Flat Top Grill Combo: The Ultimate Upgrade | Arteflame

The Quick Answer: Can You Turn a Kettle Grill Into a Flat Top Griddle?

Yes, you can instantly transform a standard kettle or Kamado grill into a high-performance cooking station by replacing the stock grate with a carbon steel flat top insert. This upgrade creates a dual-zone cooking surface: a high-heat center for open-fire searing and a solid outer ring for griddling vegetables, eggs, or seafood. It eliminates the need for a separate griddle while preventing flare-ups and adding wood-fired flavor to every dish.

Why Should You Upgrade to a Grill Griddle Combo?

Most outdoor chefs feel limited by wire grates that allow food to fall through and offer only one style of cooking: direct heat. Installing a flat top combo insert, such as the Arteflame replacement insert, solves these issues by creating a solid surface that conducts heat evenly.

Below is a comparison of how a flat top combo upgrade outperforms standard wire grates.

How Does the Carbon Steel Insert Improve Searing?

Carbon steel is the gold standard for professional griddles because of its thermal conductivity. Unlike cast iron, which can be brittle, or stainless steel, which can stick, seasoned carbon steel becomes naturally non-stick and holds heat exceptionally well.

The Science of Dual-Zone Cooking

When you insert the flat top combo, the center opening acts as a chimney. This channels the heat directly upwards for intense searing (perfect for steaks), while the heat radiates outward through the steel plate. This allows you to sear a burger at 700°F+ in the center while simultaneously toasting buns or grilling asparagus at 350°F on the outer edge.

Pro Tip: Treat your carbon steel insert like a cast-iron skillet. The more you cook on it, the better the seasoning becomes. For the initial seasoning, use flaxseed oil or grapeseed oil while the grill is hot to create a durable, non-stick black patina.

Is the Insert Compatible with Weber and Big Green Egg?

The versatility of the combo upgrade lies in its universal fit for popular circular grills. Specific inserts are designed to drop perfectly into:

• Weber Kettle Grills: The 22-inch and 26-inch models.
• Kamado Grills: Big Green Egg (Large and XL) and Kamado Joe.

By removing the standard wire rack and dropping in the carbon steel insert, you effectively gain a new appliance without taking up extra patio space.

Pro Tip: Utilize the "Heat Gradient" to your advantage. If a steak is searing too fast, simply slide it toward the outer edge of the flat top to finish cooking internally without burning the crust. This allows for precise temperature control without adjusting vents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to clean the flat top insert after every use?

Yes, but it is simple. While the grill is still warm, scrape food residue into the fire using a straight-edge spatula, wipe it down with a paper towel and a little oil, and you are done. No soap or water is required.

Can I use charcoal and wood with the insert?

Absolutely. The Arteflame insert works with both charcoal and hardwood. Using hardwood chunks adds a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the food cooked on the flat top surface.

Will the carbon steel rust if left outside?

If properly seasoned and oiled, carbon steel is highly rust-resistant. However, if the seasoning is stripped or it is left uncovered in rain for long periods, surface rust may appear, which can be easily scrubbed off and re-seasoned.