Why Infrared Grill Grates Aren’t Enough for Serious Outdoor Cooking

Introduction

Grilling on traditional infrared grill grates may sound high-tech, but it comes with limitations that can restrict your culinary creativity. Sure, you can sear a steak or grill some chicken—but what about bacon, hash browns, scrambled eggs, or even fried rice? These crowd-pleasers are essentially impossible on standard grill grates, leaving you stuck with dry burgers or burnt veggies.

This is where the Arteflame Insert changes the game. By combining a cooking-grade griddle with your existing grill grates, it transforms your regular grill into a multifunctional powerhouse. The flat-top surface allows you to cook delicate and greasy foods you'd never dare attempt on a traditional grate. With the Arteflame insert, your grill isn’t just revived—it’s reborn into a weekend warrior’s dream kitchen.

Dual-Surface Grilling Benefits

Owning a grill used to mean choosing sides—either you were a grate purist or a griddle enthusiast. But grilling doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. With a hybrid setup like the Arteflame Insert, you get the best of both worlds in one innovative design.

More Versatility, More Meal Options

Traditional infrared grates are great for high-temperature searing, but they lack the versatility needed for a full outdoor breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A griddle expands your menu tenfold, allowing you to:

• Cook bacon without flare-ups from dripping grease
• Fry eggs to perfection without them falling through the gaps
• Make crispy hash browns that hold together beautifully
• Whip up stir-fried rice or vegetables directly on the griddle
• Toast sandwiches, buns, and tortillas evenly without scorching

The result is a grill that works for every meal, not just the traditional protein line-up of steaks, chops, and burgers.

Better Heat Distribution

Infrared grates focus intense heat on a small cooking surface, which is ideal for searing but terrible for uniform cooking. You often end up with hotspots and uneven results. A steel griddle retains and disperses heat evenly across the surface, making it a dream for delicate foods that require gentle cooking. Whether you're reversing a steak sear or steaming seafood, the broadened temperature control gives you a chef’s touch right in your backyard.

Fewer Flare-Ups, More Control

Grease dripping through open grates is a surefire way to trigger flare-ups. Not only does this burn your food, but it’s also a safety hazard. A griddle captures those juices, letting you either cook with them (hello, flavor!) or drain them as needed. No more sudden fireballs—just consistent, even heat in a controlled environment.

Easier Cleanup

After a long grilling session, the last thing anyone wants is to scrub between grate slats to remove stuck-on grease and grime. A solid steel griddle surface makes cleanup much easier. Just use a spatula or scraper to collect residue, and you're good to go. No brushes, no soaking, no drama.

Healthier Grilling

Because the griddle doesn’t allow grease to fall into the flames, fewer carcinogenic compounds (like those caused by charring or flaring) are created during cooking. This not only makes your food taste cleaner, but it’s also better for your long-term health.

Durability and Longevity

Traditional grill grates—especially those made of cast iron—can chip, crack, or rust over time. Cast iron requires constant maintenance to prevent corrosion. The Arteflame Insert, however, is made entirely from solid US steel, built to handle extreme temperatures without breaking a sweat. It won’t crack like cast iron, and with minimal care, it will last a lifetime.

Aesthetic and Functional Value

Besides the obvious cooking benefits, a hybrid grill with a griddle simply looks better. The Arteflame's sleek design and heavy-duty force enhance the aesthetic appeal of your entire outdoor setup while delivering professional-grade functionality.

Conclusion

If you’ve already invested in an infrared grill, upgrading to an Arteflame Insert is the smartest way to break free from the limitations of grates alone. You gain the power to cook everything you can on a traditional stovetop—plus the smoky flavor only grilling can deliver. From breakfast favorites to stir-fry dinners, the combination of grill grate and griddle gives your grill new life and purpose.

Arteflame Inserts are proudly made in the USA using 100% American steel—not brittle cast iron. This means unmatched durability, better heat retention, and enhanced safety. While cast iron may crack under pressure, US steel stands up to years of heavy use, weather extremes, and high-heat cooking. Choose the Arteflame Insert and turn your grill into an all-in-one outdoor kitchen that never lets you down.