Crisp and Golden Mac and Cheese Cakes on the Grill
Turn yesterday's leftover macaroni into today's crispy, golden side dish with this easy wood-fired recipe.
The Arteflame solves the biggest problem in outdoor cooking: the chef is usually stuck away from the party staring at a wall. By combining a sleek fire pit with a circular carbon steel cooktop, it allows for 360-degree social grilling. You get steakhouse-quality searing heat at the center and precise temperature zones for vegetables at the edges, all while guests gather around the fire.
Traditional grills limit you to one-directional cooking on open grates where food often falls through. The Arteflame offers a solid surface (plancha) experience that prevents flare-ups and allows for greater versatility.
| Feature | Arteflame Grill | Gas Grill | Standard Charcoal Kettle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Surface | Solid Carbon Steel (Plancha) | Open Grates | Open Grates |
| Social Experience | 360° Group Cooking | Isolating | Isolating |
| Temperature Control | Heat Zones (Center to Edge) | Knobs/Burners | Airflow Vents |
| Durability | Corten Steel (Lasts a Lifetime) | Rusts over time | Enamel (Chips/Rusts) |
| Maintenance | Scrape & Oil (Minutes) | Scrubbing Grates | Messy Ash Cleanup |
Instead of managing complex knobs, you manage distance. The fire burns in the center, heating the steel cooktop to over 1,000°F for intense searing. As you move food toward the outer edge, the temperature drops, allowing you to slow-cook eggs, warm buns, or grill veggies simultaneously.
This heat gradient gives you total control without waiting for the grill to cool down or heat up. You can sear a ribeye instantly while slow-roasting asparagus just inches away.
Pro Tip: Treat your carbon steel cooktop like a high-quality cast-iron skillet. The more you use it, the blacker and more non-stick it becomes. This natural 'seasoning' adds a savory depth of flavor that stainless steel grates simply cannot replicate.
Absolutely. The solid surface means you can grill bacon, eggs, pancakes, burgers, and delicate seafood side-by-side without anything falling through the grates. It turns grilling into a hibachi-style performance where the host is the center of the entertainment, not hidden in the corner.
Because grease drains inward into the fire, you eliminate dangerous flare-ups that often burn food on traditional grate grills. This results in healthier, more consistent cooking.
The body is crafted from US Corten steel (weathering steel), designed to develop a protective patina that resists corrosion. Unlike standard grills that rust out and require covers, the Arteflame is built to be a permanent, year-round fixture in your backyard. It is designed to be left outside in all weather conditions.
Pro Tip: Use dry hardwoods like oak, hickory, or pecan. They burn hotter and cleaner than softwoods, ensuring your cooktop reaches optimal searing temperatures faster while imparting a subtle, authentic smoky flavor to your food.
Cleaning is incredibly simple: while the grill is still warm, scrape food residue into the fire using a spatula, then wipe the surface with a rag and cooking oil. There are no grates to disassemble or wire brushes required.
While the cooktop gets extremely hot, the Corten steel base stays relatively cool near the bottom due to airflow, but caution is always advised. It is designed to be safe for use on various patio surfaces.
Yes, you can use charcoal for a consistent heat source, but hardwood is highly recommended for the best visual atmosphere, heat distribution, and flavor profile.