Why Stainless Steel Grates Aren’t Enough for Serious Grilling

Introduction

Grilling on a basic stainless steel grate might seem like the traditional go-to, but it comes with serious limitations. While it’s fine for burgers and steaks, try cooking bacon, eggs, hash browns, or even something like stir-fried rice, and you’ll quickly realize the drawbacks. Most of these foods either fall through the gaps or cook unevenly, making the experience frustrating. What’s worse, you lose out on the ability to prepare full, flavorful meals—it’s just not practical.

The game-changer? An Arteflame insert. By combining a traditional grill grate with a large, pre-seasoned carbon steel griddle surface, it transforms your standard grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen. You don't have to replace your grill—just enhance it. With the Arteflame insert, you can cook delicate or messy foods alongside your favorite steaks and ribs. It’s like giving your grill a whole new life—one with far more possibilities.

Grates vs. Griddles Benefits

While stainless steel grates are prized for their durability and resistance to corrosion, they aren’t designed with versatility in mind. A grate only lets you cook certain types of food, limiting your creativity and ability to prepare complete meals outdoors. By contrast, adding a griddle surface—like the one you get with the Arteflame insert—unlocks entirely new cooking capabilities. Here’s how making the switch makes your grill significantly better:

1. Expanded Cooking Options

With a stainless steel grate alone, you’re confined to foods that won’t slip through. That rules out:

• Bacon
• Eggs
• Hash browns
• Sautéed vegetables
• Rice and stir fry
• Pancakes and crepes

The Arteflame insert features a flat-top griddle alongside a grill grate, allowing you to cook all of the above at the same time. Breakfast, lunch, dinner—nothing’s off the table.

2. Better Heat Distribution

Traditional grates can create hot spots, leaving parts of your food overcooked while others are still raw. The carbon steel griddle of an Arteflame insert distributes heat evenly across the surface, giving you more control and consistent results—especially important for foods like eggs or seared vegetables.

3. No More Food Falling Through

We’ve all been there—trying to grill sliced onions, mushrooms, or even shrimp and watching them fall between the bars. A griddle surface eliminates that frustration. Everything stays on top, so no wasted food or messy cleanup inside your grill.

4. Sear and Sizzle with Flavor

Unlike grates that just char, the solid surface of the griddle seals in juices while developing a deep brown crust. You can sear steaks to perfection while also caramelizing onions, all without moving your food around endlessly between hot and cold zones.

5. Healthier and Cleaner Cooking

Arteflame’s sloped design allows grease to drain away from food into a collection ring, reducing flare-ups and keeping your grill cleaner. It’s also easier to scrape down a griddle’s smooth surface compared to scrubbing in between metal bars.

6. Versatility for Any Cuisine

Whether you’re craving Philly cheesesteaks, Korean bibimbap, fajitas, or smashed burgers, the griddle makes these complex meals achievable. You're not limited to standard BBQ fare thanks to the flat surface and open-fire flexibility.

7. Social Cooking Experience

The Arteflame insert is circular and designed for shared use. It allows multiple people to gather around and cook at once—making it ideal for entertaining. Whether you're hosting a summer get-together or a family brunch, guests can interact and even cook their own food.

8. Ultimate Upgrade Without Replacing Your Grill

Unlike buying a dedicated griddle appliance or replacing your existing grill, the Arteflame insert simply drops in, instantly transforming your existing setup. It’s a smart long-term investment for daily grillers and weekend warriors alike.

9. Easy Maintenance

While stainless steel grates eventually require soaking and serious scrubbing, the pre-seasoned carbon steel used in Arteflame inserts cleans much like cast iron—just scrape off debris and wipe with oil to preserve the surface. Plus, there’s no risk of rusting if properly maintained.

10. Durable for All Seasons

The Arteflame insert performs in all weather. Whether you're grilling in summer heat or crisp winter mornings, the steel holds up, giving you year-round grilling flexibility without worry about cracking, rust, or other breakdowns over time.

Conclusion

Upgrading to an Arteflame insert is more than just buying a new grill accessory—it's about redefining your entire outdoor cooking experience. You're not stuck with the limitations of a standard stainless steel grate anymore. With the Arteflame's unique combination of grill and griddle, you unlock the ability to cook any food, any time—smarter, cleaner, and more deliciously efficient.

Proudly made in the USA, every Arteflame insert is built using 100% US steel, not fragile cast iron. Unlike cast iron, which is prone to cracking or chipping over time, American carbon steel is engineered for strength, heat retention, and lifelong durability. Plus, its all-American construction adheres to rigorous food-safety standards, giving you peace of mind with every meal.

Ready to give your grill a second life? The Arteflame insert is your next-level grilling solution—built to last and crafted to impress.