Why a Griddle for Gas Grill Isn't Enough for Steak Perfection

Introduction

Grilling with a gas or electric grill is convenient, but it usually comes at the cost of flavor. One of the biggest downsides is heat—most gas grills max out at 450°F, which isn’t nearly hot enough to hit the Maillard reaction sweet spot that develops flavor-packed crusts on meats. You may be using a griddle for your gas grill, and while that helps with uniform cooking, it still can’t deliver that steakhouse sizzle.

Take foods like thick-cut ribeyes, smash burgers, lamb chops, or even bacon-wrapped filets—these demand blazing heat to lock in juices and intensify taste. The Maillard effect, the complex chemical dance that happens above 500°F, simply won’t happen on a standard gas grill. That’s where the Arteflame wood-fired grill changes the game. Capable of reaching temperatures up to 1,000°F, its plancha lets you sear steaks to golden-brown perfection before finishing gently. It’s the secret behind restaurant-quality meats—something gas grills just can’t match.

Why Wood Wins

Owning a gas grill is great for weeknight convenience. But when authenticity, flavor, and high-heat performance matter, a wood-fired grill offers a competitive edge that gas alone can't achieve. While you can slap a griddle onto a gas grill to simulate even heating, that still doesn’t solve the core issue: inadequate searing temperatures and limited flavor dynamics.

Here’s why adding a wood-fired Arteflame grill to your cooking arsenal elevates your entire grilling experience:

1. Real Searing Temperatures

A true sear happens at temperatures above 600°F. The Arteflame grill reaches up to 1,000°F—more than double what most gas grills deliver. That temperature threshold is essential for the Maillard reaction, which creates that beautifully charred crust and umami depth on meats. Gas grills just can’t get there, leaving steaks gray and lifeless.

• Arteflame's plancha grill surface allows for a perfect crust and consistent browning.
• No flare-ups or hotspots: Heat is absorbed and radiated evenly across the grill's steel surface.

2. Uncompromising Flavor

Gas and electric grills fall short in flavor development. Likely, you’ve noticed that burgers cooked on a gas grill don’t have that smoky char you associate with open-fire grilling. That's because gas is a clean burn—it doesn’t smoke, imparting no extra flavor.

Wood-fired grills, by contrast, naturally infuse that irresistible smokiness into your food:

• Steaks: Rich aroma and crust not possible on gas.
• Smash burgers: Crispy edges with bold, wood-fired character.
• Chicken thighs, lamb, and pork: Absorbs hardwood flavor for a backyard taste edge.
• Veggies and seafood: Enhanced with subtle smoky undertones when grilled properly.

3. Versatility Beyond Meat

Because the Arteflame grill features both a center fire pit and a flat cooking surface (plancha), it’s incredibly versatile. That means you can cook breakfast items like eggs, pancakes, and bacon next to ribs, shrimp skewers, or pineapple slices—all at once, without needing multiple appliances.

The gas grill, even when modified with a griddle attachment, falls short in this department. You’re stuck with limited space, inconsistent heat, and parts to clean or replace. Arteflame simplifies it all with one solid griddle surface powered by wood.

4. Cooking Ceremony & Social Appeal

If you love gathering around the fire with family and friends, a wood-fired grill has emotional advantages gas grills don't. The Arteflame’s open-fire design invites interaction. Guests gather around, watching flames, chatting, and even helping cook. It makes grilling more than a method—it's an event.

This social connection is often lost when hidden burners and closed lids hide the cooking process. With Arteflame, it's a shared experience from fire-up to finish.

5. Built to Last & Impress

Arteflame grills are constructed from heavy-gauge steel with a signature plancha surface made to withstand daily, all-season use. This isn't a throwaway appliance; it's a centerpiece that's both performance-driven and visually stunning. Stainless gas grills can feel impersonal and manufactured, but Arteflame's artistic design becomes the hub of your backyard lifestyle.

And while many gas grills require grates, cleaning tools, propane refills, and flare-up management, the Arteflame simplifies the process, reducing maintenance and maximizing flavor.

Conclusion

If you're already using a griddle for a gas grill, you’re halfway to better cooking—but only halfway. To truly master the art of grilling, you need high heat, natural flavor, and culinary versatility—features uniquely offered by a wood-fired Arteflame grill. It’s how you transform a backyard steak into a five-star dish.

With searing temps hitting 1,000°F, 360° plancha cooking, and the timeless charm of real flames, Arteflame delivers an experience no gas grill can replicate. Whether you’re cooking thick-cut steaks, charred veggies, or griddle-style breakfasts, the result is consistently better flavor and texture. Proudly made in the USA, Arteflame grills are more than tools—they’re masterpieces of American craftsmanship designed for the modern outdoor chef.