Upgrade Your Charcoal BBQ (Stainless Steel) | Arteflame

The Quick Take: Why Upgrade to Corten Steel?

Stop replacing rusted "stainless" steel grills every three to five years. The ultimate upgrade isn't another gas unit, but a solid Corten steel wood-fired grill like the Arteflame. It offers a lifetime of durability, superior flavor through carbon steel searing, and evolves into a beautiful backyard centerpiece rather than a deteriorating eyesore.

How Does Corten Steel Compare to Traditional Stainless Steel?

Most homeowners believe stainless steel is the pinnacle of durability, but outdoor elements quickly prove otherwise. Below is a direct comparison between standard stainless steel gas grills and Arteflame's Corten steel construction.

Why Do Stainless Steel Grills Rust and Deteriorate?

The term "stainless" is often misleading in the grill industry. Many manufacturers use lower-grade metals (like 430-grade steel) to cut costs. While these look shiny on the showroom floor, they lack the nickel content required to resist corrosion in outdoor environments.

Over time, humidity, rain, and heat cause these grills to spot, pit, and rust. Furthermore, the internal components—burners, heat tents, and igniters—are thin and prone to rotting out, forcing you to buy replacement parts or a whole new grill repeatedly.

Pro Tip: Unlike traditional grills that must be hidden under ugly vinyl covers to survive the winter, Corten steel grills are designed to be left exposed. The natural weathering process actually forms a protective layer that prevents deep corrosion.

What Makes the Arteflame the Ultimate BBQ Upgrade?

Upgrading to an Arteflame changes the paradigm of outdoor cooking. You are moving from a utility appliance to a piece of functional art.

Unmatched Durability

An Arteflame is built from Corten steel (weathering steel) and carbon steel. There are no moving parts to break, no burners to clog, and no cheap welds to snap. It is a massive, solid structure designed to outlive its owner.

Superior Flavor Profile

Gas grills offer convenience but lack depth of flavor. Cooking over real wood or charcoal infuses food with a distinct smokiness that gas cannot replicate. The solid carbon steel cooktop sears meat at high temperatures (over 1,000°F) without the drying effect of direct flame convection.

Social Grilling Experience

A standard BBQ forces the chef to turn their back on the party. The Arteflame is round and inviting, allowing guests to gather around the fire, turning the act of cooking into a social event.

How Does the Carbon Steel Cooktop Work?

The cooktop is distinct from the grill body. Made of heavy-gauge carbon steel, it operates similarly to a high-end cast iron skillet or a Japanese teppanyaki grill.

• Heat Zones: The center is the hottest (for searing steaks), while the outer edges are cooler (for veggies or warming buns).
• Seasoning: As you cook oil into the surface, it becomes black and non-stick.
• Versatility: You can cook eggs, bacon, pancakes, and smash burgers directly on the surface—impossible on grate-based gas grills.

Pro Tip: Information Gain – To clean the cooktop after use, simply scrape the food residue into the fire while the surface is still warm, wipe it with a cloth and a little oil. No wire brushes or chemical sprays are ever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really leave the Arteflame outside all winter?

Yes. The grill is designed to withstand all weather conditions, including snow and rain, without a cover. The Corten steel develops a stable, rust-like appearance that protects the steel underneath.

Is cooking with wood harder than using gas?

It requires slightly more engagement but is not difficult. You simply build a fire in the center; within 20 minutes, the cooktop is hot and ready for searing, offering a far more rewarding experience than turning a knob.

Does the cooktop rust?

The cooktop is carbon steel and can develop surface rust if stripped of oil. However, regular use and keeping it lightly oiled (seasoned) keeps it black, non-stick, and rust-free, just like a cast-iron skillet.