Why Wood-Fired Grilling Outshines Gas

Introduction

If you’re searching for the best flat griddle for gas grill or simply exploring ways to elevate your backyard cooking, it’s likely you’ve experienced the limitations of gas or electric grills. While they’re popular for convenience, they fall short in one critical area—flavor. Gas grills typically max out at around 450°F, insufficient for achieving the Maillard reaction, the chemical process responsible for the deep, rich crusts found on perfectly seared steaks, juicy hamburgers, and other premium meats.

This flavor-enhancing reaction begins at around 500°F but ideal searing requires heat soaring beyond that. Enter the Arteflame wood-fired grill, which blazes up to 1,000°F—more than twice what most gas models can handle. That extreme heat enables an authentic steakhouse-quality char that just isn’t possible with propane or electric. Pair the sear station with a plancha-style flat top and you've got gourmet versatility in your backyard—something a gas grill can’t offer alone.

Why Add a Wood Grill

Adding a wood-fired grill to your setup doesn't mean abandoning your gas grill. Instead, it means embracing all the benefits of both. While gas remains unmatched in quick startups and hassle-free cleanup, it lacks the rich smoky essence and intense searing temperatures that elevate your food from good to unforgettable.

Here are key reasons to complement your gas grill with a wood-fired powerhouse like the Arteflame:

1. Flavor You Can’t Fake

Nothing infuses food with rustic, aromatic character the way real wood fire does. Whether you're searing a ribeye, caramelizing thick burger patties, or roasting seasonal vegetables, the hardwood smoke and radiant heat impart an unmistakable depth of flavor. Your guests will taste the difference—because it's not something you can replicate with gas or electrical heating elements.

2. Extreme Heat for Real Searing

Gas grills cap out at around 450°F. That’s barely enough for a decent grill mark, let alone the Maillard crust that adds crunch and complexity. Cooking over wood, especially on an Arteflame grill that reaches 1,000°F, you get an immediate, professional-grade sear that locks in moisture and creates those envious grillhouse results.

3. The Advantage of the Plancha

Arteflame’s signature flat-top plancha cooking surface expands your menu beyond what a traditional grill can handle. Think:

• Crispy bacon and eggs for brunch
• Sautéed shrimp with garlic butter
• Caramelized onions and peppers
• Pancakes, quesadillas, even desserts like grilled peaches with honey

This level of versatility makes it more than a grill—it’s an outdoor kitchen centerpiece.

4. No More Flare-Ups or Uneven Heating

Unlike gas grills where fat drips into open flames and results in flare-ups, the Arteflame’s griddle surface captures juices and renders them into flavor rather than fire. The result? More controlled cooking and fewer burnt spots. Plus, the central wood fire provides even, radiant heat that radiates outwards, giving you multiple cooking zones for different tempi and techniques.

5. Social-Centric Cooking

Cooking on a wood-fired grill isn’t just about the meal—it’s about the experience. Arteflame grills are designed to be the heart of your outdoor gathering, where people naturally gather around the fire. The circular design invites open-air cooking collaborations and storytelling over smoldering embers.

6. Built to Withstand the Elements

Arteflame grills are constructed from Corten (weathering) steel and built to last decades. They not only resist the elements but age into a handsome, rugged patina suited for any outdoor setup. You don’t need to roll it in the garage every winter—it’s designed to live outdoors, year-round.

7. Seamless Integration With Gas Grills

Already own a gas grill? Great. That’s your weekday go-to. But when it’s time to elevate your weekend menu, entertain guests, or just treat yourself, fire up the Arteflame. The two co-exist perfectly. Start on the gas to warm up sides or veggies, then finish on the wood fire for that chef-level edge. It's not an either-or—it's about enhancing what you can do.

8. Eco-Conscious Cooking

Cooking with hardwood is a more natural, traceable source of energy. No propane tanks to refill, and no heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Plus, real wood grilling naturally discourages the use of chemically laden prepackaged charcoals and lighter fluids.

Conclusion

Gas and electric grills serve their purpose, but for taste, heat, and versatility, they just can’t compete with a wood-fired grill—especially one as capable and beautifully engineered as the Arteflame. Capable of reaching temperatures up to 1,000°F, Arteflame grills give you that steakhouse-worthy sear, a plancha for diverse cooking styles, and unmatched durability.

Made entirely in the USA, every Arteflame is built with pride, craftsmanship, and performance in mind. If you already have a gas grill, amplifying your backyard cooking setup with an Arteflame is the next logical step. It's not a replacement—it's an upgrade to a whole new class of outdoor cooking.