Mastering Steak Doneness on the Arteflame Grill: The Touch Test Method

Introduction

Grilling the perfect steak on your Arteflame grill is both an art and a science. It's not just about achieving the right flavor—it's about creating a shared experience. The unique design of the Arteflame allows for communal cooking, making it perfect for gathering with family and friends. But how do you ensure that every steak is cooked exactly to each person's preference? The answer lies in the touch test, an intuitive method that ensures every steak, from rare to well-done, is juicy and delicious.

The Power of Touch

Cooking on the Arteflame is a delightful experience, allowing you to cook steaks to various levels of doneness without sacrificing their juiciness. The flat cooktop, or plancha, of the Arteflame grill ensures that steaks can reach medium-well to well-done without drying out, making it ideal for communal cooking.

Why Choose the Touch Test?

While a meat thermometer is a common tool for checking doneness, the touch test offers a more intuitive approach. It allows you to gauge the doneness of a steak without piercing the meat, which helps retain its natural juices. This method is especially engaging in a social setting, adding a hands-on element to the grilling experience.

How to Perform the Touch Test

1. Raw Meat Test:

• Step 1: Open your left hand, palm up.
• Step 2: Gently press the fleshy area just above your wrist with your right index finger. This softness is similar to the texture of raw meat.

2. Rare:

• Step 1: Touch your left forefinger to your thumb.
• Step 2: Press the same fleshy part of your hand again. It should feel slightly firmer, resembling the texture of a rare steak.

3. Medium Rare:

• Step 1: Connect your left middle finger to your thumb.
• Step 2: The pad of your thumb will feel firmer, similar to the texture of a medium-rare steak.

4. Medium Well:

• Step 1: Touch your left ring finger to your thumb.
• Step 2: Notice the increased firmness at the thumb pad—this mimics the feel of a medium-well steak.

5. Well Done:

• Step 1: Press your left pinkie to your thumb.
• Step 2: The thumb pad will now feel quite firm, resembling the texture of a well-done steak.

Conclusion

Grilling on an Arteflame grill not only delivers perfectly cooked steaks but also enhances the communal cooking experience. This holiday season, as you gather around the warmth of your Arteflame, use the touch test to ensure every steak is cooked to perfection, just the way each person likes it. Happy grilling, Arteflame style!