The Art of Plancha Grilling: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Choose Plancha Grilling?

1. Even Cooking

Unlike traditional grill grates, a plancha provides a consistent surface temperature, ensuring even cooking across all types of food.

2. High-Heat Searing

The high temperatures of a plancha create a delicious crust on meats and caramelize vegetables, locking in natural flavors and juices.

3. Versatility

From delicate seafood to hearty steaks, plancha grilling is versatile enough to handle it all. You can even prepare breakfast items like eggs, pancakes, and bacon.

4. No Flare-Ups

Since food never directly contacts the flame, there’s no risk of flare-ups or burnt food, making it a safer and more controlled cooking method.

5. Easy Cleanup

The smooth, flat surface of a plancha is easy to clean with a scraper or simple wipe, unlike traditional grill grates that require scrubbing.

How to Get Started with Plancha Grilling

1. Set Up Your Plancha Grill

For an Arteflame or similar grill, start by lighting the fire. Place three paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil at the base, stack firewood over them, and ignite the paper. In about 20 minutes, the plancha cooktop will reach ideal cooking temperatures.

2. Preheat the Surface

Allow the plancha to preheat evenly. The hottest areas will be near the center, with cooler zones toward the edges—perfect for managing multiple dishes simultaneously.

3. Use the Right Oil

Use high-smoke-point oils, like vegetable or avocado oil, to prevent sticking and enhance flavors. Butter can also be used for added richness.

4. Season the Surface

Before cooking, lightly coat the surface with oil to season the plancha and ensure an even, non-stick cooking experience.

What to Cook on a Plancha

Steaks and Meats

The high-heat searing capability of a plancha is perfect for steakhouse-quality results. Season your steak, place it on the hot surface, and watch as a perfect crust forms.

Seafood

Plancha grilling is ideal for delicate fish like salmon or scallops. The even heat prevents sticking and ensures flaky, tender results.

Vegetables

From caramelized onions to charred zucchini, the plancha delivers perfectly cooked vegetables with deep, smoky flavors.

Flatbreads and Pizza

Use the flat surface to make crispy flatbreads or pizzas with beautifully browned crusts.

Breakfast Favorites

Prepare pancakes, eggs, and bacon all at once, utilizing the plancha’s expansive cooking area and even heat.

Tips for Perfect Plancha Grilling

• Heat Management: Use the center of the plancha for high-heat searing and the edges for slow cooking or keeping food warm.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Leave enough space between foods to maintain the plancha’s even heat distribution.
• Flip with Care: Use a wide spatula to flip delicate items like fish fillets without breaking them.
• Clean as You Go: Keep a scraper handy to remove any residue between batches of food.

Plancha Grilling vs. Traditional Grilling

Plancha Grilling:

• Provides even heat across a flat surface.
• Ideal for delicate foods and foods that need a crust.
• No direct flame contact, reducing flare-ups.

Traditional Grilling:

• Uses grates that allow flames to touch the food.
• Great for smoky, char-grilled flavors.
• Requires more attention to avoid flare-ups.

With plancha grilling, you achieve a cleaner, more refined flavor profile while still enjoying the benefits of high-heat cooking.

Why the Arteflame is Perfect for Plancha Grilling

The Arteflame grill combines the traditional plancha design with a central high-heat grill grate, offering the best of both worlds. Its smooth steel cooktop heats evenly and creates multiple cooking zones, allowing you to sear, sauté, and slow-cook all at once.

• Durability: Made from solid steel, it’s built to last.
• Versatility: Seamlessly transitions between plancha-style grilling and traditional high-heat searing.
• Ease of Use: Simple to light, cook on, and clean.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Plancha

1. Scrape the Surface: Use a flat scraper to remove food residue after cooking.
2. Wipe with Oil: Once clean, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface to prevent rust.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Mild soap and warm water are sufficient for cleaning. Avoid using abrasive materials.

Elevate Your BBQ Game with Plancha Grilling

Plancha grilling is a versatile and efficient way to elevate your outdoor cooking experience. Whether you're searing steaks, grilling seafood, or making breakfast outdoors, the smooth, even heat of a plancha ensures perfection every time. With tools like the Arteflame, you can enjoy the full benefits of plancha grilling combined with the power of a traditional grill.

Make your next barbecue unforgettable with the timeless art of plancha grilling.