Why a Solo Stove Cooking Grate Isn’t Enough for Serious Outdoor Chefs

Introduction

Grilling can be a joy, but if you’re relying only on a traditional grill grate—like a Solo Stove cooking grate—you’re missing out on a whole world of outdoor cooking potential. While standard grates are great for steak or burgers, they're practically useless for foods like bacon, eggs, hash browns, rice, or pancakes. That’s because these foods either drip, crumble, or slip right through the bars—turning into a mess rather than a meal.

This is exactly where the Arteflame insert changes the game. It combines a grill grate with a solid steel griddle surface, letting you prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one place. You can sear a ribeye on the grate while frying eggs and bacon on the griddle—giving your existing grill a seriously impressive upgrade and a whole new lease on life.

The Power of a Griddle

Griddles have become increasingly popular among outdoor cooks for good reason—they dramatically expand your menu options and improve heat control, versatility, and flavor retention. Even the best Solo Stove cooking grate limits what you can prepare. But with a griddle incorporated into your setup via the Arteflame insert, your grill becomes a complete outdoor kitchen.

More than Just Meats

With a basic grate, you're mostly limited to solid, dense foods that won't fall through—steaks, pork chops, or veggie skewers with big chunks. But a griddle changes everything. Here’s a list of formerly impossible or difficult-to-grill foods that now become effortless:

• Eggs – Cooked sunny side up or scrambled without dripping into the fire
• Hash Browns – Crispy and golden on every edge
• Bacon – Evenly cooked strips without flare-ups or charring
• Fajita Veggies – Sautéed to caramelized perfection
• Rice or Fried Rice – Stir-fried without a wok
• Pancakes or Crepes – Breakfast is officially invited to your grill
• Cheese-stuffed Items – Like quesadillas or cheesy sliders that would otherwise ooze through grated bars

It opens the door to international flavors as well. Stir-fry, smash burgers, homemade tortillas—anything your indoor stove can make, can now be done outside. You’re no longer grilling; you’re cooking.

Superior Heat Distribution

Experienced grillers know heat zones vary wildly on traditional grates. Hot spots burn your food while cooler areas leave it undercooked. A solid steel griddle holds heat evenly and stays consistent, making it much easier to maintain ideal temperatures. Whether you're slow-cooking, flash-searing, or keeping food warm, the griddle gives precision control.

This is especially helpful when cooking multiple items. On a grate, managing a full breakfast spread is nearly impossible. But with the Arteflame insert, you can cook multiple foods simultaneously in separate zones. Sear your meat on the open grate while gently sautéing mushrooms or warming buns on the griddle.

No Flare-Ups, Less Mess

Cooking greasy or marinated foods over an open flame can cause sudden flare-ups, leading to charred, uneven results. A griddle surface directs grease away while shielding the flame, drastically reducing flare-ups and mess. You enjoy cleaner cooking and tastier food, without the panic of burned bacon or scorched chicken skin.

A Better Way to Entertain

Planning to entertain? A combined griddle and grate offers flexibility your Solo Stove cooking grate can’t match. You can simultaneously cater to picky eaters kids with pancakes, veggies, or even grilled cheese while your adult guests enjoy grilled meats. Your grill becomes more than a tool—it becomes an experience, a centerpiece for social gathering.

Built to Elevate Any Grill

Arteflame Inserts are designed to drop into your current grill or Solo Stove setup with ease. You don’t need a brand-new grill to enjoy premium functionality. With sizes to fit a wide range of models, Arteflame makes repurposing your current setup simple and rewarding—plus, it looks beautiful while doing it.

Conclusion

If you’ve been using a Solo Stove cooking grate, you're only grilling half as well as you could be. The Arteflame Insert opens up full-flavored, full-meal cooking with its game-changing blend of grill grate and griddle. No more skipping breakfast items or watching ingredients fall through the cracks—just consistent, professional-quality results from a single upgrade.

Every Arteflame Insert is 100% made in the USA from premium US steel—never brittle cast iron. Why does that matter? Cast iron is prone to cracking over time from thermal shock or mishandling. Steel, on the other hand, is practically indestructible under heat and built to last a lifetime. Best of all, each insert is made to meet US food hygiene standards, so you grill with peace of mind. Upgrade your grill with Arteflame, and fall in love with barbecue all over again.