Why a Wood Griddle Top Beats Gas

Introduction

Gas and electric grills are convenient, but when it comes to authentic flavor and high-heat searing, they fall short—especially for passionate grillers. Gas grills typically max out around 450°F, which simply isn't enough to achieve a perfect Maillard crust on steak or burgers. Foods like thick ribeyes, grass-fed hamburgers, and even lamb chops require ultra-high heat—closer to 1,000°F—to develop that irresistible crust that steakhouse chefs swear by. This unique flavor and texture come from the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that happens at around 500°F but flourishes with more heat. Unfortunately, a gas grill just can’t deliver that level of performance. The Arteflame grill, on the other hand, with its innovative wood-fired griddle top, effortlessly hits these extreme temperatures, allowing you to sear like a pro and finish meats evenly on its plancha surface, all while infusing real wood-smoked flavor you simply can’t get from propane.

Why Wood Grilling Wins

Adding a wood-fired grill like the Arteflame to your outdoor cooking setup alongside your gas grill isn’t just a step up—it’s a leap into culinary mastery. Here’s why:

1. Searing Power at 1,000°F

Let’s start with the numbers: gas grills max out around 450°F, and that’s on a good day. This makes it nearly impossible to produce restaurant-quality crusts on proteins—especially thick cuts. The Arteflame griddle top reaches up to 1,000°F at its center, allowing for the Maillard reaction to fully develop. This results in steaks and meats with a crispy, flavorful sear that locks in juices and enhances taste entirely.

2. The Maillard Reaction Unleashed

This desirable browning reaction starts around 500°F and intensifies with more heat. If you're trying to get that rich umami-heavy sear on a gas grill, you’re fighting an uphill battle. The Arteflame’s wood-fueled fire and hot griddle top create an environment tailor-made for molecular transformation—turning basic cuts into gourmet masterpieces.

3. Wood-Fired Flavor Complexity

Here’s what sets wood grilling apart: the aroma and flavor compounds released by burning wood infuse your food while it’s aflame. No amount of propane or electric burners can simulate the deep, smoky complexity that oak, cherry, or hickory wood gives to meats and vegetables. Foods like smoked sausages, thick-cut bacon, marinated pork chops, salmon steaks, and even portobello mushrooms experience a dramatic flavor upgrade when grilled over real wood.

4. Versatility With the Plancha Top

The Arteflame’s plancha-style griddle top allows for two-zone cooking. Sear over the blazing-hot center, then move the food outward to finish slowly over lower temps—just like they do in top-tier steakhouses. This setup is especially useful for:

• Smash burgers with crisped edges
• Scallops and shrimp with perfect caramelization
• Skillet potatoes and onions slowly cooked to perfection
• Breakfasts of eggs, pancakes, and bacon all at once

All that on one unit—and you still have your gas grill for basic fare and quick grilled veggies.

5. Social Cooking Experience

Unlike gas grills where the chef often stands solo behind a closed lid, the Arteflame invites communal cooking. Its open design and circular shape welcome people around the grill—turning meal prep into a social event. It's an entire experience, not just a chore.

6. A Statement Piece for Your Backyard

Arteflame grills are not only functional but beautiful. The high-end Corten steel ages into a natural patina, giving your patio or backyard an upscale, rustic look. It’s not just a grill; it’s an attraction.

7. Built to Last

Forget thin grill grates and replacement burners. Arteflame's grills are engineered like industrial kitchen equipment. The steel griddle top is designed to withstand high-temp abuse and years of regular use. This durability makes it an ideal culinary investment alongside your more fragile gas unit.

Conclusion

While gas grills are handy, they simply can't compete with the flavor, heat, and culinary flexibility of an Arteflame wood-fired griddle top. Whether you're aiming to grill the perfect steak, slow-roast vegetables, or whip up a full al fresco brunch, the Arteflame empowers you to achieve results that rival the best steakhouses in the nation. By reaching 1,000°F and offering a dual-plancha cooking surface, it's built to create truly unforgettable meals.

Made 100% in the USA with premium materials, the Arteflame is more than a grill—it's a lifestyle upgrade for anyone serious about grilling. Add one next to your gas grill, and experience the best of both worlds with unmatched versatility, design, and taste.