Gas Grill Griddle Combo Benefits (Expert Guide) | Arteflame

Looking for the ultimate outdoor cooking setup that combines the searing power of a grill with the versatility of a flat top? While a standard gas grill griddle combo offers convenience, it often sacrifices flavor and heat intensity. The superior alternative is a wood-fired plancha grill, which provides a solid carbon steel griddle surface for veggies and eggs alongside a central grill grate for flame-kissed steaks—simultaneously delivering high-heat performance and authentic smoky flavor.

Why Choose a Wood-Fired Grill and Griddle Combo Over Gas?

Many outdoor enthusiasts start their search looking for a gas grill with a griddle insert. However, separating the heat source from the food with gas burners eliminates the key ingredient to world-class BBQ: wood smoke flavor.

A wood-fired design, like the Arteflame, acts as the ultimate combo unit. It solves the biggest problem of gas griddles—lack of heat and moisture retention. Because carbon steel heats evenly and retains thermal mass, you get a steakhouse sear that propane simply cannot generate.

Use the comparison table below to see why solid fuel beats gas for combination cooking.

How Do Simultaneous Cooking Zones Work?

One of the biggest frustrations with traditional combos is switching between modes or dealing with small surface areas. A circular plancha design changes the game by offering 360 degrees of cooking space.

The fire burns in the center, heating the steel cooktop from the inside out. This creates natural heat zones:

• The Center (600°F - 1,000°F+): Use the grill grate here for searing steaks, burgers, or achieving cross-hatch grill marks.
• The Inner Ring (450°F - 550°F): Perfect for griddling bacon, smash burgers, and potatoes.
• The Outer Ring (250°F - 350°F): Ideal for slow-roasting vegetables, frying eggs, or toasting buns without burning them.

Pro Tip: Unlike gas griddles that dry out food, the solid carbon steel surface creates a "contact sear" that seals in juices immediately. The moisture cannot drip away through grates, resulting in meat that is significantly juicier than food cooked on open gas grates.

What Foods Can You Cook on a Griddle Combo?

The beauty of a grill and griddle combo is the elimination of the kitchen wall. You no longer need to run inside to fry eggs or sauté onions while the burgers cook outside.

Breakfast Favorites

Cook entire breakfasts at once. Bacon, eggs, pancakes, and hash browns can all share the cooktop. The slight slope of the Arteflame ensures grease drains into the fire, not onto your patio.

Dinner Versatility

While you sear a Tomahawk ribeye on the center grill grate, you can simultaneously roast asparagus and caramelize onions on the flat top ring. There is no flavor transfer between foods, and everything finishes at the same time.

Does a Carbon Steel Griddle Require High Maintenance?

A common misconception is that carbon steel is difficult to manage. In reality, it is easier than cast iron and more durable than stainless steel.

Maintenance is simple:

1. Season Once: Build up the black polymer layer using grapeseed oil (or the Arteflame seasoning puck).
2. Scrape Clean: After cooking, scrape food residue into the fire.
3. Oil and Cover: Wipe a thin layer of oil on the surface while it's warm and cover it.

Pro Tip: Never use soap on your carbon steel griddle. Soap strips the seasoning (the non-stick layer). If you need to deep clean, use coarse salt and a lemon half as a scrubber, then re-oil immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my grill and griddle combo outside year-round?

Yes, especially if it is made of Corten steel and carbon steel. These materials are designed to withstand all weather conditions; simply keep the cooktop seasoned and covered to prevent surface rust.

Is wood cooking harder than gas?

While it requires lighting a fire, the flavor payoff is immense. Once the fire is established (about 15-20 minutes), the heat management is actually easier than gas because the thermal mass of the steel prevents temperature fluctuations.

Can I use charcoal instead of wood?

Absolutely. Charcoal provides a consistent, long-lasting heat source perfect for the griddle surface, though adding wood chunks is recommended for that distinct smoke flavor.