
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.
Gas and electric grills are undeniably convenient—but ask any grilling enthusiast, and you'll hear that these modern conveniences come at a cost: flavor. Gas grills typically max out at 450°F, barely hot enough to initiate the Maillard reaction—the chemical process responsible for the deliciously seared crust on steaks, hamburgers, and other proteins. Without that intense heat, your meats may cook, but they won’t caramelize properly, leaving your taste buds underwhelmed. And forget about wood-fired flavors—something gas and electric grills just can’t replicate.
This is where a large charcoal BBQ like the Arteflame excels. Reaching temperatures over 1,000°F, it effortlessly produces steakhouse-quality crust and deeply savory flavor. The open wood fire doesn’t just cook your food—it infuses it with rich smokiness that gas burners simply can’t mimic. From juicy ribeyes to charred vegetables, only wood fire gives you that authentic grillmaster’s edge.
Adding a large charcoal BBQ to your grilling arsenal isn’t about replacing your gas grill—it’s about elevating your entire outdoor cooking experience. Here’s why you need both, and why nothing matches the performance and flavor of a wood-fired grill like Arteflame.
The Maillard reaction begins around 300°F, but to create that crave-worthy crust on a thick-cut steak, you need temperatures pushing 600°F or more. Most gas grills peak at 450–500°F, which means your steak simmers before it sears. Arteflame grills easily reach 1,000°F, striking the perfect balance of char on the outside and juicy tenderness inside—just like a professional steakhouse.
Gas grills burn clean—and that’s a problem. Without smoke, your food lacks depth. Charcoal adds a touch of smokiness, but it’s the addition of real wood that creates layers of flavor. Whether you’re grilling ribs, lamb chops, or chicken thighs, fire-cooked meats absorb the natural aromatic compounds from burning hardwoods—like oak, hickory, or applewood—producing food that’s bold and unforgettable.
The Arteflame isn’t just a grill—it’s a culinary playground. Its unique design features a wood-burning center and massive steel plancha around it. This combination allows for:
With a gas grill, you're limited to what you can fit over the burner units. Arteflame turns your backyard into an open-fire bistro.
Aesthetically, nothing draws a crowd like a glowing wood fire. The Arteflame’s circular design invites social interaction, allowing guests to gather around the grill while meals are being prepared. It's not just a BBQ—it's a centerpiece. The live-fire ambiance makes every cookout feel like a warm, rustic event, elevating your backyard into a true culinary destination.
Contrary to popular belief, wood-fired grills like the Arteflame are surprisingly easy to maintain. The solid steel plancha only requires a light scrape-down after cooking, and ashes are quickly emptied from the self-contained burn area. No greasy drip pans or clogged burner tubes like you'd wrestle with on gas grills.
Arteflame grills are built to last a lifetime—crafted entirely in the USA with premium Corten steel that develops a beautiful weathered patina over time. Unlike stamped steel gas grills that wear out in a few seasons, Arteflame becomes more visually stunning and reliable with every use. You're not just buying a BBQ; you're investing in a legacy of exceptional outdoor cooking.
While gas grills offer convenience, they simply can’t deliver the searing power, flavor, and culinary experience that a large charcoal BBQ like the Arteflame provides. Whether you're searing ribeyes, charring burgers, or slow-roasting vegetables, the Arteflame delivers rich, wood-fired flavor that gas grills can’t replicate. It’s not an either-or proposition—it’s about taking your grilling to a new level.
If you’re looking for that unforgettable steakhouse crust, the type only achievable at over 1,000°F, Arteflame is your go-to solution. With its iconic design, multifunctional plancha, and sturdy American craftsmanship, it’s the centerpiece your backyard is missing. Best of all, every Arteflame grill is 100% made in the USA—bringing quality, performance, and pride right to your patio.
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.
Arteflame XXL 40" Flat Top Grill - High Euro Base
Arteflame ONE30 — 30″ One Series Flat-Top Charcoal Grill & Fire Bowl (Single-Piece CORTEN Steel)