Why A Griddle Top For Gas Grill Isn’t Enough for Perfect Steak

Introduction

Using a griddle top for gas grill may seem like a smart upgrade for backyard grilling, but it often falls short when it comes to flavor and performance. Gas and electric grills rarely exceed 450°F, which isn’t enough to create the deeply caramelized crust that defines a perfect steak. That rich, golden-brown surface comes from the Maillard reaction, a chemical transformation that occurs around 600°F and higher. Without that searing heat, you’re left with bland meats and slow, uneven cooking.

Many iconic dishes—like flame-kissed burgers, seared steaks, and charred sausages—depend on wood fire to achieve restaurant-quality flavor. This is where the Arteflame grill stands out. It reaches temperatures up to 1,000°F, hot enough for a professional-grade sear. With its plancha-style surface, you can sear and finish a steak just like your favorite steakhouse, something a gas grill simply can’t replicate.

The Wood Fire Advantage

While gas grills offer convenience and ease of use, they are limited when it comes to generating intense heat and smoky flavor. Wood-fired grilling is an entirely different experience, elevating your cooking to restaurant-quality results. Here’s why owning a wood-fired grill like the Arteflame alongside your gas grill is not just a luxury—but a game-changer.

1. Higher Heat for Better Searing

The Arteflame grill reaches temperatures up to 1,000°F, which is crucial for searing meats properly. This high heat triggers the Maillard reaction, sizzling the meat’s proteins and sugars into a savory crust that locks in juices and adds flavor complexity. Compare this to a gas grill, which seldom goes beyond 450°F—even with the lid closed. This means longer cook times and less delicious results.

2. Smoke-Infused Flavor

Gas is clean—but it’s also flavorless. Wood-fired grills like the Arteflame infuse meats with a subtle, rich smokiness that gas can't replicate. Different wood types like oak, hickory, or applewood can bring out unique notes in your food, making every meal an opportunity for experimentation and gourmet results.

3. True Versatility in Outdoor Cooking

Unlike traditional grills, the Arteflame offers both open flame and plancha-style grilling. This unique design lets you:

• Sear steaks directly over the flame for a crisp crust and juicy center
• Grill delicate foods like vegetables or seafood on the flat cooktop
• Cook breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, and pancakes
• Smoke meats slowly by controlling wood and air flow

You simply can’t get this type of versatility with just a gas grill and a griddle top attachment.

4. Social and Visual Appeal

An Arteflame grill is more than a cooking appliance—it’s a centerpiece. The circular open design creates a 360° cooking space where everyone can gather, eat, interact, and enjoy the aroma of wood-fired cooking. It turns grilling into an experience, not just a task.

5. Ease of Use and Clean-Up

It may surprise many, but Arteflame grills are low-maintenance. Their solid steel cooktop is easy to clean and season, and the fire bowl design naturally concentrates heat for even cooking and less flare-up. All you need to do after cooking is scrape off excess food with a spatula and apply oil to preserve the surface—that’s it.

6. Complements Your Gas Grill

Already own a gas grill with a griddle top? Great! Use the gas grill for quick hot dogs or sides, but let the Arteflame handle the heavy-duty flavor work. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Owning both allows you to match your cooking tool to the dish you’re grilling—maximizing your backyard cooking potential.

7. Built to Last a Lifetime

Arteflame grills are crafted from premium CORTEN steel, which naturally develops a deep, weather-resistant patina over time. The cooktop steel is thick, durable, and resists warping even under high temperatures. These grills are designed for long-term use, making them a worthwhile investment for serious grillers.

Conclusion

If you're relying solely on a gas grill with a griddle top, you're missing out on the full potential of what outdoor cooking can be. A wood-fired grill like the Arteflame brings heat, flavor, versatility, and unmatched searing power to your backyard. It’s not just about higher temperatures—it's about better meals, richer flavors, and an elevated grilling experience.

Arteflame grills are proudly 100% made in the USA, offering both craftsmanship and performance that gas grills can't match. Upgrade your grill setup today and taste what a real steakhouse-quality sear feels like right at home. It’s time to make your backyard the best kitchen on the block.