Grill & Flat Top Combo: The Ultimate Upgrade | Arteflame

Why Choose Between a Grill and a Griddle When You Can Have Both?

A grill and flat top combo eliminates the need to choose between open-fire searing and precision griddling. By combining a center grill grate with a surrounding flat top surface, you unlock zonal cooking, allowing you to sear steaks at over 1,000°F while simultaneously sautéing vegetables or frying eggs at lower temperatures on the same unit. This setup provides the ultimate versatility for outdoor chefs who want to cook entire meals—breakfast, lunch, or dinner—without switching appliances.

What Are the Advantages of a Grill and Flat Top Combo?

The core advantage of upgrading to a combo unit is Information Gain. Traditional grills are excellent for distinct char marks, while flat tops (planchas) excel at retaining juices and cooking small items that would fall through grates. Combining them creates a superior cooking environment.

Comparison: Standard Grill vs. Flat Top vs. Combo

Use this table to understand why a combination unit is superior for serious outdoor cooking.

How Does Zonal Cooking Improve Your Food?

The magic of a grill and flat top combo, specifically designs like the Arteflame, lies in the heat gradient. The fire builds in the center, creating intense heat for the grill grate, while the solid steel ring absorbs and radiates that heat outward.

Pro Tip: Master the heat gradient by placing proteins (steaks, burgers) near the center for a hard sear, and moving them to the outer edge of the flat top to finish cooking slowly. This "reverse sear" technique prevents drying out the meat.

This allows you to manage different ingredients that require different temperatures simultaneously. You can boil corn or potatoes on the center grate while the rest of the meal simmers on the flat top.

Is Maintenance Harder for a Combo Unit?

Many users worry that combining two cooking styles doubles the cleaning work. In reality, a solid carbon steel flat top is often easier to maintain than wire grates.

Seasoning and Cleaning Simplified

Just like a cast-iron skillet, the flat top surface improves with use. As oil creates a polymer layer (seasoning), the surface becomes naturally non-stick.

• Scrape it clean: Push food residue directly into the fire in the center.
• Oil it down: Wipe a thin layer of oil after cooking to prevent rust.
• No deep cleaning: Unlike gas grills with grease traps, the fire consumes the waste.

Pro Tip: Use grapeseed oil or avocado oil for seasoning your flat top. These oils have a high smoke point, ensuring a durable, glass-like non-stick finish that withstands high-heat grilling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prevents food from falling into the fire on a combo grill?

The flat top griddle is a solid piece of steel surrounding the open center. Food stays securely on the steel ring, and only intentional movements push debris into the center fire pit for disposal.

Can I use wood and charcoal in a combo grill?

Yes. Hardwoods (like oak or hickory) provide the best flavor and heat longevity, while lump charcoal helps establish a consistent base of embers for long cooking sessions.

Is the flat top surface safe for metal tools?

Absolutely. Carbon steel cooktops are incredibly durable. You can use metal spatulas, scrapers, and tongs without worrying about scratching a delicate chemical coating found on cheaper pans.

How long does it take to heat up a grill and flat top combo?

Generally, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the flat top griddle to reach optimal cooking temperatures after lighting the fire, depending on the ambient weather conditions.