
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.
While gas and electric grills offer convenience, they often fall short for true grill enthusiasts craving deep flavor and high-heat performance. Most gas grills max out at around 450°F—nowhere near the 1,000°F needed for the magical Maillard reaction. That’s the key to forming that delicious crust on steakhouse-quality meats. Without it, you're left with slow-cooked, often dry results lacking that crave-worthy texture and taste.
Only a wood-fired griddle grill, like the Arteflame, can deliver mouthwatering, flame-kissed results. We're talking perfectly seared steaks, juicy hamburgers, and smoky cuts of meat that leave a lasting impression. With its center-fire system, the Arteflame not only reaches searing temperatures but also allows you to finish meats on its plancha—creating a two-zone cooking experience unmatched by typical gas models.
Adding a wood-fired griddle grill to your backyard setup isn’t about replacing your gas grill—it's about elevating your entire grilling game. Whether you're a weekend BBQ warrior or an aspiring steak connoisseur, here’s why a wood-fired grill is a must-have complement to your gas unit.
The Maillard reaction—the scientific process that creates that rich, browned crust on seared meat—requires temperatures of at least 500°F. Gas grills struggle to reach those levels, which means lackluster steaks that never develop the bold crust you expect from high-end steakhouses.
In contrast, Arteflame’s wood-fired griddle hits temperatures of 1,000°F at the center. This intense heat creates the perfect sear before transitioning your food to the outer plancha, allowing for fine temperature control and beautiful finish cooking.
Gas is clean, but it’s also flavor-neutral. Wood fire, on the other hand, naturally infuses your food with an aromatic, smoky character that’s impossible to replicate. Whether you're cooking ribs, burgers, or veggies, the flavors ignite and evolve over real fire.
Gas grills are mostly built for direct grate cooking—limiting your menu. But with a griddle grill like Arteflame, you unlock a world of culinary freedom:
This dual functionality lets you cook full meals outdoors with restaurant-level efficiency.
Gas grills often falter in windy or colder conditions due to inconsistent flame performance and low insulating materials. Wood-fired griddle grills boast thick-steel construction and open-fire combustion that thrives regardless of outdoor temperature.
Arteflame’s durable Corten steel body retains and distributes heat evenly and stays hot for hours—even in chilly weather—making winter grilling not only possible, but effective.
If you entertain guests, a wood-fired grill makes a bold impression. Arteflame’s modern, sculptural design looks like fine art for your patio. It creates a 360° social cooking circle where family and friends gather around the fire, adding vibe and warmth to any get-together.
Unlike many gas grills that start degrading after a few seasons due to corrosion and cheap materials, Arteflame grills are built to last.
Plus, the more you use it, the better it looks. Arteflame grills develop a rich patina that protects and beautifies over time.
Gas grills have their place for weekday convenience, but they simply can’t match the flavor, heat, or experience of cooking over real wood fire. An Arteflame griddle grill takes your outdoor cooking to the next level by offering professional-level heat, unbeatable flavor, and stunning design—all in one durable package.
Crafted 100% in the USA, every Arteflame grill is a testament to American craftsmanship and functional art. Whether you're searing the perfect ribeye or slow-roasting seasonal vegetables, your Arteflame turns every meal into a memorable event. Ready to complement your gas grill with fire-powered performance? Step up to Arteflame and experience grilling like never before.
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)