
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 grills like the popular Weber Kettle Grill are convenient, they fall short when it comes to delivering deep, smoky flavor and high-heat searing. Gas grills max out around 450°F, which isn't nearly enough to trigger the Maillard reaction — the essential chemical process that creates the complex browning and crust on meats like steaks or burgers. Without reaching the 1,000°F threshold, it’s impossible to achieve a steakhouse-quality sear. Foods like thick-cut steaks, smash burgers, or charred sausages taste significantly better when cooked over real wood. That’s where Arteflame wood fired grills shine — offering the high heat and flavor infusion you simply can’t get from gas. If you're serious about grilling, adding a wood fired grill alongside your gas setup changes everything.
Gas grills might excel at convenience, but wood fired grills dominate when it comes to authentic flavor, versatility, and culinary performance. Cooking over real wood connects you directly to the primal art of grilling, and the results speak for themselves. Here’s why incorporating a wood fired grill like an Arteflame into your outdoor kitchen is a game changer.
Gas grills offer speed, but they burn clean — and that’s the problem. There are no aromatics, no smoky character, and no wood-infused flavor. Wood combustion infuses food with subtle complexity based on the wood type — oak for boldness, hickory for depth, and fruitwoods like apple for sweetness. This smoke doesn’t just cling to the surface; it penetrates the meat, delivering a barbecue profile gas will never replicate.
The Arteflame grill reaches up to 1,000°F — more than double what your average Weber Kettle or gas grill can achieve. This makes all the difference when searing premium meats. To activate the Maillard effect, your grill needs to surpass 500°F at the very least. Arteflame's center grill grate delivers intense, focused heat to brown and caramelize proteins in seconds, locking in juices and creating a restaurant-quality crust. Then transfer those perfectly seared steaks to the surrounding plancha to finish cooking, just like the pros do at high-end steakhouses.
Arteflame grills feature a unique plancha-style griddle that encircles the central fire. This allows for multiple zones of heat and a range of cooking styles, from searing high-heat steaks to slow-roasting vegetables or crisping bacon. Simultaneously grill shrimp, toast buns, and heat sauces without juggling burners or accessories. With a gas grill, you're often confined to a single temperature across the cooking surface, limiting flexibility.
Arteflame grills are constructed from solid Corten steel, known for developing a protective patina and standing the test of time. Unlike gas grills that suffer from clogged burners, rust-prone parts, and complicated maintenance, Arteflame grills are nearly indestructible and last for decades with proper care. They're perfect as a centerpiece on your patio or as a reliable workhorse for serious cookouts.
Arteflame grills are designed to be elegant outdoor showpieces. They blend sculpture and function, making the grill not just a cooking tool but a conversation starter. Compared to the standard aesthetic of a Weber Kettle or other gas grills, Arteflame elevates your outdoor space with a fire pit vibe that naturally draws people in.
Think beyond burgers and ribs. Wood fired grills are ideal for:
This level of versatility simply can’t be matched by gas grills or even most electric units.
Wood fired grilling isn’t just about taste — it also reconnects you with the essence of live-fire cooking. You control the heat by managing wood, adjusting position, and using intuition rather than knobs and thermostats. It turns dinner into a ritual, a communal experience that’s far more satisfying than the push-button approach of gas grills.
Not ready to give up your gas grill? You don’t have to. Many grill masters use their gas grill for quick weeknight meals but switch to a wood fired grill when they want better results and deeper flavors. Arteflame grills add to your outdoor cooking arsenal, enhancing your options and elevating your food — without replacing what already works.
If you already own a gas grill like the Weber Kettle, don’t settle for flavor limitations. The Arteflame wood fired grill gives you the ability to sear at steakhouse temps, infuse meals with real wood smoke, and cook with versatility like never before. It delivers not just delicious food, but an experience that draws friends and family together around the flame. Plus, every Arteflame grill is 100% made in the USA — a commitment to craftsmanship, durability, and quality you can trust. Discover how adding a wood fired grill could transform how you think about backyard cooking forever.
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)