Why Aluminum Grill Grates Fall Short

Introduction

Standard aluminum grill grates may do the job for burgers and hot dogs, but they quickly fall short when you're craving more variety. Try cooking bacon, eggs, hash browns, diced vegetables, or even fried rice on a traditional open grate — the results range from frustrating to impossible. Foods slip through, oils cause flare-ups, and you're left managing a mess instead of enjoying the meal.

That’s where the Arteflame insert comes in. Designed to elevate your grilling experience, the Arteflame insert combines traditional grill grates with a solid steel griddle. This dual-surface design allows you to grill delicate, greasy, or finely chopped foods that aluminum grates simply can’t handle. It’s more than an upgrade — it gives your existing grill a brand-new purpose.

Griddle and Grill: Best of Both

For outdoor cooking enthusiasts, versatility and control are everything. A grill should be more than just fire and grate — it should inspire you to explore new recipes without limits. That’s exactly what sets the Arteflame insert apart from fixed aluminum grates.

The Limitations of Aluminum Grates

• Food Loss: Small or delicate ingredients like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or shrimp often fall through.
• Flare-Ups: Greasy foods such as bacon or marinated meats can lead to uncontrolled flames.
• Uneven Heat: Aluminum grates heat up fast but don’t retain heat well, leading to inconsistent cooking zones.
• No Surface Control: Cooking eggs, pancakes, or quesadillas is practically impossible.

The Arteflame Advantage

The Arteflame insert redefines what's possible by blending a high-performance grill grate with a solid carbon steel griddle.

• Griddle Cooking Surface: Perfect for frying eggs, cooking hash browns, searing bacon, or toasting buns — right on your grill.
• Full Meal on One Grill: Make breakfast, lunch, or dinner without switching appliances.
• Oil Management: The solid surface handles oils with ease, reducing flare-ups and promoting even browning.

Expand Your Menu

With a griddle, you unlock an entirely new world of outdoor cuisine:

• Breakfast Favorites: Eggs, sausage, pancakes, and hash browns.
• Stir-Fries: Asian-style fried rice, noodles, and veggies with sauces.
• Deli Classics: Smash burgers, grilled cheese, and Philly cheesesteaks.
• Veggies and Fruits: Griddle-roasted corn, pineapple, Brussels sprouts, and much more.

Adding a griddle effectively transforms your weekend cookout into a teppanyaki-style event — all from the comfort of your backyard.

Superior Materials, Superior Cooking

Unlike aluminum or cast iron, the Arteflame griddle is made from 100% U.S.-sourced carbon steel. Not only does it hold heat longer and more evenly than aluminum, but it also seasons over time, enhancing flavor just like a quality cast-iron skillet — without the fragility. Aluminum grates are lightweight and prone to warping under high heat. Cast iron, by contrast, can crack if mishandled or exposed to rapid temperature changes. Carbon steel gives you the best of both worlds: superior heat retention and durability that lasts a lifetime.

Simple to Use, Easy to Clean

Installation is as simple as setting the Arteflame insert onto your existing grill — no modifications needed. After use, a quick scrape and wipe is all it takes to keep the surface clean. Over time, the griddle develops a natural, non-stick patina that makes cooking and cleaning even easier.

Conclusion

The limitations of aluminum grill grates make it clear: they’re great for grilling steaks but fall short on flexibility. If you're looking to grill more than burgers and kebabs, the Arteflame insert transforms your existing setup into a full-service outdoor cooking station. From bacon and eggs to stir-fry and sautéed mushrooms, you’ll begin to see your grill in a whole new light.

Every Arteflame insert is proudly made in the USA from 100% U.S. Steel — not cast iron. Why does that matter? Unlike brittle cast iron that can crack over time, steel is resilient, long-lasting, and built for performance. And with American-made quality and food-grade standards, you can trust that every meal is safe, delicious, and unforgettable. Give your grill a second life with the Arteflame insert — and never look back.