Big Green Egg Griddle Insert (Best Accessory) | Arteflame

The Best Upgrade for Your Big Green Egg: A Quick Take

Transforming your Big Green Egg into a versatile griddle requires replacing the standard grate with a solid carbon steel insert. Unlike cast iron, carbon steel is virtually virtually unbreakable, heats up faster, and creates a naturally non-stick surface that improves with use. This single accessory allows you to sear steaks at high temperatures and cook delicate foods like eggs or pancakes simultaneously without flare-ups.

Carbon Steel vs. Cast Iron: Which Griddle Material is Best?

When choosing a griddle insert for a Kamado-style grill, material matters. Most owners default to cast iron, but carbon steel offers superior performance and longevity. Carbon steel absorbs heat rapidly and tolerates thermal shock, meaning it won't crack if you drop it or expose it to rapid temperature changes.

Refer to the comparison below to see why carbon steel is the preferred choice for open-fire grilling.

Pro Tip: Don't worry about rust spots on carbon steel. Unlike cast iron, which can pit and corrode deeply, surface rust on carbon steel can be scrubbed off with steel wool and re-seasoned in minutes, restoring it to brand-new condition.

How Does a Griddle Insert Improve Kamado Cooking?

The standard grate on a Big Green Egg allows flames to touch the food directly. While this creates char, it limits what you can cook. Installing a solid surface replacement insert creates a convection-style cooking environment.

Why is Airflow Critical?

The Arteflame replacement insert is designed with strategic gaps around the edges and a center opening. This ensures the smoke and heat circulate properly within the dome before exiting. This airflow creates two distinct benefits:

• Even Heat Distribution: The steel plate captures heat, eliminating hot spots common with wire racks.
• Smokey Flavor Infusion: Because the fire is covered but airflow is maintained, your food gets that distinct charcoal flavor without being engulfed in direct flame.

What Foods Can You Cook on a Flat Top Insert?

Switching to a flat top surface creates possibilities that wire grates cannot offer. The solid surface prevents food from falling through into the charcoal, making it ideal for:

• Smash Burgers: You need a solid surface to press the meat down to get a crispy crust (the Maillard reaction).
• Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, and pancakes can be cooked directly on the grill.
• Vegetables: Grill asparagus, peppers, and onions without using a grill basket.
• Seared Steaks: Get a steakhouse-quality sear across the entire surface of the meat, not just grill marks.

Pro Tip: Utilize the "Heat Zones." The center of the insert—directly above the coals—is your high-heat sear zone. The outer edges are cooler, perfect for slow-cooking vegetables or keeping food warm while the rest finishes.

How Do You Maintain a Carbon Steel Insert?

Maintenance is often a pain point for grill owners, but carbon steel simplifies the process. It does not require soap or water. In fact, using soap can strip the seasoning.

Simple Cleaning Steps:

1. Scrape it clean: While the grill is still hot, use a flat metal spatula to scrape food residue into the fire.
2. Wipe it down: Use a paper towel with a small amount of cooking oil to wipe the surface.
3. Season constantly: Every time you cook, the oil carbonizes, making the black seasoning layer thicker and more non-stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Arteflame insert with the grill lid closed?

Yes. The insert is designed to fit perfectly inside the Big Green Egg (Large or XL) allows the lid to close fully. This is essential for smoking meats or baking pizza.

Does the center hole serve a purpose?

Yes. The center hole allows you to add wood or charcoal without removing the grate. It also accommodates a center grill grate for searing directly over the flame while using the outer ring for vegetables.

Is carbon steel safe for cooking?

Absolutely. Carbon steel is non-toxic and contains no synthetic coatings (like Teflon). The non-stick surface is created purely by polymerized natural oils, making it one of the safest cooking surfaces available.

Will the insert fit other Kamado grills?

Generally, yes. If your Kamado grill (Kamado Joe, Primo, etc.) has the same diameter specifications as the Large or XL Big Green Egg, the insert will fit. Always measure your current grate diameter before ordering.