Classic / Euro Optional Base

Why do I need an Arteflame Insert?

The Arteflame insert replaces your stock grill grate with a combination grill and griddle. Inserts are perfect for grilling seafood, steaks, burgers, veggies and more.  The griddle eliminates the slots through which the falls and looses all its juiciness.  Perfect for getting that delicious smokey flavor without the burn.

Arteflame eliminates material imperfections and smoothes all steel edges so no food particles can lodge and hide... (yuck!). This method is more expensive than processes used overseas but it ensures all products are scale free, ready for cooking and guaranteed to be food grade. Does not contain lead like porcelain coated grill grates and griddles, will not break or crack when dropped like cast iron, does not contain Cadmium like plated grill grates do. The steel is extra thick and will last a lifetime.  Makes for the perfect grill accessory gift for the griller in your life!

Why do I need an Arteflame Grill?

The Arteflame was designed to solve two issues; -1- traditional grills are unsightly and -2- they are never the center of any outdoor get together. Ever wondered why so many parties end up in your kitchen?  That is exactly what happens around an Arteflame.  It becomes the center of the outdoor party.  People love seeing the fire and get mesmerized by the sight and smell of delicious food.  Better get some extra utensils as everyone has a tendency to want to join in and start grilling as well.  

Arteflame grills are also designed to be absolutely gorgeous.  They are designed to be the centerpiece in any back yard.  All Arteflame grills also double as fire pits giving them another unique function traditional grills just don't have.
 

Carbon Steel vs Cast Iron

Why use carbon steel cooktops rather than  cast iron?  What is the difference and why is carbon steel any better?

Carbon Steel and Cast Iron are very similar.  This is why both are very good for cooking and grilling.  The main difference is that Carbon Steel contains about 1% Carbon while Cast Iron contains 2% - 3% Carbon.  This difference might not sound like much but the carbon effects the grain structure of the metal.  As the Carbon gets added to the steel mix, Carbon has a tendency to clump together into lumpy carbides and form pockets of pure carbon (graphite).  When this happens, the metal becomes very hard and very brittle.  It disrupts the grain of the metal, making it irregular, brittle and prone to cracking.  This is the reason why Cast Iron often cracks or breaks.  When Cast Iron is heated unevenly, the heat differential causes stress in the metal as the thermal expansion is uneven.  When this stress encounters a pocket of carbon, Cast Iron cracks.  This is also why Cast Iron often breaks when it is dropped.  The area of high carbon is extremely brittle and can’t stand the shock.

Because Carbon Steel has only 1% Carbon, this phenomena is negligible and much easier to control and prevent from happening.  The grain structure in Carbon Steel is very uniform and virtually impervious to heat stress or shock.  In addition to this, Carbon Steel is “rolled” in the steel mill.  It is forced between heavy rollers while the steel is hot.  After rolling the steel and getting it to the right thickness, the steel is “doused” with cold water that causes the grain structure to freeze in place.  This makes Carbon Steel very strong and the choice material to cook on.  Even with uneven heat loads or dropping Carbon Steel, it will not break or crack.  This allows for a lifetime of use.

The larger the surface area and the thinner the material, the more prone Cast Iron is to cracking and breaking.  In a grill, the heat is never uniform.  This makes cast Iron an especially poor choice for grill inserts.  For this reason, all Arteflame cooktops, inserts, griddles and Burger Pucks are made of Carbon Steel.

What is the Arteflame made of?

Every Arteflame grill is made from CORTEN steel or "weathering" steel.  This steel is expensive but exceptionally tough and weather resistant.  It is especially formulated to be outside and has a natural, beautiful patina that is permanent.  There simply is no other steel like it.

All Arteflame cooktops, inserts and grill grates are made of carbon steel.  This has proven to be the absolute best material to cook on.  It doesn't break or crack like cast iron, it is not harmful to the human body like Aluminum and does not contain Cadmium like chrome plated steel grates do.  It does not have lead as porcelain coated steel does either.  This makes Carbon Steel the absolute best cooking solution.
 
Does it use wood for fuel?

Arteflame grills use wood and charcoal for fuel. Use hardwoods such as hickory, oak, maple, and fruit woods such as peach, cherry and apple. Hardwoods have an aromatic air and can be varied to add different flavors to your cooking.  Lump charcoal, smoker pellets or charcoal briquettes are also good to use.  Soft woods such as pine are to be avoided as the sap contained in soft woods is prone to smoking and spitting embers. Likewise, never use manufactured logs as they contain wax and fillers that can be harmful - especially if used for cooking.

 
What makes Arteflame different than other grills?

Arteflame uses a special manufacturing process for all grills and inserts.  It ensures an accurate and precise fit and finish, eliminates material imperfections and smoothes all steel edges so no food particles can lodge and hide... (yuck!).  This method is expensive but it ensures the quality we strive for and you expect.  

We even descale and oil all our cooktops so they are guaranteed scale free and ready for seasoning and cooking.  This manufacturing process guarantees the absolute highest quality products that last a lifetime.  Arteflame is proud to be unique in having developed this process.  We do not use cast iron as it cracks or breaks easily when dropped.  We do not use porcelain covered steel as porcelain contains lead.  We also do not use any chrome plated grates as chrome plating contains Cadmium.  None of these things are good so we make everything out of good, honest, all American steel.

 How do I season the cooktop?

Seasoning the cooktop is key to making it completely non-stick and to keep rust away.  The easiest way to season the cooktop is by using the Arteflame Seasoning Puck.  Alternatively, you c an use cooking oil.  See recommend grapeseed oil.  For detailed instructions, follow the instructions in the seasoning manual.

Seasoning Manual

Seasoning Video

What if I do get some rust on the cooktop?

If rust does form on the cooktop, it is an indication that the seasoning has come off.  In most cases, you can just heat up your cooktop to grilling temperature and scrape off all loose rust.  Then wipe the cooktop using a rag and some cooking oil (we recommend grapeseed oil) until all the rust is gone.  Now you are ready to preseason the cooktop.  Since the cooktop is made of solid carbon steel, all rust is just surface rust.  Sanding away any rust is seldom necessary.

What cooking oils can I use?

Any food grade cooking oil can be used. Keep in mind that future guests may have nut allergies so for that reason we do not recommend using peanut oil.  For proper seasoning of the cooktop, we recommend using one of our seasoning pucks. (seasoning puck).  When not in use, we recommend a light coating of the cooktop with grapeseed oil to keep it properly seasoned and avoid oxidation from forming.  

Here is a short video on using the Seasoning Puck instead of oil.

How long does it take to heat up?

Depending on how much coal / wood you use, you will be ready to cook in 20-30 minutes.  The easiest way to light your Arteflame is by using the Arteflame Airlighter.  Light a mound of charcoal in the center of the Arteflame and add wood when the charcoal is hot.
 
Does it need a cover?

Once the cooktop is seasoned properly, oiled and cleaned after each use, you do not need to cover it.  The Arteflame is intended to stay outside year round.  We do sell optional stainless lids for the center of the grills as well as vinyl covers.  The stainless lids avoid debris from entering the grill and smothers the fire when you're done grilling.  The vinyl cover will keep your cooktop rust free for longer periods of time.
 
Is it safe for wood decks?

We recommend placement of tiles or a grill mat under your Arteflame should you decide to locate it on a wood / Tyvek deck or any other flammable surface. The tall Euro base or the tall round base of the Classic 40 do not get hot enough to pose any direct issue on flammable surfaces. The tall round base has an ash catcher so that any ashes are caught and do not contact your deck.

Should you choose, you may also put sand or stones in the bottom of your Arteflame to catch any loose embers. The low bases ARE NOT recommended for wooden or manufactured decks as they also function as fire pits and the fire bowl will transfer heat to the deck. We recommend using stone / concrete tiles or a grill mat underneath any Arteflame grill as a safety precaution.
 
Will it drip rust onto my nice patio?

Every Arteflame is designed so that the corten steel never touches the surface it sits on.  Euro grills come with a stainless steel footer and all other Arteflame grills come with screw in feet that lift the grill off the ground.  This avoids stains and also allows air to flow into the grill from the bottom.
  
Will grease drain onto my patio?

Every Arteflame cooktop is slightly dished so that all excess grease finds its way to the center of the grill where it burns off.
 
Do I need to store my Arteflame inside during the winter?

No, every Arteflame is designed to stay outside year-round. If you do not plan on using it for long periods of time, we recommend regularly applying grapeseed oil to the cooktop to keep it properly seasoned. If you plan on using your Arteflame in the winter, covering it with our stainless steel or vinyl cover will prevent it filling up with snow.  If after long periods of not being used you do see surface oxidization on the cooktop, make a fire in the Arteflame and get it up to temperature. Then scrape all surface oxidization off the cooktop and rub it down with cooking oil. This will clean and re-season the cooktop.

Why do prices in Europe appear different from those in the US?

In Europe, quoted prices are inclusive all taxes.  In many cases these taxes are substantial, sometimes as much as an additional 22%.  In the US, we always sell excluding any applicable taxes.  In addition to this, in Europe, all grills have the center grill grate included in the price.  In the US, we sell "a-la-carte" with the center grill grate as an option.  When taking all this into account, the price differences are actually negligible.