Infrared Grates vs. Arteflame (The Truth) | Arteflame

Quick Verdict: Infrared Grates vs. Arteflame Inserts

Infrared grates are designed for one specific purpose: generating extreme heat for rapid searing. However, the Arteflame Carbon Steel Insert matches this high-heat capability while adding significant versatility. Unlike infrared emitters which are limited to grid-marked steaks, the Arteflame provides a solid plancha surface that sears meat, cooks vegetables, and handles delicate foods like eggs or seafood simultaneously. If you want a complete outdoor kitchen solution rather than just a searing station, the Arteflame insert is the superior choice.

Comparison: Infrared Technology vs. Solid Carbon Steel

When upgrading your kettle grill, you are typically choosing between specialized heating technology and surface versatility. Use this data to decide which fits your cooking style.

How Does the Searing Capability Compare?

The primary appeal of infrared grilling is the ability to reach high temperatures quickly without drying out food. This is achieved through radiant heat.

Can Arteflame Match Infrared Heat?

Yes. The Arteflame insert replaces your standard wire grate with a solid carbon steel surface and a removable center grill grate. Because the fire is built directly under the center, the central grate easily exceeds 1,000°F. This rivals or beats most consumer infrared systems, allowing for "steakhouse quality" sears instantly.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate crust, sear your steak on the center grate of the Arteflame for 60 seconds per side, then move it to the outer flat steel ring to finish cooking at a lower temperature. This utilizes the "Reverse Sear" method without needing a second oven.

Which Insert Offers Better Flavor?

Flavor is subjective, but the mechanism of cooking dictates the taste profile. Infrared cooking is very clean; it relies on radiation to cook the food directly. This preserves moisture but often lacks the depth of flavor associated with traditional grilling.

Why Do Chefs Prefer Carbon Steel?

The Arteflame insert functions like a giant cast-iron skillet or Japanese Teppanyaki grill. As you cook, fats and juices from the meat do not drip away instantly; they render on the hot steel surface, bathing the meat in its own flavor. Furthermore, the solid surface creates an all-over Maillard reaction (browning) rather than just stripes of char, resulting in a savory crust over 100% of the steak's surface.

Is Versatility the Deal Breaker?

This is where the two products diverge most sharply. Infrared grates have large gaps. If you try to grill asparagus, shrimp, or sliced onions, they will fall through or burn rapidly due to the intense, focused heat.

What Can You Cook on an Arteflame?

The solid plancha design allows you to cook virtually anything. While your steaks sear in the center, you can simultaneously cook:

• Sides: Asparagus, potatoes, corn, and peppers.
• Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, and pancakes.
• Smash Burgers: The flat surface is essential for pressing burgers to get crispy edges.

How Difficult is the Maintenance?

Infrared Grates: These often require specific cleaning tools to clear out the emitters. If the glass or emitter plates get clogged with grease, performance drops, and flare-ups can occur.

Arteflame Insert: Maintenance is nearly identical to a cast-iron skillet. The more you use it, the better it gets.

Pro Tip: Never use soap on your Arteflame. After cooking, simply scrape food residue into the fire while the grill is hot, wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth, and you are done. The seasoning builds up over time to create a natural non-stick surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arteflame insert fit my existing grill?

Arteflame manufactures inserts specifically designed to replace the grates of most standard kettle grills, including Weber, Big Green Egg, and Kamado Joe. You simply remove your old wire rack and drop the carbon steel insert in.

Is carbon steel better than stainless steel for searing?

Carbon steel has significantly better thermal conductivity than stainless steel. It holds heat longer and distributes it more evenly, making it superior for getting a hard, uniform sear on meats.

Can I use wood with the Arteflame insert?

Absolutely. The Arteflame is designed to work with both charcoal and hardwood. Using wood adds a distinct smoky flavor that infrared gas grills cannot replicate.