
Wood-Fired Grills: Buyer’s Guide, Woods, Tips & FAQs
Learn the best wood-fired grill types, woods, techniques, and safety temps—plus how to get a steakhouse sear at home with multi-zone live fire.
If your grilling setup consists of a simple grill grate, chances are you're missing out on a world of culinary possibilities. Traditional grates are great for steaks and burgers, but they fall short when it comes to more delicate or finely textured foods. Have you ever tried grilling bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, rice, or even finely chopped vegetables on a regular grate? You'll likely have a mess on your hands—or worse, lost food falling into the fire.
That’s where the Arteflame insert comes in. This innovative upgrade combines the best of both worlds: a grill grate and a smooth, solid steel griddle surface. Suddenly, your grill transforms from a one-trick pony into a versatile outdoor kitchen. Whether you're cooking breakfast outdoors or searing sushi-grade tuna, the Arteflame insert will give your grill brand-new life.
Adding a griddle surface to your grill opens up an entirely new realm of flavors and textures. Let’s explore why combining a griddle with a traditional grill grate is a true game-changer for any home griller.
A traditional grill grate is full of holes—literally. That limits the foods you can cook, especially those with small or liquid components. A griddle solves this by offering a flat, solid surface. With an Arteflame insert, you can now grill:
Essentially, any food that would have fallen through the grate or stuck awkwardly on the bars is now a viable—and delicious—option.
A griddle gives you precise cooking control, allowing you to manage temperature distribution more effectively than on an open grate. Whether you're browning mushrooms or crafting a full breakfast while your steaks sear nearby, the Arteflame insert gives you the flexibility of a dual-zone cooking system. The steel surface retains and distributes heat evenly, ensuring every inch is usable and efficient.
Cooking fatty meats like sausages or marinated chicken on a regular grate often leads to flare-ups due to dripping grease. On an Arteflame griddle, those juices cook with the food instead of igniting into flames. The result? Juicier meals and less charring—perfect for those looking for healthier grilling without sacrificing flavor.
Unlike cast iron or porcelain surfaces, the Arteflame insert's 100% US Steel material seasons over time, much like a cast-iron skillet. This makes it naturally non-stick and incredibly easy to clean—no more scraping between grill bars or worrying about burnt-on cheese. A quick scrape with a spatula followed by oiling the surface is all it takes to maintain it for years.
Buying a whole new grill isn't always necessary. By upgrading to an Arteflame insert, you're essentially reinventing your current grill. The insert fits into most standard grill models, enhancing performance without the cost or hassle of buying and assembling a new unit entirely. It's the best of both worlds—economical and effective.
The Arteflame insert transforms your grill into a showpiece. The elegant, circular design looks sleek and enhances backyard gatherings by inviting guests to gather around while you cook center-stage. The multi-surface look of griddle-meets-grate creates not just a functional difference but an aesthetic upgrade, too.
If you’re ready to break free from the limitations of traditional grill grates, there’s no better solution than the Arteflame insert. Fully manufactured in the USA using 100% American steel, each insert is crafted to meet stringent food safety and hygiene standards. Unlike cast iron—known for being brittle, heavy, and prone to cracking—US Steel provides lasting durability and resistance to the elements. It won't chip, crack or degrade with time, making it a lifelong investment in better outdoor cooking.
Don’t let another grilling season go by cooking only what your grate allows. Upgrade your grill, unlock new flavors, and make outdoor cooking easier, healthier, and far more versatile with the Arteflame grill insert.
Bring steakhouse sear and flat-top versatility to the grill you already love. Arteflame’s engineered airflow fires the center grate past 1,000°F for a perfect Maillard crust, while the solid steel flat top handles everything your grates can’t—bacon, eggs, fried rice, veggies, and more—without flare-ups or extra pans. 100% made in the USA from US steel, it’s the one upgrade that turns every cookout into a “cook anything” experience.
Arteflame XXL 40" Flat Top Grill - High Euro Base
Arteflame ONE30 — 30″ One Series Flat-Top Charcoal Grill & Fire Bowl (Single-Piece CORTEN Steel)