Why Wood Fired Grilling Outshines Gas: The Arteflame Advantage

Introduction

While the Weber Original Kettle 22 is a classic gas grill loved by many backyard chefs, serious grill enthusiasts often find themselves bumping up against its limitations. Gas and electric grills struggle to reach the high temperatures needed to achieve that restaurant-quality sear. At best, a typical gas grill tops out around 450°F—hardly hot enough to trigger the Maillard reaction that creates those crave-worthy crusts and rich, smoky flavors. This means steaks, burgers, and thick cuts of meat lack the caramelized exterior and bold taste you'd expect from truly exceptional grilling. With a wood-fired grill like the Arteflame, you access searing temperatures close to 1,000°F, infusing natural wood-smoke flavor and achieving that deep, golden crust only open flame and cast iron can provide. If you've ever bitten into a steakhouse-quality ribeye and wondered how it's done, the answer lies in both heat and technique—both of which gas grills simply can’t deliver.

Why Wood Fired Wins

Adding a wood-fired grill alongside your gas grill offers a dual-grilling experience that combines convenience with culinary excellence. Gas grills like the Weber Original Kettle 22 are great for quick weeknight meals and precise temperature control, but for foodies and weekend grill masters, the wood fire takes the spotlight. Here’s why:

1. Higher Temperatures Equal Better Sear

The Maillard effect—responsible for that irresistible golden-brown crust on steaks—occurs between 300°F and 500°F, but truly great searing happens when temperatures exceed 700°F. Arteflame grills reach up to 1,000°F, easily outperforming standard gas grills and even high-end electric options. This high heat produces a crust that locks in juices, delivers exquisite texture, and elevates flavor complexity.

2. Authentic Wood Flavor

There’s no substitute for the smokey aroma and deep flavor developed when cooking over real hardwood. Whether it’s oak, hickory, or mesquite, each wood variety brings a unique essence to meats, vegetables, and seafood. Not only do meals taste better, but the experience becomes more interactive and engaging.

3. Perfect for Searing and Finishing

Arteflame’s plancha-style cooking surface isn’t just about aesthetics; it's a multi-zone cooking platform. You can perfectly sear a tomahawk steak in the center and then finish it gently on the outer ring. It’s the kind of control that professional chefs use in high-end steakhouses—and now, you can bring that home.

4. Versatility in Cooking Styles

Gas grills are limited in terms of heat zones and flavor infusion. In contrast, wood-fired grills support a variety of cooking techniques:

• Searing: Extraordinary crusts on ribeyes, filet mignon, and burgers.
• Slow cooking: Shredded brisket, pork shoulder, and smoked meats.
• Plancha cooking: Vegetables, seafood, even breakfast over cast iron.
• Pizza and breads: Crispy crusts infused with smoky flavor.

This expanded functionality turns a grill into a culinary centerpiece.

5. Temperature Gradient Control

Unlike gas grills that offer uniform heat (or frustrating hot spots), Arteflame grills deliver a concentric heat gradient from the center outwards. This makes it easy to manage multiple foods simultaneously—sear your burgers in the middle, toast the buns on the edge, and keep veggies warm in between. It’s intuitive and encourages culinary creativity.

6. Built for Community and Experience

The Arteflame’s round, open design isn’t just visually striking—it invites people to gather around the heat, cook communally, and turn mealtime into a memorable event. Grilling becomes more than just preparing food; it becomes a shared experience that elevates both flavor and fellowship.

7. Durability and Aesthetics

Arteflame grills are constructed with Corten steel, known for its weather-resistant properties and beautiful patina that develops over time. Compared to bulky, rust-prone gas grills, an Arteflame stands as both a high-performance appliance and a backyard sculpture. It doesn’t need to be hidden away when not in use; it deserves a centerpiece spot outdoors year-round.

8. Cleaner Cooking

Using real hardwood eliminates the need for chemical-laden propane tanks or electric elements. Your food is cooked over all-natural fuel, and cleanup is minimal thanks to the precision-crafted cooking surface which pushes grease into the central fire for cleaner grilling with fewer flare-ups.

Conclusion

If you’re already a fan of your Weber Original Kettle 22 for quick weekday meals or consistent heat control, there’s no need to give it up. But if you’re serious about flavor, texture, and creating foodpeople remember, adding an Arteflame wood-fired grill to your set-up is a game-changer. The difference in flavor alone—from intensely seared steaks to wood-kissed burgers—is undeniable. Combine that with unmatched heat, versatile cooking zones, and iconic design, and you have a grill that doesn’t just cook—you create culinary magic.

Arteflame grills are proudly 100% made in the USA, designed to last and crafted to turn your backyard into a steakhouse-level experience. Take your grilling to the next level—once you’ve had a steak on an Arteflame, you’ll never go back.