Steel Grates vs Griddle Cooking: Why Your Grill Needs an Upgrade

Introduction

Grilling on traditional steel grates may work for burgers and steaks, but it falls short when it comes to many popular foods. You can’t exactly toss bacon, eggs, hash browns, cheese-stuffed items, or even rice onto a standard grill grate and expect success—these foods either slip through the gaps or create a mess. The limitation lies in the basic design: grill grates allow heat and smoke, but they aren't versatile enough for a full outdoor cooking experience.

Enter the Arteflame Insert—a game-changer that transforms your current grill into a multi-functional powerhouse. By combining a classic grill grate with a seamless, flat-top griddle, the Arteflame Insert allows you to cook everything you’d usually save for the stovetop. With this innovative upgrade, your grill gets a whole new purpose—and your culinary horizons expand dramatically.

Why Griddle Matters

The griddle might be the most underrated outdoor cooking surface—and yet, it’s the key to unlocking endless versatility. Unlike standard steel grill grates, which limit you to certain food types, a griddle gives you control, consistency, and the ability to cook just about anything.

Expanded Menu Possibilities

One of the biggest advantages of having a griddle on your grill is the ability to cook a wider range of foods:

• Breakfast items: Cook bacon, eggs, pancakes, and hash browns without worrying about them falling through the grate.
• Softer foods: Items like fish, scallops, or veggies sautéed with oil hold together better on a flat surface.
• Asian dishes: Think fried rice, stir-fries, or dumplings—impossible on a grate but perfect on a griddle.
• Delicate cheeses: Melt cheese for nachos, smash burgers, or grilled cheese sandwiches without dripping into the flames.
• Sauces and reductions: Yes, with a griddle, you can even do light sauce work or toast spices.

With a griddle in place, you're not restricted to just “grillable” foods—you can practically bring your kitchen outside.

Better Heat Distribution

Standard grill grates only offer direct flame contact on narrow bars, creating hot and cold spots. A steel griddle layer ensures even heat distribution. This allows for better browning, fewer flare-ups, and more precision in cooking temperatures—especially helpful when you're managing multiple food items at once.

Grease Management

Ever lost a juicy sausage or burger to a grill flare-up? That’s a non-issue with a griddle. Arteflame inserts are designed to manage grease smartly, keeping dangerous flare-ups at bay while collecting drippings for easier cleanup and even flavor enhancement in some recipes.

Simplified Cleanup

Certain foods—like marinated meats and sticky glazes—can turn grilling into a cleaning nightmare. A griddle’s flat surface is much easier to scrape down and maintain than a grate riddled with carbonized leftovers. Plus, you can use cooking oils more freely without worrying about greasy flames.

Custom Combination Design

Arteflame Inserts are not just griddle plates—they're dual-level cooking systems. The centerpiece of each insert is a classic grill grate, surrounded by a circular steel griddle. This hybrid approach allows you to sear steaks over open flame while simultaneously sautéing veggies or frying eggs on the griddle rim. You don't have to choose—your grill does both at once.

Conclusion

Upgrade your steel grates and bring new life to your grill with an Arteflame Insert. These USA-made inserts are constructed from 100% American steel—not cast iron—ensuring they’re built to last without the brittleness or risk of cracking common in cast iron alternatives. With full compliance to US food hygiene standards, you can feel good about the safety and quality of your outdoor cooking experience.

Whether you're grilling, sautéing, or frying under the open sky, the Arteflame Insert offers a level of flexibility and durability that grill grates alone can't match. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to full-spectrum cooking—all from your existing grill setup.