for high-heat searing, the carbon steel cooktop operates on a radial heat gradient, meaning the outer edges are significantly cooler (around 200°F - 250°F). By placing food on the far perimeter of the cooktop or utilizing a grill grate riser in the center, you can mimic the indirect heat of a smoker or oven to roast meats and vegetables to perfection.
Unlike traditional gas grills that require turning knobs to lower the temperature, the Arteflame uses physics. The fire builds intense heat in the center, which dissipates as it travels through the solid steel to the outer edge. This creates distinct cooking zones that allow you to sear a steak and slow-roast corn simultaneously.
| Zone Location | Approximate Temp | Best Cooking Method | Food Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center Opening | 800°F + | Direct Fire / Searing | Steak crust, Wok cooking |
| Inner Ring | 450°F - 600°F | Fast Grilling / Sautéing | Burgers, Asparagus, Bacon |
| Middle Ring | 300°F - 450°F | General Cooking | Eggs, Pancakes, Chicken |
| Outer Edge | 200°F - 300°F | Low & Slow / Warming | Ribs, Brisket, Buns |
Pro Tip: To verify your "Low and Slow" zone without a thermometer, perform the water test. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the outer rim. If it beads up and dances slowly rather than evaporating instantly with a loud hiss, the surface is at the perfect temperature for slow roasting.
To achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone results on a flat top plancha, you need to manage distance from the fire.
Move your proteins to the absolute edge of the grill. Rotate the meat occasionally to ensure even cooking, as the side facing the fire will always be hotter. This is ideal for sausages, thick pork chops, or finishing a steak after a sear.
For true convection-style cooking, use the Grill Grate Riser. This accessory sits over the center opening but elevates the food several inches above the flames. It allows heat to circulate around the meat without burning it directly, making it perfect for whole chickens or roasts.
Pro Tip: Use the Reverse Sear method for thick cuts of beef. Start the meat on the cool outer edge (Low and Slow) until the internal temperature reaches 115°F. Then, move it directly to the center inferno for 45 seconds per side to get a steakhouse-quality crust without a grey band of overcooked meat.
Yes. By using wood chunks (like hickory or oak) in the center fire and placing meat on the outer edge or a riser, the smoke flows over the food. For stronger smoke flavor, use a dome cover to trap the smoke against the meat.
Move the food to the outermost perimeter of the cooktop. The steel retains heat but stays below cooking temperatures (approx. 150°F - 200°F depending on fire size), acting like a buffet warming tray.
Yes. On very cold or windy days, the outer edges of the grill will cool down faster than the center. You may need to build a slightly larger fire or move food slightly inward to maintain roasting temperatures.