Arteflame Grill Grates

Receiving your Arteflame

Here are some tips to help you get started with your new Arteflame.

Every Arteflame is shipped via UPS freight and delivered by truck that has a lowering tailgate. In most cases, the delivery truck driver will put your Arteflame where you want it and help unpack. (A tip usually helps with this!) They usually take away the packaging and the pallet for you as well.

Before first use you need to "season" the cooktop. The Arteflame Seasoning Puck has been especially formulated to make this quick and easy. (See YouTube Video) Alternatively, you can wipe the cooktop using a rag and a light coat of grapeseed oil. The cooktop should be cared for as you would a cast iron skillet; avoiding harsh cleaners or scrubbing. A properly seasoned cooktop will develop a deep black finish that’s virtually maintenance free.

Cooking oils bake into the cooktop developing a water repellant and stick-free surface. Oxidation on the cook top, should any occur, can be removed with a Brillo pad, steel wool or fine sand paper. We recommend lightly coating the cooktop with grapeseed oil when not in use.

Every Arteflame is designed with CORTEN steel otherwise known as "weathering steel" that develops a natural patina over time. We start the weathering process at the factory and it will continue to developed after it arrives. We use US CORTEN steel specifically because of the maintenance free beautiful patina it develops. This natural patina changes with the weather and moisture in the atmosphere and provides an attractive, ever changing look. CORTEN steel is the same type of steel often used in high-end outdoor sculptures and architectural installations.​

Assembly

As every Arteflame is manufactured from CORTEN steel, they can be quite heavy. We recommend using two people to assemble, disassemble or move your Arteflame.

Only place the Arteflame on a non flammable surface as hot embers can fall through the drain hole(s) in the bottom.

Make sure the Arteflame is always a safe distance away from any flammable or heat-sensitive object. Note that lightly colored surfaces, such as sand stone, might be subject to stains caused by heat, cooking and rainwater run-off. Periodically move the Arteflame to check and remove any ashes or unburnt wood pieces that can accumulate in the base.

After assembly, make sure the Arteflame is level by adjusting the leveling feet and using a level on the cooktop. The Classic / Euro Arteflame can also be leveled by moving the fire bowl on the base. For leveling the cooktop we recommend any of the free smartphone bubble level apps available from the app store or a traditional carpenter level. Keep in mind while leveling the cooktop that the surface has about a 6 degree incline – therefore to ensure the entire surface is level either use a carpenter’s level long enough to extend across the entire Arteflame surface or placing your cellphone with bubble level in the center of the grill grate. Make sure your Arteflame is level before use and check the level every few months or after the Arteflame is moved or jostled. Having the cooktop level ensures that all the juices drain to the center and into the fire.​​

Virtually zero maintenance

After using your Arteflame, either extinguish the fire or supervise it until the wood or charcoal is burned out. Water or ice cubes can be used to extinguish the fire but BEWARE of excessive smoke, ash and steam when doing so. The Arteflame will be very hot while the fire is burning itself out and can remain hot for hours.

Once your Arteflame has cooled down and the fire is out, it can be cleaned. Simply scoop out the ashes and dispose of them. A plastic cup and garbage bag make this quick and easy. Make sure all ashes and unburned wood pieces are completely cold. Leave any unburnt wood or charcoal in your Arteflame for future use.

While grilling on the Arteflame it is best to use a griddle scraper with a straight edge to push excess oils and food into the fire. After you are done grilling on the Arteflame, it is a good practice to wipe the cook top down with grape seed oil while it is hot. The hot oil will absorb into the pores of the steel as the steel cools, “seasoning” the cook top. Seasoning protects your cook top from oxidation and prepares your Arteflame for its next use. Regular use prevents oxidation from forming. The Arteflame Seasoning Puck will also help you keep your cooktop properly seasoned.

Storage

It is not necessary to store your Arteflame indoors. Your Arteflame can be left outside year round. When left outside, make sure the cook top is properly seasoned with grapeseed oil to avoid oxidation. Debris like leaves, twigs or snow can accumulate in it so make sure to clean out your Arteflame before using it. To avoid debris from getting into your Arteflame, we manufacture optional stainless steel lids and vinyl covers.

When the Arteflame is not being used for longer periods of time and surface oxidation does occur, it can easily be removed with a Brillo pad, steel wool or sand paper, leaving the cook top like new again. The best way to avoid oxidation is using your Arteflame regularly!

Periodically check for debris inside your grill to ensure the drain holes are open and the cooking surface is still level.

Arteflame tips

To start a fire, we suggest using a chimney starter or a Bison Airlighter with charcoal. Another way of lighting your Arteflame is by using Lighter Cubes or Matchlight charcoal. Lighter cubes and charcoal may be found at stores like Home Depot or any local grocery, hardware or garden supply store. After the charcoal is lit, stack dry firewood in a log cabin or teepee style over the starter fire. Using these methods, the cook top will be hot enough to cook on within 30 minutes. For faster heat build up, use more charcoal and wood but do not over fill the Arteflame as it will diminish the airflow and cause smoke.

The best wood to use for cooking on your Arteflame are hardwoods like oak, mesquite, cherry, apple, hickory, maple, ash, peach, pear, pecan or plum. Soft woods like spruce, pine or fir, should not be used as they can contain large amounts of sap.

Never use wood from furniture, shipping pallets or any other materials (e.g. manufacturers fire logs) that can contain chemicals, veneer or paint.

When using your Arteflame for the first time, build a fire and rub the surface with the Arteflame Seasoning Puck. This will start the season process of the cooktop. The special formula bonds with the carbon steel cooktop as it heats up and cools down. Keep the fire burning hot for at least one hour before placing any food on the cook top. The operating temperature of the cook top depends on the amount of wood or lump charcoal used.

As a guideline, expect the inner edge of the cook top to reach 425F and the outer edge 250F. 425F is about the ideal temperature to sear steaks while 250F is perfect for vegetables. The differences in temperature are ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods simultaneously.

Why do I need an Arteflame Grill?

Arteflame Grills are designed to solve three main issues;

-1- traditional grills don't get hot enough to grill like a Steakhouse

-2- traditional grills don't allow you to grill all your food at once

-3- traditional grills don't give your food that gorgeous smokey steakhouse flavor. 

Arteflame grills solve all these issues in one gorgeous combination grill and griddle combination design.  The center grill grate easily exceeds 1,000F while. the solid steel cooktop ranges in temperature from 450 around the inside edge to 250 at the outside edge.   This temperature range allows you to grill all your food at different temperatures at the same time.

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

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. You can grill your entire meal at once. The griddle allows you to grill all your food at the same time in its own juices.  The. griddle eliminates the slots through which the liquids fall into the fire and burn your food with flare-ups. The solid cooktop is perfect for getting that delicious smoky flavor without the burn.

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 affects the grain structure of the metal.  As 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 phenomenon 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 inferior choice for grill inserts.  For this reason, all Arteflame cooktops, inserts, griddles, and Burger Pucks are made of Carbon Steel.

What is the Arteflame Grill 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 specially 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 as 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 is so special about an Arteflame cooktop?

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.

How do I season the cooktop?

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

To re-season your Arteflame, follow the same process as you did to get it seasoned.

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?

After you light your Arteflame grill, you have time to prep all your food and bring it out.  Once you are done prepping your food, your grill will also be ready.  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 the 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.

How do I clean out the wood and charcoal ashes from my grill? 

Will my Arteflame stain my concrete 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.   No grease can escape from the Arteflame.

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 from 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 of 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.  Then there are some exchange rate charges and shipping fees that differ from those in the US.  When taking this into account, the price differences are actually negligible.

Arteflame products have a warranty for all of their products against manufacturing defects for one (1) year from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. Arteflame alone will decide if a warrantee claim is eligible. Upon leaving a review, an additional year of warrantee is added for a total of two (2) years from date of purchase. Customers with a product in need of warrantee have to ship or deliver the product to our factory (Arteflame does not pay or reimburse shipping costs).

Arteflame is the leading American manufacturer of Flat Top / Griddle / Plancha style Grills. Built exceptionally solid, they are designed to last a lifetime with little to no maintenance.

When you buy an Arteflame grill, fire pit or griddle grill combination insert (grill grate replacement plancha), you are buying 100% made in America. Arteflame is known for making solid steel grill griddle combination grills that allow you to grill steakhouse quality food at home. Steakhouse quality steaks can now be grilled in your own backyard. Grill your steak to temperature on the plancha, then sear it to perfection on the grill grate over the live fire. Using the rotisserie or the pizza oven, there are many ways to grill on an Arteflame.

Arteflame cooktops are made of extra thick carbon steel while the grill bodies are made entirely of Corten steel. Corten steel is also called “weathering steel” and is used in many outdoor structures like buildings, bridges and architectural works of art that live outside. Each grill develops a unique, gorgeous patina that is ever-changing. Arteflame grills have an internal airflow system without any moving parts or adjustments. This airflow generates more heat with minimal smoke while using less wood or charcoal. The cooktop can also be taken off so every Arteflame grill converts into a fire pit. (Lifting tool included)

Arteflame style grilling is also known as Mongolian, Korean, Hibachi, Plancha or Teppanyaki style grilling. Griddle grill combination inserts allow you to grill Arteflame style on your barbecue by replacing your existing grill grate. Replacing your grill grate with a grill griddle combination insert allows you to grill your whole meal at the same time without having to run back to the kitchen. Arteflame inserts fit most popular grills like; Akron, Kamado, Oklahoma Joe, Joe Classic, Big Joe, Green Egg, Napoleon, Traeger, Weber, Weber Summit, Genesis, Blackstone and most gas grills and other charcoal barbecues.

All Arteflame griddle grill cooktops, grill grates, replacement grill grate inserts and the awesome little burger pucks are made of carbon steel and season just like cast iron cookware. Cooking on seasoned carbon steel or cast iron is regarded as the “gold standard” for preparing the best-tasting food possible. Arteflame griddle grill combination cooktops will last a lifetime.

But don't take our word for it. Invite friends and family and grill your next steakhouse-quality meal at home on your Arteflame.

Returns & Exchanges

Any item can be returned within 14 days of purchase within these guidelines; New, unused, unassembled, and resalable items in their original unopened packaging are eligible for a refund less shipping costs. We can not accept any returns that have been used. When a returned item is not in its original condition, damaged, or missing parts, only partial refunds can be granted. We retain the right to charge a 20% refinishing fee on any returned item.
All returns/exchanges require a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the box. The cost to ship the product back to Arteflame will be paid by the customer. (Unless we made an error). In cases when there is a product exchange, the cost for shipping on any new product(s) is paid by the customer.

Shipping charges

Any products returned where shipping was included, “free” or discounted (Flat Rate) during purchase, the shipping cost will be deducted from the return refund or in the case of discounted (flat rate), the difference in shipping cost will be deducted from the return refund. Any refused shipment or any cancelled orders that have already been shipped will be refunded minus the shipping charges.

If you need to return an item, email contact@topture.com for your RMA number. After 14 days, Return Merchandise Authorization numbers will not be issued and returns will be accepted on a case by case basis and may be subject to a restocking fee.

Not sure if you got the right part?
We do our best to accurately list model numbers, parts and their correct dimensions. However, many times part numbers will change while model numbers remain the same. Feel free to ask us for help. If you are confident that your part will not work, we do offer returns and exchanges. Please read through the requirements to see if your return is eligible for a refund.
Please contact contact@topture.com for return instructions.

Refunds

Refunds are automatically applied to your credit card or original method of payment. Shipping and Handling fees are non-refundable on all orders unless of course it is our mistake. Any orders that use a coupon or coupon code are final.

Exchanges

We will replace any item that somehow is defective or damaged due to our manufacturing or handling process at our discretion. If you need to exchange an item, send us an email at contact@topture.com for exchange instructions.
You are responsible for shipping your return item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. On all items where shipping was prepaid or included, the original shipping cost will be deducted from your refund. Any shipping cost incurred by Arteflame will be deducted from your refund.

Canceling An Order

Orders can be cancelled, however only until they are shipped.

Refused Shipments

If you refuse your merchandise or fail to accept delivery of an item you will be charged for return shipping charges as well as a 20% restocking fee.
NOTE: You should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance.

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