Weber 22 Grate vs Arteflame Insert: The Truth | Arteflame

Is the Arteflame Insert the Best Upgrade for Your Weber Kettle?

The Arteflame Carbon Steel Insert effectively transforms a standard Weber Kettle from a simple charcoal grill into a versatile wood-fired griddle. While the standard chrome-plated wire grate is designed strictly for traditional direct-flame grilling, the Arteflame insert offers a solid carbon steel cooking surface combined with a center grill grate. This dual-zone setup allows you to sear steaks at high heat in the center while simultaneously cooking vegetables, eggs, or smash burgers on the surrounding flat top, significantly expanding the utility of your kettle grill.

How Does the Arteflame Insert Compare to a Standard Weber Grate?

When deciding between sticking with the stock grate or upgrading to an insert, the choice comes down to cooking versatility and heat retention. The table below breaks down the critical performance differences between the two.

Why Choose Carbon Steel Over Chrome Plated Wire?

The standard Weber grate is functional for holding meat over fire, but it lacks thermal mass. The Arteflame insert is cut from solid carbon steel, which absorbs and distributes heat evenly. This eliminates hot spots common with wire racks and allows for restaurant-quality searing.

Can You Sear Better on a Flat Top?

Absolutely. Wire grates only sear the narrow strips where the metal touches the meat. The Arteflame's flat surface provides 100% contact with the food, maximizing the Maillard reaction for a deeper, more flavorful crust on steaks and burgers.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate crust, remove the center grill grate and build a wood fire in the center. Sear your steak directly on the center grate for one minute per side, then finish it on the outer flat-top ring to reach your desired internal temperature without burning the outside.

Does the Insert Change How You Manage Fire?

Yes, it introduces "heat zones" to your kettle. Because the fire is concentrated in the center, the inner ring of the griddle is the hottest, while the outer edge is cooler. This allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously—something impossible on a standard single-level wire grate.

What Maintenance Does the Arteflame Require?

Unlike chrome-plated grates which can chip and rust over time, the Arteflame is designed to last a lifetime if maintained properly. It requires seasoning, similar to a cast-iron skillet. The more you cook on it, the blacker and more non-stick the surface becomes.

Pro Tip: Never use a wire brush on the Arteflame surface. After cooking, simply scrape food residue into the fire with a flat spatula, wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth, and let the residual heat season the steel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Arteflame insert fit all Weber Kettles?

The Arteflame insert is precision-engineered to fit the standard 22-inch Weber Kettle grill. It drops directly into the bowl, replacing the existing wire grate without any modifications.

Can I use charcoal with the Arteflame insert?

Yes, you can use charcoal, briquettes, or lump wood. However, using hardwood provides the best flavor profile and generates the high heat necessary to maximize the performance of the carbon steel griddle.

Is the Arteflame insert heavy?

Yes, the insert is significantly heavier than a wire grate due to the thickness of the carbon steel. This weight is essential for its superior heat retention and prevents the surface from warping under high temperatures.