Why a Griddle Top for Grill Isn’t Enough: Upgrade with a Wood Fired Arteflame

Introduction

Many backyard cooks love gas and electric grills for their convenience, but when it comes to achieving steakhouse-quality results, especially when using a griddle top for grill setups, these options often fall short. Gas grills typically max out at about 450°F, which is insufficient to trigger the Maillard reaction—the chemical process responsible for the complex, savory crust on premium steaks, burgers, and other meats.

Without reaching the essential 1,000°F or more, it’s nearly impossible to get a flawless sear on your steak or create that perfect caramelization layer that enhances flavor. Foods like flame-seared ribeye, charred hamburgers, and even wood-kissed vegetables need intense heat and real wood smoke to reach their full potential. That’s where the Arteflame wood fired grill shines—combining the intense heat and natural wood flavor that gas grills simply can’t provide.

Why a Wood Grill Wins

There’s no doubt that having a gas grill is a time-saver. It heats up quickly, starts with a button, and is easy to clean. But when you're serious about flavor, texture, and visual appeal, a wood fired grill changes everything, elevating a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. Let’s explore the main reasons why adding a wood fired grill, like the Arteflame, to your setup is well worth the investment—even if you already own a gas grill.

1. Superior High Heat Cooking

The cornerstone of great grilling is intense heat. The Maillard reaction, which gives steak its savory brown crust, doesn’t start occurring until meat surfaces exceed 500°F. While gas grills hover below this threshold, the Arteflame sears at a blistering 1,000°F at its hottest point. This not only locks in juices but creates the crave-worthy crust you find at high-end steakhouse chains. Gas just doesn’t cut it here—even with a griddle top attachment.

2. Authentic Wood Flavor

There’s a reason professional pitmasters and steak artists turn to real wood: flavor. Whether it's oak, hickory, cherry, or applewood, wood infuses a smoky, primal essence that gas can never replicate. Whether you’re cooking steaks, burgers, chicken thighs, or vegetables, that natural smoke makes all the difference with minimal effort.

3. Versatility with a Plancha

Arteflame grills feature a sleek plancha (flat top) cooking surface, opening the door to all kinds of recipes you can’t do well on typical gas grill grates—think crispy bacon, eggs, seared scallops, sautéed mushrooms, and even pancakes. While some gas grills offer griddle tops, they don’t retain heat or perform evenly due to low max temps and fluctuating airflow. Arteflame’s carbon steel plancha holds and distributes heat beautifully.

4. Ideal for Entertaining

The circular design of Arteflame isn’t just visually striking; it fosters community cooking. Guests can gather around, socialize, and cook bite-sized dishes together—like grilled shrimp skewers, sliders, flatbreads, and charred veggies. It becomes the heart of any gathering, unlike a gas grill which tends to isolate the cook from the party.

5. Low Maintenance, Built to Last

• Craftsmanship: Arteflame grills are 100% made in the USA from Corten steel and carbon steel that ages beautifully while withstanding the elements effortlessly.
• Durability: The plancha cooking surface seasons over time, like cast-iron, making it increasingly non-stick and rust-resistant.
• Easy Cleaning: Simply scrape debris into the fire, and wipe the cooktop – no ash pans or gas tubes to mess with.

6. Year-Round Cooking

Arteflame’s heat-retentive design keeps cooking temperatures steady—even in chillier seasons when gas grills struggle. You’re not limited to summer grilling anymore. Roast chestnuts around the cast-iron ring in winter, sear steaks on a crisp fall evening, or host a spring brunch on the plancha.

7. Perfect for Searing Ahead, Finishing with Control

The combination of open flame and plancha makes it easy to sear steaks quickly at high heat, then shift them to cooler spots to finish without overcooking. You get steakhouse control in your backyard—something a gas grill with a basic griddle top simply cannot mimic.

8. Eco-Conscious & Stylish Backyard Upgrade

The Arteflame grill isn’t just functional—it’s a sculptural addition to your outdoor living space. Its modern, minimalist design adds a touch of class, while using wood as fuel reduces reliance on fossil fuels and costly propane tanks.

9. A Complement, Not a Replacement

The beauty of adding a wood fired grill like the Arteflame is that it doesn’t mean giving up your current gas grill. For quick weeknight burgers, gas is still useful. But when you want to wow your guests, make a meal memorable, or treat yourself to the best steak of your life, the Arteflame takes center stage.

Conclusion

If you’re already grilling with gas, you know the convenience. But you also know something’s missing—the intense sear, the smoky flavor, the juicy steak that rivals your favorite steakhouse. That’s where Arteflame steps in. By reaching 1,000°F on the cooking surface and delivering wood-fired flavor every time, it’s the ultimate upgrade for anyone who loves grilling.

Arteflame grills are proudly made in the USA, combining iconic American craftsmanship with proven culinary performance. Whether you're hosting a backyard event or perfecting your weeknight steak, it's time to cook over real fire. Your gas grill might start the party—but the Arteflame will bring it to life.