Why Stainless Steel Grill Grates Fall Short Without a Griddle

Introduction

Using only stainless steel grill grates on your backyard grill might seem like enough, but sooner or later, you'll run up against some limitations. Try cooking bacon, hash browns, fried eggs, or something delicate like rice or stir-fried vegetables on open grates, and you’ll quickly learn just how confining they can be. These foods either fall through, stick badly, or simply don’t cook evenly.

That’s where the Arteflame insert changes everything. It transforms your existing grill into a versatile outdoor cooking station by combining traditional grill grates with a large flat griddle surface. The result? You can now grill virtually anything—from pancakes to paella—right on your setup.

Grill and Griddle Combined

The idea of combining a grill grate with a griddle isn’t just clever—it’s revolutionary for home grillers who want more cooking versatility. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned BBQ purist, having both surfaces opens up a world of culinary options. Here’s a closer look at why a griddle-grill combo like the Arteflame insert is a game-changer.

Cook Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

With standard stainless steel grill grates, you're mostly limited to meats, vegetables, and a few safe bets like burgers and hot dogs. But many everyday foods just don't work on grill grates. Arteflame’s griddle integration lets you:

• Fry bacon without flare-ups or fat fires
• Grill crispy hash browns without them falling apart
• Scramble or fry eggs perfectly
• Saute vegetables, shrimp, or stir-fry rice
• Make pancakes, quesadillas, even smash burgers

Suddenly, your grill isn’t just for the occasional steak — it becomes an all-day, all-meal appliance.

Better Heat Control

Stainless steel grates can create hot spots that burn delicate foods or leave the middle raw. A griddle surface evens out the heat, providing consistent results across the surface. No more babysitting skewers or rotating sausages to prevent charring — a griddle simplifies the cooking process while enhancing reliability.

No More Food Falling Through

This is one of the biggest frustrations grillers face. Chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, or small cuts of meat easily fall through stainless steel grates. Cleaning up dropped food from the fire box is never fun. Arteflame’s smooth steel insert fixes that. Grill confidently, knowing your ingredients stay where they belong.

Simplified Clean-Up

Cleaning stainless steel grill grates can be a chore—they trap food particles, grease, and carbon easily. The solid griddle surface on the Arteflame is easier to maintain. After cooking, just scrape the surface with a spatula or scraper while it’s still warm. Occasional seasoning with oil keeps it practically non-stick.

Perfect Searing Surface

If you value a good crust on your burger or steak, nothing beats the searing potential of a carbon steel griddle. Unlike open grates, a griddle creates full contact between the food and the hot surface, locking in juices and crunching up that flavorful crust. It’s the difference between good and gourmet.

One Insert, Endless Cooking Options

Arteflame inserts are available in multiple sizes, designed to drop into most round or kettle-style grills. Whether you’re outfitting a Weber, Big Green Egg, or Traeger, you’re essentially giving your grill a full kitchen upgrade without the cost or bulk of a standalone outdoor griddle.

• Pizza? Use it like a stone surface.
• Tacos? Toast tortillas and sizzle fillings at once.
• Gnocchi or dumplings? Try it—no sticking, no breakage.

Whatever your cooking style—casual, experimental, or gourmet—the Arteflame insert delivers results your grill grates alone just can’t match.

Conclusion

If you’re frustrated by the limitations of stainless steel grill grates alone, the Arteflame insert is your solution. By adding a griddle alongside your grates, you unlock an entirely new way to grill, from sunny-side-up eggs in the morning to a sizzling steak skillet for dinner. It’s not just more food options—it’s more fun, more freedom, and tastier results.

Every Arteflame insert is 100% made in the USA, using premium US steel—not brittle cast iron. Unlike cast iron, which is prone to cracking under thermal stress, steel offers long-term durability that resists warping or breaking, even after years of high-heat grilling. This is a lifetime upgrade for your backyard setup—function meets form, all made with American craftsmanship and food-safe standards.