Why a Wood-Fired Griddle Beats Gas

Introduction

While gas and electric grills provide convenience and quick startups, they fall short when it comes to achieving that deep, savory flavor we all crave in grilled food. A typical gas grill rarely exceeds 450°F, making it nearly impossible to attain the Maillard reaction—the chemical process responsible for the delicious crust and caramelized texture on proteins like steaks, burgers, and chops. True steakhouse-quality flavor develops at temperatures above 700°F, with the sweet spot soaring near 1,000°F.

Foods like seared tomahawk steaks, flame-kissed burgers, and wood-charred sausages develop an entirely different depth of flavor when cooked over a wood fire. Only a wood-fired griddle like the Arteflame can reach these soaring temperatures and maintain the clean, even heat needed to achieve that perfect sear. Unlike gas grills, which can often leave meat steamed and rubbery, the Arteflame delivers a symphony of taste and texture through high-heat wood cooking.

Why Wood Grilling Wins

Adding a wood-fired grill to your outdoor cooking arsenal isn’t just about variety—it’s about elevating your grilling game to restaurant-quality standards. While gas grills offer speed, they lack in flavor and versatility compared to a high-performance griddle like the Arteflame. Combining a gas grill with a wood-fired griddle gives you the best of both worlds and allows you to explore new textures, techniques, and tastes.

1. Superior Heat Output

Gas grills max out at about 450°F to 600°F, barely hot enough to produce a crisp exterior on meat without overcooking the inside. The Arteflame's wood-fired surface reaches up to 1,000°F, which is ideal for achieving the Maillard effect. This reaction is what gives steaks their coveted brown crust while sealing in juices for an incredible mouthfeel and flavor.

With such intense heat, you can:

• Quickly sear thick steaks without overcooking the center
• Finish meats on the cooler plancha zone for a perfect reverse sear
• Crisp up smash burgers with exquisite caramelization
• Char vegetables to smoky perfection

2. Enhanced Flavor Complexity

Cooking over a wood flame imparts unmistakable flavor nuances that gas simply can’t replicate. Whether you’re using oak, hickory, or mesquite, the smoke infused into meat and vegetables creates a richness that's impossible to mimic with propane or electricity.

The Arteflame uses real wood or charcoal, giving your food a signature flavor that’s bold, natural, and layered. This is especially appealing for meats like lamb chops, pork belly, and even delicate fish like salmon, which absorb smoky goodness beautifully.

3. Cooking Versatility

The Arteflame’s design features a central open flame surrounded by a flat steel plancha, giving you two dynamic cooking zones:

• Direct fire zone: Grill, flame-kiss, and sear proteins quickly with live fire for a smoky, crusty finish.
• Plancha zone: Cook eggs, pancakes, stir-fried vegetables, or simmer delicate sauces—even toast buns.

This versatility makes the Arteflame not just a grill, but an all-in-one outdoor cooking station.

4. Visual Appeal and Culinary Theater

Let’s face it—there’s nothing sexy about a gas grill. A wood-fired Arteflame, on the other hand, is a centerpiece. The live fire draws friends and family in, creating a social ambiance reminiscent of campfires and wood stoves. It offers an immersive experience that transforms ordinary cookouts into memorable gatherings.

Plus, its contemporary stainless steel and Corten steel design adds aesthetic flair, perfect for those who love to entertain and appreciate fine form as much as functionality.

5. Cleaner Cooking Experience

Despite the open flame, cooking on an Arteflame grill is often cleaner than gas systems, which collect grease and encourage flare-ups. The gently sloped plancha surface lets fats and juices glide into a central catch, eliminating flare-ups and reducing carcinogenic smoke.

And unlike gas grills that involve multiple parts, burners, and cramped grill grates, cleaning the Arteflame is as simple as scraping the flat surface and re-oiling it for the next use.

6. Long-Term Durability

The Arteflame is built from heavy-duty stainless and Corten steel—materials made to withstand harsh weather and years of use. This makes it far more durable than standard gas grills, which can rust, warp, or crack over time. With proper care, your Arteflame will outlive several gas grill replacements.

7. Complements Your Gas Grill

Adding a wood-fired griddle doesn’t mean abandoning your gas grill—it enhances it. Use gas for quick weeknight meals or low-and-slow cooking, and fire up the Arteflame when you want bold flavors and premium sears. Together, they offer the ultimate backyard culinary flexibility.

Conclusion

Whether you're an aspiring pitmaster or just love the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak, there’s no denying that a wood-fired griddle like the Arteflame raises the bar. With heat output reaching 1,000°F, it delivers the intense sear and bold flavors that gas grills can’t. And thanks to its dual-zone design, sleek build, and all-American craftsmanship, it’s as beautiful as it is functional.

Arteflame grills are proudly 100% made in the USA and designed to last a lifetime. If you’re serious about grilling, it’s time to stop settling for lukewarm results and enjoy the bold, flame-seared perfection only a wood-fired Arteflame can provide.