Gas Grill Flat Top Combo Upgrade (Expert Guide) | Arteflame

The Fast Track to a Gas Grill Flat Top Combo

You do not need to purchase a standalone griddle to enjoy flat-top cooking. By simply swapping your existing wire grates for a carbon steel flat top insert, you can instantly convert your gas grill into a versatile, professional-grade griddle. This upgrade eliminates flare-ups, allows you to cook liquids and small vegetables without foil, and delivers a superior sear compared to standard cast iron, all while saving patio space.

Why Should I Convert My Gas Grill to a Flat Top Combo?

The primary reason to upgrade is versatility and flavor retention. Standard gas grills are excellent for convection roasting, but they often fail at contact searing because fat drips away into the burners, causing flare-ups and dry meat. A solid flat top surface sears the meat in its own juices, creating a savory crust that wire grates cannot replicate.

Furthermore, managing two separate appliances (a grill and a griddle) is expensive and consumes valuable outdoor space. An insert enables you to switch between open-flame grilling and griddle cooking in seconds.

Comparison: Standard Grates vs. Cast Iron vs. Carbon Steel Insert

Use this table to understand why carbon steel is the superior material for your upgrade.

Which Material is Best for Searing: Cast Iron or Carbon Steel?

While cast iron has been the traditional choice for decades, carbon steel is the modern standard for professional chefs and serious pitmasters. Carbon steel possesses the heat retention properties of cast iron but is significantly smoother and more responsive to temperature changes.

The Surface Texture Advantage

Cast iron is porous and rough, which can cause delicate foods like fish or eggs to stick even when seasoned. Carbon steel is rolled smooth. Once seasoned, it becomes hydrophobic and naturally non-stick, allowing you to slide a spatula under a smash burger without tearing the crust.

Pro Tip: To achieve the perfect non-stick patina on carbon steel, apply a thin layer of grapeseed oil (high smoke point) after every cook while the grill is still warm. This builds up a polymer layer that eventually turns the steel jet black and slicker than Teflon.

How Does a Flat Top Insert Improve Food Flavor?

The secret lies in the Maillard reaction. On a standard grate, the Maillard reaction (browning) only occurs where the metal touches the food. On a flat top insert, the entire surface of the meat makes contact with the heat.

Additionally, juices and marinades stay on the cooking surface rather than dripping onto the burners. This means your vegetables sauté in rendered fats and spices, absorbing flavor rather than drying out over an open flame. This mimics the cooking style of Japanese Teppanyaki grills or American diners.

Pro Tip: Use the "Onion Trick" to clean your flat top while adding flavor. Cut an onion in half, spear it with a grilling fork, dip the cut side in oil, and scrub the hot griddle surface. The natural enzymes help clean the steel, and the onion infuses a savory aroma into your next cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the flat top insert on my grill all the time?

Yes, you can leave the insert on the grill. However, to prevent rust, ensure it is well-oiled and seasoned. If you live in a highly humid or coastal area, consider covering the grill or bringing the insert indoors during prolonged periods of disuse.

Does a flat top insert block airflow in a gas grill?

Properly designed inserts, like those from Arteflame, are sized to fit specific grills or replace grates without suffocating the firebox. Ensure there is at least a small gap around the edges for exhaust to escape so the burners act efficiently.

How do I clean a carbon steel insert after cooking?

Do not use soap. While the grill is still hot, scrape away food residue with a flat-edge spatula and wipe it down with a paper towel. Apply a thin coat of oil to protect the steel until your next cook.