
Wood-Fired Grills: Buyer’s Guide, Woods, Tips & FAQs
Learn the best wood-fired grill types, woods, techniques, and safety temps—plus how to get a steakhouse sear at home with multi-zone live fire.
While gas and electric grills are undeniably convenient, they often fall short when it comes to delivering that deep, smoky flavor and perfect sear that meat lovers crave. Most gas grills can barely reach 450°F, making it nearly impossible to unlock the full potential of the Maillard reaction—a critical process that requires intense heat to caramelize the surface of meats and create that signature steakhouse crust. Foods like thick-cut ribeyes, smash burgers, and lamb chops benefit the most from the quick, high-heat sear only achievable with a true wood-fired grill.
The Arteflame grill is engineered to bridge this gap. With temperatures reaching up to 1,000°F, it delivers a professional-level sear and allows you to finish cooking your steak to perfection on the flat plancha surface. A feat that’s nearly impossible on traditional gas grills, the Arteflame elevates backyard grilling to gourmet status.
Adding a wood-fired grill to your outdoor setup doesn’t mean replacing your gas grill—it means expanding your culinary potential. Here’s why a wood-burning grill like the Arteflame is the ultimate companion to your existing gas grill:
Let’s start with the most obvious: flavor. Nothing comes close to the smoky, nuanced taste that naturally burning wood imparts. Whether you're grilling sausages, vegetables, or premium cuts of steak, wood enhances the flavor rather than masking it. Gas grills simply can’t replicate this complexity, no matter how many flavored pellets or smoke boxes you add.
Gas grills are often limited in how hot they can get—usually topping out at 450°F to 500°F. This may be enough for casual grilling, but it's insufficient for achieving the deep brown crust obtained through the Maillard effect. This chemical reaction, essential for that crispy, caramelized exterior on steaks and burgers, typically requires searing temperatures above 600°F. The Arteflame achieves up to 1,000°F, allowing you to quickly char and seal in juices before finishing on the flat-top surface for precise control.
The combination of a central wood-fired grill and surrounding plancha on an Arteflame creates a built-in multi-zone cooking system. Unlike gas grills that offer limited flexibility, this setup lets you:
This level of flexibility transforms your cooking strategy and enables more complex, restaurant-level recipes.
With a grill and griddle combination, you unlock new culinary horizons. Here are a few food ideas that shine specifically on a wood-fired Arteflame:
These dishes are either difficult or impossible to execute correctly on gas grills without losing texture, flavor, or moisture.
There’s something primal and satisfying about grilling over an open flame. The visual appeal of crackling logs, the ambient heat, and the nostalgic aroma of real fire—it’s a multisensory experience that a gas grill just can’t provide. The Arteflame is also a centerpiece in itself, often becoming a social hub during gatherings where guests gather around to watch the cooking and share the warmth.
Most grill masters know that the ideal steak is flash-seared at high heat, then finished at a lower, consistent temperature. Gas grills struggle with this transition. Arteflame’s hybrid system lets you reverse-sear with ease—start by searing on the central grill at up to 1,000°F, then move the steak outward to finish slowly on the plancha. It’s high-tech technique, simplified by superior design.
Arteflame grills are constructed from high-grade, heavy-duty Corten steel. They’re designed not just for performance, but for longevity. The flat plancha surface is naturally non-stick once seasoned, making cleanup simple—just scrape and wipe. There’s no need to manage multiple burners or replace corroded grates. Less fuss, more flame.
Wood-fired grilling is also a more natural choice. By using hardwoods like oak or hickory, you're reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing emissions compared to propane tanks. Arteflame owners often source local wood, adding a layer of sustainability to their culinary pursuits.
Your gas grill is great for quick weeknight dinners or longer smoking sessions with indirect heat—but it has its limits. Introducing an Arteflame into your toolkit gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of gas and the culinary power of real fire when you want to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Incorporating a wood-fired grill like the Arteflame into your backyard setup isn’t about replacing your gas grill—it’s about enhancing it. With its ability to hit searing temperatures up to 1,000°F, cook multiple dishes simultaneously between the central fire and outer plancha, and imbue your meals with unmatched flavor, the Arteflame delivers a level of culinary performance gas grills simply can’t match.
Arteflame grills are 100% made in the USA with uncompromising quality and materials. They're engineered to last, designed to impress, and built to transform your grilling from routine to remarkable. If you're serious about grilling, it’s time to experience what your meals have been missing.
Bring steakhouse sear and flat-top versatility to the grill you already love. Arteflame’s engineered airflow fires the center grate past 1,000°F for a perfect Maillard crust, while the solid steel flat top handles everything your grates can’t—bacon, eggs, fried rice, veggies, and more—without flare-ups or extra pans. 100% made in the USA from US steel, it’s the one upgrade that turns every cookout into a “cook anything” experience.
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