
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.
Gas and electric grills may offer convenience, but they fall short when it comes to capturing authentic, flavorful barbecue. With limited temperatures typically maxing out around 450°F, gas grills struggle to produce the Maillard reaction needed to achieve that crave-worthy sear on steaks, burgers, and chops. Foods like flame-kissed steaks, wood-charred vegetables, and slow-smoked ribs simply can’t be replicated on gas. That smoky, caramelized crust—the hallmark of steakhouse-quality flavor—requires temperatures of 900°F and higher to perfect. This is where wood burning grills, like Arteflame, outperform the competition. Reaching searing temperatures of up to 1,000°F, the Arteflame grill allows you to achieve the ultimate char on the outside while preserving tenderness within. For those serious about grilling, the limitations of gas make a compelling case for adding a wood fired grill to your outdoor kitchen setup.
There’s a reason why chefs around the world still rely on fire-based cooking methods: wood burning brings unmatched flavor, heat, and versatility to outdoor grilling. If you already own a gas grill, adding a wood fired grill to your setup isn't just a luxury—it's a culinary upgrade with real impact.
A wood burning grill imparts a deep, smoky flavor that simply cannot be replicated with gas. Natural hardwood like oak, hickory, cherry, or mesquite ignites aromatic profiles that infuse your meats and vegetables. When grilling foods like ribeye steaks, pork chops, whole fish, or even seasonal vegetables, the wood smoke adds that layer of complexity and depth gas just can't deliver.
Because there's no flavor enhancement from the fuel in a gas grill, you're stuck with the taste of your marinade or rub alone. With wood, the grill itself becomes a core ingredient—one that changes flavor depending on the kind of hardwood used.
Achieving the Maillard effect—the chemical reaction that browns proteins and develops rich, meaty flavors—requires serious heat. The sweet spot? Around 900°F to 1,000°F.
Without proper searing, steaks cook unevenly and lose moisture, creating chewy, flavorless results. Arteflame’s center grill grate delivers intense direct heat, while the surrounding plancha lets you finish proteins gently or cook sides simultaneously.
The Arteflame wood burning grill isn’t just for steaks—it’s surprisingly diverse. Thanks to the flat plancha cooking surface and raised center grill, you can simultaneously cook:
This cross-functional design makes it far more versatile than any gas grill.
Let’s face it—an open fire adds ambiance. Cooking over a live flame turns grilling into an experience, not just a chore.
This makes Arteflame not only a tool for cooking but also a platform for entertaining and building community.
Arteflame grills use natural wood or charcoal—renewable resources with far less environmental impact than bottled propane. Plus, every Arteflame unit is:
You’re investing in quality, sustainability, and American craftsmanship in one package.
If you take grilling seriously, a wood burning grill isn’t just an addition to a gas setup—it’s essential. Gas may offer quick starts, but it simply can’t match the flavor, searing temperature, or cooking versatility of a wood fire. With its unique design, 1,000°F capability, and integrated flat top cooking surface, the Arteflame grill brings steakhouse quality right to your backyard—and so much more.
Powerful, beautiful, and built to last, every Arteflame grill is 100% made in the USA. It's more than a grill—it's a statement piece, a flavor enhancer, and a culinary revolution. Elevate your grill game and experience fire the way it was meant to be: live, flavorful, and unforgettable.
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)